Among
the region in Japan, Hokkaido is known for its unspoiled nature. When people
mentioned about Hokkaido, the first thought in our mind is its beautiful
winter. But actually autumn is
another beautiful tourism season in Hokkaido. In the fall, the leaves turn from
green to a vivid palate of fall yellows, organs and reds all across the
Hokkaido region. There are many foliage spots in Hokkaido. And, as fall rolls
in to this region, you can pay you visit to many of its national parks,
mountain slopes, river banks, gardens, temple grounds, city parks to enjoy the autumn
foliage.
1. Enjoy Fall Sightseeing
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| Daisetsuzan National Park Photo Credit: Enjoy Your Holiday! |
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| Sounkyo Autumn Photo Credit: InHokkaido |
Daisetsuzan is the largest national park in Hokkaido region and also the first place to see fall foliage each year in Japan. The entire park consists of mountain ranges, hiking trails, hot spring resorts and diverse wildlife while viewing colorful autumn leaves. Another beast autumn leaf viewing spots is Sounkyo Gorge which located in Daisetsuzan National Park, with two magnificent waterfalls, one giant gorge and home to several world class hot spring baths. Apart from enjoying colorful leaves there you can have a relax time taking a bath in an onsen. Best time to see outstanding fall color is between early to mid-October.
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| Waterfalls near Sounkyo Photo Credit: InHokkaido |
2. Experience Hot-air balloon rides
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| Hot Air Balloon Ride Photo Credit: The Active Time |
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| Hokkaido Balloon Festa Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons |
The experience of flying in a hot air balloon over the stunning Hokkaido scenery will sure impress you. Hot-air balloon rides provide a panoramic 360-degree view of Hokkaido’s magnificent landscapes from the sky. With a tethered ride, anybody can enjoy the incredible foliage of endless forest in fall. There are three best places that hot air balloon operators fly daily when the weather cooperates. They are: Niseko, Furano and some places in eastern Hokkaido.
3.
Celebrate Autumn Festivals
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| Ikeda Autumn Wine Festival Photo Credit: Weekender Singapore |
Autumn
Wine Festival is held to celebrate
grape harvests and the start of wine
making. Ikeda, in eastern Hokkaido
is known for its wine. Wine production in Ikeda started when people started
growing grapes that are suitable for the cold weather. Thus, you can spend your
autumn trip and enjoy local fare at the event, which offers all-you-can-drink
wine, okachi beef, beef sausage, beef hamburger steak, Chan-Chan Yaki and local
potatoes boiled in a giant pot, although these are limited in quantity.
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| Sapporo Autumn Festival Photo Credit: sapporo.travel |
Besides
that, Sapporo Autumn Fest is held
during the autumn season in order to showcases the richness of food production
around Hokkaido and its capital city Sapporo. The main venue for this festival
is Odori Park where agricultural and
livestock products, processed foods, wine and sake, and other items from all
over Hokkaido are served.
4.
Fruit picking
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| Fields of seasonal fruits ready for picking Photo Credit: takarajima-travel.com |
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| Fruit Picking in Fruit Orchard |
The fall season also offers ripe harvests and fruit picking, with
apples, pears, plums and chestnuts available across Hokkaido. Orchards in central Hokkaido (most notably Yoichi and Niki) as well as southern
and northern Hokkaido allow visitors
to pick and eat fruit straight from the trees.
5. Horseback
riding
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| Horseback Riding in Sapporo Photo Credit: Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel |
Horseback riding is a popular activity in every season in Hokkaido as it is the largest horse producing area in Japan and has many facilities for horseback riding. These facilities offer visitors opportunities to enjoy riding in varied landscapes, such as beaches, hills, forests, fields, rivers and even snow-packed terrain. The horses are gentle, well-cared for and suitable for all riding levels. Rides can last from 30 minutes to all day.
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| Horseback Riding around Kushiro Marsh Photo Credit: The Mixxer |
There are few destinations for horseback riding: Frontier Horse Riding Club (Ishikari), Sonny's Stable (Onuma Nat'l Park), Furano Mountain View Farm (Furano), and Gensei Bokujo Kanko Center (Abashiri). Horseback riding is a great activity to include in your tour at any time of year.
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