More Niche Than Kyoto! Experience the Autumn in Sapporo Anime

As someone who often travels to western Sichuan, I thought the autumn colors of Hokkaido were not worth mentioning. However, after this experience, I can say it was totally worth it! In terms of autumn colors, Hokkaido may be slightly inferior to western Sichuan because it lacks snow-capped mountains. However, Hokkaido doesn't have the traffic jams and crowds that western Sichuan has during the peak season for autumn leaves. You can even enjoy hot springs while admiring the red leaves, which is a truly immersive experience. · When it comes to famous spots for viewing autumn leaves near Sapporo, Jozankei is definitely the first place that comes to mind. As the backyard of Sapporo, it not only has Jozankei Onsen, one of the three major hot springs in Hokkaido, but also offers breathtaking autumn foliage. · This time, I visited Jozankei after traveling to northern and eastern Hokkaido, so I had a direct comparison of the autumn colors throughout Hokkaido. In terms of autumn colors alone, I personally think the most beautiful places are Jozankei and Sounkyo. However, the autumn atmosphere in Jozankei is complemented by the hot spring street, giving it a more lively and uniquely Japanese feel compared to the purely mountainous Sounkyo. · 📸 Photography Although you can enjoy the autumn scenery along Jozankei Onsen Street, the best places to see the autumn leaves are: 🍁 Jozankei Bridge: The standard photo spot for Jozankei's autumn leaves. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the beautiful canyon, red leaves, and suspension bridge. 🍁 Futami Park: The Futami Suspension Bridge in the park is a great spot for viewing autumn leaves and often appears on the covers of Japanese maple leaf magazines. From the vermilion Futami Suspension Bridge, you can admire the fallen leaves in Kappa Abyss. 🍁 Jozan Gensen Park: The core area of Jozankei Onsen and the source of the hot spring. You can enjoy an open-air foot bath while admiring the surrounding autumn colors. 🍁 Jozankei Shrine: The shrine is not very large, but the presence of ancient buildings gives the autumn leaves a Kyoto-like atmosphere. · 🚌 Transportation Since I was traveling with a large group, we rented a car. If you're traveling with fewer people, I recommend taking the bus. From downtown Sapporo, you can take the Kappa Liner directly to Jozankei Onsen Street. The fare is 1,400 yen, or 1,260 yen if purchased online in advance. The journey takes about 60 minutes.