January–MarchSounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually late January to early March (about 6 weeks)
Autumn Leaves · Hokkaido
Mt. Asahidake (Sugatami Pond)
Asahidake, HigashikawaMountain & highland🍁 Typical peak: Late Aug – Mid Sep
Overview
Overview
A mountain area on the slopes of Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido’s highest peak, where you can see Japan’s earliest autumn leaves. Take the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway up to Sugatami Station at about 1,600 m, then follow the trail around Sugatami Pond to see the autumn leaves and the steaming summit together.
- Address
- Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1472
- Time needed
- About 2 hours for the ropeway round trip and a loop of Sugatami Pond
- Official website
- https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late August to mid-September
August
September
October
November
December
The leaves start to turn at the top of the mountain in late August, and mid-September is the busiest time of the autumn leaves season. Once the colors reach the foot of the mountain, the first snow on the peak is not far off
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
In autumn the colors spread from the ridges down to the foot of the mountain, as if paint were being poured over the slopes. The highlight is the contrast between yellow Erman’s birch and red rowan.
📷 Best views
Sugatami Pond
The classic view of the pond and surrounding autumn leaves, with the steaming summit of Mt. Asahidake behind. About 1.7 km around
From the ropeway
About 10 min from Sanroku Station to Sugatami Station, looking down on slopes covered in autumn leaves
Hours
Opening hours
Ropeway (from October 1, 2026)8:00–17:00
Last ascent 16:40
Service intervalEvery 15 min from 6/1 to 10/20, every 20 min from 10/21
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Ropeway round trip (6/1–10/31)Adults ¥3,500, elementary school students ¥1,750
One way: adults ¥2,200, elementary school students ¥1,100
Ropeway round trip (11/1–5/31)Adults ¥2,800, elementary school students ¥1,750
One way: adults ¥1,700, elementary school students ¥1,100
ParkingRegular car ¥500/day, mid-size and larger ¥2,000/day
Free from November to May
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The loop around Sugatami Pond takes about 1 hour. Time varies with weather and fitness, so leave plenty of time before the last ropeway down
Access
Getting there
- From major stations & airports
- JR Asahikawa Station: Bus (About 90 min)
- Asahikawa Airport: Car (About 50 min)
- By car & parking
- Paid parking at the ropeway’s Sanroku Station (regular car ¥500/day, free from November to May). Fills up on weekends and holidays at the autumn leaves peak
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Weekends and holidays in mid-September are very crowded during the autumn leaves season. The parking lot fills up on weekends and holidays at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- September normals for Asahikawa: high 21.9°C, low 11.7°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Sugatami Station is at about 1,600 m, so it is much colder than in the city
- What to wear & bring
- It can be as cold as midwinter on the mountain, so bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat and comfortable walking shoes. Also bring rain gear in case the weather changes suddenly
Events
Events & festivals in Asahikawa & Biei
January–March
FebruaryAsahikawa Winter Festival
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)
2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11
December–MarchAsahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March
Attractions
Attractions in Asahikawa & Biei
ZooAsahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Run by the City of Asahikawa, this zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which let animals show off their natural movements and abilities. It opens in separate summer and winter seasons, with closure periods in spring and autumn.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido
Lake
Hot spring town
Gorge
Castle
Avenue & old town🍁 Typical peakHokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Hokkaido ・ Hokkaido University, Sapporo
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct
Hot spring town🍁 Typical peak
Garden🍁 Typical peakMiharashi Park (Kosetsuen Garden)
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Early Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Park🍁 Typical peak
Lake🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05