Planning a trip for 4 days in Sapporo in autumn? Whether you’re exploring Sapporo for the first time or revisiting, this itinerary will guide you in discovering the best spots to enjoy the colorful autumn foliage.
Sapporo is one of my favorite cities to visit in Japan. You could spend weeks in Sapporo and not see everything worth seeing so 4 days in Sapporo will never be enough time! That’s why I have decided to share this suggested itinerary and show you exactly the best things to see, do, and eat in Sapporo in autumn.
If you are planning to visit Sapporo between mid October and late October/early November and wanting to spend only 4 days, then this is what you need to read!
After you arrive at New Chitose Airport, proceed to the underground train station linked directly to the domestic terminal building. Catch the JR Hokkaido Rapid “Airport” train, which typically runs every 15 minutes throughout the day.
The best area for your stay in Sapporo is around Odori Park. This hotel is situated in a perfect location, pretty close to Sapporo TV Tower.
Day 1 – Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Makomanai Park, Mount Moiwa, and Susukino
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is a massive park with plenty of things to do and see. If you are a nature lover and want to admire the gorgeous autumn foliage in Sapporo, a visit to this park would be quite rewarding.
In addition to the flower gardens, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park offers trails that showcase autumn’s most vibrant colors. You can also discover beautiful waterfalls there, especially Ashiribetsu Falls! The park can be accessed by Chuo bus from Makomanai Subway Station. See the bus timetable.
Before you head over to Sapporo from Makomanai Subway Station, I highly recommend you check Makomanai Park. It’s a hidden autumn foliage viewing spot in Sapporo though locals don’t miss visiting the park in late October when usually the peak foliage season hits.
Experience plenty of autumn’s most attractive shades and take photos of the surroundings. Take a walk along the paths as it will offer you some of the most incredible vistas for fall foliage.
For a perfect night view of Sapporo City, you have to visit Mount Moiwa. It’s a popular tourist spot in Sapporo and visitors are happy seeing stunning night views of Sapporo from its observation platform located on the top of Mount Moiwa.
Visitors can access the observatory by taking the Mount Moiwa Ropeway from the base to a transfer station and then transferring to a unique mini cable car.
Next you explore the area of Susukino. This is an entertainment area in Sapporo, offering many restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, shopping malls, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and hotels.
If you want to try various types of Sapporo ramen, then visit Susukino’s famous Ganso Ramen Yokocho.
Day 2 – Jozankei and Around Sapporo Station
Indeed Jozankei makes a perfect day trip from Sapporo! This is perhaps one of the must-see spots to visit in autumn, located on the outskirts of Sapporo city. Every traveler wishing to spend a few days in Sapporo should plan a trip to Jozankei – the best onsen resort town in Sapporo.
Access to Jozankei by train is not possible but you can get there by public transport such as bus and taxi. Learn how to get to Jozankei from Sapporo.
At Jozankei, the perfect time to see the leaves transform from lush green to bright orange and deep red is from mid October through late October. There are a number of best attractions at Jozankei to admire the autumn foliage.
For example, Hoheikyo Dam is simply a stunning place to enjoy the autumn foliage, while on the other hand, Jozankeifutami Park, located along the Toyohira River is considered a scenic spot. There, you can catch the best views of the transitional autumn leaves from the Futami Tsuribashi suspension bridge!
Besides, I must tell you that you should take a walk across the Jozankei Bridge, located next to Jozankei View Hotel for an amazing view of the autumn foliage, Toyohira River, mountains, and onsen.
Spend your time at Jozankei Farm by picking fresh apples and other fruits. It is a very fun place to be and worth visiting when you come to Jozankei during autumn season.
Reward yourself at Dining Konno with a bowl of delicious soy sauce ramen with Japanese-based stock and plenty of ingredients! Shoyu ramen is a popular food to eat in Sapporo.
In the evening, explore the shops and restaurants in the area of Sapporo Station. Visit Sapporo ESTA, Daimaru Sapporo, Stellar Palace Sapporo, and JR Tower Observatory T38 standing 160 meters tall for a stunning night view over Sapporo city.
Day 3 – Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park, Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
The most sacred place in Sapporo is Hokkaido Shrine/Hokkaido Jingu. You can’t come to Sapporo without going to Hokkaido Shrine.
Established in 1871, the shrine enshrines four kami (Shinto deities) including the soul of Emperor Meiji. It’s perhaps the most iconic shrine in Hokkaido.
I also recommend you check out Maruyama Park, before or after you visit the Hokkaido Shrine as it’s a good place to admire the autumn leaves and enjoy a walk.
Spend the morning exploring the shrine and Maruyama Park. It won’t take a long time to find cool place to take photos of autumn leaves.
Head over to Maruyama Picanti for lunch. Here you can taste the famous Soup Curry of Sapporo! Before you order don’t forget to check the spice level of the soup curry dish.
After lunch, get to Maruyama Station (Tozai Line) and get off at Odori Station. Transfer to Namboku Line for Nakajima Koen Station. Nakajima Park is a short walk from the station.
Every autumn, I visit Nakajima Park not only to see the beautiful autumn leaves but also to enjoy a leisurely stroll. There are many cherry trees that burst into vibrant shades of red and yellow in the fall season! Stroll through the park and enjoy the chilly autumn weather.
Next destination for today is Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. It is a popular shopping area in Sapporo where visitors can find plenty of shops to buy things and eat yummy street food.
Day 4 – Nijo Market, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, Hokkaido Beer Museum, Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Wake up in the morning and head over to Nijo Market. This is arguably one of the best attractions to see in Sapporo where you can enjoy your breakfast with fresh seafood.
This is a historic local fish market. Here, you can find a lot of seafood, including dried seafood, and fresh local produce, such as vegetables and fruits. This is the place from which most of the restaurants get their daily supplies.
After exploring the market, I recommend you check out Sapporo TV Tower and Sapporo Clock Tower. These are two attractions you should never miss visiting when you are in Sapporo. It’s truly amazing to see the entire Odori Park from the observatory of the TV Tower.
Then move to Hokkaido Beer Museum to learn the history of Beer making in Japan! Try Jingisukan at Hokkaido Beer Garden, located next to the museum, which is a famous local food.
In the afternoon, explore the famous Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue. It’s one of the most popular autumn leaves spots in Sapporo.
During autumn, this ginkgo avenue offers a view of spectacular vistas! The vibrant autumn foliage display reaches its peak in late October and lasts through early November.
Conclusion
What do you think of the above suggested Sapporo autumn itinerary? 4-days is not enough time, but it highlights the best places you are going to visit and activities you will experience.
Sapporo is an incredible place to explore. So come to see its attractions in autumn and don’t forget to return anytime of the year. If you have more days to spend in Sapporo, you can check out these amazing day trip ideas from Sapporo.
Every year when I go out for a walk during the autumn months in Sapporo, I feel pretty excited as watching the leaves transform from lush green to bright orange and deep red is something I hardly want to miss.
Thank you for reading this itinerary.
