Jozankei’s Five Great Autumn Foliage Spots
If you want to see crimson leaves in fall, Jozankei is one of the best places to go.
Here are five places in Jozankei, located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, with spectacular views of colorful leaves.
This autumn, there are buses running to each of the five major leaf viewing spots in the area.
There is also a guided tour bus. Even if you come by car, you can use this to ensure you enjoy the colors to the full.
Take the bus to five major viewing spots!
Booking and departures for all buses is at Jozankei Tourist Information Center
| Jozankei area ( Guided tour bus Koyo Kappa Bus ) | 〜 |
|---|---|
| Hoheikyo Dam ( Hoheikyo Dam Liner ) | 〜 |
| Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort ( Koyo Gondola Liner ) | 〜 |
| KAMUI-NO-MORI Free shuttle bus | 〜 |
| Hakkenzan area ( Guided tour bus Koyo Kappa Bus ) | 〜 |
- Please note that buses may be delayed or canceled due to weather or traffic conditions
five major autumn leaf views in Jozankei
Area Map
Introduction to five major autumn leaf views in Jozankei
Information
Jozankei Onsen Area
Koyo Kappa Bus
The autumn leaves of Jozankei are brightly colored because of the location at an altitude of approximately 300m which has a vast temperature difference, and the river that is carefully controlled which makes a good quality of water. Beautiful bridges (even to the names which are beautiful) are dotted around the hot spring resort which you can overlook the rich forests and valleys of the national forest. The autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the water are also wonderful. It’s a luxurious time to walk around the nature walkway from the red Futami Tsuribashi (suspension bridge.)
| Operation period | 2025/10/1()〜10/21() |
|---|---|
| Bus departures | 9:15, 11:15, 13:15, 15:15 (4 buses daily) |
| Journey time | Approx. 1 hour |
| Bus capacity | 45 passengers |
| Price | ￥700 per seat (Adult, child same fare) |
| Reservations | Tickets for each bus can only be reserved on the day of travel from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center on a first come first served basis. |
| Bus type | Tour bus seating 45 passengers. |
Hoheikyo Dam
Hoheikyo Dam Liner (For Hoheikyo Hybrid Electric bus stop)
Hoheikyo is one of the leading fall leaf viewing areas in Japan, and is especially popular with overseas tourists.Here you can take in wonderful views of Lake Jozan and Senjoiwa interwoven with majestic nature, along with the best example of an arch dam in Hokkaido. This has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Forest Water Sources” (Suigen no mori) and “Top 100 Dam Lakes” (Damuko) in Japan
| Operation period | 2025/10/4(Sat)〜10/26(Sun) |
|---|---|
| Price | ① Hoheikyo Dam Liner round-trip ticket = ② Hoheikyo Dam electric bus round-trip ticket ＝ 600 ①+② round-trip ticket set = 1,600 |
| Bus type | 65 passengers. |
| Journey time | 2 hours (arriving at and departing from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center) |
| Reservations | Tickets for each bus can only be reserved on the day of travel from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center on a first come first served basis. (Hoheikyo Dam electric bus round-trip tickets on sale) |
| Bus type | Bus capacity 65 passengers. |
| Please note |
|
Hybrid electric bus at Hoheikyo Dam
![Jozankei Tourist Information
Center Departure - Hoheikyo Dam Liner -> [Transfer] Hybrid Electric Bus Station (Hoheikyo Dam Parking) - Hybrid Electric Bus -> Arrival at Hoheikyo Dam](https://jozankei.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/godaikoyo-area02-businfo_en.png)
In consideration of the natural environment of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the use of private vehicles is restricted at Hoheikyo Dam. Please use the hybrid electric bus that departs from the car park.
Timetable
Outward journey
| Buses depart from Jozankei Tourist Information Center | Arriving at Hoheikyo Dam car park | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus1 | 9：30 | → | 9：45 |
| Bus2 | 11：00 | → | 11：15 |
| Bus3 | 12：00 | → | 12：15 |
Inbound journey
| Buses depart from Hoheikyo Dam car park | Arriving at Jozankei Tourist Information Center | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus1 | 11：30 | → | 11：45 |
| Bus2 | 12：45 | → | 13：00 |
| Bus3 | 14：00 | → | 14：15 |
On the return trip, please take the same bus you took on the outward trip.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Koyo Gondola Liner (Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort)
A popular leaf viewing spot recently highlighted on Hokkaido TV. The 8-person ski gondolas run during the leaf viewing season and take you up to the summit, where you get amazing views out over Ishikari Bay.There is also a panoramic observation platform at the summit station.
The Tastes of Autumn (Aki no Mikaku) Festival featuring food from around Hokkaido will also be held every weekend (Saturday, Sunday, public holidays) during the Koyo Gondola period.
| Operation period | 2025/10/1()〜10/19(Sun) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip | ①Adult round-trip: ￥1,500、 Children round-trip: ￥800 （Elementary school students）、Free for preschool children |
| Gondola operating hours | 9:30 – 15:30 (Boarding for the last gondola is at 15:00) |
| Please note | Please be aware that the service may not run in bad weather. |
| Contact | Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort 011-598-4511（9:00 – 17:00） |
Koyo Gondola Bus information
| Operation period | 2025/10/1()〜10/19(Sun) |
|---|---|
| Bus capacity | 45 passengers |
| Journey time | 2 hours 15 minutes (arriving at and departing from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center) |
| Bus departures | As follows（On the return trip, please take the same bus you took on the outward trip.） |
| Price | ② Koyo Gondola Liner Round trip bus ticket = ￥2,200 per person (Adults. Children half price) These two kind of tickets are available ①+② round-trip ticket set = Adult ￥3,500, Child ￥1,800 per person ※Children refer to elementary school students. There are cases where children under elementary school age are free to ride, and cases where a fare is charged. |
| Reservations | Seats are allocated on a first come/first served basis on the day. |
| Bus type | Tour bus seating 45 passengers. |
Timetable
Outward journey
| Buses depart from Jozankei Tourist Information Center | Arriving at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus1 | 9：10 | → | 9：40 |
| Bus2 | 11：35 | → | 12：05 |
| Bus3 | 14：00 | → | 14：30 |
Inbound journey
| Buses depart from Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort | Arriving at Jozankei Tourist Information Center | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus1 | 10：55 | → | 11：25 |
| Bus2 | 13：20 | → | 13：50 |
| Bus3 | 15：45 | → | 16：15 |
On the return trip, please take the same bus you took on the outward trip.
Weekends and holidaysAbounding with food stalls, food trucks and events!
Check out Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort’s Autumn Festival from 2025/10/1(Wed)-10/19(Sun)
KAMUI-NO-MORI
KAMUI-NO-MORI free shuttle bus
The first authentic “Orchard” in Japan.This is a fruit theme park where you can enjoy trekking and zip lining as well as fruit picking.There is a viewing terrace with 360 degree views of crimson leaves, as well as original dishes made with home grown fruit and vegetables for you to sample. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!
| Operation period | 2025/10/1()〜10/31(Fri) Pick-up service will be provided from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center on each occasion. Please call Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori directly at 011-598-4050 upon arrival at the Jozankei Tourist Information Center. *Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
|---|---|
| Bus departures | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last reservations at 3:00 PM. Last bus from Oku-Jozankei Kamui Forest departs at 4:00 PM) *Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
| Operation interval | Once you arrive at the Jozankei Tourist Information Center, please contact the center directly to arrange transportation. |
| Bus capacity | Bus capacity: 5-6 people |
| Price | Free |
| Bus type | Large minivan |
Timetable
Outward journey
| Buses depart from Jozankei Tourist Information Center |
|---|
Inbound journey
| Buses depart from KAMUI-NO-MORI |
|---|
Hakkenzan area
Koyo Kappa Bus
About 5km from Jozankei onsen toward Sapporo, Hakkenzan Area is next to Koganeyu onsen. Mt. Hakkenzan features eight steep rocky peakes as you see. A winery, a horseback riding club, and orchards are gathering at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan. I’m sure you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the autumn leaves from the summit of Mt. Hakkenzan (altitude 498m)
Guided tour bus Koyo Kappa Bus information
| Operation period | 2025/10/1()〜10/21() |
|---|---|
| Bus departures | 9:15, 11:15, 13:15, 15:15 (4 buses daily) |
| Bus capacity | 45 passengers |
| Price | ￥700 per seat (Adult, child same fare) |
| Reservations | Tickets for each bus can only be reserved on the day of travel from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center on a first come first served basis. |
| Bus type | Tour bus seating 45 passengers. |
Access
By Jotetsu Bus
| From Sapporo Station in front of Hokuren Building at the south exit (Bay 27) | From Makomanai station, Namboku subway (Bay 4) | |
|---|---|---|
Approximately 70 minutes | Jotetsu Bus service Kappa Liner Approximately 60 minutes（7 busee per day） | Approximately 50 minutes |
| Get off at Jozankei Jinja Mae(Jozankei Shrine) 2 minutes’ walk Jozankei Tourist Information | ||
By Car
By Car |
| (Paid) Times Jozankei Tourist Parking 4-chome Jozankei Onsen Higashi,Minami Ward, （Hotel Milione side） Only a limited number of parking spaces are available |