Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour

After meeting your friendly tour conductor, you’ll board a comfortable coach and begin your 3-hour journey deep into the heart of Hokkaido's stunning Daisetsuzan region. Your first destination is Mt. Kurodake, one of the most iconic peaks in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Here, you’ll take the Kurodake Ropeway for a sweeping aerial view of the colorful tapestry below. As you glide up the mountain, you'll be surrounded by a sea of vibrant foliage—yellow birch, fiery maple, and golden larch trees blanketing the slopes in all directions. From the observation deck, the panoramic vistas stretch across rugged valleys and peaks, offering one of the most unforgettable views of Hokkaido’s fall season. (Best viewed mid-September to early October) Since lunch is not included, please be sure to prepare your own meal in advance before coming to the meeting place.

Next, you’ll stroll through the serene Sounkyo Gorge Garden, a peaceful riverside area perfect for enjoying the crisp mountain air and reflective beauty of the season. The quiet trails are lined with deciduous trees that burst into shades of deep orange and ruby red, with the majestic cliffs of the gorge rising dramatically on either side. This lesser-known gem offers a more intimate encounter with nature’s transformation. (Best viewed late September to late October)

At Sounkyo Obako, the foliage takes on a dramatic tone as jagged rock formations rise above the colorful trees below. The gorge, carved over centuries by the Ishikari River, becomes an autumn masterpiece during the fall season. This area is especially popular among photographers for its raw natural beauty and the interplay of light and shadow on the stone walls and foliage. (Best viewed late September to late October)

Taisetsu Lake, a scenic reservoir nestled between the mountains, is your next stop. Here, the surrounding forest glows in the autumn sun, and the calm waters reflect the brilliant colors like a mirror. The combination of open sky, crisp air, and pristine natural beauty makes this an ideal spot for a short walk or simply a peaceful moment of reflection. (Best viewed mid-September to early October)

Your final stop is at the famous twin waterfalls of Ginga (Milky Way) and Ryusei (Shooting Star). Set against the backdrop of towering cliffs and vibrant foliage, these cascading falls offer one of the most picturesque autumn views in the region. The sight of white water streaming through a fiery forest is nothing short of magical, and the sound of rushing water adds to the immersive natural experience. (Best viewed mid-September to mid-October) After a full day immersed in the beauty of Japan’s northern wilderness, your bus returns to Sapporo Station around 17:30.