Autumn is one of the best times to explore Furano and Biei by car. As the temperatures begin to drop, the mountains and countryside gradually shift from green to shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating some of Hokkaido’s most memorable seasonal scenery.
Fall colors typically begin in the Daisetsuzan mountain range in early to mid-September before moving south toward the Tokachidake area. Around Furano, the leaves usually start changing in the higher elevations near Mt. Tokachi before gradually reaching the lower areas toward the end of September.
By early October, autumn colors can often be seen throughout Furano, with each area reaching its peak at slightly different times.
Following the changing leaves from the mountains down into the countryside makes for the perfect fall road trip.
Best Places to See Fall Colors Around Furano
A great place to start is Tokachidake Bogakudai Observation Deck, located at approximately 930 meters above sea level.
The area usually begins changing color in late September, with peak foliage often arriving in early October. From the observation deck, you can take in wide-open views of the Tokachidake mountain range and see the changing leaves across the surrounding slopes.
For an even higher vantage point, head to the Furano Ropeway. The ropeway climbs to around 900 meters, offering views across the Furano Basin and toward the Tokachidake mountain range.
Late September through early October is usually the best time for fall colors here. On the right day, you may even catch a sea of clouds stretching across the basin below.
As you make your way back down toward Furano, consider a drive through Rokugo, an area well known as a filming location for the Japanese television series Kita no Kuni Kara.
Along Rokugo Kaido, the surrounding hills and forests take on warm fall colors. Popular stops such as Goro’s Stone House and Rokugo Forest are surrounded by trees that often turn bright yellow in early October.
For a different side of the season, visit the Shimizuyama area near Furano.
Around Furano Winery and Campana Rokkatei, the vineyard leaves begin changing to shades of red and green. Different grape varieties change color at different times, creating layers of color across the fields.
It is a quieter kind of fall scenery, and a great place to combine sightseeing with a stop for local wine or sweets. On some mornings, clouds may also settle over the surrounding landscape.
If you have time to continue toward Biei, Shirogane Blue Pond is another popular autumn stop.
The blue water stands out against the red and yellow trees surrounding the pond, while nearby Shirahige Falls offers another scenic combination of waterfalls and fall foliage.
Scenic Fall Drives Through Furano and Biei
Some of the best autumn views in Furano and Biei are found along the roads themselves.
In Biei, the Patchwork Road winds through rolling farmland where fields of different crops create a patchwork of colors across the hills.
In fall, larch trees and other foliage add seasonal color to the landscape, making this one of the area’s most scenic drives.
Farther south toward Kamifurano, the Roller Coaster Road offers a completely different experience.
This long, straight road rises and falls sharply through the countryside, with expansive views of farmland on either side. As you climb some of the larger hills, the Tokachidake mountain range gradually comes into view in the distance.
Another worthwhile route is Panorama Road Ehana, one of the “Eight Views of Kamifurano,” a collection of scenic locations selected by local residents to represent some of the town’s most memorable landscapes.
The road passes through rolling farmland with open views of the surrounding fields and mountains. Its changing elevation reveals a slightly different view as you travel along the route.
Driving from Biei through Kamifurano and into Furano is one of the easiest ways to experience the scale of Hokkaido’s autumn landscape, especially as the fields, forests, and mountains begin changing color at different times.
Autumn at Nozo Hotel
After a day on the road, return to Nozo Hotel and enjoy a slower end to the day.
Although the hotel is conveniently located in Furano, it is surrounded by plenty of seasonal scenery. As fall progresses, the trees around the property begin turning shades of yellow and red.
After visiting the area’s mountain viewpoints and countryside roads, settle into your room or spend some time relaxing in the lounge while taking in the view outside.
Spend the day exploring Furano and Biei by car, then return to Nozo Hotel for a quiet evening surrounded by the colors of the season.
Autumn is a short but special time in Furano, and a road trip is one of the best ways to experience it.
