Hokkaido Jingu, Sapporo's most important Shinto shrine, sits within a 180,000 m² grove of centuries-old trees that puts on a magnificent autumn display each October. The forested approach avenues and the adjacent Maruyama Primeval Forest—a nationally designated natural monument—turn gold and crimson as Japanese elm, maple and oak reach peak colour simultaneously. Weekend autumn foliage strolls and photography walks are informally organised by local tourism groups, and the shrine's quiet, reverent atmosphere provides a cultural counterpoint to the natural spectacle. Maruyama Zoo, bordering the forest, also attracts families combining wildlife and foliage viewing.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid to Late October
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Sapporo
Highlights
- ◆Ancient shrine grove of elms and maples in peak October colour
- ◆Maruyama Primeval Forest—nationally designated natural monument
- ◆Sacred Shinto avenue approach lined with autumn trees
- ◆Adjacent Maruyama Zoo for family combined foliage and wildlife visit