2-Day Autumn Bus Tour from Sapporo: Mt. Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo Gorge, and Nukabira Onsen

Departing Sapporo at 8am, heading into the autumn mountains

The tour departs from a designated meeting point in central Sapporo at 8:00am on day one. On day two, you'll return to central Sapporo around 17:25–17:35pm. It's a small-group tour (6–20 people), guided in Japanese and English (with Chinese also supported).

The appeal of this tour is covering ground by bus that's hard to reach on a day trip—from Mt. Daisetsuzan all the way into eastern Hokkaido. As the altitude rises, the colors of the trees change, making the view from the bus window itself a highlight.

First, you'll head toward the Sounkyo and Daisetsuzan area, passing mountain lakes and gorges along the way.

Looking down on the Daisetsuzan range from Mt. Kurodake Ropeway

At Mt. Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan range, you'll ride the ropeway up to enjoy views over the Daisetsuzan mountains from a high vantage point. Note that the Kurodake Ropeway fare is not included in the tour price, so if you use it, you'll pay separately on-site.

During autumn foliage season, as the gondola climbs in altitude, you can watch the day's colors and mountain scenery shift before your eyes. Because of the significant difference in elevation, you'll encounter different expressions of autumn depending on where you look.

Depending on weather conditions, you may even see a sea of clouds.

Sounkyo Gorge: looking up at Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls

At Sounkyo Gorge, the highlight is the combination of columnar jointed cliffs and autumn foliage lining the ravine. Ryusei Falls (Shooting Star Falls) and Ginga Falls (Milky Way Falls), marked with Daisetsuzan National Park signage, are located just a short walk from the parking area, where you can look up at them.

Thin white water cascades down the sheer rock face, surrounded by yellow and red trees—a scene unique to this season. The contrast between the rock face and the autumn colors makes for a great photo opportunity.

After enjoying the gorge's scenic beauty, you'll head via Mikuni Pass toward Nukabira Onsen.

Crossing Mikuni Pass, day one ends at Nukabira Onsen

Mikuni Pass offers the kind of sweeping, grand views that Hokkaido is known for, with autumn bringing seasonal colors across the vast forest. From the viewpoint marked with Daisetsuzan National Park signage, you can gaze out toward distant mountain ranges.

On the way down from the pass, you'll also see Matsumi Bridge arcing over the forest below. The combination of the bridge and autumn foliage is a scene only visible to those traveling this route.

Day one ends with the group dispersing at Nukabira Onsen. Since accommodation is not included in the tour price, you'll book your own lodging in the area. You can build your stay around your preferences—relaxing at a hot spring inn, choosing a plan with dinner included, and so on.

Day two: Lake Shikaribetsu and free time in Obihiro

On day two, you'll regroup at a designated time and place, then head to Lake Shikaribetsu and other sights. This area offers views of a lake surrounded by mountains layered with autumn forest.

After enjoying Lake Shikaribetsu, you'll head to Tokachigaoka Park. Take a break at the mall onsen foot bath, then enjoy free time in Obihiro—have lunch and explore the town at your own pace.

On day two, you'll return to Sapporo in the evening. Arrival is scheduled for around 17:25 at Sapporo TV Tower and around 17:35 at Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel, though times may shift depending on traffic conditions.

About peak foliage timing and weather

The timing and intensity of autumn colors vary greatly depending on altitude and each year's temperature and weather. The Daisetsuzan area in particular has significant elevation differences, so the progress of the foliage can vary by location even on the same day.

Since the route passes through mountainous areas, the order of visits, time spent at each stop, and overall itinerary may change depending on weather, road conditions, traffic restrictions, or ropeway operation status. Safety comes first, and guidance will be given according to conditions on the day.

This tour does not guarantee peak foliage on any specific date—it's best thought of as an opportunity to enjoy Hokkaido's natural beauty during this particular season.

Frequently Asked Questions

■ Where is the meeting point? The tour departs from a designated meeting point in central Sapporo. Please check the booking page and pre-departure information for the exact location and time.

■ Is accommodation included in the tour price? No. The group disperses at Nukabira Onsen on day one, and you'll need to book your own accommodation in the area. The following morning, you'll regroup at a designated time and place to begin day two.

■ Are meals included? Generally not included. If you'd like dinner or breakfast at your accommodation, we recommend choosing a meal-inclusive plan when booking your lodging. Lunch on day two can be enjoyed at your own pace in Obihiro.

■ Is the Kurodake Ropeway fare included? No. If you use it, please pay the fare separately on-site.

■ What should I wear? The area around Mt. Daisetsuzan and Mt. Kurodake can be considerably colder than central Sapporo. Since mornings and evenings can be quite cold, we recommend warm outerwear, layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes.

■ Can I bring luggage? Since this is a 1-night, 2-day tour, you can bring an overnight bag. However, the bus's luggage space is limited, so please pack as compactly as possible.

■ When is peak foliage season? It varies depending on altitude and each year's temperature and weather. The Daisetsuzan area has significant elevation differences, meaning foliage timing varies by location, so we cannot guarantee foliage conditions on any specific date.

■ Can the itinerary change due to weather? Yes. The order of visits, time spent at each location, and overall itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather, road conditions, traffic restrictions, or ropeway operation status.

■ Is there a minimum number of participants? Yes, the minimum is 6 people. If this number isn't reached, the tour may be cancelled. Since accommodation is arranged separately, please also check the tour's operation status if booking lodging with cancellation fees.

■ What languages are supported? Guidance is provided primarily in Chinese, Japanese, and English.

Things to check before booking

• This is a 2-day bus tour; the first night's accommodation is not included
• You must book your own accommodation in Nukabira Onsen or the surrounding area in advance
• Meals are not included in the tour price. Dinner and breakfast depend on your lodging plan; lunch is arranged individually
• The Kurodake Ropeway fare is paid separately on-site
• Minimum group size is 6 people—check operation status and your accommodation's cancellation policy
• Temperatures drop in the mountains, so bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes

The intensity of the autumn colors, scenery, and itinerary may change depending on weather, road conditions, and ropeway operation status. Please check the latest tour details before booking.

Summary

This is an autumn-only 2-day bus tour from Sapporo, venturing through Mt. Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo Gorge, and Mikuni Pass, all the way to Nukabira Onsen and Lake Shikaribetsu.

Day one takes you to the Kurodake Ropeway, Sounkyo Gorge, Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls, then over Mikuni Pass to Nukabira Onsen. Enjoy the mountain scenery shifting with altitude and location, taking in Hokkaido's autumn even through the bus window.

Accommodation isn't included—you'll arrange your own stay in Nukabira Onsen, choosing freely from hot spring inns and meal-inclusive plans. The next morning, you'll regroup and head toward Lake Shikaribetsu and the Tokachi area. Day two wraps up with lunch and strolling in Obihiro before returning to Sapporo.

Rather than a packaged tour with fixed accommodation, this experience lets the tour handle transport and sightseeing while you design your own overnight stay at the hot spring town. It's ideal for those who want to savor Hokkaido's autumn scenery—the mountains, the lake, the views from the bus window—rather than chasing peak foliage alone.