Guide
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort hosts the special "Autumn Foliage Gondola" as a limited-time event during the fall season. Typically from early to mid-October, you can enjoy an aerial stroll in an 8-person gondola, witnessing the mountainsides transform into a sea of vibrant colors. On clear days, the view from the summit is truly magnificent, offering a vast panorama that reaches the coastline of Ishikari Bay and Otaru Port. It is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido in an open, refreshing mountain environment.
While Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is primarily famous as a premier destination for winter skiing and snowboarding, its natural environment offers a completely different charm with every season. The Autumn Foliage Gondola is part of the seasonal festivities designed to help visitors feel closer to the changing seasons of Hokkaido. Rather than just a mode of transport, the gondola is positioned as a special sightseeing experience to appreciate the seasonal landscape.
The highlight is undoubtedly the view from the gondola. The shifting gradients of autumn colors below are a precious, seasonal sight. At the summit area, you can also enjoy various food stalls serving seasonal delicacies, adding a culinary dimension to your sightseeing. Facilities like the "SKS INTERNATIONAL" cafe near the summit allow you to relax and soak in the scenery comfortably.
The Autumn Foliage Gondola typically operates from October 1st to October 19th. This period coincides with the peak of the autumn colors, ensuring the most beautiful views. Operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (the last boarding for the ascent is at 3:00 PM). We recommend visiting during the afternoon when the sunlight hits the foliage, making the colors appear even more vivid. Please note that temperatures drop significantly at the summit, so prepare accordingly.
Beyond the scenic gondola ride, visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal experiences. Food stalls featuring local Hokkaido ingredients and snacks are often available, allowing you to taste the flavors of autumn. You might even find traditional festival-style activities, such as shooting games (shateki), making it a fun-filled outing for families and friends. It is a place where you can enjoy both spectacular views and seasonal flavors.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is located near the Jozankei Onsen area in Minami-ku, Sapporo. This makes it an easy addition to a sightseeing itinerary that includes the hot spring district. The resort features well-maintained facilities and parking, making it a convenient destination for a scenic drive.
Since temperatures in the mountains can fluctuate greatly, please bring layers of clothing. For hygiene-related reasons, wearing a mask may be requested during gondola use. Regarding payment, please note that cash or PayPay (electronic money) is accepted, but credit cards may not be available at all stalls/locations, so carrying cash is highly recommended. If you are traveling with pets, they must be kept in a cage with their head covered while on the gondola. Please ensure pets remain inside their cages at all times in the summit area.