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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hakodate Kosetsuen Autumn Leaves
Enjoy beautiful autumn leaves in a picturesque Japanese-style garden
Hakodate City
The only garden in Hokkaido to have been nationally designated as a cultural property, Kosetsuen, also known as the Former Iwafune Garden, was built as a villa for wealthy merchant Iwafune Minejiro during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Situated on a small hill in the eastern part of Hakodate City, this picturesque Japanese-style garden is a relaxing space with a lot to see, including a Western-style greenhouse built in a wooden structure and the Entei, a garden pavilion built in the traditional shoin-zukuri style that incorporates elements of tea house architecture.
Autumn leaves are especially beautiful at Kosetsuen, making it one of the most famous spots for autumn foliage in Hakodate. If you take a leisurely stroll through the garden surrounded by the bright red leaves, mainly maple trees, you will forget the time. The combination of the Entei pavilion and the vibrant colors of the trees is sure to make for a great photo.
The Hakodate MOMI-G Festa (Autumn Leaves Festival) is held from late October to mid-November, when the autumn leaves are at their most beautiful. The maple trees dyed in red are lit up for about 100 meters, creating a magical atmosphere. If you visit Hakodate in autumn this is a sight not to be missed!
How to get there
From Hakodate Station, Take the Hakodate Bus Line 82 bound for "Takizawa cho senkai jo" and you will arrive at the "Kosetsuen" bus stop in 40 minutes.
56 Miharashi-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
