If you have limited time visiting Hokkaido for the autumn foliage, the Shikotsu-Toya National Park is a nice place to visit because of its proximity to Sapporo. Locating west of Chitose, Lake Shikotsu was formed by volcanic activity more than 40,000 years ago. It’s the northernmost non-freezing lake in Japan with visibility to the depth of 25 meters. The lake area is a popular outing destination with walking trail, lodging, onsen and boating activities. Be it a day-trip or a weekend getaway, it’s nice.