Hokkaido in Autumn 2026: Fall Foliage Spots & Top Things

Autumn is often considered another best times to visit Hokkaido: the most beautiful time when mountains gradually turn shades of gold and red, paired with crisp air and clear skies for outdoors and seasonal food experiences. Plan your Japan trip to Hokkaido in autumn with this guide to see the highlights beyond fall foliage.

Hokkaido Weather in Autumn (September to November)

Hokkaido's autumn arrives earlier and is also relatively short due to its northern latitude. Typically begins in mid-September, the first signs of autumn begin to appear, and it lasts until mid-November, when the first snowfall begins to arrive. The weather in autumn in Hokkaido shifts quickly, with noticeable changes from month to month:

• Hokkaido in September, 20 to 25℃ (68 to 77℉): Early autumn begins with lingering summer warmth, paired with mild and comfortable temperatures gradually cooling down (below 20℃, 68℉) as the first hints of fall foliage to appear toward the end of the month. Days remain relatively bright and comfortable, while mornings and evenings start to feel cooler.
• Hokkaido in October, 10 to 18℃ (50 to 64℉): The peak autumn season brings crisp, cool weather and lower humidity for outdoors, with clear skies, excellent visibility, and vibrant fall foliage spreading across lower elevations in much of the island.
• Hokkaido in November, 1 to 9℃ (34 to 48℉): Temperatures drop quickly as late autumn transitions rapidly into early winter. The first snowfall arrived in northern and mountainous areas in the second half.

Is Autumn a Good Time to Visit Hokkaido

Autumn is absolutely a good time to visit Hokkaido, perfect for travelers who enjoy cooler weather, fall foliage scenery, and outdoor exploration without the peak summer crowds. It is an excellent choice if you are seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Hokkaido in autumn offers mild, refreshing temperatures between September and October. You can take advantage of its low humidity and clear skies for both your city and natural sightseeing, expect vibrant reds, oranges, and golds across mountains, lakes, and countryside landscapes.

Further exploration in eastern Hokkaido, like the Shiretoko Peninsula, is still possible in early autumn (November is more suitable for the southern sightseeing, though). At the same time, the cooler weather makes city exploration, food tours, and onsen stays even more enjoyable, ideal for your slow trip without much worrying about crowds and prices, especially in September and November.

Fall Foliage Along the River

Is Hokkaido too Cold in October

Not at all. October in Hokkaido is cool, not cold. The weather in October is still comfortable outdoors, while evenings and mornings can be a little chilly.

In fact, October in Hokkaido feels very similar to cities like Munich or Vancouver during fall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10 to 18℃ (50 to 64℉), with crisp, refreshing air and cool evenings.

You'll likely need a light jacket or coat, particularly in the mornings and at night, but it's still comfortable for walking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities in light layers. While in higher elevations, such as Daisetsuzan National Park, it can feel cooler.

When to See Fall Foliage in Hokkaido

Hokkaido's fall foliage season falls from mid-September to early November, and generally peaks from late September to late October. You can catch the first leaves changing in Daisetsuzan National Park as early as mid-September, with peak fall colors spreading to cities like Furano, Sapporo, and Noboribetsu in October.

• Mid to Late September: Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo
• Early October to Mid-October: Shiretoko Peninsula, Lake Akan, Furano
• Mid-October to Late October: Sapporo, Jozankei, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu
• Late October to early November: Hakodate

Where to See Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido

Jozankei

Just outside Sapporo (about 1 hour train ride), Jozankei offers easy access to colorful valleys paired with hot springs. You can enjoy autumn colors by a simple riverside walk, crossing the suspension bridges covered by fall foliage, or soaking in an open-air onsen surrounded by orange and gold leaves, while catching those colorful reflections, the soft trickle of a stream, and the cheerful chirping of birds.

Daisetsuzan

Often called the place where autumn starts first in Japan, a top choice if you are seeking more rugged and large-scale scenery. It is a popular hiking destination; however, without reaching the peak, you can also capture those colorful slopes near Ginsendai, or let the chairlift take you to the top of Kurodake and down to the Sounkyo Valley as a leisurely way to enjoy the fall.

Daisetsuzan National Park in Autumn

Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is another top place for fall foliage in Hokkaido, creating a unique contrast of volcanic landscapes and fall colors. Imagine your Jigokudani (Hell Valley) stroll with steaming vents and sulfur streams, while the rugged terrain is framed by fall foliage in rising steam. Make your drop at the foot of Mt. Hiyori with a towel, a hot spring swamp ideal for a natural river footbath after your stroll.

Shiretoko

This eastern peninsula provides wilder and more remote autumn scenery. You can make Shiretoko Five Lakes your first stop, taking those forest bathing trails while catching the blue sky, shadows, and foliage reflections on the surface. Next to the Rausu area, with untouched forests and coastal cliffs in their raw nature for your adventure, as well as the view of Kunashiri Island at a distance.

What Else to Expect in Hokkaido in Autumn

Soak in Hot Springs

The cooling autumn air makes the warmth of hot springs all the more comforting and hard to resist. One of the top things to do in Hokkaido in autumn is soaking in an open-air hot spring bath (rotenburo), where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich water with the most visually rewarding setting, providing a calming break after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

Savor Seasonal Autumn Flavors

Autumn is one of the best times to explore Hokkaido's arrival seafood, including salmon, crab, scallops, and sea urchin, often served as sashimi or over rice in hearty seafood bowls. For a more immersive experience, consider visiting local farms or food markets to sample freshly harvested produce, or try limited-time autumn menus carefully prepared on a kaiseki menu.

Sushi with Seafood Toppings

Join Harvest Activities & Fruit Picking

Experience farm life and fruit picking firsthand is also recommended in this harvest season. Farms across Furano and Yoichi open their fields and orchards to visitors. You can pick apples, grapes, pears, and even late-season melons, often tasting them fresh right on the spot. Enjoy this refreshing break from sightseeing, which can also be an ideal window to meet local farmers and the countryside.

Go Hiking Through Mountains, Valleys & Coastlines

Autumn is one of the best seasons for hiking in Hokkaido, thanks to its excellent weather conditions for the outdoors. And another piece of good news is that the island offers a wide variety of landscapes to discover.

• Mountain areas like Daisetsuzan National Park provide early-season foliage and panoramic alpine views, with trails ranging from easy paths near ropeway stations to more challenging hikes.
• Scenic valley trails in Jozankei or Sounkyo Gorge are typically shorter and more accessible, making them ideal for a relaxed half-day outing along riverside trails framed by colorful cliffs and forests.
• Coastal hikes in Shiretoko Peninsula offer a wilder experience, combining autumn foliage with rugged shorelines, waterfalls, and the chance to spot wildlife, perfect for those looking to explore Hokkaido's untamed side.

Autumn Travel Cost & Crowd in Hokkaido

Though it meets the peak fall foliage season, the travel cost and crowd in Hokkaido in autumn are relatively lower than in summer, especially in September and November, is slightly more balanced.

During the peak fall foliage season in October, costs for accommodation and transport can rise in areas known for spectacular leaves (Furano, Jozankei, Daisetsuzan National Park). Cities like Sapporo and Asahikawa, for your convenience, may feel busier than in September, but crowds are generally more manageable than in the peak summer months.

By late October to early November, after peak foliage, it is easier to enjoy scenic locations with lower travel costs when visitor numbers drop.

• Early autumn (September): fewer crowds, lower costs, lingering warmth
• Peak foliage (October): higher demand and prices, vibrant fall foliage scenery
• Late autumn (November): quiet and more affordable

Overall, you can take advantage of this shoulder tourist season in Hokkaido to balance beautiful scenery, moderate crowds, and reasonable travel expenses. Book accommodations and tours in advance, or feel free to contact us for your carefree autumn trip planning to Japan.

Sample Hokkaido Itinerary in Autumn

Below is a 10-day itinerary ideal for your autumn visit to central and eastern Hokkaido, including some of the best fall foliage spots in Hokkaido for your immersive outdoor experiences.

Day 1-2 Sapporo

Walking through Odori Park reveals seasonal colors stretching across the city center, while the historic Sapporo Clock Tower offers a glimpse into the city's early days. Nearby, Tanukikoji Shopping Street invites a relaxed stroll beneath its covered arcades, perfect for sampling local snacks and browsing small shops.

A visit to the whimsical Shiroi Koibito Park in the afternoon adds a lighter touch, where you can see confectionery craftsmanship up close and enjoy sweet treats in a storybook-like setting.

Day 3-4 Furano

Next, head to the scenic countryside of Furano and nearby Biei, where rolling hills and wide-open flower fields take on warm autumn tones. The day's highlights continue with the striking blue waters of Blue Pond and the cascading Shirahige Falls, to see the contrast of vivid colors and natural textures creates some of Hokkaido's most memorable autumn scenery.

Day 5 Daisetsuzan National Park

Ascending Mount Asahidake by ropeway, the landscape gradually opens into a dramatic alpine world of steaming vents and early fall colors. Take a gentle walk around Sugatami Pond, which offers ever-changing reflections of the mountain, with crisp air and quiet surroundings creating a refreshing, unhurried experience in nature.

Day 6-8 Shiretoko National Park

Continue to the remote wilderness of Shiretoko National Park. Stroll through the Shiretoko Five Lakes reveals tranquil waters framed by untouched forests, while catching the sweeping views of Shiretoko Pass that stretch from rugged peaks to the open sea.

From Utoro Port, a scenic cruise brings you along dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, showcasing the peninsula from a different perspective. On land, a short walk leads to Furepe Falls, where streams of water spill directly down coastal cliffs into the Sea of Okhotsk.

Day 9 Lake Akan

Nestled along the lakeside, Akanko Ainu Kotan offers an opportunity to learn about the traditions of the Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people. As you wander through the village, small artisan shops and cultural displays provide insight into a way of life closely connected to the surrounding forests and waters.

In the evening, a performance at the Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikoro brings these traditions to life through music, dance, and storytelling, offering a meaningful cultural highlight to conclude your journey.

Day 10 Departure

After a final morning by the peaceful lake, begin your journey onward from Lake Akan to Kushiro Airport for your departing flight to Sapporo. Carrying with you memories of vibrant foliage, untouched landscapes, and rich cultural encounters, your Hokkaido journey comes to a relaxed and memorable close.