Hokkaido Autumn Travel Guide 2025 (with Inspiring Foliage Itinerary)

Autumn or Fall in Hokkaido is a magical time. After the busy summer flower season and before the crowded winter skiing season, Hokkaido features its unique tranquility. Some green hues of the mountains with the red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves in Hokkaido make it look heavenly. Planning to visit Hokkaido in the fall to embrace the comfortable weather, cozy vibes, and Hokkaido autumn foliage?

We come up with a complete guide to Hokkaido in autumn, which will help you explore the best of Hokkaido in September, October, or November. Here is all the information you will need about autumn in Hokkaido, from weather & temperatures, what to wear, the best time to visit, what to eat, top things to do, and best places to visit for Hokkaido fall colors.

When Is Autumn in Hokkaido?

Autumn in Hokkaido usually refers to the period from September to November each year. It begins in early to mid-September with the earliest change of colors in the alpine regions, and ends in mid- to late-November with the first snowfalls in the mountains. Autumn is the most gorgeous of Hokkaido's four seasons and the best time to enjoy colorful leaves and harvest food.

What is the Weather like in Hokkaido in the Autumn

The weather in Hokkaido in the fall is generally cool and pleasant. From September to November, temperatures gradually turn cooler, from pleasantly cool in early fall to cold and dry in late fall. There is a big difference between morning and evening temperatures. The average high temperature in September is 21°C (70°F) and the average low is 13°C (55°F). The average high temperature in October is 15°C (59°F) and the average low is 6°C (43°F). The average high temperature in November is 7°C (45°F) and the average low is 0°C (32°F).

Rainfall is high in the fall, especially in September (135mm on average), but gradually decreases in October.

Daylight hours in Hokkaido gradually decrease in autumn, with an average of about 11 hours in October. And the sun sets around 16:30.

Does it Snow in Autumn in Hokkaido?

From September to mid-October, there is basically no snow in Hokkaido. The earliest recorded snowfall in Sapporo was on October 28th. However, mountainous areas, such as the Daisetsuzan National Park, may experience their first snowfall in mid to late October. Snow generally begins to fall in the central and southern regions of Hokkaido in mid- to late November.

What to Wear in the Autumn Season?

In September, it is recommended to wear thin long-sleeved and knitted cardigans, windproof jackets (for morning and evening), lightweight trousers/jeans, and sneakers/boots. >> More about Hokkaido weather in September

In October, we recommend turtlenecks and tweed jackets, padded pants, scarves, thin gloves (for morning and evening), and sneakers/boots. >> More about Hokkaido weather in October

In November, it is recommended that you wear a down jacket, a wool sweater, thermal underwear, padded trousers/warm leggings, a wool hat, warm gloves, and non-slip snow boots (may be needed in the second half of the month). >> More about Hokkaido weather in November

Best Time to Visit Hokkaido in Autumn

Mid to late September: Good for visiting high mountain areas (Daisetsuzan National Park, Laminar Cloud Gorge, Lake Akan) to enjoy Hokkaido's fall foliage.

October: Hokkaido's urban areas and onsen areas have the best foliage. Jozankei Onsen, Shiretoko Goko Lakes, and Onuma Park are at their best.

Early November: The end of autumn in the southern part of Hokkaido and at lower altitudes. Although the red leaves are gradually falling, the Sapporo ginkgoes are still beautiful.

Top Things to Do in Hokkaido During Autumn

Hokkaido in the fall boasts a gorgeous foliage landscape. Also, don't miss out on food, culture, and nature experiences on your autumn tour of Hokkaido. Here are the top 6 things to do in Hokkaido in the fall, as well as the best attractions for fall foliage.

View the Stunning Autumn Foliage in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the first place in Japan to receive the fall foliage. From mid-September every year, the colorful leaves unfold from north to south and from high to low as the temperature gradually drops. Combined with the wild natural beauty of Hokkaido, you can experience the unique atmosphere of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

So, where is the best place to enjoy Hokkaido's fall foliage? Head to Laminaria Gorge, Hokkaido's earliest foliage destination, from late September to early October. It is recommended that you take the Kurodake ropeway overlooking the canyon's red maple scenery. There is also the Red Leaf Valley Art of Light Colored Lantern Festival at night.

In early to mid-October, the Futami Suspension Bridge and the valley of a leafy stream in Jyuzankei, an onsen town in the suburb of Sapporo, combine to create a beautiful scene. From mid to late October, don't miss the Shiretoko Five Lakes (a World Natural Heritage Site), where the lakes reflect the red leaves.

Soak in an Outdoor Onsen While Taking in Fall Views

Enhance your fall foliage trip to Hokkaido – add an open-air Japanese onsen experience. Imagine soaking in a hot spring surrounded by mountains and maple leaves, breathing in the crisp air, and feeling the ultimate relaxation.

Witness the volcanic landscape of Jigokudani surrounded by red leaves at one of the onsen resorts in Noboribetsu. At Jingsankei, an open-air breezeway on the banks of the Toyohira River allows you to enjoy the maple while soaking in the hot spring. Tokachi River onsen is for those wishing to get away from the crowds. It stands out for its unique botanical beauty, onsen, and idyllic red leaf scenery.

Taste Seasonal Autumn Delicacies

In autumn, Hokkaido offers not only stunning scenery but also the richest and most delicious food, thanks to nature's gifts.

Salmon migrate to spawn from September to November every year, and their meat is deliciously fatty. Ishikari nabe, grilled autumn salmon, and parent-child donburi are the best ways to savor autumn salmon. From November, don't miss the peak season for Matsuba, king, and hair crabs. And okonomiyaki is the representative food of autumn in Japan.

Want to eat fruit? Why not take part in a fruit picking experience or attend the Autumn Orchard Festival - eat as you pick.

Join Local Autumn Festivals

The various Hokkaido autumn festivals are one of the best ways to experience the local culture. You can savor the taste of the harvest, enjoy traditional cultural performances, or participate in local fairs and handicrafts.

Sapporo Odori Park is transformed into a foodie's paradise in early to late September every year because of the Sapporo Autumn Fest. Enjoy seasonal delicacies including seafood, meat, dairy products, desserts, and local wines. The Otaru Ushio Festival, also held in mid-September, offers seafood barbecue, local sake sampling, craft fairs, and nighttime illuminations and musical performances. In early October, the Hakodate Food Festival is a great place for families, where parents and children can participate in live cooking.

The Sounkyo Autumn Leaves Festival is the best Hokkaido fall festival to experience the autumn leaves, hot springs, and local culture from late September to early October. It features a leaf-lit night view and traditional taiko drum performances. The Sapporo Cultural and Art Festival, held every year between September and November, covers a wide range of art forms, including traditional Japanese music, folk dances, theater performances, and exhibitions of fine arts and photography.

Explore Biei and the Blue Pond

Located in central Hokkaido, Biei is known for its vast hilly terrain, patchwork idylls, and romantic country lanes. In addition to summer during the lavender season, fall is a great time to visit the area, with golden birches contrasting sharply with the turquoise blue waters of the lake. And after the fall, wheat fields are harvested, the Patchwork Path's earthy blocks of color mingle with the red leaves of the distant mountains.

Spot Wildlife and Photograph Nature

In the fall, many wild animals such as cranes, deer, foxes, and migratory birds are active. You can visit Asahiyama Zoo, Shiretoko Peninsula, Kushiro Wet Plains, and Nopu Peninsula -- suitable for eco-photographers.

Suggested 5-Day Hokkaido Autumn Itinerary

Day 1: Sapporo City
Highlights: Stroll along Hokkaido University's Gingko Boulevard and visit landmarks such as Odori Park, the Clock Tower, and the Old Michinoku Hall.

Day 2: Maple Viewing with a Soak in Jyosankei

Day 3: Furano & Biei
Highlights: Visit Aoike and Shirogane Falls

Day 4: Daisetsuzan Laminar Cloud Gorge
Highlights: Ride a gondola overlooking the red-dyed mountains and experience the Laminar Cloud Gorge Hot Springs

Day 5: Departure from Asahikawa
Highlights: Visit Asahikawa Zoo in the morning, and then take a flight out

If you have more time and want to plan a 7-10 day Hokkaido fall tour itinerary, we suggest you add the Akita countryside of Tokachi, Obihiro, Kushiro Wet Plains Bird Watching, Lake Akan Primeval Forest Autumn Colors, and a festival experience.

Hokkaido Autumn Travel Tips

1. Peak foliage season is late September in Laminaria Gorge, mid-October in Doho, and early November in Sapporo City. Go to the best places at the best times!

2. Hokkaido experiences a big difference between morning and evening temperatures in the fall, while November cools down significantly, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast in advance and prepare your clothing accordingly.

3. If you are traveling to Sapporo, Otaru, or Noboribetsu, you can use the JR Pass of Hokkaido rail.

4. Self-driving is a good option for traveling to rural and mountainous areas such as Furano, Biei, Daisetsuzan, Tokachi, and Lake Akan.

5. It is recommended to book accommodation at least 2 weeks in advance.

6. Some mountain roads may be closed due to snowfall in November, so check traffic information in advance.

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