If you are going to go sightseeing, you may want to incorporate into your itinerary things that can only be seen or experienced during that season. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in October in Hokkaido for those who are interested in such things.
About Hokkaido in October
Atmospheric temperature
In Hokkaido in October, temperatures drop dramatically, gradually shifting from the coolness of early autumn to the chill of winter. Depending on the area, the average temperature will be around 10 degrees Celsius, which can feel quite cold. At night, the temperature can drop below 10 degrees Celsius, so you will need to wear clothing that is easily adjustable.
Events
In October, Hokkaido hosts a variety of gourmet events to enjoy the autumn harvest and festivals against the backdrop of beautiful autumn foliage. Autumn events unique to Hokkaido will be held in various locations, so it is recommended that you check the official website for information before your trip.
Travel
October is the best time of year to enjoy the rich colors of nature in Hokkaido. Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Shikotsu, and Jozankei are particularly famous for their autumn leaf peeping. Wildlife viewing and hot spring trips are also recommended during this season. In the vast land of Hokkaido, vegetables and fruits are also at their best, so you can also enjoy autumn taste picking.
October Fashion
When visiting Hokkaido in October, be sure to wear clothing that can handle the difference in temperature. While days may be relatively warm during the day, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so a heavy jacket, sweater, or long-sleeved shirt is necessary. In particular, those planning to go leaf peeping or outdoor activities are advised to prepare windproof and cold-resistant outerwear and innerwear with good insulation properties.
October is the season! Where you can eat salmon roe in Hokkaido
Kita no Donburi Ya Takinami Shokudo（北のどんぶり屋 滝波食堂）
Located in Otaru’s Sankaku Market, Takinami Shokudo attracts a large crowd of locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s recommendation is the “Wagamama Don,” a bowl of rice topped with a choice of three or four popular items. Since it is a diner in the market, the ingredients are fresh! If you are looking for a hearty and reasonably priced seafood meal, this is the place to go.
Umi Hachikyo Head Office （ 海味 はちきょう 本店）
Hachikyo is a popular restaurant visited daily by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s signature dish, “Ganso Tsukko Meshi (original tsukko rice),” is topped one after another with salmon roe that falls out of the bowl with a lively shout. The atmosphere of the restaurant is designed in the image of a banya where fishermen gather, making it a great choice for those who want to experience the atmosphere of Hokkaido.
Kikuyo Shokudo Hakodate Asaichi Branch （きくよ食堂 函館朝市支店）
Kikuyo Shokudo, a popular local restaurant, has been in business since 1957. The rice cooked in Kikuyo Shokudo’s original charcoal kettle is glutinous and sweet. The “Okonomi-Don” (bowl of rice topped with your choice of row seafoods) is also popular, and the salmon roe marinated in a special soy sauce sauce is also exquisite.
Recommended autumn foliage spots in Hokkaido that you must see!
Jozankei （定山渓）
Along the Jozankei mountain stream, there are walking paths where you can enjoy various kinds of autumn foliage, which is at its best from early to mid-October, and is only about an hour away from the center of Sapporo. After viewing the autumn leaves, you can stop by the hot spring resort and take a hot spring bath.
Onuma Quasi-National Park（大沼国定公園）
Onuma National Park is a natural park with an area of approximately 9,000 hectares, which has been selected as one of the three most scenic spots in New Japan. The contrast between the surface of the water and the colored trees during the fall foliage season is spectacular. Enjoying the autumn leaves while canoeing, cycling, and other activities is also recommended.
Niseko Annupuri（ニセコアンヌプリ）
Niseko, a popular destination for tourists from overseas, is also a spectacular spot for autumn foliage. The leaves usually begin to change color in late September and are at their best from early to mid-October. Gondolas are also in operation for a limited time, and from the observation deck, visitors can enjoy the natural scenery that is representative of Hokkaido, including Mount Yotei and Lake Toya.
Hot springs recommended during the fall foliage season
Noboribetsu Onsen（登別温泉）
One of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring resorts. The hot spring water gushing from Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is used in the hotels and inns in the hot spring resort area. During the fall foliage season, the mountains around Jigokudani turn colorful, and together with the hot springs, visitors can enjoy Hokkaido in autumn. There are also facilities where you can enjoy the hot springs on a day trip, so feel free to visit.
Toyako Onsen（洞爺湖温泉）
It is a hot spring resort with a long history dating back 100 years, where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Toya and Mount Usu. There are plenty of lodging facilities such as hotels and ryokan (Japanese-style inns), and from the open-air baths, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Toya along with the autumn leaves.
From April to October, the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival is held every night, with a large fireworks display in the sky of Lake Toya, providing an even more fantastic view of the lake.
Jozankei Onsen（定山渓温泉）
Located about an hour’s drive from Sapporo City, this hot spring resort is especially popular during the beautiful autumn foliage season. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with abundant nature, the view from the hot springs is also excellent.
The nearby Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort operates a gondola during the fall foliage season, offering spectacular views from the car window. Weather permitting, the view of Otaru Port can also be enjoyed from the top of the mountain.
