Let's go to Hokkaido during Silver Week! Sightseeing & Event Roundup | Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido Travel Guide to Enjoy Gourmet Food, Nature, and Culture~

Let's go to Hokkaido during Silver Week! A summary of sightseeing and events.

: All of Hokkaido

: Last updated: September 20, 2026

The long Silver Week holiday in September is just around the corner! Many people are probably thinking about taking advantage of the long weekend to travel to Hokkaido, right?

For those of you planning a trip to Hokkaido in September, here's a quick rundown of recommended places to visit and things to keep in mind during this time of year. Check this out and start planning your Silver Week trip early!

Table of contents

　1-1. Best season! Autumn foliage of Daisetsuzan Mountain

　1-2. Mountains nearing autumn foliage and salmon migration. Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, and Lake Rausu.

　1-3. Tomamu Unkai Terrace and Lake Kussharo/Tsubetsu Pass Sea of Clouds

　1-4. Enjoy a drive through the highlands and visit the hot springs of Niseko!

　2-1. Sapporo Autumn Fest

　2-2. Nemuro pacific saury Festival

3. Things to be concerned about when traveling to Hokkaido during Silver Week

　3-1. What are the temperatures and appropriate clothing for Hokkaido during Silver Week?

　3-2. Will Hokkaido be congested during Silver Week?

　3-3. Is a trip to Hokkaido during Silver Week expensive?

Summary

1. Recommended tourist spots to visit during Silver Week

1-1. Best season! Autumn foliage of Daisetsuzan Mountain

First up is Mount Daisetsu, the spot where you can get the first taste of autumn. Famous for being the first place in Japan to see autumn leaves, Mount Daisetsu typically begins to change color in early September, with the best viewing time being from mid to late September.

Autumn foliage at Asahidake, Hokkaido Autumn foliage at Asahidake. Image source:Photo library

Even when we talk about the autumn foliage of Daisetsuzan, there are actually two areas: the Kurodake side on the north side of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, accessible by the Kurodake Ropeway from Sounkyo Onsen, and the Asahidake side on the southwest side, accessible by the Asahidake Ropeway from Asahidake Onsen.

Kurodake Ropeway, Hokkaido Autumn foliage at Kurodake Ropeway

Additionally, the Akadake trailhead and Ginsendai, located about 50 minutes by car from Sounkyo, also reach their peak autumn foliage in mid-to-late September.

Autumn leaves at Ginsendai Image source:Photo library

Kurodake Ropeway (Sounkyo Onsen to 5th Station)

HP: https://www.rinyu.co.jp/kurodake/

Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun

TEL: 01658-5-3031

Business hours: 2026 timetable
<Cableway>
Gondola service suspended from June 1st to June 26th for renovations.
March 6-May 27 9:30-6:00
March 10-May 1 10:15-7:00
March 10-May 16 11:8-8:00
Maintenance suspension from November 9th to November 30th.
March 12-May 1 12:31-8:00
<Pair Lift>
March 6-May 27 9:30-6:30
January 10th - January 1st 10:15 - 7:30

Remarks: Round trip ropeway: Adults 3,000 yen, Children 1,500 yen
Ropeway + Lift Set Ticket: Adults 3,900 yen, Children 1,950 yen

Asahidake Ropeway

HP: https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/

Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

TEL: 0166-68-9111

Business hours: Operating hours vary depending on the month and day of the week, so please check the official website for details.

Remarks: Round-trip fare: Adult 2,800 yen, Person 1,700 yen
However, from June 1st to October 31st, the round-trip fare is 3,500 yen for adults and 2,200 yen for children.

1-2. Mountains nearing autumn foliage and salmon migration. Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, and Lake Rausu.

Next, we'll introduce the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage site. While the peak of autumn foliage throughout Shiretoko is in early October, at Lake Rausu, which is nestled in the mountains, the leaves begin to change color a little earlier, from around late September.
Autumn trekking around Lake Rausu @ Shiretoko Nature Office

Please note that trekking around Lake Rausu requires mountaineering equipment and experience. If you have no experience, we recommend joining a guided local tour.

From September to October, you can also witness salmon and trout migrating upstream. The sight of large salmon splashing through shallow rivers is a quintessential autumn scene in Hokkaido.

Salmon migration in Hokkaido Some local tour companies offer salmon migration watching tours, so joining one of these tours is also recommended.
(Image provided by: Local tour operator:)Shiretoko Naturalist Association SHINRA）

1-3. Tomamu Unkai Terrace and Lake Kussharo/Tsubetsu Pass Sea of Clouds

The sea of clouds, a spectacular sight in Hokkaido, is gaining popularity. Because it only occurs when weather conditions are just right, the time when it can be seen is limited, but mid-to-late September is a period when it occurs relatively frequently.
Sea of Clouds Terrace
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's "Unkai Terrace" has become synonymous with the sea of clouds in Hokkaido. It boasts excellent facilities for enjoying the sea of clouds, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in a fantastical world.
Cloud Terrace Cloud Bar
<Related article>
Let's enjoy the "Sea of Clouds Terrace" to the fullest! We'll show you the best photo spots and how to enjoy it.
Sea of clouds over Tsubetsu Pass Another spot is Tsubetsu Pass in eastern Hokkaido, a famous location for viewing sea of clouds over Lake Kussharo. Here too, the probability of a sea of clouds appearing is relatively high (30-40%) during this time of year when there is a large temperature difference between day and night.

1-4. Enjoy a drive through the highlands and visit the hot springs of Niseko!

Hokkaido experiences cooler autumn weather earlier than Honshu. With open-air baths being at their most refreshing, how about Niseko, where you can enjoy hot springs amidst nature?

Niseko, located at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, is truly a treasure trove of hot springs, with hot springs bubbling up everywhere.

niseko-grand-spa4 Niseko Grand Hotel・Open-air garden bath

While visiting many of Hokkaido's famous sights is great, I also recommend staying at a resort in Niseko. Spending time doing nothing while enjoying hot springs and forest bathing is highly recommended.

For more information about Niseko's hot springs, please also check out the following article♪
・[Popular, Classic, and Hidden Hot Springs] 6 Recommended Hot Springs in Niseko You'll Want to Visit Now!

1-5. Recommended for first-time visitors to Hokkaido: The classic Otaru & Sapporo route

September in Hokkaido is a bit late for the lavender season, which is synonymous with Hokkaido summer, but the weather is just right for visiting popular tourist destinations such as Sapporo and Otaru, making it a recommended season.

The Otaru Canal, a nostalgic place perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Otaru Ise Sushi Enjoy authentic sushi in Otaru, a city renowned for its delicious seafood.

Immerse yourself in the blessings of nature at Jozankei Onsen, Sapporo's hidden gem.

For information on sightseeing in Otaru and Sapporo, please see the related articles here!
[First Time in Otaru] A digest of Otaru's sightseeing and highlights!
A classic Sapporo sightseeing route | Your first trip to Sapporo!
One of Hokkaido's three greatest night views! The night view from Mt. Moiwa is a must-see when you go to Sapporo!

2. Recommended Hokkaido events during Silver Week

2-1. Sapporo Autumn Fest

A major autumn event in Sapporo, recreating Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival held in Munich, Germany, Sapporo's sister city!
Sapporo Autumn Fest This event brings together delicious foods and local specialties from all over Hokkaido.

Sapporo Autumn Fest

Address: Sapporo Odori Park

HP: https://www.sapporo-autumnfest.jp/

Business hours: 2026年9月11日～10月3日　10：00～20：30（L.O.20:00）

2-2. Nemuro pacific saury Festival

Nemuro pacific saury Festival A major autumn event held in Nemuro, Japan's number one porter of Pacific saury, a taste of autumn! You can enjoy free charcoal-grilled fresh saury, and also buy boxes of saury at bargain prices!
Be sure to try the seasonal Pacific saury, also known as "Toro Sanma," which is rich in fat, while you're there!

Nemuro pacific saury Festival

Address: Kotohira-cho, Nemuro City (Special venue at Nemuro Port)

HP: https://www.nemuro.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/srk/kanko/nmrgsdb/6event/6ev-sanmamatsuri.html

Business hours: September 26th and 27th, 2026

Remarks: Held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of September, from 12:00 to 20:00 (Day 1) and 9:00 to 15:00 (Day 2).

3. Things to be concerned about when traveling to Hokkaido during Silver Week

3-1. What are the temperatures and appropriate clothing for Hokkaido during Silver Week?

The first thing you're probably wondering is, is it warm or cold in Hokkaido at this time of year? So, let me share the average temperatures for this time of year, based on data from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Let's start with the highest temperature.
Comparing the temperature to that of Tokyo, you can see it's about 4 degrees Celsius lower. It's not that cold, is it?

Next is the minimum temperature.
The minimum temperature in Hokkaido during Silver Week is approximately 11-15 degrees Celsius. This table shows average temperatures, but it can drop below 10 degrees Celsius at times. You won't need a coat, but we recommend taking sufficient precautions against the cold.

3-2. Will Hokkaido be congested during Silver Week?

Mid-to-late September is generally considered the off-season in Hokkaido. However, the number of tourists increases sharply during long holidays, so particular attention should be paid to the following points.

1. Rental car pick-up and return will be crowded! Especially during the first half of Silver Week and the second half, pick-ups are expected to take longer, so please allow ample time in advance.

2: New Chitose Airport gets crowded! New Chitose Airport has excellent facilities. If you're planning to take your time buying souvenirs or enjoying Hokkaido specialties at the airport at the end of your trip, aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs.

3. Tourist spots get congested! Especially during the autumn foliage season, Sounkyo and Asahidake experience traffic jams just trying to get into the parking lots. Try to arrive as early as possible. Even in the off-season, the area around Furano sees an increase in tourists, so allow plenty of time.

shiretoko-pass-fall2 Autumn at Shiretoko Pass

3-3. Is a trip to Hokkaido during Silver Week expensive?

anna-787 In conclusion, it's a bit pricey! It's more affordable than the most expensive times of the year, like Obon or Golden Week, but you should still expect to pay at least 2-3% more than the weekends before and after.

Since around 2020, "variable pricing" has become widespread for flights, hotels, and rental cars, where prices change depending on booking status (occupancy rate). Therefore, it is difficult to give a general price guideline, but it remains true that booking early is advisable, especially during long holidays.

When making a reservation, please carefully check your holiday schedule and cancellation policy before proceeding.

Summary

We've introduced some recommended Hokkaido destinations for the Silver Week holiday period. What did you think? Make the most of your long weekend and enjoy your trip to Hokkaido!
Please make your plans early!

Please also check out these related articles.