November is the peak of the autumn travel season across Japan!

In contrast, the main topics of conversation in Hokkaido at this time of year are things like, "When should we start using the heater properly?" or "When should we change the tires on our car?"
Everyone is getting restless as they prepare for winter. And it's also the season when the leisure-loving people of Hokkaido start to slow down.

For that reason, the Hokkaido tourist scene in November is quiet, but actually, because it's the off-season, accommodation and tour prices are relatively reasonable compared to the rest of the year, and it's a time when you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace without being bothered by crowds.

For those who want to enjoy Hokkaido at a leisurely pace, November is a great time to visit!

1. Must-see sights in Hokkaido in November!
1-1 Hakodate
1-2 Otaru
1-3 Tokachi Area
2. Must-see events in November!
2-1 Asahiyama Zoo - Winter Opening
2-2 "Sapporo White Illumination" and "Munich Christmas Market"
3. Hokkaido specialties you'll want to eat in November!
3-1 Shishamo
3-2 New Rice
4. Weather and temperature in Hokkaido in November
5. What should I wear when going to Hokkaido in November?
Summary

1-1 Hakodate

Hakodate, with its relatively light snowfall and warmer climate compared to other parts of Hokkaido, is a great place to visit in November!
With less snow and clearer air this season, you'll be able to enjoy a crisp and vibrant night view of Hakodate.

(Photo courtesy of Hakodate City's official tourism information website "Hakobura")

The Hakodate Ropeway is a popular mode of transportation to the mountaintop observation deck for enjoying the night view, but please note that it is closed for maintenance and inspections every year from mid-October to mid-November!
(In 2017, service was suspended from October 10th (Tue) to November 12th (Sun))

Also, this time of year is the best season for seafood in Hakodate!
Many fish, such as Atka mackerel and cod, are in season.
While enjoying autumn delicacies at the Hakodate Morning Market is a great option, I would like to recommend the food stall village "Hakodate Hikari no Yatai Daimon Yokocho"!

(Photo courtesy of Hakodate City's official tourism information website "Hakobura")

With a variety of food stalls ranging from izakayas and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) restaurants to ethnic cuisine, this spot is popular with both tourists and locals alike.
Spending long autumn evenings enjoying delicious food and drinks sounds like a wonderful experience!

[Access information]
Daimon Yokocho, Hakodate, Hikari no Yatai
Address: 7 Matsukaze-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
MAP:https://goo.gl/maps/Ixqpt
Closed days: Varies by stall, so please check their website.
home page:http://www.hakodate-yatai.com/

1-2 Otaru

Next, I'd like to recommend Otaru.

Otaru is a city that enjoys immense popularity not only in Japan but also overseas, and attracts many tourists throughout the year. However, in December, when the snow settles and becomes permanent, the city becomes even more lively with a variety of winter events, including illuminations.

While snow-covered Otaru in the depths of winter is certainly charming, November, just before the snow settles and becomes permanent, is the perfect time to experience the tranquil atmosphere of Otaru.

(Photo courtesy of Otaru Tourism Photo Library)

(Photo courtesy of Otaru Tourism Photo Library)

While Otaru is known for its popular seafood dishes such as sushi and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), it's also a thriving center for sake brewing!

While Yoichi, famous for its whiskey and wine, is nearby, Otaru itself boasts wine and beer factories, as well as sake breweries such as Tanaka Shuzo and Kikkogura!
November is especially the season for new sake, so why not give it a try?

[Access information]
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkou-gura
Address:2-2 Shinkomachi, Otaru City
Phone: 0134-21-2390
Hours: 9: 00 ~ 18: 00
home page:http://www.tanakashuzo.com/hpgen/HPB/entries/6.html
* Free tasting available

Hokkaido Wine Co., Ltd. Wine & Gallery
Address:1-130 Asarigawa Onsen, Otaru City
Phone: 0134-34-2187
Hours: 9: 00 ~ 17: 00
Register
Free brewery tours are offered every day from 9:30 AM at 30-minute intervals.
home page:http://www.hokkaidowine.com/contents/gallery/index.html
* Free tasting available

1-3 Tokachi Area

The next recommended tourist destination is the Tokachi area.

In November, Tokachi is seeing a lull in autumn events, with preparations shifting to winter events. But that's precisely why it's an area worth visiting.

First, the author would like to recommendLake Shikaribetsu.

(Photo courtesy of Tokachi Tourism Association)

Lake Shikaribetsu, the highest lake in Hokkaido, is a spot that has been selected as one of "Japan's 100 Hidden Gems."
Since this area hasn't been developed as a tourist destination, you can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature.
I also recommend Shikaribetsu Lakeside Hot Springs; it has the charm of a secluded hot spring!
The lake is frozen for half the year, but you might be able to see it begin to freeze in mid-November!

[Access information]
Shikaribetsu Lake Hotel Fukuhara(Currently closed)
http://www.h-fukuhara.jp/
Phone: 0156-67-2301
Feng Shui of Shikari Lake Hot Spring Hotel
http://www.hotelfusui.com/
Phone: 0156-67-2211

It also has the nickname "Sweets Kingdom"Sweets tour in ObihiroIs also recommended.

(Photo courtesy of Tokachi Tourism Association)

Hokkaido sweets fans will recognize the familiar Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store, as well as Cranberry, a popular sweet potato shop with long lines, and the up-and-coming Tokachi Toteppo Kobo, among many other sweet shops. Try a variety of treats and find your favorite!

[Access information]
Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store
Business hours 9:00 to 19:00
MAP:https://goo.gl/maps/CxsTS
web:http://www.rokkatei.co.jp/shop/#obihiro

Cranberry Main Store
Hours: 9: 00 ~ 21: 00
MAP:https://goo.gl/maps/2Wevl
web:http://www.cranberry.jp/

十勝トテッポ工房
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM, irregular closing days.
MAP:https://goo.gl/maps/J9Mif
web:http://www.toteppo-factory.com/

[Reference site]
Obihiro Tourism Guide　http://obikan.jp/　Than
Homepage > Model Courses > Sweets Tour Course

2-1 Asahiyama Zoo - Winter Opening

My next recommendation is Asahiyama Zoo's winter opening!

The number of visitors in November is only 40,000, compared to the peak of 230,000 in August (according to data released by Asahiyama Zoo in 2014), making it the least crowded time of the year. This means you can enjoy watching the adorable animals at your leisure!

Also, it's said that zoos that are open during the winter in snowy regions like Asahikawa are very rare, so it's definitely worth a visit!
During this season, you can see polar bears, Amur tigers, red pandas, and other animals actively moving around. The flying penguins are also doing well!

Compared to the summer season (late April to early November), the park's opening hours will be from 10:30 to 15:30, which is significantly shorter, so please take note when planning your visit!

(Photo courtesy of Asahikawa City Tourism Division)

【event information】
Asahiyama Zoo - Winter Opening
Period: Mid-November to early April of the following year (November 11th to April 8th in 2017-2018)
Opening hours: 10:30-15:30
For inquiries: 0166-36-1104
Website
http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

2-2 "Sapporo White Illumination" and "Munich Christmas Market"

Winter in Sapporo begins with the "Sapporo White Illumination"!
This long-running event takes place from mid-November to mid-February of the following year, and Odori Park in particular is filled with illuminated sculptures until Christmas is over!

Because it's extremely popular with Sapporo residents and tourists from overseas alike, it gets very crowded in December. However, if you go right after it opens, it's not too crowded and you can enjoy it at your leisure, so we recommend visiting in November!

Additionally, the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" will be held concurrently in Odori Park from the end of November until Christmas Eve.
With stalls selling beer, mulled wine, and authentic German food lining the streets, you can experience a German Christmas right here in Japan!

【event information】
さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション
Period: Held annually from mid-November (In 2017, it started on November 24th; the period varies depending on the venue).
For inquiries, please call 011-281-6400 (Sapporo White Illumination Executive Committee).
Website　http://white-illumination.jp/

ミュンヘン・クリスマス市 in Sapporo
Period: Every year from late November to December 24th (November 25th to December 24th in 2017)
Website　http://www.sapporo-christmas.com/

3-1 Shishamo

Here,Autumn is in full swing in Hokkaido! Here's a roundup of must-see sights and events in October!　I've mentioned it before, but I'd like to introduce shishamo (smelt) again!

Domestically produced shishamo (smelt) is only available in a limited number of supermarkets even within Hokkaido, and its price is more than double that of imported shishamo, which is distributed nationwide.

For that reason, seasonal shishamo is definitely worth eating. Its savory aroma and rich flavor will surely overturn many people's preconceived notions about shishamo!

Around November, you can find it on the menus of izakayas and other restaurants in Sapporo, so if you see it, order it right away!

3-2 New Rice

Next, I'd like travelers to try the new harvest rice.

When it comes to rice from Hokkaido, "Yumepirika" is a well-known brand. Hokkaido rice has the image of being cheaper than brand-name rice from Honshu, but in reality, there are many surprisingly delicious brand-name rice varieties that are simply not distributed outside of Hokkaido!
Among them, the author's top recommendation is"Nanatsuboshi".

This is a well-known brand of rice among Hokkaido residents. It has a subtle sweetness, pairs well with any side dish, and tastes delicious even when cold.

If you're traveling in Hokkaido, you'll often see the words "made with Nanatsuboshi rice" in restaurants.
Especially in November, when the new rice harvest is in full swing, if you see this brand or other Hokkaido rice labels, please give them a try!

(Minimum/maximum temperatures in Hokkaido in November: Quoted from the Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory website)

As can be seen from the chart above, November in Hokkaido, as autumn transitions into winter, has varying climates depending on the area.
Compared to the southern Hokkaido area, such as Hakodate, which has a mild climate with little temperature variation, the northern Hokkaido, eastern Hokkaido, and the Okhotsk region experience significantly colder temperatures and large temperature differences between day and night.

The mountains finish their autumn foliage season by November and begin preparing for winter. The snow doesn't become permanent until after December, so you have to wait a little while before you can enjoy winter sports like skiing.

The clear autumn weather that continued until early November gradually gives way to the cloudy, wintry weather typical of winter once the first snow falls. By the end of November, the snow becomes permanent, marking the start of a long winter.

The roads are starting to freeze, so travelers from Honshu who are not used to driving on winter roads need to be extremely careful when driving. Please take care!

Up until around December, you can think of Hokkaido's climate as being about a month behind that of Honshu.
Therefore, when choosing clothes, you should imagine what you would wear in December on Honshu.

However, it is very warm indoors in Hokkaido. It is common to find that the temperature inside a building is close to 25°C even when the outside temperature is in the single digits.

Because there is a large temperature difference between outdoors and indoors, instead of bringing one thick sweater, it is recommended to wear layers such as a light sweater or cardigan over a spring/autumn shirt.

If you're going on a city tour to a place like Sapporo, you can easily find clothes to wear if it gets cold, so you probably don't need to pack too many.

On the other hand, one thing that's surprisingly easy to forget is how to keep your feet warm.

The snow doesn't usually accumulate and the roads rarely freeze, so you don't need to bring winter boots for a typical sightseeing tour. However, by late November, your feet will get quite cold if you're wearing sneakers or casual shoes.

When walking outside, don't forget to take steps to keep your feet warm! Women, in particular, should consider wearing thick stockings with skirts.

Summary

So, what did you think? While there aren't any major events in Hokkaido in November, it's a great season to enjoy seasonal gourmet food and hot springs at a reasonable price.

Also, although we couldn't go into detail this time, illuminations and other displays will start in various parts of Hokkaido from mid-November, such as the "Sapporo White Illumination," so it's a great way to get into the Christmas spirit a little early!

Please enjoy the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of Hokkaido before the full onset of winter!

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