The hot summer is quickly coming to an end.
Summer in Hokkaido is short, and once August is over, the plants begin preparing to reveal their new faces.

So, this time, we've compiled a list of must-see sights and events that you should check out early, especially for October.

We'll bring you a wealth of information, including the best spots in Japan for seeing the earliest autumn foliage, notable events taking place in Hokkaido, and what to see and do in Hokkaido in October!

We'll also be sharing information about the weather and temperature in Hokkaido in October, as well as what kind of clothing you should wear. Autumn in Hokkaido is a busy time for sightseeing and delicious food!
Information updated on 2018/10/8.

<Contents>
1.10. Must-see sights in Hokkaido in October
Tokachi-dake Observation Deck
Onneto
・ Mikuni Pass
Daisetsuzan Mountains and Sounkyo Gorge
- Coral grass of Lake Notori
2.10. Hokkaido's must-see events in October!
・Revival! Yubari Maple Festival
- Akan Lake Marimo Festival - Thousand Torches - Iomante Fire Festival
3.10. Hokkaido specialties you'll want to eat in October!
Salmon roe and autumn salmon
・Smelt
4.10. Hokkaido weather and temperature in January
5.10. What should I wear when going to Hokkaido in November?
Summary

Tokachi-dake Observation Deck

Located about 5km from Shirogane in Biei Town, Tokachidake Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Biei, Furano, and surrounding areas from an altitude of 930m.
On clear days, you can see Mount Shokanbetsu in the distance, making this a viewpoint where you can enjoy the scenery with the magnificent Tokachi Mountain Range as a backdrop.

Typically, the autumn foliage season starts in late September and reaches its peak in early October.
Because it offers stunning autumn foliage viewing across a vast area from the foothills, it is one of the top spots for autumn leaves in the Tokachi region, and every year many tourists come to enjoy the autumn colors.

There are walking trails around the Tokachidake Observation Deck, so you can enjoy the autumn scenery while taking a leisurely stroll! The vibrant autumn colors of trees such as dwarf pines and birches will soothe your eyes.
The air is so fresh, just being there makes you feel refreshed!

Mount Tokachi, which supports Shirogane Onsen, sometimes erupts with plumes of smoke. This is a place where you can imprint the grandeur of nature in your memory.
There are also other tourist attractions nearby, such as the Blue Pond, so why not visit them as well?

<Tourist Information: Tokachi-dake Observation Deck>
Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0166-92-4378 (Biei Town Tourism Association)

Onneto

Located within Akan National Park, Lake Onneto is a place affectionately known as a "hidden gem of a lake" because the trees change color in a variety of ways depending on the season, and the lake itself changes to five different colors.

Typically, the autumn foliage season starts in late September and reaches its peak in early October.
The mountains are mainly colored by maple and birch trees, and the contrast with Lake Onneto, which changes color to five different shades, makes this place truly spectacular.

I believe the reason it's so highly praised is precisely because the balanced arrangement of Mount Akan-Fuji, the spread of the trees, and the harmony with the lake are things that could never be created by human hands.

If you're sightseeing for autumn foliage in eastern Hokkaido, this is a must-visit spot, but I recommend going from mid-October to late October.
When the first sighting of Mount Akan-Fuji coincides with the autumn foliage, the snow-capped peak of Mount Akan comes into view.

You can enjoy a wonderful atmosphere where you can feel the arrival of autumn while also experiencing the coming of winter up close!

If you're planning a trip to Lake Onneto, I recommend going in the morning when the air is clear. When the wind stops the lake's surface from rippling, it looks just like a mirror.
The inverted reflection of Mount Fuji beneath the overhanging autumn leaves is truly beautiful, so please do go and see it for yourself.

*Onneto Lake is also wonderful in winter! Read the full article here.
・A miracle that only occurs in early winter: Onneto Lake - a breathtaking view that shines like a jewel!

<Tourist Information: Onneto Lake>
Address: Motoshige, Ashoro-cho, Ashoro-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0156-25-2141

・ Mikuni Pass

Mikuni Pass, located in Kamishihoro Town, Hokkaido, is the highest pass on any national highway in Hokkaido, standing at an elevation of 1,139 meters.
The Matsumi Ohashi Bridge, which spans the Aokigahara forest, is a popular tourist spot regardless of the season.

Typically, the autumn leaves begin to change color gradually from early October, so you can enjoy a scenic drive while feeling the changing seasons firsthand!

If you're lucky, you might even see a sea of ​​clouds looming over the colorful mountains.
This is a precious place where you can enjoy the breathtaking changes of nature, unlike anything you'd expect in Japan. Be sure to capture the view from the observation deck with your camera!

Image provided by: Kamishihoron
And the absolute must-visit is the rest stop at Mikuni Pass, the Mikuni Pass Café.

The cafe in the chimney hut next to the observation deck offers carefully brewed, hand-drip coffee, and their soft-serve ice cream and lattes are also very popular. Meals are available, so after enjoying the autumn foliage, take a relaxing break and soak up the memories of your trip while admiring the spectacular view.

Enjoy the spectacular view while sipping tea at a cafe on Mikuni Pass, which connects Kamishihoro Town, Nukabira Onsenkyo, and Sounkyo Gorge!

<Tourist Information: Mikuni Pass and Mikuni Pass Café>
Address: Kamishihoro-cho, Mimata Ban-gai-chi
Phone: 01564-2-2111 (Kamishihoro Town Hall)
Operating period: Late April to late October (closed during winter)
Opening hours: 8 hours to 17 hours 30 minutes

Sounkyo

Sounkyo Gorge in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, is one of the top spots for viewing autumn foliage, and you can enjoy making magnificent sketches with the Daisetsuzan Mountains as a backdrop.

Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range is one of the earliest places in Hokkaido to experience autumn foliage, with the best viewing time being mid-September. However, in Sounkyo Gorge, the leaves typically begin to change color in early October and reach their peak around mid-October.

Further along the walking trail, you can reach "Momiji Falls," where the waterfall and autumn leaves beautifully enhance the gorge's scenery, with columnar jointed cliffs reaching approximately 200 meters in height. *The one-way trip takes about 30 minutes.

It is said that everyone who visits Sounkyo Gorge must stop by "Obako," which is considered the most beautiful place in Sounkyo Gorge.

Trees with firmly rooted roots thrive atop sheer cliffs, and when mist rolls in, it's such a mystical place that you might imagine gods descending upon it.
Please note that "Kobako" is currently closed to the public due to the risk of falling rocks on the walking trail.

In addition to the above, Daisetsuzan National Park boasts numerous other spots for viewing autumn foliage, including Mt. Asahidake and Mt. Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan Mountains, as well as Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls, both selected as among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.

You cannot go beyond the Ginga-Ryusei Waterfall due to the risk of falling rocks, but you can still fully enjoy the autumn foliage, so please do go and visit!

<Tourist Information: Sounkyo Gorge>
Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido
Telephone: 01658-2-1811 (Sounkyo Tourism Association), 01658-5-3350 (Sounkyo Tourist Information Center), 01658-2-4058 (Kamikawa Town Industrial and Economic Affairs Division, Commerce and Tourism Group)

【Related article】
Experience the garden where the gods play! A summary of sightseeing, attractions, and events in Sounkyo Onsen.

- Coral grass of Lake Notoro

Lake Notori in Abashiri City is a saltwater lake with an area of ​​58 square meters, and the view of it connecting to the Sea of ​​Okhotsk stretching out beyond is magnificent.
In early autumn, you can admire a plant called "coral grass" that turns bright red.

The first oysters discovered in Japan were on Kaki Island in Lake Akkeshi, Akkeshi Town, in 1891.
Later, it was discovered that in Hokkaido, the classification also applies to Lake Notori, Lake Komuke, Lake Furen, Lake Saroma, the Notsuke Peninsula, Lake Onneto (Nemuro), and Lake Tofutsu.

Lake Notori used to be covered in a bright red carpet of leaves every year, attracting many tourists, but in 23, a natural disaster caused a massive influx of mud and debris, leaving it almost completely devastated.

Although the coral grass colonies have since shrunk, the desperate efforts of the local people have restored them to their pre-poor condition, and a declaration of the coral grass's recovery was issued on August 31, 2015. Salt appears to play an important role.

Incidentally, coral grass is a rare plant that doesn't grow leaves, and it turns a deep crimson color when the season arrives. Its official name is Akkeshisou, after the town of Akkeshi where it was discovered.

The best time to see them is usually from mid-September to early October, so please be sure to visit!

<Tourist Information: Lake Notori>
Address: Ubarauchi, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-44-5849 (Abashiri City Tourism Association)

・Revival! The 6th Yubari Maple Festival

Image provided by: Yubari Maple Festival Executive Committee

This event, held during the autumn holidays in Yubari City, which is not far from New Chitose Airport, is an event where you can enjoy the autumn foliage.
It will be held at Takinoue Park, a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage.

This festival, which had been held for over 30 years, was canceled due to the city's financial collapse.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the event has been "revived," and this year, its fifth edition, it will be held over three days.
With live performances on stage, food stalls offering Hokkaido's finest cuisine, bingo games, and many other events, it looks like you can enjoy the autumn foliage along with the foliage!

Date and time: October 6th (Sat) - October 8th (Monday/holiday), 2018
Venue: Takinoue Park (5 Takinoue, Yubari City, Hokkaido)
Organizer: Yubari Maple Festival Executive Committee
For inquiries: 0123-57-7651 (Organizing Committee)

・The 67th Marimo Festival and the Thousand Torches

Image provided by: Akan Lake Tourism Association
As you may already know, Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido is a famous spot known as the "land of marimo (a type of algae)."

The festival held at Lake Akan, where a ritual involving marimo (a type of algae ball), is called the "Lake Akan Marimo Festival."
The abundant nature and prosperity of the region are thanks to this festival, and it continues to be carefully preserved as a traditional Ainu ceremony.

The procession begins with the Marimo Dance, followed by a ceremony to welcome the Marimo at night. Afterwards, participants march from the lakeside park to the Ainu village, carrying torches.

As part of the ritual to protect the marimo (moss balls), Ainu folk dances are performed in the Ainu Kotan Square, allowing visitors to experience the deep connection between the Ainu people and marimo, a sight that can only be seen here in Japan.

The following day, a ceremony is held to release the marimo (moss balls) into the lake, making it an event that can be enjoyed for two full days. The dates for 2016 were October 9th and 10th.

Image provided by: Akan Lake Tourism Association

The Senbon Tairyō (Thousand Torches) event is held concurrently with the Marimo Festival.
This is a long-running event, and this year it will run from September 1st to October 28th.

This festival, held in conjunction with Apekamuy, the Ainu god of fire, expresses gratitude to the northern land. Torches are offered with the hope of continuing to protect Lake Akan and the land that protects the marimo (moss balls) and sustains life.

Led by the Ainu chief, traditional music plays as a thousand torches sway, as if pointing the way for the gods.
This event is free and open to everyone, so if you're interested, please inquire. (Spaces are limited.)

The 68th Marimo Festival
Address: In front of the Akan Lake Onsen Eco Museum Center, Akan-cho, Kushiro City (Departure point)
Event period: October 2018th to November 10th, 8
http://www.lake-akan.com/event/

Thousand Torches
Address: 4-chome, Akan-ko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City Ceremony venue: Ainu Kotan
*The procession will start at the back of the lakeside parking lot in Akan-ko Onsen 2-chome, Akan-cho, Kushiro City.
Phone: 0154-67-3200 (Akan Tourism Association Community Development Promotion Organization, NPO)
Event period: October 2018th to November 9th, 1
http://www.lake-akan.com/event/

Salmon roe and autumn salmon

While salmon roe (ikura) can be eaten year-round, the time when it's richest and most delicious is October.

As you know, ikura is salmon roe, and the popping sensation when you put it in your mouth is irresistible!

Around mid-October, salmon start eating a lot of food in preparation for spawning in November. All the nutrients go to their eggs, resulting in rich and flavorful salmon roe!

Autumn salmon are said to be in season from around mid-October.
Because they bravely swim upstream in the cold waters of the northern lands, you can enjoy salmon with firm flesh and strong muscles.
Be sure to try it in its birthplace, Hokkaido, during this season!

・Smelt

Shishamo fish is the perfect accompaniment to alcoholic beverages.
Actually, it's a rare item that can only be found along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido.

The fishing season is only open for a short period, from October to mid-November.
We don't often think deeply about shishamo in our daily lives, but when you consider that they only exist for a short period and only inhabit Hokkaido, don't they suddenly seem like a precious fish?

And something I absolutely want you to try is "raw shishamo," which can only be eaten during this season.

In Mukawa Town, Yufutsu District, the entire town is serving shishamo (a type of fish).
There are various ways to eat shishamo (smelt), such as shishamo sushi and shishamo marinade, depending on the restaurant.
Be sure to enjoy the taste of autumn by trying shishamo, a representative brand of Mukawa Town, in its place of origin!

Data: From the Japan Meteorological Agency

The data above represents the daily maximum temperature in October over a three-year period from 2012 to 2014. We compared data from five locations: Sapporo, Sarabetsu, Lake Akan, Wakkanai, Abashiri, and Matsumae.

Even in Sapporo, daytime temperatures range from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius, while at higher elevations around Lake Akan, it drops below 15 degrees. Wakkanai, located on the coast, is around 14 to 15 degrees, but strong winds will make the perceived temperature considerably lower.

In Hokkaido, preparations for autumn begin as soon as August is over, and in some areas, the first sightings can be seen as early as mid-to-late October, so it gets quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

Data: From the Japan Meteorological Agency
These are the lowest daily temperatures under the same conditions as above. Temperatures in Sarabetsu and around Lake Akan in Tokachi fell below 5 degrees Celsius.
Based on these predictions, the areas with the most extreme temperature fluctuations are Lake Akan and Sarabetsu.
Furthermore, the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in Sapporo is about 10 degrees Celsius, so you can't be complacent just because it's inland.

According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency from 1981 to 2010, the average rainfall in October was 108.7 mm, compared to 46.8 mm in June, which had the least rainfall.

The months with the most rainfall are December and January, with over 111mm of precipitation, which is expected to turn into snow rather than rain.

In Hokkaido, temperatures increase throughout the region once October arrives.
Especially in mountainous areas and along the coast, the wind can be strong, so you'll need thick clothing plus something to wear over it.

Whenever I go to Hokkaido at this time of year, the things I always bring with me are a scarf and gloves.
Even if your body is protected, if your face, ears, and hands get numb, your whole body will actually start to feel cold.
When you wear a warm coat, the warmer your body gets, the colder your hands and face will feel.

A scarf is incredibly versatile; you can slip it into your bag when it's hot and quickly wrap it around yourself when it's cold, so be sure to carry one with you. The trick is to wrap it from below your eyes to your ears.

Another common, thick item to bring is a sweater.
Actually, while sweaters are made from warm animal fibers like wool and cashmere, they are "knitted with thick yarn," which means they are quite breathable.

I think it'll be fine when you're outside because you'll be wearing a coat or something, but the problem is "when you take off your coat to go sightseeing."

Sometimes, wearing a coat at a tourist spot is too hot, but taking it off makes you a little cold.

When wearing a sweater, layering is key. Wearing a heat-retaining base layer underneath will help!

With all necessary precautions in place, let's enjoy Hokkaido in October without feeling the cold!

Summary

Autumn in Hokkaido offers plenty to see and do, from sightseeing to delicious food.
This is also a time when you can encounter the majestic beauty of nature and the changing seasons, as well as the truly delicious flavors that the land and sea provide.

While I'd love to introduce you to all the autumn foliage spots scattered throughout Hokkaido, it's difficult to visit them all in one trip, so this time I've introduced the must-see major spots.
There are tons of events happening, so be sure to enjoy Hokkaido in October!

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