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!

*This article was published in May 2015, and therefore contains information from 2015.

Table of contents
1. Recommended tourist spots to visit during Silver Week
2. Hokkaido events during Silver Week
3. Things to be concerned about when traveling to Hokkaido 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. 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.

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.

Image source:Photo library

The wolf is dead
Ropeway (Sounkyo Onsen to 5th Station)　
Business hours 6:00 to 18:00
Round trip: Adults: 1,950 yen, Children: 1,000 yen
Pair lift (5th station to 7th station)　
Opening hours 6: 30 to 17: 30
One-way fare: Adult: 400 yen, Child: 250 yen
Round trip: Adults: 600 yen, Children: 400 yen
TEL：01658-5-3031
*These are the planned business hours for September 2015.

Asahidake Ropeway
Operating hours: 06:00 - 17:30 (last departure for southbound trains)
Round trip: Adults: 2,900 yen, Children: 1,450 yen
TEL：0166-68-9111
*Business hours from September 19th to 23rd, 2015 (tentative)

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
https://youtu.be/zQfkUGiyC1I
Video provided by: Tour organizer 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.

Some local tour companies offer salmon run 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.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's "Sea of ​​Clouds Terrace" has become synonymous with Hokkaido's sea of ​​clouds. This summer, a new deck will open, making it even more impressive.

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.

For more details, please see the related articles below.
・A breathtaking view! Three carefully selected locations in Hokkaido where you can enjoy the highly-anticipated sea of ​​clouds! [2015 Edition]

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 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 may be too late for the peak of flower fields like lavender, but the weather is perfect for visiting popular tourist destinations such as Sapporo and Otaru, making it a highly recommended season.

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

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!

2-1. 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!
This event brings together delicious foods and local specialties from all over Hokkaido.

Sapporo Autumn Fest
Event period: October 2015th to November 9th, 11
Location: Sapporo, Odori Park
http://www.sapporo-autumnfest.jp/

2-2. 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
Dates: September 19-20, 2015
Location: Special venue at Nemuro Port

2-3. Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu

The Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu, a major event this year where renowned gardeners from Japan and abroad showcase beautiful gardens against the backdrop of the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park, is nearing its end, with only a short time left until October 4th. Why not enjoy it along with the autumn foliage of Daisetsuzan?

Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu
Dates: September 19-20, 2015
Location: Daisetsu Forest Garden (Main venue)

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.

Autumn at Shiretoko Pass

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

In short, it's expensive! In particular, departures on September 19th-20th and returns on September 22nd-23rd are about twice as expensive (and in some cases more) than the dates before and after due to tour airfares.

For example, in the case of this tour...
Organized by: White Bear Family
★Around Hokkaido★ June-September (ANA/AIRDO flights) Rental car & no need to return with a full tank of gas during your stay! Free choice of accommodation from 50 facilities in 27 areas! 6 nights/9 days of sightseeing around Hokkaido
Double occupancy (excluding surcharges, etc.)
・Departure on 9/17...43,000 yen
・Departure on 9/18...55,100 yen
・Departure on 9/19...85,000 yen
・Departure on 9/20...67,700 yen
・Departure on 9/21...71,800 yen
・Departure on 9/22...44,600 yen

If you want to keep costs down, consider the following:
Take a day off or half-day off in advance and depart on September 18th!
I'll take either September 24th or 25th off and depart on or after September 22nd!
I'm giving up on flying and going by ferry instead!
　The one-way fare between Oarai (Ibaraki) and Tomakomai starts from 11,310 yen (economy class for the same period).

As I mentioned, it's expensive, but even so, it sells out quickly, so the first thing to do is make a reservation. I recommend making a reservation first and then considering other options. If you book a domestic tour through a travel agency, there are no cancellation fees up to 22 days before departure!
(Discount tickets and LCC tickets purchased through airline websites often incur cancellation fees, so please consider carefully before booking.)

Summary

We've introduced some recommended Hokkaido destinations for the Silver Week holiday period. What did you think? Make the most of your five-day break and enjoy a trip to Hokkaido! Start planning early!

*The information in this article is current as of May 2015.

Please also check out these related articles.

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  Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Hakodate during Golden Week! Here are 4 of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hakodate!

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  The Four Seasons of Shiretoko Pass | The breathtaking scenery and charm of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

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