How to Enjoy Hokkaido in October | Sightseeing, Seasonal Attractions, and Experiences! | Hokkaido Lab - A Hokkaido Travel Guide to Enjoy Gourmet Food, Nature, and Culture -

As autumn deepens in October, the things you can do when traveling to Hokkaido change dramatically. Don't miss out on enjoying Hokkaido while you can!

<Table of Contents>
Hokkaido Travel: October Weather and Clothing
Hokkaido Travel: Recommended Events & Sights in October
Tips for choosing a Hokkaido travel tour in October
Recommended local experiences and activities for October
Helpful column for your Hokkaido trip in October
[adsense_mkj]

Hokkaido Travel: October Weather and Clothing

What's the weather like in Hokkaido in October?

October brings autumnal signs to Honshu, while Hokkaido is already in the final stages of autumn.

While Tokyo's average high temperature is around 22°C and low temperature around 15°C, Sapporo's average high temperature is around 15°C and low temperature around 7°C, a huge temperature difference that can be quite surprising. Moreover, it can even snow in mountain passes. Rental car companies are starting to switch to snow tires around this time of year, so if you're planning to rent a car to cross mountain passes, you might want to check if they have snow tires installed.

What should I wear for a trip to Hokkaido in October?

During the day, a light outer layer such as a trench coat or jacket will suffice, but it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to bring a cardigan or scarf to adjust to the temperature.

Asahikawa, where Asahiyama Zoo is located, is one of the places in Hokkaido with the most extreme temperature fluctuations. If you plan to sightsee early in the morning, please be sure to adjust to the temperature.

Hokkaido Travel: Recommended Sightseeing Spots and Seasonal Delights in October

Many of Hokkaido's specialties, such as sea of clouds and fireworks, end in October! Let's enjoy a last-minute trip to Hokkaido.

Hokkaido specialty

sea of clouds

The "sea of clouds" is a magnificent sight that represents Hokkaido's breathtaking scenery. In Tomamu, a popular spot for viewing the sea of clouds, it will be gone by mid-October.

Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks

The Lake Toya fireworks display, which has been running since summer, will come to an end at the end of October. During the day, the autumn leaves illuminate the lake, and at night, the sparks light up the surface. And of course, Lake Toya is famous for its hot springs! Let's spend a relaxing day enjoying Lake Toya.

Shishamo

Shishamo fish is the perfect accompaniment to alcoholic beverages. In Hokkaido, it's a seasonal delicacy that can only be caught for about a month starting in early October. In Mukawa, a region known for its shishamo production, it's even eaten as sushi.

Hokkaido events in October

Ikeda Town Autumn Wine Festival

Sunday, October 1, 2017 @ Event Plaza next to the Wine Castle

This all-you-can-drink wine event is held in Ikeda Town, which can be considered the birthplace of Hokkaido wine. With plenty of gourmet food including roast beef, sausages, and salmon chan-chan yaki, it's so popular that the 4000 yen advance tickets have already sold out.

Akkeshi Oyster Festival

September 30th to October 9th, 2017 @ Konohi Park

Akkeshi is the only place in Japan where oysters can be harvested all year round. There are plenty of attractions unique to the region, such as grilling oysters, surf clams, and saury over a net in the square, and catching oysters by hand!

Onuma Autumn Leaves Festival @ Onuma Quasi-National Park

Mid-May 2017

In the southern Hokkaido region, there's a festival during the autumn foliage season! Free tastings of smelt soup and Onuma beef are held at various times throughout the day, making it an event that will satisfy both your eyes and your stomach!

Tips for choosing a Hokkaido travel tour in October

Prices in October are roughly the same as in September. If you avoid the Health and Sports Day long weekend, it's a good time to travel to Hokkaido. It's one of the cheapest times of the year, so why not take a spontaneous trip to Hokkaido?

Search for Hokkaido tours in October

Local experiences and activities to enjoy in Hokkaido in October

The air is crisp and refreshing this time of year, so let's get active and move our bodies!

Trekking and hiking

I want to fully enjoy the nature of Hokkaido!

Detail page

Hakodate Sightseeing Bus

The picturesque city of Hakodate

A leisurely sightseeing bus trip

Detail page

horse riding

Riding a horse

Refreshing Forest Bathing Walk

Detail page

Helpful column for your Hokkaido trip in October

October is the perfect time for an active Hokkaido trip! This column provides information to make your Hokkaido trip more enjoyable, including driving routes and more!

Autumn-colored tourist spots