Offbeat Japan – Discovering the best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn

Updated – February 2024

When I close my eyes and imagine the quintessential autumn scene, my mind drifts to the vibrant colours of Hokkaido’s foliage. It’s a place where nature paints its masterpiece with fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of fall beauty. Join me on a journey as we discover the best places to visit in Hokkaido during this magical season. But first, let’s rewind and go back to my original thoughts that led me to Hokkaido, Japan, during Autumn.

The healing power of the wild, mountainous and unexplored Hokkaido

Cruising through the placid waters of Lake Toya ko in Hokkaido, Japan, on a cloudy day in October, I had finally made peace with my waging mind. Just a few weeks back, I was losing my sleep over finding answers to questions which should have been left unanswered. Fed up with my situation, I was contemplating taking antidepressants and sleeping pills, but my cure was somewhere hidden in the wide-open spaces of Hokkaido, Japan. I had not even heard about Hokkaido a month ago, and here I was, exploring the best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn.

As a lone passenger when I alighted from the Cruise at the floating islands of Nakajima, I didn’t know I would not only be left spellbound by the beauty of the tropical-blue caldera lake of Toya but it would also bring quietude and peace to my life. I sat on the shore, marvelling at the fantastic art gallery of nature.

Perhaps the uninhabited island was expecting me, and that’s why it was all decked up in the pretty autumn colours of red, orange and yellow, with streaks of green and brown thrown in between. Maple leaves were busy teasing the sometimes-gentle-sometimes-rough waves. The wild berries of tall mystical pine trees held the water droplets by the edge. The bright red Shrine gate was keeping a strict eye on everyone.

Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. Neither nature nor me. I was in a state of stillness, not bothered to click selfies when I heard a voice whisper in my ears,

Welcome home, Honey. You took long to arrive. Let’s have a chat. Why do you get hurt when people leave? Look at me. I have been all alone all my life. People come and go. Each person has a specific role in your life. Why do you want to hold on when they are gone? Do I run after others? No. So stop chasing. Make yourself so enigmatic that others run after you.

Yes, it was that simple. But complicating the simple comes naturally to homo sapiens. It was time to simplify. The enormous Lake Toya, which stretched flat and smooth and blue all the way to the edge of the grey sky, had healed me. Probably, the secret conversation between the lake and me was heard by the seagulls, too. They were all celebrating my happiness by flapping their wings around me.

WHY did I choose Hokkaido?

Why did I choose Hokkaido for my next destination in Asia? This question lingered as I embarked on a slightly long prelude to why Hokkaido in Autumn should be your next destination in Asia. But how did I visit the most offbeat part of Japan and not make the famous Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka trail? The credit goes to the most potent tool of marketing, word-of-mouth. My friend had visited Hokkaido in May and shared the offbeat charm of the northernmost island of Japan. Being an offbeat traveller, it resonated with me immediately. Then, the icing on the cake was Lonely Planet, naming Hokkaido as the top destination in Asia. Another reason for choosing Hokkaido was to witness the amazing kaleidoscope of Autumn Colours, which starts in the mountains of Hokkaido in September and descends to the central and southern parts of Japan until November. I wanted to travel along with the Autumn leaves. And I actually did 🙂

While Hokkaido is known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, its charming cities and cultural attractions captivated me. From exploring Sapporo’s vibrant food scene to discovering the historical treasures of Hokkaido and Otaru, the island’s diverse attractions ensured there’s something new at every place I visited.

Hokkaido’s culinary delights further enhanced my experience, with its renowned seafood, hearty soups, and delectable Hokkaido pumpkins enticing visitors to indulge in the region’s gastronomic offerings.

Lastly, Hokkaido worked out to be most economical as compared to other regions. With options ranging from budget-friendly Ryokans to affordable cruises, I didn’t break my bank to explore Hokkaido during autumn.

WHAT are the best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn?

October in Hokkaido offers a treasure trove of experiences, with many attractions and activities to enjoy amidst the breathtaking autumn landscape. Here are some of the best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn:

1. Daisetsuzan National Park: This expansive national park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering breathtaking vistas of colourful foliage against the backdrop of rugged mountains. Hiking trails wind through forests ablaze with autumn hues, leading to panoramic viewpoints and serene alpine lakes.
2. Lake Toya: As one wonders why Lake Toya is famous, it’s impossible to overlook its picturesque setting against the backdrop of volcanic peaks. Famous for its scenic beauty, Lake Toya is particularly enchanting during autumn when the surrounding forests transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat cruises, lakeside walks, and relaxing hot spring baths while enjoying the stunning autumn scenery.
3. Shikotsu-Toya National Park: Home to both Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, this national park offers a wealth of autumnal beauty. Visitors can explore hiking trails, take scenic drives, and marvel at the reflections of colourful foliage on the crystal-clear waters of the lakes.
4. Onuma Quasi-National Park: Located near the city of Hakodate, Onuma Quasi-National Park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes dotted with small islands and tranquil lakes. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the park’s scenic trails or take a leisurely boat ride to admire the autumn colours reflected in the water.
5. Shiretoko National Park: While primarily known for its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife, Shiretoko National Park also offers stunning autumn scenery. Visitors can take boat tours along the coast to admire the rugged cliffs and watch for wildlife against a backdrop of vibrant foliage.
6. Furano and Biei: These neighbouring towns are famous for their rolling hills of colourful flowers in the spring and summer, but they also offer spectacular autumn landscapes. Fields of golden rice paddies and vibrant flower fields set against the backdrop of distant mountains create a picturesque scene that’s perfect for autumn photography.

These are just a few of the best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn, each offering unique experiences and opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. I would highly recommend visiting Eastern Hokkaido in Autumn, too.

WHEN is the best time to visit Japan?

Summers (June to Aug): Perfect time if you want to hike Mt. Fuji or other peaks or visit the national parks for flowering season

Autumn (September-November): This is the best time to catch the fall colours that travel from top to bottom of Japan

Winters (Dec-March): Best time for Skiing and winter sports. Also, snow festival happens during this period.

Spring (Mid-March –Mid-April): The most famous season to see Sakura (cherry blossom) that starts from bottom to top

WHERE did I travel in Japan in Autumn?

I decided to follow the autumn leave path. I spent seven days chasing the fall colours in Hokkaido and seven days in Honsu.

My 15-day Offbeat Japan itinerary:

Day 1: Manila to Tokyo to Sapporo

Day 2: Local sightseeing in Sapporo

Day 3: Day tour to Jozankei from Sapporo

Day 4:  Day tour to Yoichi and Otaru

Day 5: Lake Toya & Noboribetsu

Day 6: Noboribetsu and Hakodate

Day 7: Travel to Hakodate and local sightseeing

Day 8: Local sightseeing in Hakodate and travel to Sendai

Day 9: Sendai to Matsushima to Sendai

Day 10: Sendia to Nikko

Day 11: Niko local sightseeing

Day 12: Nikko to Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji) via Tokyo

Day 13: Kawaguchiko and Tokyo

Day 14: Tokyo sightseeing

Day 15: Kamakura to Tokyo to Manila

HOW did I travel?

Japan is a haven for public transport. It can’t get better than here. Everything runs on time, is convenient and well organised. But quality comes at a price, so transportation is incredibly expensive in Japan. The bulk of my expenses were on transportation.

1. Flight: To save on time I flew from Tokyo to Sapporo. The ticket cost me around 8000 JPY, but I made the booking at the last moment, so I had to pay almost double the usual booking amount.
2. Trains: The fastest but the most expensive mode of transport. I got a 14-day JR Pass, which I used extensively for intercity travel, except for Kawaguchiko, where JR train service is unavailable.
3. Buses: Used them for intra-city travel and day tours to destinations like Jozankei, Nikko, and Kawaguchiko. They were cheaper than trains. For example, a train ticket from Sapporo to Toya costs approx. 5000 JPY, but a bus ticket (Hotel service) costs only 1000 JPY. However, the bus frequency is very low. So, it was imperative to check the timetable before venturing out.
4. Subway: Used them in big cities like Sapporo and Tokyo. Buying a day pass was economical. For example, a 24-hour pass for unlimited use on all Tokyo Metro subway and Toei subway lines, buses and trams as well as JR lines within Tokyo limits, costs 1,590 yen for adults (Child: 800 yen). Find more details on Japan Travel here.
5. Trams: Hakodate’s old-world charm is incomplete without its tram. Fares vary according to the distance travelled. Usually, fares for adults are usually 210 yen to 260 yen. I bought a day pass for 600 from my hotel, which was a very convenient and romantic way of travelling. You can find more details about Hakodate Trams here.
6. Cruises: I took three cruise rides – Lake Toya, Matsushima Bay and Tokyo. Cost between 1200-1500 per ride
7. Walking: I walked a lot. On average, I walked for 15 km per day. Japan has well-paved walking pathways.

WHAT travel hacks did I learn in Hokkaido, Japan?

1. Navigation: maps.me app is a saviour for travellers. It is super-accurate offline maps empowered me to explore the most offbeat places on my own.
2. Accommodation: Hostels in Japan are top-notch. I tried Oak Hostel Cabin and instantly fell in love with the idea of a capsule hotel. Very cosy and very comfortable. The staff spoke English well and went out of their way to help. I had imagined it to be cramped and claustrophobic, but it was just the opposite. Despite staying in a dorm, I had my privacy. The best thing was its location and the amazing services it offered – the lounge, kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas were well-equipped with all modern amenities. Tip: Book in advance as they get sold out soon.
3. Hotel Booking: Although I booked most of my accommodation two weeks in advance, the few I booked at the last moment were better than those booked before. Also, Agodo.com offered better prices than booking.com, hotels.com, hostels.com, TripAdvisor, Airbnb or even hotel rates. I would always compare the prices on all sites before making a booking. Tip: Search in incognito mode
4. Weekend Surcharge: Tokyo and nearby destinations like Nikko and Kawaguchiko have a larger influx of tourists during weekends, so they have a weekend surcharge. Try and plan your trips accordingly.
5. Food and Drink: Hokkaido is heaven for foodies, especially for seafood lovers. Ramen noodle shops, Soba Noodles and tempura are good quality food options available at lower prices. You can get a big bowl of Ramen in 800 JPY. Also, I preferred buying groceries from supermarkets instead of a convenience store. And you find vending machines almost at every street corner and even in desolate areas. Always stocked with cold drinks, hot drinks, food items and other assorted items. For drinks, you must try Sake and Japanese Whisky and don’t forget to visit the Whisky and Beer Museums in Hokkaido.
6. Maps and Timetable: I travelled to the strangest and most offbeat places, where I was either alone or in the company of people who didn’t understand my language. But not even once did I face a language barrier. Every station/restaurant/grocery shop/sightseeing attraction/outlet/home always had a map and train/bus timetable. Also, Google Translate came in handy.
7. Packing: I packed too much but wore the same Uniqlo and North Face travel gear most of the time. It gets incredibly cold in Japan, and layering always helps. Still, because you don’t get dirty, you can afford to wear the same clothes (except for undergarments) for several days. So pack light to avoid carrying a heavy backpack. All train stations and hostels provide lockers where you can store your luggage at a nominal price of 500-700 for 24 hours. Most hostels, hotels, and guest houses have every basic item you need – toiletries, towels, hair dryers, tea-coffee vending machines, umbrellas, and even washing machines. So you can pack light.
8. Connectivity: I used Airlo data SIM. Their eSIMs are available for 7, 15 and 30 days, and prices range from $4.5 to $26. it was both economical and easy to connect wherever I went. You can buy a pocket Wi-fi if you are travelling in a group. Else, a Mobile SIM is better.

So this was the experience of Offbeat Japan – Discovering the Autumn beauty of Hokkaido. Hope this post inspires you to plan your trip to the land of vast spaces and incredible beauty soon.

Before I end the post, let me share some interesting facts which can earn you brownie points in front of others 😛

INTERESTING FACTS about Hokkaido, Japan

• The northernmost prefecture of Japan is approximately the same size as Ireland.
• It is the second largest but most offbeat island in Japan.
• It has an area of 20% but only a 5% population.
• It produces one-fourth of the seafood in Japan. King crabs are a local delicacy and a must-try.
• The best ski and winter sports destination in Asia, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and will host the 2017 Winter Asian Games
• On a clear day, you can see Vladivostok, Russia, from the ridge of Mount Annapuri. Niseko is closer to Vladivostok than Tokyo.
• Most of the national parks are found in the Hokkaido region, which mostly remains unvisited.
• Bubbling Onsens (hot springs) are found almost everywhere, thanks to the spiky mountains, primaeval lush forests, volcanic eruptions and caldera lakes.

FURTHER reading about Japan

Facts About Japan – Land of the Rising Sun

Sakura bloom on your mind? Here’s a complete travel guide on where and when to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Sushi, Shrines, and Beyond – 15 Essential Travel Tips for a Budget-Friendly and Hassle-free Adventure in Japan

10 Reasons to Visit Hokkaido: From Ainu Culture to Winter Wonders, Your Ultimate Guide

Open Season – The Best Time to Visit Japan