November is a peaceful time for Hokkaido. Ski season doesn't start until the very end of November, so once the autumn foliage photographers thin out it will feel even less crowded than usual. By the time the last of the leaves fall Hokkaido will be noticeably cold, but this makes the various onsen hot springs even more rejuvenating.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about Hokkaido in November— from the first measurable snowfall and seasonal highlights to travel advice and tips for making the most of your visit. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the best of Hokkaido without the usual stress that comes with figuring out the various train, subway, and bus schedules. Travelling with Snow Monkey Resorts allows you to really focus on the seasonal views and the charm of Japan's northernmost prefecture.
Weather in November
Autumn in Hokkaido can seem to move by quickly, and November will get colder and colder as the month goes on. With Hokkaido being Japan's largest prefecture, average temperatures can vary significantly by location. In the City of Sapporo, located in the heart of Hokkaido, average daytime highs range between 7–11°C, while evenings temperatures dip to 0–4°C. At the southern end of Hokkaido, average daytime highs in Hakodate range between 8–12°C, though evening lows are often still around 0–4°C. Wherever you are in Hokkaido, the weather will turn noticeably colder as autumn changes to winter. We recommend dressing in layers, and bringing heavier coats for the mornings and evenings.
The koyo autumn colors will be gone by mid-November, which is also when most parts of Hokkaido start to see significant snowfall. Rain or sleet can still happen on a warmer day, but snow will become much more common as the month progresses. In fact, if conditions are favorable, some ski resorts such as Niseko United may open up some lifts as early as the last week of November!
Festivals & Events in November
Sapporo White Illumination (late November to mid-March)
The Sapporo White Illumination is a major winter event in Sapporo, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido. Known for its extensive light displays in Odori Park, this Illumination event features millions of LED lights that create intricate designs and sights! This year Sapporo White Illumination will be held from November 21st to March 14th. The Illumination event offers a magical and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the heart of the city. This event also coincides with the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo, providing a full-fledged festive experience with food, drink, and crafts.
Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo (late November to mid-March)
Coinciding with the Sapporo White Illumination, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo is also held in Odori Park all winter. This charming market is a sister event to the famous Christmas markets of Germany and brings the festive spirit of Bavaria to the heart of Sapporo. This year the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo will be held from November 21st to March 14th. The various stalls—built in a German half-timber style—offer handcrafted and event-limited goods, traditional German foods and drinks (including mulled wine!), and of course great photo opportunities in the magical atmosphere of dazzling lights and fresh snow.
Hakodate MOMI-G Festa (mid-October to early November)
If you'll be in Hakodate at the very beginning of November, the Hakodate MOMI-G Festa could be your last chance to really appreciate the autumn foliage colors. This annual festival is held in the Kosetsuen Garden, a nationally-designated Cultural Property located within Miharashi Park. This year MOMI-G Festa will be held from October 17th to November 3rd. This garden features a scenic path lined with Japanese maple trees, and the path itself is often blanketed in a vivid, deep red from mid-October. Photographers especially are sure to appreciate the serene setting provided by the Japanese-style architecture and the abundant autumn leaves. You can even take good photos after sunset, as the trees are illuminated from 16:00 to 21:00 every night of the festival.
Seasonal Highlights in November
Changing Seasons in Hokkaido
November is one of the most peaceful times to visit Hokkaido, as it has some of the lowest numbers of tourists of the year. If you come at the beginning of November you can still catch some beautiful autumn sights, but by mid-month the falling leaves will be replaced by falling snow. The onsen towns and national parks especially will start to collect more and more snow as the month goes on. Snow absorbs sound and reflects light, so an evening stroll in late November can be particularly serene.
Autumn Flavors
White "Autumn salmon" and shishamo are still in season, on a colder day nothing will warm you up quite like a hot bowl of ramen. Luckily for those of us visiting Hokkaido this winter, the prefectural capital city of Sapporo is actually known for miso ramen! Miso ramen is a noodle soup defined by its rich, savory broth made with fermented miso. Unlike the clear broths of salt- or soy-sauce-based ramen, miso ramen's soup is robust and often has a unique, slightly nutty and earthy flavor. This distinct broth, when combined with the usual hearty toppings, makes for a soul-warming and uniquely flavorful dish that's just perfect for a cold day.
Featured Tours in November
Snow Monkey Resorts offers a great variety of tours in Hokkaido, all conveniently departing from Sapporo Station. Below are our top choices for tourists visiting in November:
1-Day Tour from Sapporo: Learn of The Indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido & Jozankei walking tour
Our Jozankei Tour provides a memorable and enriching journey with a balanced blend of culture, history, and nature. This tour ultimately takes you to the Jozankei onsen village, but first makes a stop at the Ainu Cultural Center. This museum and Jozankei are both tucked away in lush natural surroundings, providing for a full day surrounded by vibrant autumn colors.
Highlights:
- Learn of the Ainu, an indigenous ethnic group who reside in Hokkaido, and take a glimpse into their daily lives.
- Enjoy a breathtaking walking tour of Jozankei and see firsthand its rich nature and the allure of its hot springs. Afterwards, rejuvenate your weary feet in one of the free footbaths.
- Experience a 2 hour hot spring bath at a very well established Jozankei hot spring hotel.
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Sapporo: Learn of The Indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido & Jozankei walking tour
1-Day Tour in Noboribetsu: Hell Valley, Lake Oyunuma Footbath & Dai-ichi Takimotokan Day Bath
Our Noboribetsu Tour will take you to the Noboribetsu Jigokudani Hell Valley and then Noboribetsu Onsen Village, and November is a great time to visit and beat the crowds! Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, this tour will immerse you in Hokkaido's natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Take in otherworldly sights from the 600-meter-long boardwalk through Noboribetsu's Hell Valley
- Soak your weary legs in the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath
- Explore the Dai-ichi Takimotokan, renowned for its 35 baths sourced from five different types of spring water — each providing unique health benefits!
Tips for Visiting & Travel in November
- Getting to Hokkaido - Many visitors to Hokkaido may first find themselves flying into New Chitose Airport. From there, there are many convenient buses and trains which can take you directly to Sapporo Station, in the heart of the City of Sapporo, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido. Or, if you're already in Japan and you're more interested in southern Hokkaido, you can always take the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train into Hakodate. This shinkansen departs from Tokyo but makes a convenient stop at Shin-Aomori Station before leaving the main island of Honshu and then going underwater to cross the Tsugaru Strait to take you to Hokkaido.
- What to Wear – November days in Hokkaido are cool and refreshing early on, but get colder as the month progresses. Average highs can be anywhere from 7–12°C. Evenings especially will often drop to single digits, and evenings later in the month will be significantly colder. Dress in layers and bring warm jackets for the evenings.
- Photography – Early and late November both offer great scenery, though very different types of scenery. Depending on your location, you should be able to find yellow, orange, and red leaves during the first week of the month. By the end of the month, you will instead by greeted by snowy winterscapes.
- Timing Your Visit – Visiting earlier in November if you prefer more comfortable weather. Temperatures will drop steeply as November progresses. But once you are in Hokkaido, remember that weekends and festival days can be very busy at the more touristy destinations—even in November. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting any famous destinations on weekdays.
Where to Stay in November
November is one of the most peaceful months to visit Hokkaido. It's a big island, so we're prepared a separate article to over the Best Places to Stay in Hokkaido. Please give it a read if you need help choosing a destination or planning your way there.
Plan Your November Visit
November can be a magical time to experience Hokkaido. The whole island transitions from yellows and reds to white in a matter of weeks, and with the snow a quiet falls on Hokkaido. That is, until festivals like the Sapporo White Illumination bring it back to life and draw in the crowds! Still, November is relatively less crowded, and the seasonal food, crisp air, and relaxing hot springs all add to the charm, making this one of the best months of the year to visit.