October is one of the best months to visit Hokkaido for sweater-lovers and onsen-goers. As the air chills the mountain valleys begin to burn with autumn colors, creating the perfect environment to enjoy outdoor onsen hot springs.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about Hokkaido in October — from the koyo autumn colors 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 October
Though the summers in Hokkaido are already mild by Japan's standards, October brings even cooler conditions—especially in the evenings. Still, with Hokkaido being Japan's largest prefecture, average temperatures will vary significantly by location. In the City of Sapporo, located in the heart of Hokkaido, average daytime highs range between 15–18°C, while evenings temperatures dip to 7–9°C. At the southern end of Hokkaido, average daytime highs in Hakodate range between 16–19.5°C, though evening lows are often still around 7–9°C. Wherever you are in Hokkaido, the weather will turn noticeably colder as winter approaches. We recommend dressing in layers, and bringing heavier coats from mid-October.
The koyo autumn colors are at their best from mid-October, with vibrant yellows and oranges adorning every tree. Rain is occasional but usually not heavy. Snow is usually not yet a possibility for Sapporo in October, though colder regions may see very light snowfall on particularly cold nights later in the month.
Festivals & Events in October
Sapporo Autumn Fest (mid-September to early October)
The Sapporo Autumn Fest is a large-scale food festival held in Odori Park, Sapporo. This festival typically runs from mid-September into early October, this year from September 12th to October 4th. The event is divided into different areas, each focusing on a specific theme, such as local ramen, regional agricultural products, fresh seafood, and of course alcohol. Visitors can sample dishes from hundreds of different food stalls and vendors, making it a unique opportunity to taste the full range of Hokkaido's harvest season in one central location. The Sapporo Autumn Fest is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the Hokkaido's renowned food culture and celebrate the bounty of autumn.
Hakodate MOMI-G Festa (mid-October to early November)
The Hakodate MOMI-G Festa is a festival held to 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 October
Autumn Colors in Hokkaido
October is one of the most comfortable times to visit Hokkaido, and is also one of its most picturesque times. The national parks and onsen towns nestled in mountain valleys all become enveloped in shades of red, orange, and gold. Even just walking around the cities, you are sure to come across some lovely autumn colors in any local park or garden.
Autumn Flavors
As part of the autumn harvest season, Hokkaido enjoys typical crops such as wheat and potatoes in October. Kabocha pumpkins, though harvested slightly earlier in the season, are also widely enjoyed in October as they become sweeter after a post-harvest ripening period. "Autumn salmon" are also a staple during this time of year when salmon return to their rivers to spawn—meaning plenty of ikura fish eggs to go around as well! But if you really want something unique to Hokkaido, we recommend shishamo. Shishamo (pictured above) is a kind of smelt found only on the pacific coast of Hokkaido, and only during the autumn from mid-October to November. It's said that male shishamo tastes different than female shishamo, so if you are a true connoisseur of regional cuisine then you may want to find and try both!
Featured Tours in October
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 October:
1-Day Tour from Sapporo: Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen
Our Hoheikyo Tour will take you to the Hoheikyo Dam and then Hoheikyo Onsen, and October is easily the most scenic time of the year to visit both of these locations! Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, this tour will immerse you in Hokkaido's natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Come in autumn and you'll be rewarded with an array of crimson, amber, and gold leaves reflected on mountain cliffs—a photographer’s dream.
- Enjoy easy walking trails along the dam lakeshore and through nearby forest paths. Ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking for a moment of calm away from urban life.
- Soak in a massive rotenburo outdoor bath surrounded by forested mountains—spectacular in every season. Autumn being the best!
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 from Sapporo: Blue Pond & Hills of Seasonal Colors
Discover the beauty of rural Hokkaido on our Blue Pond & Hills of Seasonal Colors Tour. Departing from Sapporo Station, this tour isn't just about reaching a destination—it’s about immersing yourself in some of Hokkaido’s most breathtaking landscapes, all while enjoying the convenience and comfort of Japan’s world-class public transportation. But speaking of destinations, this tour will take you to the iconic Shirogane Blue Pond, a mysteriously vivid blue pond lined with shirakaba birch trees which turn yellow and orange in October. Then, travel to the picturesque Hills of Seasonal Colors, where vibrant flower fields stretch across rolling hills to create a rainbow landscape that changes with the seasons. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, this relaxing day trip offers a stunning slice of Hokkaido's natural charm in every season.
Highlights:
- Witness the surreal cobalt-blue hues of the Blue Pond—an unforgettable, otherworldly sight that changes subtly with light and weather.
- At the Hills of Seasonal Colors, marvel at rolling hills blanketed in vibrant rows of seasonal flowers—lavender, sunflowers, tulips, poppies, and more depending on the time of year.
- Hop on a farm tractor for a charming “flower tractor” ride to tour the entire hillside in comfort while enjoying panoramic views.
- Meet adorable alpacas at the on-site mini farm—fun for all ages and perfect for a few lighthearted selfies.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in October
- 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 – October days in Hokkaido are cool and refreshing, with average highs often in the ballpark of 14–20°C. Evenings, however, can often drop close to single digits, and later days in the month will be significantly colder. Dress in layers and bring warm jackets for the evenings.
- Photography – October offers some of the best scenery of the year. Depending on your location, you should be able to find yellow, orange, and red leaves throughout the month. The crips air should also allow for clear images, even when photographing distant mountains.
- Timing Your Visit – Visiting earlier in October if you prefer more comfortable weather. Later dates may be better for autumn foliage in some locations, but temperatures will drop steeply as November approaches. But once you are in Hokkaido, remember that weekends and festival days can be very busy at the more touristy destinations. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting any famous destinations on weekdays.
Where to Stay in October
October is one of the most comfortable and beautiful 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 October Visit
October can be one of the most memorable times to experience Hokkaido. The autumn festivals in Sapporo, Hakodate, and other localities bring all visitors closer to nature and local traditions, while the autumn colors create breathtaking scenery across the whole prefecture. 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.