Japan, Asia
Hokkaido in September
The first autumn color in Japan starts on Daisetsuzan's peaks in mid to late month. A lovely, calmer month.
The straight answer
September is a good month to visit Hokkaido. The first autumn color in Japan starts on Daisetsuzan's peaks in mid to late month. A lovely, calmer month.
- Weather
- Crisp, highs near 72F (22C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What September is like in Hokkaido
September is crisp, with highs near 72F (22C). The first autumn color in Japan starts on Daisetsuzan's peaks in mid to late month. Crowds thin after summer, and prices ease. It is a lovely, calmer month for road trips and hikes. Mornings are cool and clear, and the harvest brings fresh seafood and produce to the markets.
It suits hikers, photographers, and couples who want quiet roads and early fall color. Homeschool families can travel while schools are in session. If you want peak color in the cities, October is better.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.
Japan's first fall color
Daisetsuzan's peaks turn red and gold in mid to late September, weeks before the rest of Japan.
Quiet road trips
With summer crowds gone, roads around Biei and Furano are calm.
Harvest season food
Fall is a great time for Hokkaido's seafood and produce.
What to pack for September
- Warm layers
- A windproof jacket for the mountains
- Hiking boots
- A camera
Our timing tip
Plan a ropeway ride on Daisetsuzan in the second half of September for the earliest fall color in Japan.
Book Hokkaido for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in HokkaidoOpens a hotel search for Hokkaido in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in HokkaidoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in HokkaidoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Hokkaido for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Autumn color
Mid September on Daisetsuzan to late October in Sapporo
The earliest fall foliage in Japan, starting on the high peaks.
Things to do in Hokkaido
Sapporo Snow Festival
Giant snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino for about a week in early February. Book lodging months ahead.
Niseko and the ski resorts
Niseko is the most international; Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro are often quieter. January and February are the powder months.
Furano and Biei lavender
The fields peak in mid to late July. Go early morning to beat tour buses at Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond.
Otaru
Canal town with glassworks and sushi, 30 to 40 minutes from Sapporo. Magical during the Snow Light Path festival in February.
Shiretoko Peninsula
Five Lakes walk and bear-watching boat cruises in summer; drift ice walks in February and early March.
Asahiyama Zoo
Famous for its winter penguin walk and animal viewing design. A great family stop in Asahikawa.
Beat the crowds
- If you want the Snow Festival, book Sapporo hotels three to six months out, or stay in Otaru and commute.
- Ski in early to mid January or March for good snow with fewer people and lower rates than Christmas, Lunar New Year, and February.
- At Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond, arrive before 8am in July. By 10am the tour buses are in.
- Avoid Obon week in mid August for rental cars and lodging, and book summer rental cars early; they sell out.
Know before you go
- Shiretoko Pass (the road across the peninsula) and many mountain roads close in winter, usually from roughly early November to late April.
- Many summer attractions, ropeways, and lodges in national parks close from about November to April; check any specific site.
- Ski resorts generally open in late November or December and close between late March and early May depending on the resort and snow.
- Heavy snowstorms can cancel flights at New Chitose and shut roads and trains for a day. Build a buffer day into any winter itinerary.
Hokkaido in September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Hokkaido?
September is a good month to visit Hokkaido. The first autumn color in Japan starts on Daisetsuzan's peaks in mid to late month. A lovely, calmer month.
What is the weather like in Hokkaido in September?
Crisp, highs near 72F (22C).
Is Hokkaido crowded in September?
Crowds in Hokkaido are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Hokkaido in September?
Autumn color (mid september on daisetsuzan to late october in sapporo).
Keep planning Hokkaido.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
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