4 Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots in Niseko, Hokkaido

• Table of Contents
• A luxury hotel in Niseko, perfect as a base for sightseeing in Otaru and Sapporo!
• Serene Reflections of Autumn Leaves at “Hangetsu Lake”
• A Golden Carpet at “Shinsen-numa Marsh”
• Enjoy Autumn Colors While Bathing at “Goshiki Onsen”
• A Golden Driving Route: “Niseko Panorama Line”
• Enjoy the Spectacular Views of Mount Yotei, Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji, in Summer

A luxury hotel in Niseko, perfect as a base for sightseeing in Otaru and Sapporo!

The Niseko area is a great place to stay, with easy access to popular tourist destinations such as Otaru, Sapporo, Shakotan, Noboribetsu, and Lake Toya, all within a 1-2 hour drive. In addition, in winter, tourists from all over the world flock to the area in search of powder snow, and there are many Michelin-starred luxury hotels and hotels with multilingual support. Why not use a luxury hotel in Niseko as your base for day trips to Otaru and Sapporo?

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Serene Reflections of Autumn Leaves at “Hangetsu Lake”

Hangetsu Lake is a mystical volcanic lake quietly nestled on the northwestern foothills of Mount Yotei. Situated at an elevation of about 270 meters, the lake has an average depth of 4 meters and a maximum depth of 18.2 meters, with crystal-clear waters. It’s a hidden gem within Shikotsu-Toya National Park and designated as a national natural monument. In autumn, the trees along the lakeshore turn golden, creating a breathtaking mirrored scene on the lake’s surface.

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Best Viewing Period ：Early to late October (subject to weather conditions)

◆Nearby Information
  ・Please use the “Hangetsu Lakeside Nature Park Parking Lot.”

  ・About a 3-minute drive away is the café “Oudon Café Hozuki.”  

A Golden Carpet at “Shinsen-numa Marsh”

Among the many lakes and marshes around Niseko, “Shinsen-numa” is often said to be the most beautiful. Its name comes from the impression that Japan’s Boy Scouts founder, Toyomatsu Shimoda, and his party had when they encountered the marsh’s mystical atmosphere, calling it a place where “gods and immortals reside.” During autumn, the marshland turns into a golden carpet. A boardwalk is built from the parking area to the marsh, making it an easy 20-minute walk to enjoy the highland plants and scenery.

◆Best Viewing Period: Late September to mid-October (subject to weather conditions)

◆Nearby Information
  ・The parking area has a rest house with a snack corner and a shop (toilets available).
  ・From the observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan mountains.  

Enjoy Autumn Colors While Bathing at “Goshiki Onsen”

The hidden hot spring “Goshiki Onsen” in the Niseko area is named for its waters, which change to five colors depending on the sunlight. At “Niseko Goshiki Onsen Ryokan,” visitors can soak in the outdoor bath while admiring the autumn foliage of Mount Annupuri and Mount Iwaonupuri. The smooth, sulfur-rich waters are popular, and the onsen also offers day-use bathing.

◆ Best Viewing Period：Early October (subject to weather conditions)

◆ Nearby Information
 ・At the “Niseko Town Goshiki Onsen Information Center,” just a 2-minute walk away, you can get information about hiking and sightseeing in the Niseko area.
 ・During autumn, trekking tours around Mount Annupuri and Mount Iwaonupuri are also recommended.

(Image credit: Niseko Resort Tourist Association)

A Golden Driving Route: “Niseko Panorama Line”

The “Niseko Panorama Line” is a scenic driving route that connects Niseko Town to Iwanai Town. During autumn, the trees along the roadside turn yellow and red, offering stunning views of the Niseko mountain range as you drive.

◆Best Viewing Period: Mid to late October (subject to weather conditions)

◆ Nearby Information
・On the Niseko side of the Panorama Line, you’ll find the day-use hot spring “Rankoshi Town Exchange Center Yukichichibu.”

・Along the Niseko Panorama Line, you’ll also pass by “Shinsen-numa,” introduced earlier in this article.

(Image credit: Niseko Resort Tourist Association)

Enjoy the Spectacular Views of Mount Yotei, Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji, in Summer

Niseko is not only a world-famous winter destination attracting skiers from across the globe, but from May to October, during the green season, visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and rafting to fully experience Niseko’s rich natural surroundings. For more about how to enjoy Niseko in the green season, please check the page linked below.

Check out Niseko's green season

Beyond autumn, Niseko offers stunning scenery year-round — after soaking up the great outdoors, why not relax at one of Niseko’s cozy cafés?