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As autumn takes over Niseko and becomes relatively quieter in preparation for the bustling winter season, Niseko becomes the perfect retreat for anyone looking to enjoy the area at a slower pace whilst taking advantage of the cooling weather. If you’re wondering what to do in Niseko in October besides enjoying a soak in the onsen or hiking to some of the area’s most beautiful autumn foliage spots, check out the list of events happening in and around Niseko in October below.
In and Around Niseko
Photo Credit: Sapporo Tourism
Kōyō Kappa Bus
1 – 21 October 2025
Jozankei, a famous onsen resort in Hokkaido and an hour’s drive from Niseko is also known for its stunning autumn foliage. From 1 October to 21 October, an hour guided bus tour called the Kōyō Kappa Bus will take visitors to several kōyō spots including the Jozankei Ohashi Bridge, Jozankei Dam, and Mt. Hakkenzan.
Photo Credit: Japan 47 Go
Kirara Republic Founding Festival Rankoshi
2 October 2025
A festival celebrating one of Rankoshi’s popular rice brands, the Kirara 397. Held at Rankoshi’s shopping street, visitors can enjoy a variety of unique activities and events like the jumbo mushroom hotpot, annual rice scooping event, and mochi throwing – along with stage performances, game booths, and a flea market.
Photo Credit: Japan 47 Go
Rankoshi New Rice Festival
11 -12 October 2025
Autumn is the season for shinmai, or newly harvested rice, known for its stickier, glossier, whiter appearance. And arguably, much more delicious than rice that farmers harvested the previous season. And just 30 minutes away from Niseko is the town of Rankoshi, where visitors can buy the town’s speciality, their famous “Rankoshi rice”, at the upcoming New Rice Festival this coming 11 – 12 October.
A rice tasting corner, food trucks, a raffle with luxury accommodation and hot spring vouchers up for grabs, and even a rock-paper-scissors tournament with 60 kilogrammes of rice as its grand prize, will all happen at the festival.
Photo Credit: Niseko Resort Tourist Association
Niseko Halloween
12 October 2025
Halloween celebrations are not to be missed in October. A family-friendly event, come in your best costumes and join the party at Niseko Town. Happening at the Niseko Central Warehouses, take pictures with the pumpkin decorations, enter the Halloween Costume Contest, and treat yourself to some gourmet food at the Niseko Gourmet Carnival happening this 12 October.
Photo Credit: Makkari Tourism Association
Makkari Halloween
27 -31 October 2025
The town of Makkari will also be holding their own Halloween event for three days from 27 – 31 October. Held at the Makkari Flower Centre, parents and children are welcome to join various activities like pumpkin painting and drawing on glass house windows. For the adults who will come to visit, carrot liqueur tasting will also be available at the venue.
Plenty of summer-long events are coming to an end this month, such as Hanazono’s Mountain Lights Exhibition will have its last day of the year on 6 October, and the long-run fireworks display in Lake Toya will be ending on 31 October. However, this just means that the most-anticipated Winter season in Niseko is soon to come. If you have not planned your stay yet, take advantage of our Winter Offers and stay with Setsu this powder season.
