English
Autumn may be one of Niseko’s lesser popular seasons but with such lush greenery and rich natural beauty, Niseko in autumn is also arguably one of its prettiest seasons. We’ve already talked about the best places to see autumn leaves in the area and now, we’re here to give you 5 tips on the best ways to enjoy autumn in Niseko.
Try Out Niseko’s Seasonal Autumn Food
If there’s one thing not to miss during autumn in Niseko, it is the food. A season of harvest in the area, it is the time when most local produce is freshly harvested. Among those is buckwheat, where soba is made from, making Autumn the best season to eat soba as well. Head over to Nokanosobaya Yoteizan, one of Niseko’s many local soba restaurants, and enjoy a stunning Mt. Yotei view while enjoying a filling bowl of soba on a clear, autumn day.
On the other hand, you don’t have to look too far on where to get the finest of Hokkaido’s autumn flavours as méli mélo – Yuki No Koe –, located right inside Setsu Niseko, serves a delightful seasonal Autumn dinner course that uses the freshest produce sourced locally.
Autumn is also your last chance to go fruit picking before winter comes. Apples, prunes, grapes, pears, and even the autumn favourite – chestnuts – will be ripe for picking this Autumn.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Tourism Organization
Go on a Picnic
Going on a hike to some of Niseko’s beautiful autumn spots is always a must-do during Autumn. However, if hiking is not for you, take a stroll around some of our favourite spots – Hangetsu Lake, Kagaminuma Marsh, and Fukidashi Park – and picnic there. Bring snacks and your favourite drink and revel in the stunning autumn foliage underneath the cool, autumn weather.
Photo Credit: Niseko Resort Tourism Association
Find the Perfect Photo Spot
With the vibrant autumn colours of the trees, along with the rich, warm hue of the sun during its golden hours, Niseko becomes the perfect background for your autumn-themed photos. One of our favourites is this beautiful spring water pond located at Nokanosobaya Yoteizan.
Besides the autumn foliage, get into the spirit of Halloween and strike a pose in front of the pumpkins displayed just in front of Niseko Station, a classic autumn sight to see Niseko Town.
Go For a Spin on the Niseko Panorama Line
With no traffic, well-maintained roads, and magnificent views, driving around Niseko is enough to be exciting. We recommend going on a drive at the popular Niseko Panorama Line known for having spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, dense forest, and even the Sea of Japan as it runs from Niseko to Iwanai. The route is about 45 kilometres long and takes 50 minutes to drive – making it the perfect autumn day trip.
Enjoy an Onsen Break
After a long day of exploring Niseko and its surrounding areas, a relaxing soak in an onsen is the best way to end the day. Enjoy the cool autumn breeze, and the vibrant red and orange foliage while taking a dip in one of Niseko’s numerous onsens in the area. There are plenty of hot springs in the area that are open for day use such as the local favourite Kira No Yu Onsen in Niseko, or the Makkari Onsen that provides the best view of Mt. Yotei with their open-air baths.
But if you’re looking to elevate your wellness experience in Niseko, pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment from Rikka Spa that comes with a complimentary one-time use of Setsu’s onsen facilities until 9 November.
Are you planning a trip to Niseko this autumn?
There is a wide range of activities you can enjoy in Niseko while experiencing autumn foliage.
