Discover Autumn Wonders Around Niseko

August, 25th 2025

As summer’s green slopes begin to blush with gold and burnt orange, Niseko transforms into a different kind of playground. The air turns crisp, the skies sharpen to a clear blue, and the mountain landscapes are ablaze. This is the magic of early autumn in Hokkaido—arriving earlier than in the rest of Japan and painting the region in rich, layered colors.

This season, we invite you to venture a little beyond Niseko’s usual favorites. Within a just over an hour’s drive, you will find a collection of lakes, peaks, hot spring valleys, and scenic roads where autumn’s full spectrum unfolds. Each offers its own blend of nature, activity, and photo opportunities, whether you’re here for a gentle stroll, a mountain soak, or that perfect golden-hour shot.

Hangetsu Lake

Just a short drive from Hirafu, Hangetsu—“Half Moon” Lake—sits at the foot of Mt. Yotei, cradled in a volcanic crater. In autumn, its forested rim bursts into shades of amber and rust—the colors doubling in the lake’s still, glass-like surface.

A gentle trail traces the shoreline, making it perfect for families, casual walkers, and anyone carrying a camera. On a calm day, you can capture the reflection of colorful foliage on the lake’s surface.

Oyunuma Pond – Steam Rising Through Nature’s Palette

A short drive towards the backside of the Niseko United resort, Oyunuma is a sulfuric hot spring pond set in a natural basin. In autumn, the rising steam swirls against a backdrop of fiery mountain slopes, creating a cinematic atmosphere, perfect for photos or for a simple moment to appreciate Hokkaido’s nature.

Boardwalks and walking paths lead you to different vantage points, including a bubbling hot spring foot bath along the stream—a welcome warm-up if the breeze carries a hint of winter. It’s the kind of place where you linger, not just for photos, but to watch the way light plays on steam and leaves.

Goshiki Onsen – A Bath With a View

A bit further up the road, perched in the mountains between Niseko and Kutchan, Goshiki Onsen is known for its mineral-rich outdoor baths. Come autumn, the surrounding ridges glow with gold and copper, and soaking here becomes more than relaxation—it’s a front-row seat to the season.

Even if you don’t step into the baths, the nearby observation deck offers a wide, elevated panorama of the mountains dressed in their autumn best. Pair your visit with a slow lunch in the onsen lodge before continuing your foliage hunt. There are also trailheads nearby waiting to take you to higher elevation to view the splendor of Autumn from mountain peaks.

Panorama Line – The Drive That Lives Up to Its Name

True to its title, the Niseko Panorama Line is one of Hokkaido’s most scenic mountain roads, winding from Niseko toward Iwanai on the coast. In autumn, the route becomes a ribbon through rolling hills of orange, yellow, and red, with frequent pull-offs for photos.

Drive it slowly, stop often, and take short detours to nearby viewpoints. The road itself is the attraction, and on clear days the contrast of blue skies against autumn slopes is unforgettable.

Jozankei Canyon – The Perfect Nature Immersion

Just over an hour from Niseko, Jozankei offers a different mood—a narrow canyon where the Toyohira River winds between cliffs draped in maples. Walking paths and pedestrian bridges provide plenty of vantage points, while the town’s historic ryokan and onsen hotels invite a slow soak after your stroll.

This is a popular day-trip destination for Niseko and Sapporo locals, so an early morning arrival will give you the quietest experience, and an opportunity to navigate the walking paths, bridges and riverside. This is one of the top 3 places in all of Hokkaido to enjoy the serenity and beauty of Autumn on Japan’s north island!

Making the Most of Your Autumn Visit

From reflective lakes to steaming hot spring valleys, from mountain drives to riverside canyons, Niseko’s autumn palette is as varied as it is vibrant. Within an hour or so from the resort, you can see landscapes that feel worlds apart—each with its own rhythm, its own light, and its own quiet moments to enjoy the nature that surrounds us.

Follow the colors, and let this short season surprise you. You’ll be glad you did.

Timing: Higher elevations begin turning in late September, with peak colors descending into the valleys by mid to late October.

Base: Base yourself in any of the 4 Niseko resort areas, to take advantage of a myriad of accommodation options, savor the local food and enjoy all of the activities still on offer through September.