Your insider’s guide to soaking up the season’s best — from golden trails to steaming onsens.
Your insider’s guide to soaking up the season’s best — from golden trails to steaming onsens.
I know this doesn’t make me unique in any way, but Autumn is my favourite season. The edge is taken off the summer heat and the breeze is cooler and refreshing. But it is a bit more than that. Perhaps it’s the shift to a longer wavelength of light. The phenomenon where the lower angle of the sun allows for longer, redder wavelengths to dominate. This gives Autumn light it’s “golden” quality. It seems more pronounced here in the north. And time tends to slow a little and days seem more relaxed.
It is a great time to visit Niseko. And whether you’re here for a long or short stay, autumn does reward you with slower moments, clear views, and unforgettable flavors.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up five experiences that define Niseko in the fall — from the warmth of a private BBQ to the hush of a forest hike. Some of these even come with exclusive perks this season, so read on and start dreaming up your perfect autumn escape.
1 – Savor Seasonal Flavours with a BBQ
BBQ. Everyone loves a BBQ. For me, I am happy with anything cooked over the grill. From traditional western fare like the humble hamburger or hotdog. To wagyu strips and pacific scallops.
It is all good. And in Japan, I think BBQ is loved as much if not more than in the west.
Top 5 BBQ items to try in Niseko
- Hokkaido Beef – often top-ranked by Japanese Grading Association – it is known for its marbling, tenderness, healthiness and delicious rich flavour
- Shishamo – Know as Smelt or Capelin, this small fish is in season and grilled is amazing.
- Hokkai Shrimp – umami and sweet. Although strange for Japanese, this with garlic and butter is lobster like and easy to eat!
- Matsutake Mushrooms – if you are lucky enough to procure some of these wild mushrooms – salt and lime are the best after grilling!
- Pumpkin/Squash – you need some nutty carbs to work with all the delights above. – tip, par boil to shorten bbq time, but do not overcook and lose the plot!
And this autumn, we’re turning it up a notch:
👉 Book a BBQ for 6 guests at select properties and receive a complimentary 10L beer server
That’s a cold draft on tap, just for you — perfect for toasting the season. Properties like Forest Estate, Ginsetsu, Sugarpot, Koho, and Yamabiko are offering this perk for stays between September 1 and October 12, 2025
Insider tip: Ask us about local Niseko Markets to elevate your BBQ with fresh autumn vegetables and Hokkaido seafood.
♨ 2. Unwind in Niseko’s Hot Springs
When the days turn cool and the evenings drop into sweater weather, nothing beats the bliss of soaking in an onsen. The Niseko area is dotted with natural hot springs — some hidden in the behind Mt Annupuri, others with views of golden forests. Whether alpine or base level, all the onsens in the area are amazing. Autumn is arguably the best time to onsen: the air is cool enough to make the hot water feel even more luxurious, but not yet freezing. You can sit in an open-air bath and watch steam rise against a backdrop of falling leaves.
Top 3 onsen with different water types!
- YUSENKAKU – Located a 15 min drive away – this weakly alkaline water leaves skin smooth and beautiful – Skin and Beauty Focus
- YUKICHICHIBU – Located a 10 min drive away – sulfur based hot spring- Pain, Fatigue & Recovery Focus
- NISEKO GRAND HOTEL – Located a 7 min drive away – garden style open air hot spring – mixed gender (gendered also available) – 2 wells – acidic and moisturizing
This season, we’re making it even easier to enjoy them:
👉 Stay 3+ nights at select properties and receive complimentary Yumeguri Onsen Passes (valued at ¥2,100 per person).
The Yumeguri Pass gives you access to multiple onsens in the area — perfect if you love exploring different atmospheres, from rustic to refined. The pass is available for guests staying at Hana & Jo, Forest Estate, Fo Sho, Ginsetsu, Koho, and Yamabiko between September 1 and November 30, 2025.
Insider tip: Visit in the early evening for fewer crowds and the best twilight views.
⛳ 3. Tee Off Surrounded by Autumn Colors
Yes, Niseko is a winter sports haven — but autumn golf here is a well-kept secret. With cooler temperatures, few crowds, and wide-open fairways framed by fiery forests, the experience feels serene and spacious.
Most of Niseko’s golf courses stay open until mid-October, and autumn’s drier weather means more playable days than you’d expect. Mt. Yotei provides a dramatic backdrop on several holes, and you’ll often feel like you have the course to yourself.
For travelers used to packed city clubs, it’s a breath of fresh mountain air — literally and figuratively. Bring your camera along; even non-golfers will enjoy walking the grounds and soaking in the views.
Staff pick for a day on the links:
- tee off in the AM at Hanazono Niseko Resort
- go for a soak in the clubhouse after
- head to Hirafu for an adult beverage in the afternoon
- enjoy a BBQ with a beer server at your rental chalet!
- brag about your day on social media
Learn more about local golf courses HERE
4. 🚶 Hike Into the Heart of Autumn
Peak foliage usually hits between late September and early October, depending on elevation. Pack layers, water, and your camera — and don’t forget that autumn evenings arrive fast, so start early and be back before dusk on the more ambitious hikes!
Top 3 hikes by level
Beginner – Shisen-numa Marsh – up into the alpine meadows and fields behind Mt Annupuri, this alpine marsh circuit offers an adventure that is not too hard on the legs or lungs.
Intermediate – Iwanopuri – a steep start, a relaxed middle and a steep finish can make this hike as easy or as challenging as needed. To tone it down, return before the peak climb, to extend, on return from the peak take a right and head to the Niton Puri.
Tip – The view from Iwanopuri is otherworldly, so if you have the juice, do the final climb. It is not that hard.
Advanced – Annupuri – start from behind the resort at Goshiki Onsen and trek up to the familiar icons of the peak. See the contrast between summer and winter peak and take in the views as far as the Sea of Japan.
Adventure Time! – Mt Yotei – takes all day from one of the varied start points – start early and descend soon enough as darkness falls fast!
📸 5. Capture the Season Through Your Lens
Whether you’re a pro photographer or just love taking beautiful shots, Niseko in autumn is inspirational to say the least. Misty mornings, glowing sunsets, and crystal-clear night skies all make for incredible moments to capture.
Iconic shots abound. Mt. Yotei framed by fiery foliage, reflections in Lake Hangetsu, and golden-hour panoramas almost any location. And don’t forget to look up — autumn skies in Niseko are often perfectly clear for stargazing and astrophotography.
Insider tip: Bring a tripod and stay up late at least one night — autumn is prime time for shooting the Milky Way in Niseko.
🍂 Ready for Your Autumn Escape?
Autumn is— a perfect mix of calm, color, and comfort. Check in for the food, the foliage, or the freedom to slow down, we’re here to help you make it count.
And if you’re staying with us this season, don’t forget to take advantage of our limited-time BBQ and Onsen promotions — designed to make your trip even more memorable.
📅 Availability is limited during peak foliage weekends, so plan early to secure your ideal stay.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Niseko this fall. 🍁
