Unlike the popular and crowded destinations in Japan, the good hiking spots in Niseko and the surrounding areas offer an experience of majestic nature without the disturbance of large crowds.
The air is gradually becoming cooler, and the lush green fields are giving way to the characteristic autumn hues of yellow, red, and brown. Farmers are busy harvesting their crops, signaling the arrival of a vibrant fall season.
If you’re planning a trip to Niseko in the fall, the period from late September to late October is ideal for witnessing the most beautiful autumn colors.
Good Hiking Spots in Niseko
1. Good Hiking Spots: Hangetsu Lake
(Photo: Setsu Niseko)
Hangetsu Lake, also known as Crescent Moon Lake, is named after its unique crescent shape. The lake is surrounded by a lush green park with countless trees changing color with the seasons. An easy-to-walk trail circles the lake, allowing you to explore the entire area in a serene environment. On sunny fall days, you can immerse yourself in the Koyo tunnel (autumn foliage tunnel), where the golden and red leaves stretch overhead, while a carpet of brown and golden leaves lies beneath. The reflections of the trees on the still lake create a mesmerizing scene, particularly attracting photographers and locals.
Accessibility: Hangetsu Lake is very accessible, with a short, slightly steep path leading up to the lake. Located less than a 10-minute drive from Hirafu, it’s a must-visit spot when you’re in town.
Map to Hangetsu Lake.
2. Good Hiking Spots: Niseko Panorama Route
(Photo: Setsu Niseko)
The most scenic route in the area is a must-see! The Niseko Panorama Route is renowned for its vibrant autumn colors as you wind along the mountainous path. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of deep valleys and majestic peaks like the iconic Mount Yotei, Annupuri, Nitori, Chisenupuri, and many other mountains in the Niseko-Annupuri range.
The higher you go, the more spectacular the autumn foliage becomes. You can explore this route by car, bike, or stop for a hike and relax in the natural hot springs at Yukichichibu Onsen. Continuing your journey will take you to the town of Iwani – an ideal spot to enjoy fresh sushi or a flavorful seafood rice bowl.
Accessibility: The journey begins in Hirafu on Route 343, heading towards Niseko Village. Continue to the T-junction, turn right, and follow straight to the Niseko Panorama Route. It’s an easy and enjoyable drive. Note that the Niseko Panorama Route is closed in winter.
Map to Niseko Panorama Route.
3. Shinsen-numa
(Photo: Hokkaido Treasure)
Shinsen-numa is known as the most beautiful wetland in the area, a natural gem that’s hard to resist. From late September to mid-October, as the leaves change to vibrant colors, it becomes an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in a picturesque natural scene. In autumn, the ground covered with golden grass contrasts beautifully with the shimmering yellow leaves, creating a fairy-tale landscape.
Accessibility: The boardwalk path is very convenient and suitable for explorers of all ages.
Map to Shinsen-numa.
4. Niseko Oyunuma Lake
(Photo: Nisade)
Nestled deep in the mountains at about 560 meters above sea level, Oyunuma Lake is a famous hot spring, where sulfur-rich water and mineral mud offer skin benefits that locals trust. In autumn, the brilliant foliage illuminates the surrounding hills and mountains, creating a stunning and unique fall scene with steam rising from the lake’s surface. This is also the source of the Yukichichibu Onsen mentioned above.
Accessibility: You can easily reach the lake by car, with parking available. Although you can’t walk around the lake, you can take a short stroll to get closer and admire its beauty. Yukichichibu Onsen is right next to the lake, ready to welcome you.
Map to Oyunuma Lake.
Read more: Top 7 Hokkaido Onsen Havens: A Soak in Tranquility
5. Mount Annupuri
(Photo: Vacation Niseko)
If you want to immerse yourself in stunning autumn scenery and enjoy hiking, Mount Annupuri is the perfect choice. Starting from the trail near Goshiki Onsen, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit of this 1,308-meter peak. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Yotei, a sight that will leave anyone in awe. Many hikers prefer to start their journey early in the morning to catch the sunrise from Annupuri’s peak, especially in autumn when sunrise isn’t as early as in summer.
For a more adventurous experience, try taking the summer gondola up to 1,000 meters and then continue hiking across Annupuri to reach Goshiki Onsen.
Accessibility: The trail to the summit is suitable for intermediate hikers and not too difficult for beginners. Be sure to bring plenty of water as there are no water sources on the mountain. If hiking isn’t your preference, you can drive along Route 58 from Kutchan.
Map to Mount Annupuri.
6. Mount Yotei
Mount Yotei (1,898 meters) is an active stratovolcano located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido, and bears a resemblance to Mount Fuji. It is one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. You can start your hike at 6 a.m. from the Hangetsu trailhead, a 6.2 km route with an elevation gain of about 1,590 meters. This trail is the closest to Hirafu village and Kutchan, and is also one of the most challenging paths up the mountain. As you approach the summit, the gradient can reach up to 50%.
The mountain is divided into 10 stages, with stage 1 being the starting point and stage 10 the summit. Upon reaching stage 9, you can choose to either continue to the summit or stay overnight at the mountain hut.
At the summit, you’ll be greeted by the majestic sight of a deep crater. Walking around the crater takes about 1.5 hours, and even if the clouds obscure the view, the experience remains breathtaking. After lunch, you’ll begin your descent, which takes 3.5 hours and is equally challenging due to the steep slopes.
Some tips:
• It takes 4.5 hours to reach the summit and 3.5 hours to descend. If you’re less experienced, allow 6-8 hours for the ascent.
• Bring enough water (around 4 liters) and food.
• Hiking poles and gloves are very useful, especially during the descent.
• Avoid hiking if it’s raining or has rained recently, as the trail becomes slippery.
• Keep the trail clean, and don’t leave any litter behind.
In summary, this is an exciting and satisfying experience, conquering one of Japan’s most beautiful mountains.
7. Kagaminuma
(Photo: Rural Escape)
Kagaminuma, a serene swamp nestled in the Mount Annupuri range, lives up to its name “Kagami,” which means “mirror” in Japanese. Here, you can marvel at the stunning reflection of Mount Annupuri on the shimmering surface of the lake.
Accessibility: The trail to Kagaminuma is easy, takes about 45 minutes, and is suitable for beginners. The well-maintained path with gentle slopes will quickly lead you to the swamp. To reach here, start from Hanazono Golf Course, where you can find the trail near the exit.
Map to Kagaminuma.
8. Yunosatochusha Park
(Photo: Nisade)
Yunosatochusha Park is a hidden gem where you can enjoy almost any day in private tranquility. This charming park features towering old trees and becomes brilliantly golden as autumn approaches. A few benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic amidst the captivating autumn scenery.
Accessibility: The park is easily reachable by car, with available parking. Walking around the park is very convenient and straightforward.
Map to Yunosatochusha Park.
9. Fukidashi Park
(Photo: Experience Niseko)
Nestled at the base of Mount Yotei, Fukidashi Park is a popular destination that attracts visitors year-round. The park is renowned for its pure, mineral-rich spring water, allowing you to take a piece of nature home with you (remember to bring a bottle or purchase one at the park’s shop).
In autumn, the green foliage gradually gives way to brilliant shades of red and yellow. Walking along the wooden paths around the park, listening to the gentle flow of the springs, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty offers a wonderfully serene experience. A tip: don’t forget to visit the nearby onsen and soba restaurant for some delicious treats.
Accessibility: This is a prime example of “easy as pie.”
Map to Fukidashi Park.
10. Makkari Jumokuen
(Photo: Nisade)
Makkari Jumokuen is a hidden gem known only to locals. This tranquil park is rich in various types of greenery. What sets it apart is the tall, beautiful rows of trees lining the park’s paths, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. The park is also a great spot to view Mount Yotei, especially in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Nearby, you can find the famous tofu shop, Wakimizu no Sato.
Accessibility: Walking through the tree-lined paths and around the park is very easy. However, finding the park entrance might be a bit challenging; look for a large wooden sign reading ‘真狩樹木園’ and you will see a small gravel road leading into the park.
Map to Makkari Jumokuen.
Good Hiking Spots Within a 2-Hour Drive from Niseko
11. Good Hiking Spots: Mount Tarumae
(Photo: National Parks of Japan)
You can drive to the 7th Station parking lot. The trail is relatively gentle, making it an easy challenge for beginners and families with children. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view, including the Pacific Ocean and Lake Shikotsu. On clear days, Mount Yotei is also visible.
• Location: Mount Tarumae 7th Station parking lot, Morappu, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0283, Japan.
• Standard Time:
√ Ascent: 1 hour
√ Descent: 40 minutes
• Notes:
√ As it is a treeless mountain, you may get lost in dense fog. Although it’s not a high mountain, be well-prepared for adverse weather conditions.
√ Due to its popularity and accessibility, the parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
12. Mount Iwaonupuri
Located about 30 minutes from Niseko, this mountain is suitable for beginners. There are initially some steep steps, but once past this section, the rest of the trail becomes easier. From the summit, you can view the surrounding mountains of Niseko! Additionally, nearby Goshiki Onsen offers a relaxing spot after your hike.
• Location: Niseko Cho Goshikionsen Information Center, 510 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan
• Standard Time:
√ Ascent: 1 hour 15 minutes
√ Descent: 45 minutes
• Notes:
√ The area near the summit has many rocks.
√ The summit area is treeless, so visibility may be limited in dense fog and it’s easy to get lost.
13. Mount Iwanai
(Photo: Hokkaido Wilds)
Iwanai-dake is a long hike, though not particularly steep. You’ll walk through the forest to about the 9th station, where you can see Iwanai Town. From there, the view opens up, and you’ll continue on a rocky path to the summit. From the top, you can see the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan Peninsula, and in the distance, the Niseko mountain range. The extended trail to Mount Raiden is also popular.
• Location: 350 Nozuka, Iwanai, Iwanai District, Hokkaido 045-0024, Japan
• Standard Time:
√ Ascent: 3 hours
√ Descent: 2 hours
• Notes:
√ The area near the summit can be slippery due to sand and small rocks.
√ Snow may still be present after the mountain opens.
14. Mount Shiribetsu
(Photo: Wikipedia)
Shiribetsu-dake, connected to Mount Mokujin in the Rusutsu ski area, is a recommended mountain with a very interesting trail on the summit and a sense of accomplishment. With its ascents and descents, this mountain is suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers looking to improve their skills, as well as for experienced hikers. From the summit, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Yotei.
• Location: The marked point is the entrance to the gravel path leading to Mount Shiribetsu from the Rusu-kimo-betsu Route (Route 257).
• Reference Time:
√ Ascent: 2 hours
√ Descent: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Notes:
√ Some steep sections require the use of ropes for support.
√ Pay attention to the slope when descending.
15. Mount Horohoro
The trail includes multiple stream crossings, rock climbing, and makeshift stairways, offering an adventurous and challenging experience. In spring, you will be surrounded by various alpine plants, and in autumn, the vibrant foliage will provide a relaxing atmosphere, easing the fatigue of hiking. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view. Additionally, you can continue to conquer nearby Mount Tokushunbetsu in about 30 minutes.
• Location: From the Hirafu area, follow Shikisai Road (Route 86) towards Shiraoi. You’ll see a sign on the left and a gravel road leading to the trailhead on the right.
• Standard Time:
√ Ascent: 2 hours 20 minutes
√ Descent: 1 hour 30 minutes
Notes:
√ Be careful not to get wet or slip while crossing streams.
Things to Note for Good Hiking Spots
• Essential Food: To maintain energy throughout your journey, choose nutritious and easily digestible foods. These help you replenish energy and sustain necessary strength.
• Rocky Terrain: When traversing rocky and gravelly areas, be cautious with each step to avoid injury and slipping.
• Mountain Traverse: Conquering mountain ranges by crossing from peak to peak offers the sensation of touching the sky and viewing majestic landscapes.
• Steep Paths: Steep trails with significant inclines require thorough preparation and good endurance to overcome.
• Altitude Sickness: At higher elevations, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Be prepared to handle these conditions.
• Grass Cutting Tools: When passing through dense bushes and vegetation, you may need a tool to clear or push them out of the way for a smooth journey.
Exploring 15 good hiking spots around Niseko in the autumn not only offers you wonderful natural experiences but also opens up opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s fall season. From colorful forest trails to majestic mountain summits, each step will lead you to breathtaking views and unforgettable moments. Prepare well for your trip, equip yourself with the necessary gear, and don’t forget to savor the fresh air and spectacular scenery that Niseko’s autumn provides. Wishing you an impressive journey and memorable experiences!
Source: Nisade, Vacation Niseko
