Silver Week in Hokkaido: Autumn Foliage, Relaxing Onsen, and Fewer Crowds

This year has a surprise up its sleeve: five days off in late September called Silver Week, a time that most of Japan will spend in the same three cities; Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Silver Week runs from 21 to 23 September 2026, with the sandwiched weekday on the 22nd becoming a public holiday, making it a rare five-day run in total. 

This year, Japan has a rare treat on the calendar: a five-day holiday called Silver Week in late September. From 19 to 23 September 2026, much of the country will be on the move, with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka drawing the usual crowds. Our suggestion? Step north. Hokkaido offers cooler air just under 20°C, early autumn colours, and more restaurants open without the crazy crowds.

Here are a few key reasons to book your Silver Week getaway to Hokkaido.

Rusutsu is ideal for a long weekend. The Vale Rusutsu connects directly to Rusutsu Resort, which in late September means an amusement park, award-winning golf, amazing onsen, and a dining programme built around seasonal produce — all on your doorstep.

Between pickleball, tennis, horse riding, park golf, and a gondola that moonlights as an autumn sightseeing ride, nobody is going to be bored here. Lake Toya is an easy day trip, just a 40-minute drive away. The HOKKADian Homestead farm-to-table experience at the lake runs once a day and sells out first — book it through Guest Experience early, ideally before the rest of the itinerary.

Late September in Furano features splendid fall scenery. The Tokachi Mountain Range comes alive with earthy colours, Panorama Road and Rollercoaster Road offer the best views espeically from behind the wheel, and Daisetsuzan National Park is still open for hiking. The plus? Everyone’s favourite flower fields Farm Tomita, Zerubu Hill, and Flowerland Kamifurano also stay open until early October. Those looking for Instagrammable spots can hit The Blue Pond and Ningle Terrace, which is quieter than they would be in summer.

Base yourself at Fenix Furano, Fenix West, or Shiyuki Chalet for the full autumn experience in Furano’s Kitanomine Zone.

Niseko in September comes with a big plus: sweeping views of Mount Yotei are at its sharpest in the dry autumn air. The pace also slows between seasons, allowing for a pure immersion. Hiking trails are open, the golf courses are quieter, the onsen circuit becomes more appealing when the air turns cooler than before. Padel courts and cycling routes both benefit from fewer crowds too.

If a private onsen chalet is on the table — Corniche Hirafu, Yuki Sugi, Tsubasa, Kazahana — this is the season to justify it. Couples and smaller groups are well served by condotel apartments with private onsens such as Niseko Kyo.

The earlier you book, the better the rates. Our Guest Experience team takes care of everything else: transfers from New Chitose, restaurant reservations, activity bookings, and golf tee times across all three destinations.