Autumn colours, amusement park fun, a round of golf and more — here’s why Hokkaido is perfect for Japan’s Silver Week 2026 holidays.
If long weekends call for tiny victory, Silver Week 2026 surely calls for a proper celebration. This year, Japan has a glorious five-day break in September: Respect-for-the-Aged Day lands on Monday, September 21; Autumnal Equinox Day on Wednesday, September 23; and the weekday between them converted into a public holiday.
When faced with an entire week ahead of you, the question is where should you go. Kyoto and Tokyo are sure to be busy, but there’s always the less-trodden area of Hokkaido. The foliage comes early up here, the temperatures sit just under 20°C in late September. During this time, one can enjoy tee times, onsens, fall foliage and cooler temperatures while the rest of Japan sweats through the last of summer.
The public holiday effect is worth factoring in. More restaurants open, more experiences come online, and the region has more to offer than it does on an ordinary September weekend.
Still weighing it up? Here’s what Hokkaido looks like in September.
Click for More Inspiration: Summer and Autumn Festivals in Hokkaido
Why travel during Silver Week instead of Golden Week?
Golden Week is Japan’s busiest travel week every year. Spanning seven days from 29 April to 5 May, this special week is built from four public holidays running back to back. Shinkansen seats often sell out in February, and hotel rates peak sharply, especially in major cities.
Golden Week in Japan typically means record crowds, peak pricing, and sold-out everything in April. Silver Week, on the other hand, comes with considerable perks. Hokkaido in late September means fewer people, cheaper travel costs, and it looks better than it does in April.
Get Your Cameras Ready: Autumn in Japan: Get to Know Koyo
Why visit Rusutsu during Silver Week in September?
What: Amusement park, golfing, rafting, pickleball and more
Where to stay: Stay at The Vale Rusutsu — a year-round condo hotel connected to Rusutsu Resort
In late September, there’s plenty to do in Rusutsu: tee off in award-winning golf courses, enjoy the amusement park with thinner crowds, and end the day with a soak in an onsen. The season brings its own produce that include chestnuts, maitake mushrooms, autumn salmon, and pumpkin.
Active travellers are also in for a treat. Play friendly — or extra competitive — matches at the pickleball and tennis courts, go horse riding or play park golf with the family. The same gondola that takes skiers up the powder slopes offers autumnal sights in late September, showcasing Mount Yotei and the vicinity.
Lake Toya is 40 minutes by car, and we recommend booking a farm-to-table experience at HOKKADian Homestead through Guest Experience — one of the better things we can arrange, and one of the first to sell out.
Gourmet Trail: Hokkaido on a Plate: Inside the HOKKADian Homestead Experience
Why pick Furano for Silver Week in September?
Top activities: Hiking, autumnal sightseeing and more
Stay at: Fenix West or Fenix Furano condo hotels, or Shiyuki chalet in the Kitanomine zone
While Furano and nearby Biei’s most famous summer draw are the lavender fields that peak in July, late September brings an underrated gem: the harvest and autumnal colours. Think crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage on the peaks of the Tokachi Mountain Range, best viewed while driving along Panorama Road or the Rollercoaster Road.
Sightsee or go hiking at the Daisetsuzan National Park to experience koyo, admire autumnal flowers at Farm Tomita, Zerubu Hill, and Flowerland Kamifurano that stay open until early October. Snap away at Ningle Terrace and the famed Blue Pond, while savouring Hokkaido’s best menus.
Taste the Harvest: Our Insider Furano Dining Guide
Why book Niseko during Silver Week in September?
Top activities: Autumnal sightseeing, biking, golfing, hiking, padel and more outdoor sports
Stay at: Condo hotels with onsens include Aya Niseko, Intuition and Niseko Kyo; Corniche Hirafu, Yuki Sugi, Tsubasa and Kazahana chalets additionally offer private onsens.
Niseko in late September is comfortable and relatively quiet. The summer activity season is winding down, but winter preparation hasn’t started. Mount Yotei is at its clearest in the dry autumn air, the hiking trails are still open, too. After an active day, hit Niseko’s onsen circuit for relaxation. Lucky you if you get to have a private onsen in your chalet.
Golfers will especially love the courses in Niseko — every round is played with a view. Meanwhile, padel fans will find the dry September air and cool temperatures close to ideal court conditions. Cyclists also get the same benefit — Niseko’s road network is quieter than in peak summer, the light is better, and Mount Yotei is visible on almost every route.
Hokkaido Golf Courses: Where to Tee Off in Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano
When should I book my Silver Week holiday?
Silver Week 2026 falls 19–23 September. If you’re considering Hokkaido this year, sort the accommodation and transfers as soon as possible to unlock the best rates.
Our Guest Experience team handles transfers from New Chitose Airport, activity bookings, restaurant reservations, and golf tee times across all three destinations. Book directly with us and let our team handle the rest.
Plan your Silver Week Stay in Hokkaido:
Cycling to Soft Serve: How To Spend 72 Hours in Niseko
Falling Slowly: 10 Best Spots to See Niseko’s Autumn Foliage
Green Season in Hokkaido: 10 Best Activities in Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano