Hello everyone!

Following the refreshing breeze of early September, October brings deep autumn colors and the first subtle whispers of winter to Hakodate.

With vibrant foliage transforming the landscapes and bountiful seasonal delicacies arriving from land and sea, October is an unforgettable month to explore. Here is your local insider guide featuring practical advice on temperatures and clothing, must-visit foliage spots, and peak October culinary highlights!

1. October Temperatures & Clothing: Preparing for Sudden Chills

Throughout October, daytime highs rarely exceed 20°C. Mornings and evenings routinely drop below 10°C, prompting local residents to turn on home heaters for the season.

In fact, on October 28th last year (2025), Hakodate recorded its first snowfall—a slushy, sleet-like snow that offered a sharp reminder of the approaching northern winter.

For travelers, selecting the right wardrobe is the main challenge. While long sleeves, light knits, and a versatile jacket work well during sunny afternoons, visiting Mount Hakodate for night views or strolling downtown after dark calls for winter coats, down jackets, and scarves.

🧥 Need Warmer Layers? Top Local Shopping Spots

If the cold catches you off guard, you can easily pick up affordable outerwear and thermal layers in town:

1. MUJI (SHARE STAR HAKODATE, Honcho):
   Right in front of the “Goryokaku-Koen-Mae” tram stop. Excellent for high-quality thermals, lightweight down vests, scarves, and gloves. Just across the street sits Marui Imai Hakodate Department Store, ideal for those seeking premium coats and established fashion labels.
2. Fashion Center Shimamura (Omoricho Branch):
   Within walking distance (or a quick taxi ride) from JR Hakodate Station and the Daimon district. A budget-friendly spot to quickly grab extra fleeces, thermal base layers, and outerwear.
3. UNIQLO (Hakodate Showa Town Plaza Branch, Showa):
   The primary local hub for travelers wanting HEATTECH essentials and Ultra Light Down jackets. As this is Hakodate’s main branch located away from the station area, consider stopping by via local bus, taxi, or rental car.

2. Brilliant Autumn Colors: Top Foliage Destinations (Mid-October to Early November)

From mid-October through early November, trees throughout Southern Hokkaido turn vivid shades of crimson, amber, and gold.

🍁 Hakodate City Classics & Hidden Gems:

• Goryokaku Park: Cherry trees lining the star-shaped fortress turn rich russet and bronze tones, offering a stunning panoramic view from Goryokaku Tower’s observation deck.
• Hakodate Park & Mount Hakodate: Scenic trails shaded by colorful canopy leaves, perfect for crisp autumn walks.
• Sasanagare Dam: Japan’s first buttress dam and a peaceful local secret. The open lawn plaza and surrounding hillside create an impressive gradient of autumn shades.
• Kosetsuen (Miharashi Park) & Citizen’s Forest: Located near Hakodate Airport, Kosetsuen is Hokkaido’s only nationally designated cultural heritage garden. It hosts the annual “Hakodate MOMI-G Festa” (October 16 – November 8), featuring atmospheric evening illuminations beneath vibrant maple canopies.

🚗 Scenic Day Trips: Nanae Town & Hokuto City

If you have a rental car or taxi:

• Onuma Quasi-National Park (Nanae Town): Fiery lakeside trees set against the rugged silhouette of Mount Komagatake offer postcard-worthy vistas from walking bridges or tour boats.
• Hachironuma Park (Hokuto City): A quiet, reflective waterside sanctuary where vivid foliage mirrors beautifully across the calm pond surface.

3. Autumn Harvest: Peak October Flavors

Cooling sea temperatures make October one of the best months of the year for Hakodate seafood:

• Sweet Squid & Prawns: Hakodate’s renowned Japanese flying squid (Surume-ika) gains noticeable sweetness, accompanied by plump spot prawns and sweet shrimp.
• Fatty Autumn Catch: Fresh Pacific saury, seasonal salmon, flounder, and yellowtail arrive with rich fat content, serving as prime toppings for nigiri sushi and sashimi platters.
• Fluffy Regional Potatoes: Southern Hokkaido’s autumn staples, such as Imakane Danshaku and May Queen potatoes. Ordering steamed hot potatoes served with butter and salted squid (Jaga-bata with Shiokara) at the morning market or local izakayas is an absolute must.

Exploring the energetic stalls of the Hakodate Morning Market or pairing fresh sashimi with local sake at a neighborhood tavern makes for quintessential autumn memories.

With major domestic holiday rushes like Silver Week wrapped up, October is an ideal, peaceful travel window to wander historic streets, parks, and hotels at an unhurried pace. Pack thoughtful warm layers to handle the evening chill, and immerse yourself in the clear autumn air, stunning foliage, and rich culinary bounty across Hakodate and Southern Hokkaido!

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!