Niseko Autumn Leaves 2026: Where the Colour Is Now, the Gondola's Last Days and When the Roads Close

In 2026, the latest report from the mountain, on 30 September, says Niseko's autumn colour is now spreading over the whole mountain. As a rough guide, early to mid-October is the time for the high ground you reach by gondola and for mid-height spots like Shinsen-numa and the Panorama Line. The gondola's autumn run ends on Monday 12 October and the mountain roads usually close for the winter in mid to late October, so see the mountain colour by the 10–12 October long weekend, and leave Hangetsu-ko at the foot of Mt Yotei and the trees around Hirafu for the second half of the month.

If you're driving down from Sapporo, let the weather pick the day. Under grey skies, the reds and yellows look flat. Check Niseko's weather and snow forecast for a clear day before you set off, and decide which onsen you'll stop at on the way back so you're not scrambling at dusk.

Where things stand in 2026 (checked 5 October)

That report is the 30 September post from the Goshiki Onsen information centre. It says the colour started at the summits and has been coming down steadily. The Niseko Resort Tourist Association points to the same centre for updates. As of 5 October, there was no October report yet.

Up top, it's already turning to winter. On 2 October, Kutchan Town recorded the first snow on Mt Yotei (1,898m), seven days earlier than last year and two days earlier than normal, according to the Hokkaido Shimbun. The 2026 winter closure dates for the Panorama Line and the Echo Line hadn't been announced as of 5 October.

When do the leaves peak in Niseko? Plan by height

Niseko United's guide says the autumn colour usually runs from the end of September to the end of October. The colour starts at the top and moves down over the month. The same guide puts the Panorama Line's peak until early October, the gondola views in early to mid-October, and Kagami-numa until around mid-October.

• High: the 1,000m point the gondola takes you to, and the slopes above it. Colour comes here first
• Middle: Shinsen-numa (750m and up), the Panorama Line, the Goshiki Onsen area and Oyunuma. Niseko United's guide puts the Panorama Line's peak until early October
• Low: Hangetsu-ko at the foot of Mt Yotei, and the roads around Hirafu and town. These turn last, in the second half of October

If you're here in the second week of October, I'd do the middle band first. The Panorama Line is near the end of its peak, and its road closes before the leaves are gone. I'd keep the gondola for a clear morning.

The Annupuri autumn gondola runs until 12 October 2026

Niseko Annupuri runs its gondola every day from 3 to 12 October 2026, 9:00–16:30 (last ride up at 16:00, last ride down at 16:30). After that, it's done for the autumn.

• Fares: ¥1,700 return for adults, ¥850 for elementary school children. One way is ¥1,050 / ¥530. Preschool children ride free (Niseko Annupuri)
• Ride: about 10 minutes each way, up to the 1,000m point. On a clear day you can see Mt Yotei to the east
• Weather: it may not run in bad weather. Check the operating status before you drive over

This is the easy option with small children or if you don't want to walk far. It's a poor choice on windy days or when the cloud is low. If you can't see the top from the base, you'll be riding up into fog. The restaurant on the second floor of the base centre house, Nook Annupuri, is open daily until 31 October, 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:00) (Niseko Annupuri).

Shinsen-numa and the Panorama Line: go before the road closes

Shinsen-numa is a pond and wetland on a plateau over 750m up. From the car park it's about 20–30 minutes each way on a boardwalk (Kyowa Town). The town says the boardwalk is uneven and very slippery when wet, and asks you to wear non-slip shoes such as trekking shoes. The car park holds about 80 cars, and the rest house and toilets are open from early June to late October, 9:00–17:00. Sunny weekends get busy, so a weekday morning is easier.

You get there on the Niseko Panorama Line (Route 66). The 18.3km section between the Kyowa gate and the Rankoshi Yuri gate closed at 10:00 on 24 October in 2025, and on 25 October in 2024 (Niseko Resort Tourist Association). Once it's shut, Shinsen-numa is out of reach by car until spring. The Echo Line (Route 58), from the Hanazono side up to Goshiki Onsen, closes earlier: 10:00 on 14 October in 2025, and 15 October in 2024.

Line up the last two years and there's a catch. The tourist association posted its notice on 15 October in 2024 and 16 October in 2025, both on or after the day the Echo Line had already closed. If you wait for that notice, you'll be too late. The day before you go, check Routes 58 and 66 on Hokkaido road traffic information. By phone, try the Otaru Construction Management Department's Kyowa office (0135-62-1818, Panorama Line) or Makkari office (0136-45-2136, Echo Line).

• Don't save it for "the last weekend". The road can close with the leaves still on the trees
• You'll need a car or a tour. There's no easy public transport up here. If you're not renting a car, read how far can you get around Niseko without a car? first

Other spots: Oyunuma, Kagami-numa and Hangetsu-ko

Oyunuma is a steaming hot-spring pond at Niseko Yumoto Onsen in Rankoshi. Right next to it is Yukichichibu, a town-run day onsen, so it runs straight into a soak.

Kagami-numa is the pond Niseko United calls one of the most popular foliage spots. Kutchan Town, though, lists it as walkable from mid-May to early October, and warns that bears may live around Iwaonupuri and Annupuri. By mid-October, I'd skip it.

Hangetsu-ko is a half-moon-shaped lake in the forest at the foot of Mt Yotei, a short drive from Hirafu. From the car park it's about 15 minutes' walk to the lakeshore (Kutchan Town). The path can crumble on the valley side, so hold the rope on the mountain side. The toilets closed for winter on 22 October last year. It's one for the second half of October, after the high spots are done.

Which onsen to soak in after the leaves

Two fit the routes above:

• Yukichichibu (next to Oyunuma): run by Rankoshi Town. ¥900 for adults, ¥300 for elementary school children. Entry 10:00–18:30 until 31 October (12:00–18:30 from November). Closed Tuesdays, or Wednesday when Tuesday is a holiday. Cash only. Children under 5 and under 105cm can't bathe (Rankoshi Town)
• Ikoi no Yuyado Iroha (near the Annupuri base): day bathing from 12:30, last entry 20:00. ¥1,200 at the standard summer rate (Niseko Annupuri). Easy after the gondola

To find an onsen on your way home on the map, use the onsen list in Machinavi. If you'd rather choose by water type and colour, 14 recommended hot springs in Niseko is quicker. For a day in order, lunch at a dairy farm, Shinsen-numa, then Goshiki Onsen, see the autumn leaves and hidden onsen day drive.

What to wear for the autumn leaves in Niseko

It's colder than it looks in the photos. The Japan Meteorological Agency's normals for Kutchan put October's daily high at 15.0°C and daily low at 4.5°C. In November the normal daily low drops to −1.0°C (is there snow in Niseko in November, and what's open?). Up the mountain it's colder again, and windier.

• Layers: long sleeves, a fleece, and a light windproof jacket on top
• Shoes: the Shinsen-numa boardwalk is slippery, so non-slip shoes such as trekking shoes
• Early or late in the day: a hat and light gloves
• On trails: a bear bell, stay on the path, and don't leave food out

FAQ

When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Niseko?

The season usually runs from the end of September to the end of October, starting at the summits and finishing in the lowlands. In 2026 the mountains were reported to be colouring all over by 30 September, so early to mid-October is for the high and middle ground, and late October is for the foot of Mt Yotei and town.

Does the Niseko Annupuri gondola run in autumn 2026?

Yes, every day from 3 to 12 October 2026, 9:00–16:30 (last ride up 16:00). A return ticket is ¥1,700 for adults and ¥850 for elementary school children. It may not run in bad weather.

When does the Niseko Panorama Line close for winter?

The 2026 date hadn't been announced as of 5 October. It closed at 10:00 on 24 October in 2025 and on 25 October in 2024. The Echo Line to Goshiki Onsen closes earlier, on 14 October in 2025. Check Hokkaido road traffic information the day before you go.

Can I see the autumn leaves without a car?

The gondola is the easiest option, but Shinsen-numa and the Panorama Line really need a car or a tour. The trees in Hirafu and on the lower slopes colour up in the second half of October.

Are there bears near the autumn leaf spots?

Bears live in the Niseko mountains. Kutchan Town warns they may be around Iwaonupuri and Annupuri, where Kagami-numa is. Make noise, stay on the paths, and don't leave food out.

— Niseko Hub Editorial Team