Hello,

I'm planning a 5day hiking trip to Hokkaido from 20th of October. Could some one please advise on weather (most guides say mid/low teens) and whether leaves are likely to be in autumn colours or already on the ground?

Thanks in advance

tomek

If you are wanting to head into the mountains like daisetsu-zan or shiretoko then it is too late . Another thing about heading into Hokkaido high mountains in mid to late October is very cold temperatures ( at -5c to -10c at night ) and snow . From October onwards you must treat the mountains like it was winter and that means taking the right gear and clothes .

Anywhere under 1000 meters should be OK . The Autumn season in Hokkaido starts up high in the mountains in Sep and works it way down and usually finish at sea level around Nov ( give or take a few weeks ) . Best time in the alpine is mid to late Sep, lower down early to mid Oct, some years end of Oct, south of Hokkaido early Nov .

BP

This message has been edited. Last edited by: The Hokkaido Bush-Pig,

I was up on Hakundake (north east Taisetsuzan)on October 8th. There was already snow at the top. By now you wouldn't be able to follow the trails.

There are plenty of courses at a lower elevation that would be great this time of year.
- the trail between Asahidake and Tenninkyo
- Sandan near Shirogane (east of Kamifurano)is easily done in the winter and should be ok.
You could also do some of the courses halfway - maybe Asahidake to the top of the ropeway or something?

The trail from Asahidake to Tenninkyo is closed

You can still follow the trails, the snow isn't that deep but enough to cause problems if you do not have the right experience for the conditions and should have experience in reading maps and using a compass, even better have a GSP and take the right gear and clothes. summer and autumn hiking is over in Daisetsu-zan .

I just finished a solo 7 day trek in there and caught the first snows . From end of Sep I take my winter gear, crampons, snowshoes and all four season gear . You may not have to use all of them but you must take them . October is one of those months that change and are different every year but the nights are always very cold.

3 years ago I took a couple of very experience high alpine climbers in there I told them to bring down jackets for in camp, they said that they didn't need to bring them because the mountains weren't very high and it was only October, I told them they were wrong and should bring them . They didn't listen to me and spent all their time in camp in there sleeping bags try to stay warm while I was outside enjoying the spectacular views . The night temperature was -10c.( the lesson here is you should always listen to the person who knows the area )

November in Daisetsu-zan is full on winter .

pic #1 October
pic #2 October
pic #3　late Sep
pic #4 late Sep
pic #5 full winter gear
pic #6 full winter gear

This message has been edited. Last edited by: The Hokkaido Bush-Pig,

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your advice, not keen on the idea of -10c or staying below 1000m so we are staying further south and going for the 3day Kamikochi – Yari Hotaka Circuit.

Shame to miss out on Hokkaido but will have to wait for warmer times ahead. Thanks again for your help & advice!

td