Autumn at Lake Toya is the most colorful season of the year, when the mountains ringing the lake turn shades of red and gold. The foliage is usually at its best from mid- to late October. The air grows crisp, the lake takes on a deeper hue, and it becomes the perfect time for both a drive and a stroll. Kamonoya, which runs 11 whole-house rentals at Lake Toya, offers a local’s guide to the lake in its season of harvest—from when the leaves peak to the flavors of autumn.

Lake Toya’s autumn foliage usually peaks from mid- to late October

Around Lake Toya, the fall colors are typically at their best from mid- to late October. The maples and rowan trees along the shore and the larch on the mountainsides turn one after another, and the contrast against the blue of the lake is superb. How quickly the colors advance varies with each year’s temperatures, so do check the latest foliage updates before your trip.

At this time of year the mornings and evenings around Lake Toya turn sharply cold, and on some days the temperature drops below 10°C. Even when the daytime is comfortable, be sure to bring a heavy jacket for mornings and evenings.

A recommended drive: circle the lake amid the autumn colors

The single best thing to do at Lake Toya in autumn is a foliage drive all the way around the lake. The full loop is about 40 km, roughly an hour by car. The lakeside road, where the water peeks through the tinted trees, never gets old no matter how many times you drive it. Beyond the lakeside lookouts, higher mountain passes such as Orofure Pass color earlier than the shoreline, so by varying your route you can chase the peak season for longer.

Routes, stops along the way, and tips for driving the mountain passes are covered in detail in our Lake Toya area autumn foliage drive guide. If you want to plan your whole trip around the area, see our Lake Toya sightseeing model course as well.

Lookout spots and the foliage from the water

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the autumn colors beyond driving. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway and you can take in the foliage spread out below, along with Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay. The combination of the reddish-brown slopes of Showa-Shinzan at the foot of the mountain with the surrounding foliage is a view unique to this season.

You can also take the Lake Toya boat’s Nakajima cruise to view the tinted shoreline all the way around from the water. It is a lovely season for a lakeside walk through the onsen town, too—stroll at a leisurely pace, warming up at the free hand baths and foot baths along the way.

Autumn flavors, and fireworks through the end of October

Hokkaido in the harvest season is a delight for food as well. Autumn vegetables and fruit fill the local farm stands and shopfronts. Because every Kamonoya property is a whole-house or private-room rental with a full kitchen, you can stock up on local ingredients and savor them at your own pace back at the house—a real strength for the “cook-your-own” style of travel. For souvenirs, the celebrated sweets from Wakasaimo Honpo are a classic choice. For where to buy ingredients and local food tips, see our Lake Toya food guide.

And not to be missed is the Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival. Held nightly from late April through the end of October, for about 20 minutes starting around 8:45 p.m., it reaches its finale right around the foliage season. Fireworks rising into the clear autumn night sky have a different charm from those of summer. For details, see our fireworks festival viewing guide.

Recommended stays for the foliage season

• For a grown-up trip savoring autumn in quiet: Cloud9 Toya (up to 11 guests, from ¥27,000/night). A whole-house rental where you can watch the flames of the wood stove and spend the long, deepening autumn nights at your leisure.
• For couples and small groups: Toya Tiny Cabin (up to 4 guests, from ¥20,000/night). A small whole-house rental for enjoying the stillness.
• As a foliage-drive base for families and groups: Toya INN-West (up to 9 guests, from ¥25,000/night). A house with a wood stove in the heart of the onsen town.

You can view all 11 properties in our list of facilities.

Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no agency commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability here.

FAQ

Q. When is the best time to see the autumn foliage at Lake Toya?

It is usually at its best from mid- to late October. This shifts with each year’s temperatures, so check the latest foliage updates before your trip. The Long-run Fireworks Festival is also typically held through the end of October, so in some cases you can enjoy both the foliage and the fireworks.

Q. What should I wear during the foliage season?

Mornings and evenings get quite cold, dropping below 10°C on some days. A long-sleeved top with a light jacket works during the day, while a heavy jacket or down layer is reassuring for mornings and evenings. Dress warmly in particular for evening fireworks viewing and early-morning walks.

Q. How long does the foliage drive take?

The loop around Lake Toya is about 40 km, roughly an hour by car as a guide. If you stop off at spots like the Silo Observatory and Lake Hill Farm along the way, allow about half a day to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Both New Chitose Airport and Sapporo are about 2 hours away by car.