In October many Japanese people love to travel into the mountains and countryside to see "Kouyou" (Autumn colours). The mountain roads and hot springs around Niseko become quite busy in the weekends during this period. For those without a car, Japan Rail puts on a special kouyou steam locomotive that runs from Otaru and through the Niseko area.

If you are lucky enough to live in Niseko you only have to look out your window to appreciate the Autumn colours.

TV weather reports track the best dates for kouyou throughout Japan. The kouyou season kicks off around late-September in central Hokkaido and ends early December on the southern island of Kyuushu. It is possible to catch the Autumn colours around Kyoto and then fly to Niseko and enjoy the early season snow.

Talking of snow, the first snow of the season has already fallen on Mt Yotei and opening day for the Niseko Ski Resort is less than 6 weeks away. With winter so close the blog will be taking a hiatus as we prepare for the upcoming winter.  Hopefully I will be able to post a few winter pictures during the season (Of the 11 winters I have done in Hokkaido, I unfortunately have very few photos so don't hold your breath).