Niseko Colour

  The beauty of the outdoors is as revered in Japan as much as it is anywhere, if not more. Every season brings something worth seeing be it Cherry Blossom in parks across the country in the Spring or the ice floes seen from Abashiri in Hokkaido in the Winter. In October there is no sight or activity less sought after than the viewing of  Autumn colours which again takes place across the country. To most outside of Japan Niseko is known as a ski resort town that supplies the worlds powder hungry skiers and boarders with yearly nourishment. Within Japan it is known for that and its other seasonal attractions such as rafting in the spring and hiking in the summer. Its abundance of trees and forest also makes it a mecca for the viewing of Autumn colours, colours which transform the landscape setting the rolling hills and mountains ablaze with rich colour.

This is of course no secret and there's nothing like a stunning natural attraction combined with a public holiday to draw a crowd in Japan. From 9.00 clock in the morning all roads from Sapporo leading to prime viewing areas such as Hohekio Damn, Nakayama Toge and Niseko were jam packed with traffic. The Sapporo to Niseko route usually takes between 1 and a half to 2 hours however over sports day weekend it took up to 5 hours! However if one did make it through the traffic they were justly rewarded by the gorgeous reds of maple leaves and endless acres of various yellows and browns that smothered the hillsides.