It’s pumpkin time in the UK. All across the Northern Hemisphere, in fact.

For 25 years, it was my job as a feature writer to track down various pumpkin farmers around the South West region of England so that I could write newspaper articles all about what kind of season it was… Were this year’s pumpkins bigger than ever? Were there new varieties that were tastier than ever? You know the sort of thing.

Pumpkins on show at Niseko train station

Anyway, thinking about pumpkins caused me to remember the most pumpkin-ish place I’ve ever been to - by which I mean Hokaido, Japan’s most northerly island - and home to the wonderful Niseko Autumn Food Festival.

A Celebration of Hokkaido's Harvest

As the hues of red, orange, and gold take over the forests among the mountains of Hokaido, Japan, the region comes alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the Niseko Autumn Food Festival. Set against the backdrop of Hokkaido's picturesque landscape, this festival is an annual celebration that honours the season's harvest, particularly the much-loved pumpkins, which, somewhat inevitably, play a starring role in Hokkaido's autumnal culinary scene.

The Heart of Hokkaido: Fresh Produce and Community

Located in the northern part of Japan, Hokkaido is famous for its nature, expansive farmlands, and fresh produce. Each autumn, the Niseko Autumn Food Festival brings together top local chefs, farmers, and artisans to showcase the culinary treasures of the region. The event is set outdoors, with the crisp air invigorating visitors as they wander among a colourful array of food stalls, sampling seasonal dishes that tell the story of Niseko's fertile land.

Pumpkins: The Star of the Season

Pumpkins are among the most celebrated ingredients at this time of year. Hokkaido's fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate make it the top producer of pumpkins in Japan. These pumpkins are sweeter and denser than their counterparts found elsewhere, making them an essential ingredient for a wide variety of dishes—from soups and stews to desserts.

At the Niseko Autumn Food Festival, pumpkin lovers can indulge in everything from creamy kabocha pumpkin soups to pumpkin croquettes, and even pumpkin-flavoured pastries paired with locally sourced dairy products.

A Feast of Flavours: More than Just Pumpkins

But pumpkins aren't the only stars of the show. The festival offers a variety of traditional and innovative dishes that showcase other local ingredients, including freshly caught seafood, seasonal mushrooms, and the famous Hokkaido dairy products.

You'll find grilled yakitori, juicy cuts of Niseko beef, and even locally crafted beer and cider, all made with the finest regional produce.

Serving pumpkin dishes at Niseko Food Festival

The festival's relaxed, community-focused atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for families, foodies, and travellers who want to connect with the local culture through its flavours.

More than Food: Music, Demonstrations, and Culture

The food is only part of the experience. The festival also features live music performances, cooking demonstrations by top local chefs, and interactive events that give visitors a deeper understanding of Hokkaido's rich culinary heritage.

Whether it's learning to make traditional Japanese pickles or watching a live pumpkin-carving demonstration, the Niseko Autumn Food Festival showcases the region's unique blend of food, culture, and nature.

Busy servers at the Niseko Food Festival

Autumn in Niseko

As autumn leaves fall, Niseko provides a superb backdrop for savouring the harvest season. The festival invites visitors to slow down, breathe the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the simple pleasures of freshly harvested produce and warm, comforting dishes. No wonder that both locals and travellers alike consider the Niseko Autumn Food Festival a must-visit event.