Niseko, a hidden gem in the heart of Hokkaido, captivates visitors with its winter wonderland and multi-seasonal charm. This article is your key to discovering 26 of the must-experience things to do in Niseko.
From epic powder runs to lush summer hikes, serene autumn foliage, and refreshing spring escapes, Niseko offers something extraordinary for every season. Join us as we unveil the year-round enchantment of this captivating destination.
Best Things To Do in Niseko During Winter
Skiing and Snowboarding
Niseko is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering a wide range of terrain for all skill levels. There are 80 ski runs serviced by 6 gondolas and 24 chairlifts spread across the ski fields of Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri.
The ski season in Niseko usually starts in early December and can last until May, with the most reliable snow from mid-December to early April.
Side and Backcountry
Hokkaido is renowned for its excellent snow quality and quantity, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Niseko, in particular, provides many opportunities for accessing side and backcountry terrain, with 11 gates located around the resort.
Explore The Terrain Parks
Exploring the terrain parks in Niseko should be at the top of the list for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The ‘Freeride Park’ located behind the Welcome Center in Grand Hirafu is accessible using King Pair Lift #1 and features tabletops, boxes, rails, and more. The Hanazono Park is accessible using Quad Lift #1 and has jumps that are perfect for all levels, from beginners to experts.
Head Over to Moiwa Ski Resort
Exploring Moiwa Ski Resort is one of the best things to do in Niseko. With 8 courses and 4 chairlifts, Moiwa offers some of the best backcountry skiing and boarding in the area. Although it might be a bit of a trek to get there, the lack of crowds makes it worthwhile.
Cat Skiing
Cat skiing is one of the top activities to experience in Niseko. This type of backcountry skiing or snowboarding involves being taken to far-off locations on the mountain via a snowcat, a vehicle that is specially made to traverse over snow and ice.
Snowshoeing
Niseko is a great location for a snowshoeing family adventure! NAC runs guided tours that begin at the base of Mount Yotei. During the tour, you’ll explore the Hangetsu-ko River or the Shiribetsu-gawa before ending at the Half Moon Lake. It’s an incredible opportunity to take in the stunning Japanese forest and all its beauty.
Soak in an Onsen
Experiencing an Onsen should be one of the top activities on your list when visiting Niseko. Onsens are Japanese hot springs where typically people are separated by sex and can soak naked in the warm geothermal water, usually outdoors.
Enjoy Japan’s Best Apres Ski
If you’re looking to have a great time on and off the slopes, Niseko is the best ski resort in Japan for you. With numerous bars, pubs, and even a few clubs, Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village offer the ideal concentration of nightlife options. If you’re looking to indulge in sake and other drinks, these two areas provide plenty of opportunity to do so.
Head to Rusutsu and Kiriro
For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Niseko, two of Hokkaido’s top ski resorts, Rusutsu and Kiroro, are within easy reach. With an abundance of snow every year, these resorts are renowned for their powdery snow and convenient access to amazing backcountry.
At Rusutsu Ski Resort, visitors can enjoy 210 hectares of off-piste terrain, while Kiroro Ski Resort offers a smaller area of 150 hectares.
Visit Furano and Tomamu
If you want the finest powder, Furano Ski Resort and Hoshino Resorts Tomamu are the spots you should visit to experience the best things to do in Niseko. Furano covers almost 200 hectares of terrain and has the highest vertical in Hokkaido. Tomamu, on the other hand, is a smaller resort with 150 hectares of terrain and a luxurious atmosphere. Shuttle buses run regularly between Niseko and both Furano and Tomamu.
Day Trip to Sapporo
A visit to Sapporo can be a great day trip from Niseko. Sapporo, located 100 km to the northeast of the resort, is the fifth largest city in Japan and the largest in Hokkaido. It is known for hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 1972 and its annual Snow Festival in February.
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival has been held annually since 1950 and lasts for one week. There are three sites that host the festival – Odori, Susukino, and Tsu Dome.
At the Odori site, visitors can find around a dozen large sculptures and over one hundred smaller ones, while the Susukino site has smaller statues. Meanwhile, the Tsu Dome site has sculptures as well as family-friendly activities such as snow slides and snow rafting.
Have a Bowl of Ramen
After an enjoyable day in the snow, there’s nothing better than a warm, nutritious bowl of ramen. There is a great spot in Hirafu to get a delicious and affordable meal. For an affordable price, you get a bowl of their signature dish, Niseko Ramen.
NAC Adventure Park
Niseko’s NAC Adventure Park is the perfect place for families looking for a thrilling time! You can experience the thrill of flying through the air from tree to tree on more than two acres of beautiful land with multiple courses ranging from beginner to expert level.
Attend a Tea Ceremony at Somoza
When you visit Japan, attending a traditional tea ceremony at Somoza is on the checklist of the best things to do in Niseko. This one-of-a-kind art gallery is situated in the Hokkaido forest and boasts a combination of Japanese craftsmanship, history, and scenery, all within an old Japanese farmhouse.
Kutchan Yukitopia
During the month of February, the residents of Kutchan, a town a mere ten minutes away from Niseko, throw a much-loved winter festival. The occasion, Yukitopia, is a chance to experience a more traditional Japanese atmosphere with games, food, and activities for the whole family! So, if you are in Niseko during this time, we highly suggest a visit to Kutchan for this unique event.
Best Things To Do in Niseko During Other Seasons (Spring, Summer & Autumn)
Unwind in Niseko’s Luxury Accommodation and Onsen
Visitors to Niseko in the spring, summer, and autumn have plenty of options for accommodations. Prices are higher during the summer, especially during August when Japanese families are on vacation.
Grand Hirafu Village and Niseko Village have the most options, with luxury to high-end chalets, apartments, and condos. They also have a wide variety of large hotels. Annupuri and Hanazono have smaller accommodation areas. People wanting to enjoy the hot springs should consider staying in Annupuri as it has the most onsens.
Indulge in Niseko’s Best Restaurants
Niseko is a great place to visit in the spring, summer, and autumn for its delicious food. The restaurants there use produce straight from Hokkaido farms, while some serve seafood from the surrounding waters.
There are a few Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end hotels with great dining options, as well as plenty of Japanese and international cuisine. Satisfying your cravings is definitely one of the best things to do in Niseko.
Ride the Summer Gondolas
During the summer months of July to September, visitors to Niseko can ride the gondolas to the peak of Mount Niseko-Annupuri. You can take in the stunning views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding area. For those who wish to, they can also take a hike or cycle down the trails to the villages beneath.
Hike Up Mount Yotei
One can’t help but notice the famous Mount Yotei, an 1898-meter-high volcanic mountain. Four trails – Hirafu/Kutchan, Kyogoku, Kimobetsu, and Makkari – take visitors up the mountain with varying levels of difficulty and duration.
Rafting on Shiribetsu River
Rafting is a popular activity in Niseko from April to October, offering thrills to guests of all ages, including children aged three to four. It typically takes around 3 hours, with morning and afternoon slots available. For an extra adventurous experience for adults, spring rafting is ideal, as the river is at its most powerful due to the snowmelt.
Cycling and Mountain-biking
Exploring Niseko by bicycle is a great way to take in all the different village areas in the area that surround the base of Mount Niseko-Annupuri. The spring, summer, and autumn seasons are ideal for cycling, and rental bikes (including electric bikes) are available at multiple outlets throughout the resort.
Horseback Riding
If you want to enjoy a horse-riding experience, then Niseko is the perfect place to go between May and October. Rides can be booked for 60, 90, and 180 minutes, with courses tailored for riders of all levels of experience. To arrange one, simply speak to your accommodation, and they will gladly book it for you.
Golf
Golfing is one of the must-try activities in Niseko. It is available from late spring to autumn at both Niseko Village and Niseko Hanazono. Both courses provide rental clubs and services, as well as lessons for those interested.
Canyoning, Zip-Lining & Tree-trekking
Those seeking an exciting adventure can choose from various activities such as canyoning, zip-lining, and tree-trekking. In Hanazono, guided canyoning tours are available from July to September, while tree-trekking courses are accessible from April to October.
In Niseko Village, guests can experience the longest zip-line in Japan, spanning 1.4km, open for both adults and children.
Visit a Winery
Visiting the wineries of Yoichi is a delightful and effortless day trip for those traveling to Niseko in the spring to autumn seasons. Yoichi is situated on the coast and is home to a few wineries like Yoichi Winery, Niki Hills Winery, Domaine Ichi, and more.
With its wide range of activities and experiences, Niseko has something for everyone. There are so many things to do in Niseko, regardless of whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a foodie. It’s a destination you’ll want to return to again and again. Go ahead and let Niseko take you on an unforgettable journey filled with beauty and culture.
