Niseko is surrounded by mountains and has always been a popular summer retreat due to the cool temperature in the summer. It also has many activities for active people. We recommend NAC (Niseko Adventure Centre) ran by Australian owner Ross Findlay. He is known as a pioneer in rafting, which is popular in Niseko, and he also sponsors various activities such as kayaking and trekking. Also the huge lodge looking NAC center 1st floor has an outdoor gear shop, and the 2nd floor is an open terrace restaurant where you can see Mt. Yotei while eating hamburgers and taco rice. We recommend heading over to feel the wind in an open environment to relax after your activities.

The most popular activity during the summer season is rafting. Rafting takes place on one of Japan’s famous clear stream, Shiribetsu River. During the spring the river’s water level increases due to the large amount of melted snow. You raft down a course about 12km on a rubber boat wearing a dry suit. Going down the river with white waves is full of excitement and action! You are bound to have fun going down the river like an action movie! Once the melted snow water calms down in the summer, they head up stream for a relaxing ride to enjoy the view. In areas with calm water, you can jump in and swim around. The activity can be enjoyed by inexperienced people.

Rafting Spring Course
Duration: April 7th (Saturday) ~ early June 2018
Fee: 6,150 yen
Age: 12 and up
Schedule: Morning – 9:30 AM ~ 1 PM, Afternoon - 1:30 PM ~ 5 PM
Summer Course
Duration: June 1st (Friday) ~ November 5th (Monday) 2018 *inquire for dates past November 6th
Fee: Adult 6,150 yen, elementary school student 4,100 yen, 60 years and above 5,150 yen
Age: 6 and up
Schedule: Morning – 9:30 AM ~ 1 PM, Afternoon - 1:30 PM ~ 5 PM *July 7th ~ August 31st 8:30 AM ~ 12 PM, 9:30 AM ~ 1 PM, 1:30 PM ~ 5 PM, 2:30 PM ~ 6 PM runs

If you prefer to leisurely enjoy nature, we recommend the River Kayak activity using the double bladed paddle. The activity is conducted in the calm section of Shiribetsu River and it is enjoyable for beginners. There is also the Niseko River SUP (stand-up paddling), where you stand a large boat with high buoyancy and paddle. It’s as if you are floating on water. Both activities can be conducted by ages 6 and up.

River Kayak/Niseko River SUP
Duration: June 1st (Friday) ~ October 31st (Wednesday) 2018
Fee: Adults 6,140 yen, elementary school student 4,100 yen
Ages: 6 and up
Schedule: Morning 9:30 AM ~ 1 PM, Afternoon 1:30 PM ~ 5 PM
Minimum number of people: 2 ~ (up to six for River SUP)

An activity in Niseko that is gaining major attention is the NAC Adventure Park that opened in 2017. It is Japan’s largest tree top park. It is an athletic activity where you go across logs and rope ladders 5 to 13 meters above ground with a harness.

There are a total of 8 courses including 6 different difficulties and 2 advanced courses providing over 100 elements to enjoy, such as diving from trees and using zip lines. The area is 9265㎡ wide and holds a total of 120 people, which is great for groups. Time passes by quickly when you are focused on the activity. It provides a fun moment where you can return to your child hood and go on an adventure in the forest.

NAC Adventure Park
Fee: Adult 4,800 yen, 6 ~ 11 years old 4,100 yen, 60 and up 4,500 yen
Requirements: Over 115 cm for Adventure Course, Over 140 cm for Red and Black Course. Weight – 120 kg, waist – 100 cm. Children under 6 require a guardian.

How about an elegant horseback riding experience while feeling the majestic nature of Niseko directly? K2 Stable is a spot where beginners and experienced people can casually enjoy horseback riding.

For beginners we recommend the 90 minute Basic Course, which offers horseback riding lessons and a short trek.

The first half of the course will be conducted in the arena (fenced area) for safety and to learn the proper technique. The lecture is easy to understand and anyone can learn basics.

There are also English speaking staff. The latter half of the course will be the trek heading towards the forest at the hills of the mountains of Niseko.