The Niseko area, located in western Hokkaido, encompasses the towns of Kutchan and Niseko. It’s rich in natural attractions, including the well-known Niseko-Annupuri ski resort, the Niseko mountain range, (which includes Mt. Yotei, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains), and the Shiribetsu River, which was once ranked as the clearest among Japan’s major rivers. There's also lots of swamps and lakes. It’s also designated as an area with exceptionally heavy snowfall by the national government, typically getting over 10 meters of snow in the winter!

You may be familiar with the Niseko area for its popular winter activities. However, Niseko has much more to offer than that! Here are two major reasons why the summertime is the perfect time to visit.

Reason #1: The Cool Climate Makes it the Perfect Summer Getaway!　

The average max temperature in the area is about 25 degrees Celsius. And while indeed there may be days when the temperature may approach 30 degrees, the low humidity makes it a great place to spend the season.

Reason #2: Lots of Activities and Events Unique to This Season!　

There are lots of events unique to this area during this season, including activities in the great outdoors and summer festivals that let you mingle with the locals, giving you plenty to do from morning till night!

One super popular summertime activity is a tethered hot air balloon ride, which allows participants to get a glimpse of the Niseko landscape early in the morning. In a tethered flight, the hot air balloon is anchored with a rope as it slowly ascends to a height of about 30 meters above ground. From there, spectators will appreciate views of the Niseko mountain range and the lush cityscape, bathed in morning light. Arriving a bit early will even let you watch how the balloon is prepared, including the inflation and heating processes. Although the ride itself lasts only about 5 minutes, the fresh morning air and breathtaking views make it one memorable experience!

2024 Schedule:
As of July 10, reservations have been filling up quickly, and may be booked for the rest of the year. Please contact facility for more info.

Rafting is another popular outdoor activity in Niseko during the warmer months. The Shiribetsu River runs at the base of Mt. Yotei. Around early summer, after the snow melts and the river levels out, the calmer waters become the perfect spot for a leisurely rafting experience. The tour lasts about 3 hours (including changing and transportation). Not only can you enjoy rafting, you'll also experience the river up close and personally, by tackling the big waves or even jumping in! The natural Niseko landscape combined with the fun of hanging out with your fellow rafters make it one adventure you won't soon forget!

In addition to the rafting, bicycle rentals are also available and offered by a number of tour companies, so if this sounds like something that's of interest to you, be sure to check them out!

If you want to try all the delicacies that the Niseko area has to offer, Michi no Eki Niseko View Plaza is the place to go! In the Free Space Building, you’ll find a take-out shop where you can buy hot dogs, grilled sausages, curry, zangi (fried chicken), soup, and other light meals, all made with Hokkaido and Niseko ingredients. There are also several stores selling seasonal and wild vegetables from Niseko, as well as desserts made with local farm ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in the local flavors of the region!

The Information Plaza building also offers a range of specialty goods, including cheeses and sweets made from fresh Niseko milk, stone oven bread, freshly baked bagels, and local wine and sake. The specialty sales corner also features a selection of freshly picked Niseko vegetables. Some of these products are also available online, so if you're interested, feel free to check the website, too!

The Niseko area also offers plenty of places to indulge in delicious sweets! One such spot is Niseko Takahashi Farm, where visitors can sample a range of treats made from fresh milk. Each of the four facilities offers goodies like cream puffs, cakes, chocolates, ice cream, and drinkable yogurt, with their soft-serve ice creams being amongst the most popular for its fresh taste, highlighting the pure flavor of the raw, unpasteurized milk. All products are carefully crafted with minimal additives, focusing on the quality of the ingredients. There’s also an eat-in area on the premises where visitors can enjoy their sweets while admiring the view of Mt. Yotei and the idyllic farm scenery. This picturesque combination of natural beauty and tasty treats makes it yet another favorite spot for tourists!

When visiting the Niseko area, you may also want to take the opportunity to explore the nearby town of Kyogoku, a recognized Hokkaido Heritage Site famous for its spring water, and located just a 30-minute drive away. Fukidashi Park, popular with both tourists and locals for its spring water area, walking paths, and observation deck, sits right beside the roadside station. Known for its waters sourced from the rain and snow melting from Mt. Yotei, the springs produce about 80,000 tons of water every day! So don’t miss the chance to taste the famous Fukidashi Spring Water from Kyogoku.

Every August, the street called Kutchan Ekimae-dori (about a 20-minute drive from Niseko) comes alive with the Kutchan Jaga-mastsuri (Potato Festival). This festival is all about potatoes, the local specialty of the region, featuring events like “potato janjan-tori” (an all-you-can-grab potato challenge) and free steamed potato samples. Other exciting events include the Jaga Sennin Odori (Jaga Thousand-Person Dance), where around 1,000 participants perform the Jaga Ondo folk dance, as well as the impressive Jaga Nebuta (festive floats) and Hyakunin Taiko (1000-person drumming). The festival concludes with a fireworks display.

Year 2024 marks the 62nd festival, and is scheduled to take place on August 3 and 4. So if you’re visiting Niseko during this time, be sure to check it out!

Event Information
・Kutchan Jaga-Matsuri
・Phone: 0136-56-8012 (Kutchan Town Tourism and Commerce Division, Executive Committee Secretariat)

Unfortunately, the weather doesn't always cooperate when traveling. But rainy days don’t have to ruin your trip! One great indoor activity we recommend is “Deer Antler Accessory Making” at Nature Life. Here, you can craft your own accessories and keychains using real deer antlers. The entire experience takes about two hours, and is available daily from August 1 to 20. They also offer a range of other crafting experiences, including DIY aroma candles and hemp accessories, as well as edible creations like ice cream and baumkuchen. For some memorable hands-on experiences, consider adding one of these to your travel itinerary!

*By reservation only (except for August 1-20 period)

If you're a fan of sake, then the Niseko Distillery is a must-visit. Established in 2021, this distillery takes advantage of Niseko’s ideal climate and high-quality water, crafting gin and whiskey from the pristine underground waters of Niseko Annupuri. Inside, visitors can get a firsthand look at the Scottish pot stills and other distillation equipment. The shop also features a wide range of liquors, food products, and traditionally-made Japanese tableware and utensils.

The whiskey is still maturing as of July 2024, so its release date has not been set. However, visitors can sample the internationally-acclaimed Ohoro GIN Standard, as well as high-quality sake, at the facility's own bar counter. Tours are also available (fees apply, reservations required), and include a visit to the production area and storehouse, along with the chance to sample freshly made batches. So if you’re interested, be sure to inquire for more details!

The fun doesn’t stop once the sun sets! Exciting nighttime activities include the Niseko Annupuri Starry Sky Picnic, held every year from early to mid-August, during which visitors can ride the special Night Gondola. The Night Gondola is only in operation for this particular event, and offers a scenic ride through the night sky. And if the weather is nice, riders can enjoy stargazing at the top of Niseko Annupuri alongside a stunning view of Mt. Yotei. Winter is also a great time for looking at the stars, with clearer skies and more visibility. You just might want to come back for winter stargazing and skiing!

Schedule
・August 3 (Sat)
・August 4 (Sun)
・August 9 (Fri)
・August 10 (Sat)
・August 11 (Sun)
・August 12 (Mon)
・August 17 (Sat)
・August 18 (Sun)

*Please note that this event is conducted in Japanese only

Event Information
Niseko Annupuri Hoshizora Picnic
・Phone: 0136-44-2468
・Price: Junior high & up: 4,500 yen, Elementary students: 3,000 yen, Preschool age: Free (*Kids 3 & under not allowed)

There are a number of great accommodations that will allow you to enjoy all the activities introduced here today! Below are nine popular options.

Rafting, summer gondolas, and bicycle rentals also available
・Season: April 27 - Oct 6, 2024

Offers rafting and tethered hot air balloon rides

・Season:
- Rafting: April - November 2024
- Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides: June 1 - September 8, 2024: Saturdays/Sundays/holidays, July 22 - August 31: Daily (Reservations required)

Offers tethered hot air balloon rides and bicycle rentals.

・Season:
- Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides: June 1 - September 8, 2024
- BESV e-Bike Electric Bicycle Rentals: Late April - Late October

Offers rafting experience and bike rentals.

・Season:
- Rafting (Summer course): June 1 - November 4, 2024
- Bicycle Rentals: July 13 - September 23, 2024

Offers rafting, hot air ballooning, and bicycle rentals.

・Season: June 1 - September 30, 2024

Offers rafting, mountain bike touring, and other activities.

・Season:
- Rafting: April 20 - November 4, 2024
- Mountain Bike Tours: June 1 - October 31, 2024

Offers Summer gondolas and mountain bike trails.

・Season: July 13 - September 23, 2024

Offers rafting, mountain biking, and other experiences.

・Season:
- Rafting: April - October 2024
- Mountain Biking: June - October 2024

Offers activities such as rafting.

・Season: Rafting: April - September 2024

As you can see, the Niseko area offers more than just ski resorts. There's also plenty to do in the summer months! So make the most of your summertime Niseko visit, and enjoy Hokkaido’s natural beauty, delicious delicacies, and exciting activities!


English translation by: Krys Suzuki