English
Year by year, more and more people are visiting Niseko beyond the winter months, recognising the different charm Niseko brings even without the snow. There are a plethora of activities you can do and see in Niseko at any time of the year, and if you’re in the planning stages of your Niseko trip, here’s a little guide of what Niseko is like for each season.
Winter (December – March)
Niseko’s most popular season where people all over the world descend upon Niseko to experience its legendary powder snow. Opening dates for the ski resorts vary year by year, depending on the snow conditions, but the season usually starts in late November to early December.
Temperatures during winter can reach a high of 3°C and a low of -14°C. The first snowfall usually happens in November and by December, snowfalls have become an almost daily occurrence – creating the perfect conditions to enjoy winter sports.
What to Wear and Bring
In these weather conditions, it is best to wear layers, starting with a thermal base, paired with long sleeved tops and pants and a thick winter jacket designed to withstand below freezing temperatures. During winter, winds can be pretty strong which can make the weather feel colder than it actually is; so we recommend bringing beanies, scarves, thick wool socks, and gloves to keep yourselves warm. Make sure to bring a good pair of snow boots as well to prevent yourself from slipping on the road. Or a pair of snow grips or ice cleats that you can wear over your regular shoes is a great alternative. However, keep in mind that snow grips or spikes are usually not allowed inside establishments, so make sure to remove them before entering.
Dry hands and lips are also very common during winter here due to the low humidity – so make sure to pack a hand cream and lip balm to moisturize throughout the day.
Activities
When we talk about winter in Niseko, skiing and snowboarding is a must. Lessons are available for all skill levels and guiding services are also available for those looking to explore the off piste areas of Niseko. There are also plenty of other snow activities available great for non-skiers and kids, such as snowmobiling, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.
Spring (March – June)
Spring brings about fewer snowfall days and more sunshine with still cool temperatures of 3°C~18°C. Ski resorts such as Grand Hirafu and Annupuri will still be open, usually until May 6, allowing guests to enjoy spring skiing on the mountain.
You’ll find that March is the transitional period where the weather can jump back and forth from winter to spring but by April, daily temperatures have somehow stabilized.
What to Wear and Bring
If you’re coming from March to early April, we recommend bringing thicker coats and outerwear. Daily temperatures by this time have started getting warmer but, accompanied with strong winds, it could feel colder than it actually is.
By April to May, you can get away with bringing long sleeved shirts, pants, and hoodies. We also suggest still bringing a cardigan or a light jacket as it can still get cold in the evenings and early mornings. We also recommend having an umbrella in hand since spring also comes with rainy days.
Activities
As mentioned before, spring skiing is still possible during this time. For beginner skiers and snowboarders, this is a great time to learn and practice on the slopes as the snow would be softer due to the warming temperatures, giving you more cushion if you ever fall.
And with snow melting and river levels rising, Spring is also the best time to go on a spring rafting adventure. The rapids would be bigger and rougher, making it all the more exciting for thrill seekers. In spring, the Hanazono Resort would also have opened already for their summer operations, offering a few of their summer activities by late April including the zipline and tree trekking.
However, the highlight of spring in Japan is the flowers, and the people’s favourite springtime activity is usually to go flower viewing during the cherry blossom season. However, unlike the rest of Japan, cherry blossoms in Hokkaido come a little later – usually around late April to early May which coincides with the week-long Golden Week holiday. There are plenty of cherry blossom spots around Niseko for people to visit like the Makkari Shrine and the Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku. By late May, people come to visit Mr. Mishima’s Shibazakura Garden in Kutchan – a private garden that is open to the public until early June.
Summer (July – September)
Summer in Niseko is basically a hidden gem. Very different from the bustling activity usually seen in winter, the summer here is less crowded and relatively quieter, but still offers the same amount of fun. While the rest of Japan experiences warm and humid weather, Hokkaido’s summer is much milder and cooler with temperatures ranging from 12°C~30°C.
What to Wear and Bring
Shirts and shorts are perfect for a Hokkaido summer but if hiking is in your plans, we recommend wearing comfortable pants instead. Make sure to bring a jacket or a windbreaker as well since it can get windy some days and chilly in the evenings.
Niseko is a place where nature thrives, so it is natural that you’ll encounter insects and bugs during your stay here. To keep them away, we recommend having bug spray or mint oil on hand – both of which are usually available in any Japanese pharmacy.
Activities
Summer is the best time to experience the outdoors and there are plenty of ways to do it. You can choose to ride a bike and explore Niseko and its neighbouring towns, or visit a mountain bike park for a rougher ride. If you’re into water activities, there’s plenty to do including canyoning, ducky, kayaking, and fishing. If you love the mountains and hiking in general, there are plenty of trails in the area to explore, including hiking up the famous Mt. Yotei.
For a more relaxing pace and much more family-friendly, take a gondola ride up the mountain or go on a hot air balloon ride, and get a panoramic view of the breathtaking landscape. At night, visit the Mountain Lights in Hanazono for a picture perfect evening.
Lastly, take advantage of the fresh produce that comes with the green season and go fruit picking or do a unique farm-to-table experience where you can harvest seasonal vegetables and create your own pizza.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is when most of the main summer activities have quieted down, giving way to the change of seasons before winter starts. The weather during autumn is crisp and refreshing, with temperatures typically ranging from 5°C~18°C, making it the perfect season for outdoor exploration without the summer humidity or winter crowds. Additionally, the first snowfall usually happens in November (or from time to time, in late October), but usually melts away after a few hours.
What to Wear and Bring
Similar to spring, light sweaters, long sleeves, comfortable pants, and a medium-weight jacket are recommended, especially as mornings and evenings can get quite chilly. Waterproof shoes or hiking boots are also a good idea if you plan on exploring trails or spending time outdoors after rainfall.
As the weather can change quickly in the mountains, carrying a compact umbrella or rain jacket is helpful.
Activities
If spring has their cherry blossoms, autumn has their koyo or autumn leaves. Abundant in greenery, Hokkaido turns into a picture perfect sight of reds and oranges during this season.
Take a scenic drive around the area or ride the gondola for panoramic views of the colourful autumn foliage covering the mountains. Hiking trails are especially popular during this season, with cooler temperatures making longer walks much more comfortable.
We also recommend visiting one of Niseko’s many onsens and enjoy a hot bath surrounded by autumn leaves for a more relaxing experience. The peaceful atmosphere during this time of year makes it ideal for slowing down and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Autumn is also the harvest season in Hokkaido, so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh local produce. Seasonal favourites such as pumpkins, potatoes, mushrooms, and freshly harvested rice can be found in local restaurants, markets, and local cafés throughout the area.
Access
The closest major airport to Niseko is the New Chitose Airport, a two hours’ drive away located just outside of Sapporo. To reach Niseko, you can take the train that stops at Kutchan Station and take a taxi from there to your hotel. For a more convenient option, coach and private transfers are also available in summer and winter, while rental cars can provide more mobility during your stay.
If you will be staying at Setsu Niseko, our dedicated Concierge Team can assist you with anything you might need during your stay, including transfer options.
Setsu Niseko is open in Winter and Summer, allowing our guests to experience Niseko’s four distinct seasons. Check out our special offers designed for each season to make every stay special.
