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Niseko in winter is all about skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer biking and water sports dominate. However, there are also activities you can do in Niseko all year round and not limited to the seasons.
Take on Japan’s Longest Zipline
The snow nor the heat can’t stop us from experiencing Japan’s longest zipline. The Hanazono Zipflight, with a total distance of 2,591 metres, is one of Niseko’s more thrilling year-round activities.
During summer, you can get the full package of riding on all three ziplines: from the mellow MACH 1 to the most exhilarating MACH 3, while MACH 3 is the only one available during winter. The MACH 3 alone takes 90 seconds to ride, with a length of 1,700 metres reaching speeds of 110 km/h.
Explore Niseko’s Hiking and Snowshoeing Trails
Blessed with mountainous terrain, it would be such a waste to not explore the mountains and trails Niseko possesses – in summer and in winter. Hiking in the summer, or snowshoeing in the winter is the best way to experience Niseko if you’re not into sports like mountain biking or skiing.
With numerous well-maintained trails leading to marshes and lakes, and even mountains, Niseko is a great summer hiking destination even for beginners. By winter, snowshoeing provides a unique experience of exploration where you can tread through Niseko’s scenic countryside, snow-covered forests, and frozen lakes. We recommend taking a guided tour, for both hiking and snowshoeing, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area.
Reach the Summit via a Gondola Ride
If you prefer not to hike, reaching the top of the mountain is still easily accessible via a gondola ride. There are three gondolas in Niseko that not only operate in winter, but in summer as well: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu King Gondola, Hanazono Gondola, and Annupuri Gondola.
Once you’re at the summit gondola station, take your time admiring the breathtaking scenery of a snowcapped Mt. Yotei and the bustling snow-covered Niseko in the winter, or a clear panoramic view of Niseko and its surrounding towns – with Mt. Yotei’s striking figure towering over the flatlands during summer.
Discover Niseko Through a Horseback Ride
Horse riding is another way to explore the vast beauty of Niseko’s nature. A beginner-friendly activity, basic riding practices will be taught and practiced in an enclosure before letting you and your horse out for a ride.
Ride through lush, vibrant green woodlands in the summer, or traverse through forests blanketed in snow in the winter, and even get a magnificent view of Mt. Yotei by horseback.
Try Out Indoor Rock Climbing
Niseko Adventure Centre’s (NAC) indoor climbing gym allows you to enjoy climbing and bouldering without having to think of the season or the weather.
11 metres high, stretching up all the way to the ceiling, and a bouldering area – NAC’s gym offers a variety of courses that are suitable from beginner to advanced. A climbing school is also open in NAC twice a week for anyone who wants try their hand in climbing.
Photo Credit: Niseko Adventure Centre
Go Fish
A land for having some of the best seafood, you would not want to miss fishing in Hokkaido. An all year round activity, the only thing that changes with fishing is the fish you catch depending on the season and under what weather you do it.
Go river fishing or ocean fishing in the summer where you can discover the variety of fish that lives in Hokkaido, including the native Iwana or Ugui. By winter, you can try your hand at ice fishing near Rusutsu where you can catch trout in a frozen pond.
Enjoy a BBQ Day with the Family
While there may be a number of yakiniku and barbecue restaurants in Niseko and all over Japan, barbecue has always been an outdoor activity in Japan when summer comes. So much so that barbecue events are held during this time, such as Rusutsu’s Umaimon Festival in September or Niseko Village’s weekly barbecue event during the green season.
However, barbecuing in Niseko is not only limited in the summer. In winter, head over to Niseko Kamakura BBQ and get the unique experience of barbecuing inside a kamakura, a traditional snow house or igloo – letting you enjoy Niseko’s famous white season to the fullest.
Treat Yourself With an Ice Cream
Beside seafood, Hokkaido is also famous for their milk. This is why you’ll find some of the best dairy products, including ice cream, on this island – and Niseko is no exception.
Summer or winter, ice cream is a must-try when visiting Niseko and best of all, they are available all year round. For those who like gelato, make a stop at Ruhiel whose handmade gelato is made from local ingredients including seasonal fruits and spring water from Mt. Yotei. For the classic soft serve ice cream, visit Milk Kobo at the Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm – or even get to make your own ice cream by joining one of their ice cream making workshops.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Refresh with Kyogoku’s Spring Water
Just 20 minutes away from Niseko is Kyogoku, home to one of Japan’s largest spring water sources. Recognised as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters, the fresh spring water in Fukidashi Park comes from the snowmelt and rain seeps through the layers of earth in Mt. Yotei, naturally filtering and purifying it over the years, before emerging as clean, delicious water that is cool and easy to drink.
A popular water source for both locals and visitors, the water flows all year round and has a constant temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius, making it a cool, refreshing drink for any season. Make sure to bring a container or purchase one from one of the stores in the park to get your own fill as well.
Take a Self Care Day
Niseko being such an outdoor-centric destination, there are a number of clinics and wellness centers in Niseko that not only take care of our body’s condition, but also offer services year round including yoga and pilates classes, spa treatments, and onsen bathing.
In fact, right inside Setsu Niseko, guests can enjoy our onsen and gym facilities. Our hotel is also home to Studio En, a yoga studio, and Rikka Spa, a luxurious spa managed by the award winning spa brand LAPIDEM – making Setsu Niseko have one of the largest wellness facilities in the area.
While Niseko may be known as the place to be for skiing and snowboarding, it is actually a place worth visiting for all seasons with plenty of activities to do all year round. Whether you come to Niseko in winter or summer, there is always something to do and our concierge is more than happy to help our hotel guests to curate the trip of their dreams at any time of the year.
