Blessed with a magnificent setting flanked between two mountains, Niseko’s green season offers boundless opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. Ascend Mount Yotei by foot or cycle around it by bike, feel the adrenaline rush of canyoning through waterfalls, or simply unwind in Hokkaido’s natural hot springs. Summer is a season that will keep you coming back.
Setsu Niseko’s concierge team are experts in how to create a dream Niseko holiday. To help you plan your ideal summer holiday in Niseko, the team have compiled a list of their top summer activities to enjoy the summer months. Niseko is the perfect summer destination, with endless outdoor activities to enjoy with family and friends.
Our Favourite Outdoor Summer Activities:
10. Hiking and Trekking
Exploring Niseko’s mountains by foot is a treat for your senses as you discover nature’s hidden secrets in the scenic ranges. Popular hikes which are perfect for beginners include- Shinsen-numa Marsh offers an easy walk on a well-maintained wooden path across scenic marshlands, a good starting point for those interested in a more relaxing, family-friendly stroll. Lake Hangetsu, also known as the half-moon lake, is another charming and perfect introductory hike. Located at the bottom of Mt. Yotei and surrounded by dense forests, spectacular beautiful summer and autumn colours can be seen from around the shore.
9. Mountain Lights
The foothills of Mount Annupuri will be illuminated with over 180,000 lights where you can enjoy a dreamy walkway through Niseko’s wonderland. Mountain Lights is created and designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Nights in Niseko will be illuminated with his light-based artwork designed in complete harmony with natural surroundings, producing a dreamlike walkway spanning 1.3km through Niseko’s wonderland. This is Bruce Munro’s first art installation in Japan and there is great anticipation that his creation will bring newfound attention and allure to Niseko’s stunning green season months.
8. Cycling
Curate your own cycling experience with in-house specialist Rhythm, in the home of the Niseko Classic, a cyclist’s dream with fresh air and winding roads around natural scenery. Or get your adrenaline rush riding through Niseko’s diverse range of incredible trails for riders of all abilities.
Guided cycling tours are available and for those looking to rent a bike, Rhythm offers a wide range of bike options from e-bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes.
7. Yoga
If you find the summer heat a little bit too much, relax your muscles and spend the day indoors with yoga.
Join a class with Studio En, our in-house yoga studio space, where you can reconnect with your mind and body through a moment of Zen. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, wanting to do morning yoga to start your day or a relaxing session of Hatha Yoga to stretch your muscles at the end of the day, you can find it at Studio En through the variety of classes they offer that you can join.
6. Water Sports
Water is your best friend during the summer, and that is why water sports are the quintessential summer activity in the summertime.
With rivers, lakes, and even the Sea of Japan accessible from Niseko, water sports are a staple in Niseko’s green season. From relaxing activities such as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) to the more adrenaline-pumping canyoning you can do it right here in Niseko. With experts guiding you along the way, this summer activity is perfect even for beginners.
5. Mountain Biking
Bikes are proving to be a popular summer activity in Niseko in the recent years as the community continues to put its efforts into developing the local cycling scene.
This year, the local mountain bike park, Twin Peaks, opened 12 trails suited for various ability levels, making mountain biking accessible for everyone. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu also opened their own mountain bike course in their slopes, which is accessible through their summer gondola. Moreover, NAMBA has also announced their plans of building a trail that connects Twin Peaks and Hirafu’s Bike Park, making Niseko an even bigger playground for mountain bikers.
For those wanting to learn mountain biking or improve their skills, Rhythm is offering Private Mountain Bike Lessons for the summer.
4. Horse Riding
Experience horse riding in Niseko immersed in the charming woodlands, and taking in the breathless views of Mount Yotei by horseback. Practice basic riding skills in an enclosed area to first familiarise yourself with the fundamentals and once comfortable, you will be set to leave the stable for a stroll through the Niseko countryside.
3. Golfing
Dramatically nestled between mountains, Niseko’s pristine golfing fairways and crisp mountain air promise a most memorable game. Niseko offers some of the best golfing experiences available in Hokkaido with three world-class golf courses all within a 30-minute drive from Setsu Niseko. Each course offers meticulously designed and groomed courses that cater to everyone from first-timers to the most experienced players. Niseko’s dry and pleasant summer weather coupled with the spectacular scenery makes Niseko the perfect place to dust off your clubs and enjoy a relaxing round of golf.
2. Tree Trekking
Climb through the lush forests with tree trekking courses for every level, guaranteed to put a big smile on everyone’s faces.
Hanazono Forest Tree Trekking offers a captivating series of 7 high-rope courses intertwined amongst the trees. An exhilarating and challenging experience that will test your courage and problem-solving abilities like no other. The course also includes a zipline that allows participants to take to the air and experience that liberating albeit heart-in-mouth flying sensation. Courses are available across all levels from beginner to intermediate.
1. ZipFlight
For those who love the adrenaline rush of speed, experience the longest zipline (1,700 metres) in Asia at Hanazono Zip World. Soar like a bird through the trees and mountain ranges at speeds in excess of 110 km/hr with breathtaking views of Mount Yotei from up high.
Let us help you craft your ideal holiday
Our Setsu team are on hand to assist you with anything you may wish to book during your trip, leaving you free to relax and enjoy yourself. If you would like assistance with booking any summer activities in Niseko, please reach out.



