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March is a month of milder temperatures and clearer days, getting more chances of seeing the majestic Mt. Yotei, while still having enough snow to enjoy a day or two of spring skiing. It is a great month to experience Niseko’s winter while having friendlier weather to explore more of the area and its neighbouring towns. March has several exciting events in store and if you haven’t decided on what to do yet, here is a list you can check out.
In and Around Niseko
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love!
Karurusu Winter Onsen Festival
7 March 2026
For those looking to experience a winter festival in March, consider the Karurusu Onsen Winter Festival in Noboribetsu. About a two-hour drive from Niseko, it is a family-friendly event with games and events everyone can enjoy including a mochi catching event, mandarin orange picking, treasure hunts, and more.
Photo Credit: Niki Tourism Association
Winter Wine Party in NIKI
8 March 2026
This is an event wine lovers are sure to enjoy. Niki, a town just an hour away from Niseko, is mainly known for its fruit production. However, it is recently making itself known for its local wine production and this Winter Wine Party is the perfect chance to get a taste of the town’s local wines.
Visitors can enjoy 25 types of wine from 10 different wine producers from Niki Town, along with special food menus from several Hokkaido restaurants. Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
Ongoing Events
Live Music at Setsu
Every Sunday and Monday (until 9 March)
Relax and unwind to live music performances every Sunday and Monday, from 16:30 – 18:30, while basking in the warmth of the fireplace right in Setsu’s lobby. Live music will be performed by the various musicians, each presenting their own style of music.
Head on over to Park90 for a glass of wine to accompany the live music playing throughout the night.
Photo Credit: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Grand Hirafu Fireworks
Every Friday until 20 March
End your week on a high note with a fireworks display at Grand Hirafu every evening at 20:00 every Friday. Head on over to the Mountain Centre, slope side, and watch the winter sky light up with numerous fireworks after a day in the mountains.
The fireworks display will be ongoing until 20 March, Friday.
Photo Credit: Hanazono Niseko
Fireworks Saturday
Every Saturday until 21 March
Night skiing in Hanazono just got a little more special this winter. Lighting up the sky every Saturday until 21 March, Hanazono will hold a fireworks display at 19:00 that everyone is welcome to enjoy. Just in time for the night skiing hours to end, the fireworks will be a great way to finish a day of skiing and snowboarding during your Niseko holiday.
The Hanazono ski resort can be reached within a 10-20 min drive from Setsu Niseko. Hanazono shuttle buses are available throughout the winter season with Setsu Niseko as one of their bus stops.
Sapporo White Illumination
Until 14 March 2026
For the whole month of January, different parts of Sapporo will be illuminated by festive and colourful lights, making the exploration of the city much more exciting. From trees wrapped up in white glowing lights to light and sound performances, combined with Sapporo’s gorgeous snowy landscape, visitors can look forward to experiencing a festive Hokkaido winter wonderland.
Lake Toya Illumination
Until 27 April 2026
An hour’s drive away from Niseko, Lake Toya’s stunning Illumination Tunnel can be visited until April.
While Lake Toya’s Illumination Street is held all year round, the Illumination Tunnel only happens during the winter months, right at the centre of this famous hot spring town. 70 metres long with approximately 400,000 light bulbs, visitors can enjoy strolling through the tunnel, admiring the breathtaking festive glow it provides.
With still great skiing conditions and fun-filled events, March is turning out to be an exciting month for Niseko despite being the tail end of the winter season. Reserve now with our Winter Stay Special Offer and don’t miss out on experiencing the season Niseko is famous for.
