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Considered to be one of the best months to visit Niseko, September is the month when the first signs of Autumn come to the area. Days become clearer, weather gradually becomes cooler, and the leaves slowly start turning into stunning hues of yellow, orange, and red. With such perfect conditions, it would be a waste to not go out and enjoy these events happening in and around Niseko in September.
In and Around Niseko
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Travel Navi
Hokuhoku Festival Makkari
7 September 2025
Summer may soon be over but festivals still continue in the Niseko area. A 25-minute drive away is Makkari, a nearby village situated at the foot of Mt. Yotei, welcomes the start of Autumn as soon as September begins with their annual Hokuhoku Festival.
Expect to see food stalls serving Makkari specialties, live performances, and special guests during this one-day festival. Additionally, don’t miss some of the main events such as the Potato Digging event where you can take home as many potatoes and vegetables you can fit into a bag, and a Hokuhoku auction where special prizes including accommodation vouchers and their local specialty, herb-fed pork, will be up for bidding.
NAC Trail Run
7 September 2025
Niseko Adventure Center (NAC) is hosting their 26th NAC Trail Run this year on 7 September. Trail runners will be able to explore Niseko’s mountain and forest trails, along with creek crossings and log hopping. Runners can choose to participate in three categories: the extreme 30km mountainous course, the equally challenging but shorter 10km course, or the more relaxed 5km forest trail course.
Photo Credit: Akaigawa Village DMO
Marutto Caldera Rural Festival
13 – 14 September 2025
Akaigawa’s newest festival, the Marutto Caldera Rural Festival is back for the third time this coming 13 – 14 September. Visitors can look forward to various stalls selling locally sourced produce and specialties, as well as a number of events including the popular agricultural experience game, “Akarin Pick”.
Just 45 minutes away from Niseko, take this chance to visit Akaigawa, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Japan, and unique due to being located at the heart of an extinct volcano.
Photo Credit: Niseko Gravel
Niseko Gravel Autumn Ride
13 – 14 September 2025
The last major cycling event in Niseko for the year is happening this month. Niseko Gravel happens twice a year, in spring and in autumn, allowing participants to enjoy the natural scenery whilst riding through both paved and gravel roads of Niseko.
This year the Autumn Ride will hold the Gravel Ride Session on the first day, while the main race will happen on the second day. The 3 main categories for the race are the following: “Shimarisu”, “Ezoshika” and “Higuma” with approximate distances of 45 km, 100 km, and 120-130 km respectively.
Photo Credit: Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu Umaimon Festival
13 – 15 September 2025
Music, nature, food, and games await family and friends at the three-day Umaimon Festival at Rusutsu Resort. Just a half hour drive away from Niseko, enjoy a large-scale unlimited BBQ party with live music performances and games. And if you haven’t had enough fun, you can always choose to buy a ticket for the resort’s very own amusement park.
Photo Credit: Otaru Next 100
Otaru North Canal Night Market
13 – 22 September 2025
Admire the beauty of Otaru’s illuminated North Canal while eating your way through the 24 stalls at their night market from 13 – 22 September. In addition to the night market and illumination event, visitors can enjoy live music performances every night and join events such as the karaoke contest.
Photo Credit: Niki Tourism Association
Niki Fruit & Wine Maranic
20 September 2025
Famous for their fruits and has recently been making a name for themselves as a wine-producing area, Niki Town will hold their 5th Niki Fruit & Wine Maranic this month.
A combination of the words, “marathon” and “picnic”, Niki’s maranic event is not a competition but rather, it is an opportunity for the marathoners to enjoy the area’s locally produced fruits and wines during their leisurely run around town. For the others who came to cheer, food stalls will also be available at the event.
Photo Credit: Niseko United
Niseko Marathon Festival
21 September 2025
The third running event happening this month is the 43rd Niseko Marathon Festival where people of all ages can join as long as you can complete your chosen category within the time limit. They have also decided to hold an exciting event this year: the Costume Fun Run where participants can choose to wear a costume or attire of their choosing while running.
Photo Credit: Gutabi
Yoichi Daisuki Festival
28 September 2025
Like Niki Town, the town of Yoichi is also known for their fruits and wine. In the annual Yoichi Daisuki Festival, you can get a taste of their autumnal local produce as a variety of fruits, vegetables, alcohol, and even seafood will be sold during the event. Bring the whole family with you as games and live taiko drum performances will be at the festival as well.
Ongoing Events
Photo Credit: Toyako Onsen Tourist Association
44th Toyako Long Run Fireworks Festival
28 April – 31 October 2025
Almost an hour away by car from Niseko is Lake Toya, famous for its stunning scenery and numerous spa resorts. It is also home to the 187-day fireworks display, the Toyako Long Run Fireworks Festival. The event will run from 28 April to 31 October 2025 where visitors can enjoy a 20-minute fireworks display just by the lakeside.
Bike Trails Open
31 May 2025 ~
A much loved summer activity in Niseko, the Twin Peaks Bike Park and Grand Hirafu’s MTB Park opened last 31 May for the green season. With over 14 trails with varying difficulty levels from beginner to advanced, there is a place for everyone to experience mountain biking in Niseko.
For the first timers or riders looking to skill up, how about taking advantage of Rhythm’s Mountain Biking Lessons this summer?
Padel Opens
1 June – 13 October 2025
Padel, a racquet sport described to be a mix of tennis and squash, has come to Niseko this summer. HANAZONO is bringing to Niseko the first Padel Club in Hokkaido, and is open from 1 June until 13 October. Set in Niseko’s breathtaking mountainous scenery, discover and enjoy the fun of the sport with your family and friends.
Mountain Lights
1 July – 13 October 2025
The stunning immersive light art installation, Mountain Lights, will be open to visitors again this year starting 1 July. Located at the base of Mt. Annupuri in HANAZONO, enjoy Bruce Munro’s play on light, color, and sound – consisting of his three works: “Arrow Spring”, “Moon Bloom” and “Prismatic Spring” – from up above on the gondola, and up close as you leisurely walk through the illuminated path.
In addition to the mountain lights, HANAZONO will also be holding a summer fireworks display and a Fire Goddess Performance starting 5 July until 11 October.
Photo Credit: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Mountain Cart Experience Starts
3 July – 29 September 2025
Grand Hirafu is also introducing a new summer activity this green season as well. Mountain Cart is a popular activity in other countries but it will be the first of its kind in Hokkaido. An exciting easy-to-operate downhill cart suitable for all ages, this is a family-friendly activity anyone can enjoy while taking in the beautiful Niseko scenery in Hirafu.
An active and flavorful September awaits you in Niseko. Take advantage of Setsu’s Eco Stay Rate Offer and don’t miss out on Niseko’s cooling weather and exciting events happening this month.
