Family FriendlyIconicNiseko

Niseko (ニセコ) is the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for having tons of light powder snow, spectacular backcountry and a large number of foreigners – especially Australians – who in recent years have been responsible for popularizing the resort area with the skiing/snowboarding community outside of Japan. As a result, Niseko’s resorts are very accessible and welcoming to foreign visitors, which they keep busy with plenty of vast, long ski runs, endless powder, and a growing number of after-ski activities.

In addition to kilometers of ski trails, many of Niseko’s resorts offer winter adventure seekers the option to explore off trail skiing, a relatively uncommon attraction at most other ski resorts in Japan. The backcountry can be accessed through special gates around the resorts or experienced on guided tours and helicopter tours. The latter is also possible on nearby Mount Yotei, a nearly perfect volcanic cone, which can be seen from Niseko.

Internationally, Niseko is famous for its winter season. It’s true, the powder is some of the best in the world for avid skiers and snowboarders. But what happens in the summer? Niseko is still relatively undiscovered in the summer months for foreign tourists, however the Japanese already love Hokkaido in its warmer months. Here are some of the many reasons why you should make Niseko your next summer holiday destination!

The summer in Niseko is often referred to as the “Green Season”, and for good reason. As soon as the snow melts, the scenery explodes with green growth from all sorts of plant life. Niseko’s summer is not cold despite what you might think based on its frozen winters. Mid-summer holds perfect weather for any sort of outdoor activity with clear skies and not much humidity. Hokkaido in general is wonderful in the summer, as it is just far enough north to completely avoid the rainy season that plagues everywhere else in Asia to the south. This is why many Japanese from the main island fly north to Niseko to escape the humid and wet months of summer in the main island of Honshu.

During Niseko’s warmer months there are often as many cyclists on the roads as cars! Why is this? Again, the perfect weather. The clear weather with mild temperatures let riders travel large distances without overheating. Niseko’s beautiful scenery keeps riders captivated as they cruise along the windy country roads. Mountain biking is developing quickly in the Niseko area as the resorts create more downhill courses. Hanazono offers mountain bike scenic riding tours, where guests will be guided through our favorite trails to show the true natural beauty of the area. You don’t need to be an experienced rider either as our guides will set the course based on your skill level. Conveniently rent a road or mountain bike at Niseko Sports!