✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Niseko.
Nestled in the snowy embrace of Hokkaido lies a winter paradise like no other – Niseko.
This wonderland boasts breathtaking landscapes and an exhilarating array of activities that promise to leave you spellbound.
From carving your way down powdery slopes to indulging in hot springs, Niseko offers a host of experiences that are sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Niseko:
1. Grand Hirafu
Ski resort in the Niseko region of Japan known for its powder snow.
What to see or do: Ski or snowboard down the slopes, take lessons for beginners, enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs, indulge in Japanese cuisine at the nearby restaurants.
Don’t miss: Night skiing for a unique experience, views of Mt. Yotei, the White Isle Niseko Snowmobile Park.
Insider travel tips: Book your stay in advance to avoid sold-out accommodations during peak season, bring cash as some restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards, take advantage of the free shuttle service that runs between all of the Niseko ski resorts.
2. Hanazono Niseko
A ski resort located in the Niseko area of Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Skiing and snowboarding on the four interlinked mountains, night skiing, snowmobiling, and backcountry tours.
Don’t miss: The iconic Strawberry Fields tree run, the Hanazono Terrain Park, and the Hanazono Powder Guides for off-piste skiing and snowboarding.
Insider travel tips: Check weather and snow conditions online before your trip and dress warmly.
Take advantage of the free shuttle buses that run between Hirafu and Hanazono, and try the gourmet food options in the base area like Hanazono Edge.
Book lessons and rentals in advance to save time.
3. Niseko Annupuri
A popular ski resort located in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its powder snow and beautiful mountain views.
What to see or do: Ski or snowboard on the various slopes, take in the stunning scenery from the lifts, indulge in the hot springs and onsens after a day of skiing.
Don’t miss: Catching a glimpse of Mount Yotei, a picturesque volcano that can be seen from the ski area.
Insider travel tips: Book accommodations early, as they tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Purchase lift tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
If possible, ski during the week rather than on weekends to avoid crowds and enjoy more fresh snow.
4. Niseko Village
Niseko Village is a ski resort located in the Hokkaido prefecture of Japan, known for its exceptional powder snow and breathtaking mountain views.
What to see or do: Hit the slopes and ski or snowboard to your heart’s content. Take a break from skiing and explore the charming villages nearby.
Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in the resort or relax in a hot spring.
Don’t miss: Catch the stunning views of Mount Yotei while skiing or snowboarding. Take a ride on the Gondola to admire the scenery from a bird’s eye view.
Don’t miss the traditional Japanese culinary experience at one of the village’s many restaurants.
Insider travel tips: Book accommodations in advance as they tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Try out the hot springs in the area for a unique, relaxing experience.
For the best skiing conditions, visit Niseko Village between December and February.
5. Hangetsu Lake
Hangetsu Lake is a serene crater lake situated in the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely walk around the lake’s perimeter and soak in the beauty of the crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains.
Nature enthusiasts can also indulge in bird watching and fishing in the lake.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the observation deck on the western side of the lake for panoramic views of the stunning landscape.
The area is particularly picturesque during autumn when the trees surrounding the lake display vibrant hues of red and orange.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the lake. It’s recommended to bring insect repellent during the summer months as mosquitoes can be quite prevalent.
Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try hiking to the nearby Mount Annupuri for even more breathtaking views!
6. Niseko Snowshoe Park
Niseko Snowshoe Park is a winter activity park located in the Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the park can enjoy snowshoeing on a variety of trails through the snow-covered forests and hills with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the guided snowshoe tours to discover the winter wonderland of the area.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for walking in the snow. Booking in advance for guided tours is recommended.
7. NAC Adventure Park
What to see or do: Enjoy a variety of activities such as tree-top courses, zip lines, bouldering, mini golf, and more.
Don’t miss: The spectacular views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
8. Niseko Weiss Powder Cats
Niseko Weiss Powder Cats is a snow adventure company that offers guided snowcat skiing tours in Niseko, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy untracked powder snow in the vast backcountry of Niseko with an experienced guide while being chauffeured in a comfortable snowcat.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Yotei and the Niseko Mountain Range from the top of the mountain.
Insider travel tips: Book in advance as spots fill up quickly, wear warm clothing and bring hand warmers as temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains.
Also, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
9. Niseko Goshiki Onsen
Niseko Goshiki Onsen is a natural hot spring located in Niseko, Hokkaido. The name Goshiki means “five colors,” referring to the various shades of blue and green that the water can appear.
What to see or do: Visitors can soak in the warm mineral-rich waters and enjoy the stunning mountain views. The outdoor hot spring baths are especially popular during the winter months when snow blankets the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to try out the different baths, including the indoor and outdoor pools. The onsen also has a sauna and a restaurant serving traditional Japanese meals.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, consider staying at a nearby ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that offers access to the onsen.
It’s also recommended to bring your own towels, shampoo, and soap, as these may not be available for purchase at the onsen.
Finally, make sure to follow proper etiquette, such as washing yourself thoroughly before entering the onsen and avoiding any loud or disruptive behavior.
10. Niseko Milk Kobo
A dairy farm and production facility that offers cheese, gelato, and other dairy products.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the facility, milk a cow, sample the delicious dairy products, and enjoy a meal at the attached restaurant.
Don’t miss: Trying the gelato, made with fresh milk and ingredients sourced from Hokkaido.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to dress warmly, as the production facility is kept cool to maintain the quality of the dairy products. Also, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and taste the freshest products.
11. Rusutsu Resort
A world-class ski resort located in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy an extensive range of winter sports activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and sledding.
The resort also offers hot springs, a winter wonderland amusement park, an ice fishing experience, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
Don’t miss: Rusutsu’s famous night skiing, where you can hit the slopes under the stars. The resort also offers unique experiences like cat skiing and backcountry tours.
Insider travel tips: For a quieter experience, visit in January or February when the crowds have thinned out. When dining, look out for Hokkaido specialties like Miso Ramen and Jingisukan (grilled lamb).
Be sure to try the onsen (hot springs), a quintessential Japanese experience after a long day on the slopes.
12. Kiroro
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Go during weekdays to avoid crowds, book a hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, try the local seafood and sake at the restaurants, bring warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in the cold weather.
13. Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal is a picturesque waterway located in the city of Otaru, just a short drive from Niseko.
What to see or do: Stroll along the canal and admire the historic buildings and warehouses that line its banks, or take a gondola ride for a unique perspective.
The canal also features several art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Don’t miss: The nightly gas lamp lighting along the canal is a romantic and memorable sight.
Additionally, the annual Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, which usually takes place in February, is a must-see for visitors to the area.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. For the best photo opportunities, head to the canal during sunrise or sunset.
Get warm with a hot drink or soup from the food stalls at the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.
14. Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo TV Tower is a symbol of Hokkaido Island and stands tall in the heart of Sapporo’s bustling downtown.
What to see or do: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from the observation deck, which stands at 90 meters above ground. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the city’s landmarks, including the Odori Park, Mt.
Teine, and Ishikari Bay. Visitors have the option of viewing the city during the day or night, with both options offering a stunning experience.
Don’t miss: The tower is well lit and casts a warm glow over the city during the night.
People from far and wide come to photograph the tower at night when it’s all lit up, which makes for an unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the day to catch the best views of the city or during the winter months to witness the magical winter lights illuminating the tower.
Visitors are also advised to purchase their tickets online to avoid the long waiting lines.