Things to Do in Niseko | Top Ski Resorts & Hiking Trails in Hokkaido, Japan

Last Updated: March 06, 2020

The resort town of Niseko in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is best known for its ski resorts situated on Mount Niseko-Annupuri, but things to do in Niseko go far beyond the snowy slopes. The mountain village also sits next to Mt. Yotei, which is often called the “Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido,” and this region features all the outdoor activities any adventure traveler could want. Discover the best places in Niseko to hike, go whitewater rafting and relax in natural hot springs.

Things to do in Niseko | 1. Skiing & snowboarding

Niseko is considered one of the best places to ski in Japan. The area is famous for its powdery snow and the close-knit ski resorts in the area. Several resorts offer combination packages that allow tourists to jump from resort to resort, sampling the slopes on different parts of the mountain. Many resorts cater to both beginner and advanced skiers, and some even host international competitions.

5 popular ski resorts of Niseko

Grand Hirafu – the largest resort in Niseko, Grand Hirafu offers lessons for beginners and challenging slopes for advanced skiers. The resort also is just uphill from “Hirafu Town,” popular for its bustling nightlife and quality selection of accommodations and restaurants.
Niseko Village – offers lodging in two hotels as well as restaurants, bars and local shops in an area known as The Village.
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area – often less crowded that Grand Hirafu or Niseko Village, Annupuri features less-demanding slopes that are perfect for beginners or casual skiers. Guests who appreciate fewer crowds and less nightlife will love escaping to Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area.
Hanazono Niseko Resort – offers a full range of winter activities, including the Niseko Weiss CAT Tours.
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort – one of the smallest and more off-the-beaten-path ski resorts in Niseko. The resort is popular with beginners and travelers who appreciate some quiet time in the great outdoors.

Things to do in Niseko | 2. Take a dip in an onsen

It’s no secret that Japan is overflowing with hot springs, and Niseko is one of the best places to experience an onsen bath in Japan. Warming up in a natural spring water pool at the end of a long day of skiing is a great way to soothe tired muscles and reflect on activities. Many onsens in Japan have been active for decades, and some of the more popular hot springs offer bath soaps and amenities, so guests walk out rejuvenated as well as squeaky clean!

Top onsen baths & hot springs in Niseko

Yugokorotei – offers geothermally-heated hot springs and outdoor bathing areas.
Yukichichibu Onsen – open since 1966 and renovated in 2015, this historic onsen features more than 10 outdoor onsens and a mud bath in the ladies’ area.
Hilton Niseko Village – bathe in a Japanese-style garden near a fish-filled pond while admiring Mt. Yotei in the distance.
Niseko Grand Hotel Hokkaido – families love this onsen for its mixed-gender facilities, two indoor baths and energy-boosting iron-mineral and sodium-mineral spring waters.
Makkari Hot Spring – enjoy views of Mt. Yotei from an outdoor bath.

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Things to do in Niseko | 3. Go hiking

Niseko is a skier’s playground in winter and a trekker’s paradise in spring, summer and fall. Like Niseko’s slopes, the region’s hiking trails span from beginner to advanced treks. The best part about hiking in Niseko is the proximity of hiking trails. No matter where guests stay, there is bound to be an awesome trek just outside the front door.

Scenic hiking trails in Niseko

Mt. Yotei – often called the “Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido,” Mt. Yotei is a tough yet rewarding hike. Advanced hikers can tackle the mountain in less than five hours, but intermediate trekkers might want to plan on spending at least eight hours on the trail. Adventurous travelers can spend the night in a simple hut at the top and experience a breathtaking morning in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Mt. Niseko-Annupuri – great for families, this simple hike takes sightseers to the summit, where jaw-dropping views of Mt. Yotei and the Sea of Japan await.
Iwaonupuri – another easy hike, this short but steep trek takes about an hour to complete, and visitors will enjoy a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan. The hike begins (and should end!) at Goshiki Onsen and Hotel.
Shirakabayama – trekkers will spend a little more than an hour going up this out-of-the-way mountain that sits on the west side of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri. Great for families, beginners and photographers hunting for rolling hills and clear skies.

Things to do in Niseko | 4. Go whitewater rafting

The Shiribetsu River is a popular draw to Niseko for adventure travelers during the summer. Guests can spend a day rafting or boating on their own, or they can brave the waters with a tour guide. River trips generally take about one and a half hours to complete and end with an opportunity to swim in the river – or jump in from the tops of boulders!

River rafting tours in Niseko

Niseko Raft, 859-5 Soga
NAC NISEKO ADVENTURE CENTRE, 179-53 Yamada
Hanazono Niseko Resort, 328-36 Iwaobetsu
Adventure Smile, 224-4 Takasago

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Things to do in Niseko | 5. Ogawarashu Memorial Museum

Offering one of the best views of Mt. Yotei, the Ogawarashu Memorial Museum uses nature and the surrounding landscape as an art subject. The spacious open-air and indoor galleries draw inspiration from natural elements, like native rocks and woods. Guests appreciate the tranquility of the art space as well as its easy-to-navigate, flat walking paths. Admission to Ogawarashu Memorial Museum is 500 yen and includes entry to nearby Kutchan Natural History Museum. Ogawarashu Memorial Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except Tuesday, when it is closed.

Things to do in Niseko | 6. Horse riding

No matter the time of year, Niseko is one of the best places in Japan to go horse riding. Niseko Village offers guided horseback rides, which are ideal for families with children. Of course, the weather allows for all kinds of adventure during spring, summer and fall, but even winter travelers can saddle up, as Niseko Village offers winter rides designed to highlight the beauty of the snow-covered mountain ranges.

Things to do in Niseko | 7. Hokkaido cuisine and nightlife

Evening time in Niseko has its charms, and the town is almost as famous for its nightlife as it is for skiing. Niseko features more bars and restaurants than any ski resort in the country, and by sun down, ski bums should be ready for some good food and entertainment.

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