8 Things to Do in Niseko this Summer

The Niko Niko Summer Festival returns after 3 years. In its 6th rendition, this event presents an array of artist performances that celebrate the vibrant local creativity in the region. This creativity also extends to the realm of food, with a wide variety of provincial dishes to choose from.

When: Saturday, 15 July - Sunday, 16 July 2023

Time: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Niseko Village Resort Shopping & Dining Area (The Village)

Entry: Free

Read more about the event here.

The SkyBus is a convenient and stunning way to travel around Niseko this Summer. With stops along their two routes at picture-perfect destinations and spirited festival events, the open-top bus may become your hassle-free way to travel.

When: Saturday, 15 July - Sunday, 3 September 2023

Time: Route Map & Timetable

Where: Greater Niseko Area

Entry: Ride Passes & Fares

Read more about the service here.

Get your daily dose of sunshine and outdoor activities at Niseko Hirafu Green Park. Featuring local musicians, food, and film all in the open air, it’s a perfect rendezvous to bask in the warm weather. Try out the pump track, land some tricks on a skateboard and test your balance on the slacklines at your leisure.

The zenith of this event takes place on 11 - 13 August, with the welcoming of Cinema Caravan to Niseko.

Founded in 2010 and led by photographer Rai Shizuno, Cinema Caravan is both a collective and conceptual project consisting of musicians, artists, painters, chefs and carpenters. The outdoor cinema encapsulates the “Play with the Earth” ideology that aims to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together.

When: Saturday, 15 July - Sunday, 3 September 2023

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Where: Hirafukogen Central Park and Hirafu Parking Lot 1

Entry: Free

Special Dates: 15 July - 17 July, 6 August - 13 August, 1 September - 3 September 2023

Special Date Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

*Please note that the schedule may vary depending on the weather.

Read more about the event here.

The famous Kutchan Jaga Matsuri (Potato Festival) comes back this Summer after four years. As one of the biggest festivals in the region, it’s no surprise to see the community and townfolk come together to celebrate Jagata-kun and Jagako-chan accompanied by local potato-based treats and the “Potato Nebuta”. Don’t miss the “hundred-person drum”, traditional dances and fireworks as you get lost in the music while at the beer gardens.

When: Saturday, 5 August - Sunday, 6 August 2023

Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Where: Kutchan Station Street/ Kutosan Park Parking Lot

Entry: Free

Read more about the event here.

Bike the Hanazono Hill and climb up 617 vertical metres. After completing the route, which covers 16 km of terrain and includes a 4.6% incline, cyclists will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of Kutchan Town and the surrounding greenery.

When: 6 August 2023

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: Hokkaido Niseko Area/ Kutchan Town

Entry: Register here.

Deadline for entries: Friday, 7 July 2023

Read more about the event here.

The Hirafu Matsuri is a local celebration of music, tradition and food. Located in Kabayama, the festival will feature Yotei drums, chanbara competitions as well as the Niseko Gourmet Carnival, a curation of the 20 most popular restaurants in Niseko. No Matsuri is ever complete without a dazzling display of fireworks for the finale.

When: Friday, 18 August - Saturday, 19 August 2023

Time: TBA

Where: Sun Sports Land

Entry: Free

Read more about the event here.

Open to all runners of different levels, the NAC Trail Run is a communal event that celebrates the landscape unique to Niseko. Over the course of the run, you will be able to cross creeks, mountain tops and forest trails. Registration is currently open online or in person, at the NAC centre, the day before the race. There’s a choice between difficulty levels, but please note that the minimum age to participate is 6.

When: Sunday, September 3rd 2023

Time: 6:30 AM

Where: Niseko Annupuri area

Entry: 30 km: ¥ 7,300, 10 km: ¥ 5,500, 5 km: ¥ 4,500 (elementary school student: ¥ 2,900).

Read more about the event here.

Bored of just cycling on paved roads? Explore the Hokkaido wilderness on gravel roads during the last days of Summer. Regardless of whether you’re riding in the middle course (50 - 60 km) or the extra long one (120 - 130 km), you’ll get to share the experience of being among the greenery as leaves begin to turn a golden hue.

When: Saturday, 23 September - Sunday, 24 September 2023

Time: TBA

Where: Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort No. 2 Parking Lot

Entry: 1:00 PM on Wednesday, 12 July - 6:00 PM on Friday, 8 September

Read more about the event here.