Seasonal Escapes
Days in Niseko are full of possibility — whatever the season and whatever your interest or passion.
Romantic Retreat
This picture-perfect piece of Hokkaido, on Japan’s northernmost main island, is bursting with opportunities for families, couples or gaggles of besties to explore Mother Nature, Japanese culture, local communities and even new life paths.
The scenic spot’s lakes and ponds are connected by a raised boardwalk and its observatory boasts not-to-be-missed views of the Sea of Japan and the mountains of the Shakotan Peninsula to the west of Sapporo.
After a rejuvenating soak at Goshiki Onsen, a gem of a hot-spring bathhouse with unforgettable mountain views, it’s a 30-minute drive to Green Farm Café, a Kutchan deli with a lunch menu stuffed with fresh, organic produce and small-batch coffee, roasted on-site.
Since any trip to Hokkaido isn’t complete without savoring its acclaimed seafood, dinner means a trip to Sushi Kato Hinzan, a chic Kutchan restaurant specializing in Hokkaido’s famous crab as well as other fruits of the ocean and wagyu beef.
Niseko is famed for its clear night skies, and stargazing at Annupuri is a must-do. The mountain is the site for an expert-led evening of peering up at the heavens while learning about constellations, planets and celestial phenomena.
Another recommended nighttime outing is Niseko Hanazono Resort’s Mountain Lights, a stunning, immersive art installation on the slopes of Hanazono. This summer exhibition by British artist Bruce Munro is best appreciated while riding the gondola over the lights. The culinary adventure continues the next day with breakfast at Graubünden, a café with exquisite sandwiches, coffee and other morning treats, and afternoon tea at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono. The three courses of seasonal vegetables, complemented by Pierre Hermé Paris-crafted sweets and macarons, is the ideal way to wrap up any Niseko getaway with that special someone.
Start the day in the great outdoors with a 20-minute stroll at Shinsen Numa, a wetland plateau famous for its blooming alpine flora during summer, including daylilies and Arctic irises.
Wild Adventure
Mount Yotei is the iconic symbol of the Niseko region, and the best views of it are from the nearby 1,300-meter Mount Annupuri. The 2.5-kilometer, rocky trail from the Goshiki parking lot to the summit takes 1.5 hours and is well worth the effort.
For a less-strenuous morning, Yotei’s lower slopes are dotted with trails through alpine terrain. One recommended destination is Lake Hangetsu, a volcanic lake with abundant wild flora and large oak trees along the way.
After a well-earned lunch of handmade buckwheat noodles at Rakuichi Soba in Niseko, it’s time to saddle up for an afternoon of mountain biking at Twin Peaks Mountain Bike Park, where riders take on an exhilarating downhill course from a 935-meter-high starting point.
Any bumps, bruises or sore muscles will soon be soothed at Niseko Kira no Yu, a complex of indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths near JR Niseko Station.
It goes without saying that any summer foray to Niseko should include a session of whitewater rafting on the pristine Shiribetsu River, preferably followed by a lunch of local produce-packed pasta and pizza at the highly rated Ristorante Pizzeria R Niseko.
Then, what better way to round out a high-octane expedition to Niseko than by flying down a zipline at up to 110 kilometers per hour at Hanazono Zipflight, one of Asia's longest ziplines?
Round up a band of colleagues or besties and prepare for a summer getaway of outdoor thrills and Niseko flavors.
Family Getaway
Summer vacation for families should be about forging memories together. And that starts with a stay at one of MnK’s beautifully designed, fully equipped houses, chalets or studios. Relaxation and fun come easy at one of these modern, luxury accommodations in the midst of Niseko’s jaw-dropping scenery.
After settling in and exploring one of Niseko’s family-friendly nature trails, an evening excursion to Niseko Hanazono Resort’s Mountain Lights is a must. British artist Bruce Munro’s extraordinary art installation illuminates the resort’s grounds at the foot of Mount Annupuri with a shimmering “belt” of fiber-optic lights.
Families with dogs can let their four-legged friend roam freely at Annupuri Dog Run, before hopping on the dog-friendly summer gondola for a ride to the 1,000-meter observation area, with its captivating views of Lake Toya, Mount Usu and Uchiura Bay.
A few hours at one of Niseko adventure parks never fail to excite. Hanazono Resort, NAC Adventure Park and Pure at Niseko Village all offer tree-trekking courses with ziplines and tree canopy challenges.
After a morning or afternoon of forest thrills, there’s no better way to refuel than with pizza. Niseko Green Farm, just outside Kutchan, puts a do-it-yourself spin on Italy’s ultimate comfort food. Families pick their favorite fresh veggie toppings at the farm before creating and cooking their pizza in a stone oven. This is farm to fork at its tastiest!
Each site features a concierge service and easy access to nearby restaurants, shops, barbecue areas and, in some cases, kids’ summer camps.
