LOVE it or hate it, Niseko is home to a large Australian population, and today is a day for Australians all over the world to celebrate, Niseko included.
Traditional celebrations include a few beers on ice in an esky and snags roasting on a barbie and Triple J’s Hottest 100 on the radio.
Here in Niseko, there are a few options for ex-pats and tourists alike to celebrate.
Après Bar has the Hottest 100 streaming all day, as well as serving Vegemite sandwiches and a competition to guess the number one song.
Paddy McGinty’s is having a complimentary sausage sizzle with your first drink from 2 pm (until they run out of food). Also, if you wear an Aussie flag (or paint your face), you’ll be given a drink voucher for your next visit.
J-Sekka has genuine Aussie meat pies, chips, gravy and peas for ¥1,200 that you can eat while listening to the Hottest 100 inside the café.
EZO Pub has a thong throwing competition from 4pm, a prize for best dressed Aussie, 1kg monster Aussie steak and Crown lager and more. Free shuttle between Hilton hotel and Hirafu.
There is bound to be many other celebrations happening around town.
Oh, and one request. Keep it classy guys, let’s not tarnish the Australian name too much with drunken behaviour.