“Matsuri” is the Japanese word for festival, and every town and shrine in Japan has one.
The local matsuri is a celebration of summer (natsu), and an expression of a town’s character and spirit. Visit in peak summer to experience the true character of Niseko at one of its famous festivals.
NIKO NIKO NISEKO VILLAGE FESTIVAL
MID-JULY 2020
Niseko Village kicks off the summer of fun in their old-Japan-themed shopping district, bringing the sounds, smells and colours of matsuri to the base of the ski mountain. Music and dance are central to the festival with live performances all day, alongside all your traditional matsuri food, drink, fireworks and fun.
Photo Yasuyuki Shimanuki
NISEKO TOWN FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
EARLY AUGUST 2020
Niseko Town’s matsuri runs on the same weekend as the region’s biggest summer event – the Kutchan Potato Festival. But the smaller township fights fire with fire! Niseko Town’s charming little festival celebrates the cool summer evenings with the region’s biggest summer fireworks display.
Photo Niseko Photography
KUTCHAN POTATO FETIVAL
EARLY AUGUST 2020
The “Jaga Matsuri” is the headline summer act for this little potato-farming region. Traditional dance, parades, food, games and fireworks. Stay long after the sun goes down and enjoy delicious traditional Japanese matsuri food like yakisoba (fried noodles), yakitori (fried chicken skewers), okonomiyaki (savoury Japanese pancake) – and of course biiru (beer)!
Photo Aaron Jamieson
HIRAFU MATSURI
MID-AUGUST 2020
This young festival was started several years ago to give Niseko’s resort hub an international-flavoured festival to celebrate during the summer. With a focus on food, drink and live music, there are plenty of traditional festival activities and international dining flair.
Photo Glen Claydon
