There is nothing we love more than summer… except maybe spring and autumn.
Take a look at some of the local “green season” highlights so you can plan your trip around events that interest you and your travel partners. There’s something for everyone!
Niseko Classic
July 6 – 7 2019
Fancy yourself a hotshot amateur cyclist? Come and test your legs and lungs against Niseko’s mountain-hardy best for this official World UCI Gran Fondo event – one of 20 locations selected from around the world.
Shakotan Fire Festival
Early July
This spectacular festival in the coastal town of Shakotan helps ensure safety at sea and big catches of seafood. Read more over the page.
Kyogoku Cold Water Festival
Mid-July
Celebrate the region’s abundance of spring water at the Kyogoku spring with this uniquely Japanese rural Hokkaido festival.
Kutchan Potato Festival
Early August
The “Jaga Matsuri” is the headline summer act for this little potato-farming region. Traditional dance, parades, food, games and fireworks in the evening. 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)!
Niseko Town Fireworks Festival
Early August
On the very same weekend at Kutchan, neighbouring town Niseko puts on its festival celebrating cool summer evenings with the region’s biggest summer fireworks display.
Hanazono Hill Climb
Early August
Watch or join this cycling sprint from the local CBD in Kutchan to the mountain-top Goshiki onsen. This exciting events started with a handful of riders in 2010 and now attracts more than 700 participants every year.
Hirafu Matsuri
Mid-August
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.
Noboribestu Hell Festival
Late August
This very special festival marks the one time a year when the gates of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) open and Enma, the red and blue ogre god of hell, emerges to walk the streets of the city surrounded by dancing other ogres.
Niseko Autumn Food Festival
September 12-15 2019
Celebrate the peak of Niseko’s seasonal produce at the end of summer harvest. Niseko’s best restaurateurs (including Michelin-star Kamimura) join forces to display the very best of Niseko’s dining scene in one three-day festival in Hirafu.
NAC Trail Run
Mid-September
Take on mighty Mt Annupuri in summer without the chairlifts in this 5km, 10km or 30km up/down/cross-country race – rain, hail or shine.
Niseko Marathon Festival
Mid-September
A fun-run event in and around the hills of Niseko for families and budding long-distance runners that has been going for more than 30 years.
Konpira Temple Autumn Festival
Early to mid-October
One of the last festivals of the green-season, it marks the transition from autumn to winter. Bustling stalls are a main feature of the festival, as well as a bonfire and fire-walking ceremony conducted by monks outside the Konpira Temple.
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