Skip to main content

The All-New Hanazono Universe

By 1st June 2020May 31st, 2021Niseko News, Other Seasons, Summerlife, Things To Do
Managing Editor

By Kristian Lund

Powderlife co-founder and editor Kristian Lund is a former newspaper journalist who spent time growing up in Tokyo and learned to ski in the Japanese Alps. He earned his stripes as a reporter at News Limited newspapers, and went on to work as a senior media advisor in Australian state government. He started making Powderlife in 2007 after falling in love with life in Niseko during his first visit.

As the trees burst into a green canopy the slopes of Hanazono transform from a powder wonderland into a hive of summer activity.

People flying down zip lines replace skiers whirring by, trees become home to adventurous kids and families tackling a maze of ropes, and local lakes, rivers and oceans become aquatic playgrounds.

Hanazono Universe is the newest dimension of summer fun in Niseko – a collection of outdoor activities offering something for everyone. The Hanazono forest is a beautiful and natural adventure playground for playful fun, or high charged adrenalin. Nearby is Hanazono Beach, home to fishing and paddle board experiences on the lake of fresh water from captured snow melt.

Heading out of the activity centre are buses and trailers carrying rafts and kayaks heading out to explore the nearby Shiribetsu River. Less than a kilometre away one of Niseko’s most pristine golf courses is nestled in a tranquil corner of Niseko with majestic views back to Mt Yotei and over the new Park Hyatt Niseko hotel.

On the outer reaches of the Hanazono Universe the adventure continues with sea kayaking and ocean fishing tours running daily from the Hanazono Resort centre. Also on offer are canyoning and fishing tours that explore some of the most secluded and beautiful rivers of the nearby region.

Rising above the Universe straight from base of Hanazono is more opportunity for exploration of the resort’s forests with hiking tours taking you to the peak of Mt Annupuri and beyond. If pedal power is more your style then take one of the fleet of e-bikes, mountain bikes, Segways or golf buggies and explore the surrounds of Hanazono at your own pace.

At the heart of every family’s universe are children and the kids’ centre is the perfect place for them. The indoor adventure area Galaxy of Kidz and the Kidz & Family Day Kamp create a wonderland for little ones and engaging fun for the whole family.

Perhaps most exciting of all are plans to build Asia’s longest zip line. With activities orbiting in every direction, Hanazono truly is the epicentre of fun in Niseko and a universe unto itself.