Niseko New Year
December 31 | The Japanese don’t officially celebrate Christmas, so NYE is the biggest event of the festive season. Watch hundreds of skiers form a giant “14” on the slopes, before skiing down in a huge glowing trail. Out on the base of the ski hill there’s free live music, taiko drum performances and even free sake served out of huge sake barrels. The only other thing you need to know is, how to say Happy New Year in Japanese… Akemashite Omedetou!
Sapporo Snow Festival
February 5-11 | Japan’s biggest and most famous annual snow festival takes over the centre of Sapporo at the beginning of February every year. Book a tour at Explore Niseko and get driven into town to witness giant multi-story snow sculptures, cartoon characters, temples, ice slides and animals.
Festival Of Japan
Jan 24 – Feb 2 | Real, life-size professional sumo wrestlers, traditional artisans, indigenous Ainu ambassadors and karate masters – there’s going to be more culture in Niseko during the inaugural Festival of Japan than you can poke a Pocky Stick at. FOJ has been set up by locals with the support of local government and businesses to make sure visitors have a chance to discover Japan’s unique cultural experiences in Niseko. The festival will include live performances and interactive arts and craft classes, with the opportunity to meet a wide range of cultural ambassadors. Events will be held throughout the resort. Check out event details and ticketing info at www.festivalofjapan.com.
March Mountain Events
March | As the temperature warms up in Niseko, so do the on-mountain ski and snowboard comps. The Japanese like to go BIG and FAST so make sure you get out on the mountain to check out the action. Hanazono half pipe comps, big jumps, ski and snowboard battles and more. Contact resorts for details.
Kutchan Yukitiopia
February 18-19 | Yuki (snow) + utopia = Yukitopia, the Niseko region’s very own celebration of Hokkaido’s snow. Held in the local area’s major town Kutchan over two days in February every year, Yukitopia is the biggest local festival of winter. There’s competitions like skiing across a pool of icy water, giant snowmen, snow sculptures, snow slides, snowmobile rides and “snow” much more. Catch a free bus to Kutchan from outside Seicomart.
All Season
Keep an eye out for taiko drum performances, rail jams and big jumps, and Hanazono’s park and halfpipe comps.
Aprés Drinks
Try Lars Longcox Umbrella Bar and the Vale Bar and Grill in Hirafu, or the Hilton at Niseko Village.
Nightlife
Live jazz and acoustic night at Half Note; Jam Bar psychedelic GuruGuru parties; Japanese mountain-reggae parties; pole dancing and full moon parties at BloBlo; DJs and live music at Wild Bill’s; live music at newly refurbished Tamashii Bar.