Sapporo White Illumination
From November 22
Stay a night in Hokkaido’s capital city at the start or end of your trip to witness this unique light festival with over 500,000 LED lights
Hatsumode New Year Shrine Ceremony
December 31 / January 1
Make a New Year’s wish at Yamada Shrine on the main road, 200m down past the Lawson convenience store, before or after midnight
Niseko Japonica
January 31 – February 2
Head out to the local township of Niseko where you can enjoy a range of traditional Japanese cultural activities and displays, housed in an historic warehouse
Sapporo Snow Festival
February 4 – February 11
Now globally renowned, the Sapporo Snow Festival will wow you with 15m-plus replicas of world famous buildings and cartoon characters, as well as food, drink and entertainment
Rhythm Rail Jam
February 1
An epic purpose-built arena in the middle of Hirafu is the venue for the annual Rhythm Rail Jam. If you’re in town on February 1 don’t miss it – look for the bright lights across from AYA Niseko
Kutchan Yukitopia Festival
February 15 – 16 (TBC)
Yuki is the Japanese word for snow and, held in peak winter every year, Kutchan Yukitopia Festival is Niseko’s yuki-themed carnivàle!
Namara Ippatsu Big Air
February 29
Niseko’s longest-running and most famous big air comp, Namara Ippatsu brings Hirafu to life in late February
Niseko Grand Hirafu Spring Break Fireworks
March 28
Winter isn’t over yet and late March goes off with a bang! This is a beautiful time of the winter with sunny skies and fine weather