Summer holiday in Niseko: 10 activities for families

A summer holiday there easily involves BBQ parties by day, home-cooked meals made from fresh local produce at home by night.

Niseko’s winter is fantastic, while summertime in Niseko is also made for outdoors-y people, as lush landscape emerges and farmers get their crops into the ground. There are trails and rivers nestled in the mountains opening to all sorts of activities, complemented by great food, wonderful weather and stunning scenery.

RELATED: NISEKO SUMMER: EVENT AND FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Farm-to-table lunch

The fresh, quality produce Niseko is known for plays a big part of the dining experience.

In summer, a good number local farms are open for all-you-can-eat tours and buying local harvests. You can buy hours of hands-on picking and all-you-can-eat of fresh fruits like cherries, strawberries and tomatoes at reasonable prices during the season.

The kids would love getting fresh milk from cows and delicious eggs from chickens, followed with a delicious farm-fresh lunch.

outdoor barbecue

When the days are long, enjoy the tastes of Hokkaido around a firing grill in the outdoors.

Most popular restaurants also open in the greener months and provide BBQ facilities. Some even provide large tents in case of rain.

You can find a generous choice of fresh local catch at the market perfect for some down-home barbecue as well.

Pure Adventure Park

Pure Adventure Park at Niseko Village is a favourite spot to take the kids for some outdoor fun. Boasting the longest zip-line in Niseko, the game park has a selection of activities from tree-trekking to ziplining, with dedicated forest adventures designed for all age groups.

They even have mission-driven scavenger hunts tailored that make full use of the forest-y area’s natural surrounds. Even the most die-hard of adventure seeker would find their 40-minute advanced course a challenge!

Biking

It is no secret that Niseko is a hot spot for biking in summertime. Essentially the hills become an exciting downhill mountain biking course, accessed by the high-speed gondola.

Rentals for any type and all ages are available and there are plenty of options for both road and mountain riding in crisp and clean air. You can keep your bikes on the chair lifts as you go up, and cycle down the hill that you ski on in winter. There are also a good number of cycler-friendly areas for beginner and intermediate riders to discover new techniques!

Hiking

Surrounded by mountains – most of them with set courses and maps – Niseko has a variety of scenic trails to suit all hiking tastes and abilities.

Pick a tourist spot or café and take a walk there! There are plenty of paths suitable for hiking and walking in Niseko. Not to mention trails around Hangetsu Lake and Shinsen Numa pond, and trails at the foot of Mount Annupuri.

The most iconic Mount Yotei is a dream destination for hike-enthusiast all over the world. For most of them, the goal is to reach the summit, take in the unforgettable views, make the descent into the crater, and then hike out again.

Horse Riding

Surrounded by mountains – most of them with set courses and maps – Niseko has a variety of scenic trails to suit all hiking tastes and abilities.

Pick a tourist spot or café and take a walk there! There are plenty of paths suitable for hiking and walking in Niseko. Not to mention trails around Hangetsu Lake and Shinsen Numa pond, and trails at the foot of Mount Annupuri.

The most iconic Mount Yotei is a dream destination for hike-enthusiast all over the world. For most of them, the goal is to reach the summit, take in the unforgettable views, make the descent into the crater, and then hike out again.

Japanese hot springs "Onsen"

A satisfying hike around Niseko typically ends with a good soak in of one the local natural hot springs. Goshiki Onsen is one of the most popular bathhouses in the vicinity, enjoying a quiet setting with wrap-around views of the nature.

With so many natural springs available you will never go thirsty in Niseko. A lot of the snow filters into the ground and resurfaces as pure spring water in summer.

Water Sports

Niseko’s Shiribetsu River is the destination for summer water sports.

Runoff from snowmelt in spring fills the water with exciting rafting rapids, which become a little more mellow and relaxed during the summer. Another adrenaline-pumping option for sports fanatics is the canyoneering – rappel, slide, and jump down waterfalls in your wetsuit, and become acquainted with nature in its most rugged form.

Less adventurous participants can learn kayaking basics on Hanazono lake’s flat water under the watchful eyes of experienced coaches.

Tennis

There are various public tennis courts all over Niseko. The Izumikyo 2 area alone has 5 courts with rentals of rackets, shoes and balls for hire. Try booking the court around sunset for to enjoy the especially breathtaking colors of Yotei, and then grab a drink at a bar in the village.

📷 Ed Blomfield
Family Photography

There’s no reason not to take advantage of summertime Niseko’s picture-perfect scenery. Venture out with a local photographer and get some impossibly cute family photos – along with some surprising discoveries about the area.

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