Updated on July 29, 2025
The quaint yet beautiful town of Niseko is well-loved for many reasons, including its powdery-white snow during the winter season. But did you know that there is more to this ski resort town come summertime? As soon as the snow melts, Niseko transforms from a snowy playground into a lush green landscape with breathtaking scenery, delicious produce, a string of festivities and plenty of exciting outdoor activities – all waiting to be discovered by visitors.
From summer festivals and sporting events to whitewater rafting and hiking in Mount Yotei, summer in Niseko holds its own pleasant surprises for you and your family. These exciting summer activities can give you a new perspective on what makes Niseko the perfect summer destination, even in the absence of the famous powder snow.
Related article: What Makes Niseko So Popular?
The 7 Best Reasons to Visit Niseko for The Summer
Niseko can be considered a year-round destination if you look at it closely. The summer weather can be crisp and dry, which makes it ideal for activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. It’s also a good opportunity to explore other cities in Hokkaido such as Sapporo, Shakotan, and Otaru while making your elegant luxury chalet in Niseko as your home base. Here are a few other activities to consider during your visit to Niseko.
1. Explore Hokkaido’s Unique Attractions
As Japan’s largest island, Hokkaido has thriving biodiversity underlined with geothermal activity evident with its natural hot springs and rugged volcanoes. Summer is the best time to visit the prefecture to relish in its natural beauty. Popular destinations in the area include the Instagram-ready lavender farms in Furano and the Blue Pond of Biei, which continuously intrigues tourists with its vivid hues changing in every season.
2. Tee Off at Niseko’s Premier Golf Courses
The low humidity and pleasant temperatures make for the perfect climate for a spot of golf. The good news for golfers is that Niseko boasts some impressive world-class courses, including the Niseko Village Golf Course and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Hokkaido Classic Golf Club. These courses are suitable for all ages, with a variety of landscapes to challenge even the most experienced golfers.
Related article: The Four Ski Resorts of Niseko, Japan: Niseko United
3. Participate in A Sporting Event
Sporting events such as the Hanazono Hill Climb and the Niseko Classic cycling races take advantage of the dry summer weather while giving athletes a chance to test their endurance with the lush landscapes of Niseko in the background. The popularity of these events bring a significant crowd to Niseko’s resorts, so even if you’re not racing along, the festivities happening alongside these races are also worth attending.
4. Indulge in The Freshest Produce
A summer trip to Niseko would not be complete without tasting the finest produce in town. The harvest is bountiful both in Niseko and its neighboring towns, including the fruit orchards of Yoichi and Niki, where cherries and apples are in abundance during the warmer months. You can also take the opportunity to check out newly-harvested potatoes in nearby Kutchan, which are celebrated with their own summer festival in August.
Related article: Dishes That Will Keep You Warm in Niseko This Winter
5. Discover Niseko’s Unique Summer Festivals
Aside from the aforementioned potato festival, also known as Jaga Kutchan Matsuri, summer festivals abound in Niseko as well. The Niko Niko Summer Festival in Niseko Village features local and regional food delicacies as well as live performances from musicians and a breathtaking fireworks show on the final night of the festival. It’s an event that the whole family can enjoy, and it even gives guests a chance to explore the best of Niseko in the off-season.
Meanwhile, Hirafu turns into an open-air space during the Hirafu Green Park event. Live music, outdoor film screenings, and skateboarding exhibitions make the festival a treat for the young at heart, while the farmer’s market aims to showcase the freshest produce from nearby towns.
6. Go on Riverside Adventures at the Shiribetsu River
One of the cleanest rivers in the world, the 126-kilometer Shiribetsu River is one of the main natural attractions that draw visitors to Niseko all year round. It’s a popular spot for fly-fishing, but it’s also renowned for whitewater rafting. Visiting the river during the summer ensures calmer waters, and rafting tours also come with their own safety equipment for guests to explore the rapids with ease. For guests who prefer less turbulent aquatic activities, boats can also be chartered for exploring the river.
7. Hike the Trails of Mount Yotei
Once the snow melts and the warm-weather greenery sets in, hiking through the mountains of Niseko becomes much easier to appreciate. Mount Yotei, or “Sheep-Hoof Mountain,” provides challenging trails for hiking and trekking for thrill-seekers that would take 5 hours to complete. But the steep and arduous climb is all worth it as you reach the summit and marvel at Niseko’s enchanting beauty. Hiking is also a great way to get to know the diverse range of local plant species on the mountain.
Related article: Dressing for Niseko: What to Wear, Where to Buy
Enjoy an Unforgettable Summer in Niseko
Even without the powder snow, Niseko can still be a beautiful destination in the summer months, thanks to the wide range of exciting and family-friendly activities available in and around the area. Niseko in the summer puts the focus back on the natural beauty and unique culture of the region, which.can be a draw in itself especially for guests looking to avoid the tourist crowds during ski season.
If you’re looking to experience an unconventional yet memorable summer in Japan, speak to a reservations specialist who can help you book a luxurious yet summer-ready chalet during the off-season. They may even get you in touch with your chalet’s concierge services to assist with booking the summer activities of your choice so you can enjoy your Niseko summer trip.
Discover one of Japan’s premier destinations with our Niseko Travel Guide.
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
