Niseko is one of the most popular destinations in Japan, be it for the ski-ready powder snow in the winter or the exciting whitewater rapids of the Shiribetsu River in the spring and summer. There’s always a good reason to visit Niseko year-round.
If you must visit Niseko in 2025, you should know that there are festivals and events scheduled in and around town. These festivals are always worth the visit as an additional side trip for your vacation. Here are some of the can’t-miss events that will be happening in Niseko in 2025.
Welcoming The New Year
Let us start with the morning of January 1st, when Niseko’s visitors are welcome to take the Sunrise Gondola up into the snow-capped mountains for a breathtaking view of the first sunrise of the year.
The gondola ride starts at the Niseko Gondola Base Station Building, where tickets are sold at 6:15 am on the morning itself. From there, passengers will board the gondola before sunrise, and they will start their own ascent as the sun rises in the horizon.
Tickets for the Sunrise Gondola are 2000 yen for adults and 1000 yen for children.
Honoring Tradition
There are many traditional Japanese festivals celebrated in Niseko and the surrounding towns, each honoring different aspects of the community. The most notable festival is the Hirafu Matsuri happening in August, which features attractions such as sword fighting, live music, and food from restaurants in the Niseko area.
Another notable festival is the Kutchan Jaga Festival also in August, a summer celebration of the humble potato in the nearby town of Kutchan. This celebration features taiko drumming, street dancing, and fireworks at night, on top of all the delicious food from local vendors.
Celebrating the Modern Arts
One of the most anticipated events of 2025 in Niseko is the first annual Snow Machine Festival on March 10 to 15, an apres-ski musical extravaganza featuring DJs and musical artists from around the world. Billed as “a ski trip and musical festival in one,” the Snow Machine Festival turns the slopes of Niseko into a multi-stage concert venue.
For film buffs, the Niseko Shootout Film Festival features talented filmmakers creating arresting short films from within the Niseko area. No schedule has been announced so far for the 2025 edition, but you can view past entries on the Niseko Shootout website for a taste of what’s to come.
Niseko on Two Wheels
Cycling is one of the most popular non-winter activities in Niseko, and cycling races are often scheduled during the parts of the year where there is no snow on the ground. Being in Niseko for cycling season means enjoying the sights and sounds of the area while the sun is out, and the roads are dry.
The Niseko Gravel Spring Ride in May and its sister race, September’s Niseko Gravel Autumn Ride, celebrates the paved and unpaved roads that wind throughout Niseko. Both races offer stunning views of the native foliage and local farms while pedaling on gravel-ready bikes.
For traditional cyclists, the Niseko Classic is held in the summertime, offering both road races and fun rides of different distances. The races are held on paved roads with routes that provide beautiful views of Niseko’s mountains and natural attractions.
Mountain bicyclists will also be thrilled to have their own cycling event in Niseko, the Niseko Hanazono Hill Climb in August. The race starts on a flat road before climbing up hills toward the border of Niseko and Kutchan. The Hanazono Hill Climb also coincides with the Kutchan Jaga Festival, so be sure to load up on yummy treats on race day.
If cycling’s not your thing, try these other Summer Activities To Do In Niseko.
Anticipating Niseko’s 2025 Events
Whether you’re preparing to party at Snow Machine or simply interested in trying potato treats at Kutchan Jaga, scheduling your trip around an event in Niseko requires preparation and forethought.
If your scheduled stay at your luxury private chalet in Niseko coincides with any of these events, you may consider preparing for the crowds that these events may bring. Plan on arriving earlier than scheduled at your venue, and don’t forget to arrange for transportation.
Dressing for events is also important, especially if you’re preparing for physical activities such as dancing and walking. Start with some wardrobe guidance on Dressing for Niseko: What To Wear, What To Buy.
Don’t enjoy festivals? No need to fret; festivals, especially in the winter, may also mean less crowds for winter activities. For example, one of the favorite activities in Niseko is snowboarding, so check out 5 Irresistible Reasons to Snowboard in Niseko while the crowds are away from the slopes.
Prepare For Year-Round Celebrations in Niseko
Regardless of which time of year, there’s always a celebration or festival worth checking out in Niseko. These events are an excellent way to explore the nuances of culture in Niseko, whether it’s mingling apres-ski with fellow festival-goers, working up a sweat on your bicycle, or checking out traditional music and dance at a nearby town.
The events mentioned in this story are just a sampling of celebrations and festivals in Niseko that are scheduled or anticipated for 2025. If you’re booked at a luxury private chalet in Niseko as part of your travel plans, we invite you to consult with our concierge services to get a full calendar of events happening during your stay.
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Featured Image: Experience Niseko
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