Top 17 Things To Do In Niseko, Japan

1. Niseko Cheese Factory

The Niseko Cheese Factory is a popular tourist attraction producing a variety of delicious cheeses using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can take a tour of the facility to see the cheese-making process in action. The tour includes a visit to the cheese cellar, where you can sample and purchase various types of cheese.

In addition to cheese, the factory also offers other dairy products such as butter and ice cream, as well as a small cafe serving cheese-themed dishes. The Niseko Cheese Factory is a must-visit destination for cheese lovers and foodies visiting the Hokkaido region.

Niseko Cheese Factory

Address: 425-6 Kondo, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Website: Niseko Cheese Factory

Opening hours: Sun - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

2. Ostrich Arishima 2nd farm Niseko

The Ostrich Arishima 2nd farm is an unusual but fascinating attraction in Niseko. The farm is home to a large number of ostriches, as well as other animals such as goats, sheep, and rabbits. Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm to learn about ostriches, and can even feed and pet the friendly birds.

For the adventurous foodie, the farm has a restaurant that serves ostrich meat dishes. There’s also a gift shop selling souvenirs made out of ostrich eggs.

Ostrich Arishima 2nd farm Niseko

Address: 239-2 Toyosato, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1543, Japan

Website: Ostrich Arishima 2nd farm Niseko

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

3. Have a chilly drink at the Niseko Ice Village

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Niseko Ice Village is one of the most popular attractions around the area; it was constructed by some truly creative minds. A beautiful village made entirely out of ice, this fascinating place comprises several rooms that are dedicated to different fun activities such as relaxing, partying, drinking, and more. Even the lounges where you sit are made of ice, and the lighting is created by passing colorful lights through the icicles all over the ceilings. There are also playgrounds made entirely out of ice as well as a bar where you can drink your favorite cocktails or grab a warm beverage if you are feeling too chilly.

Niseko Ice Village

Address: 355-2 Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1522, Japan

Website: Niseko Ice Village

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 3pm - 11pm

4. Play some adventure sports at Niseko Village Nature Experience

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are into thrilling adventure sports, Niseko Village Nature Experience offers a wide variety of sports including disc golfing, ziplining, trekking, and more. There is a gondola ride available that takes you high above the town, where you can experience panoramic views of the countryside. There are sports activities for children as well. The residential options here include a beautiful old-school townhouse, hotel rooms, and guestrooms. If you get hungry, do check out the restaurants on site.

Niseko Village Nature Experience

Address: Niseko Village, Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1592, Japan

Website: Niseko Village Nature Experience

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Pay your respects at Niseko Kaributo Shrine

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are interested in exploring traditional Shinto shrines in Japan, this is the perfect place for you. A Shinto shrine is considered a safe place to keep sacred objects. Aside from that, you can also pay your respects and meditate here in peace. The way to worship at a Shinto shrine is to bow twice, clap twice, pray to yourself, and then bow again after you are done praying. You can even leave some money in the offering box which is meant as a token for the shrine.

Niseko Kaributo Shrine

Address:218番地 Hondori, 字 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1502, Japan

Website: Niseko Kaributo Shrine

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Go snowmobiling at Hokkaido Lion Adventure

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wintertime in the region is equally a ton of fun, and the residents here really know how to make the most of it with a variety of outdoor snow sports. If you’re wondering what to do in Niseko for winter, head to Hokkaido Lion Adventure and engage in some exciting adventure sports such as snowmobiling, paragliding, white water rafting, and more.

You can choose to hire a professional tour guide who will explain everything and take you on all the rides. If you choose to opt for some adventure sports, they provide a photographer who will click some snaps of you engaging in the activities. You can purchase the photos afterward.

Hokkaido Lion Adventure

Address: 60-4 Chuodori, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1512, Japan

Website: Hokkaido Lion Adventure

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

7. Enjoy some delicious sushi and sashimi at Sushi Hanayoshi

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One can’t go on a trip to Hokkaido without planning to dine on some delicious sushi as the fish here is considered the most special catch. With the freshest ingredients and freshly caught fish, the meals here are to die for. Guests have mentioned that this is the best Japanese meal they have had for a long time. Even though it was a little heavy on the wallet, it was totally worth it. So treat yourself to an experience you will never forget, and try the sushi and sashimi here.

Sushi Hanayoshi

Address: 65 Fujimi, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1502, Japan

Website: Sushi Hanayoshi

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 1:30pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

8. Crack open a cold one at Niseko Brewing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Craft beer is a universal favorite amongst all beer drinkers. Fermented in small batches with great attention paid to each batch, the craft beer you can get at Niseko Brewing is unlike any you might have had. The food here is amazing as well, and you can opt for some asari clam butter and dumplings. The ambiance is very rustic and homey with some relaxing music playing in the background. So if you are looking for a good way to relax in the evening, Niseko Brewing is a great option for you.

Niseko Brewing

Address: 4-11 Hondori, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1502, Japan

Website: Niseko Brewing

9. Enjoy a chill night at The Flame Bar & Lounge

Situated inside Hilton Hotel, this restaurant is an upscale place to dine at with its ambiance, quality of service, and of course, delicious food. There is a lovely fireplace that is mesmerizing to watch as you settle in with your drinks. If it’s your first time here, opt for their bestseller called yuzu-flavored drink.

The Flame Bar & Lounge

Address: Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1522, Japan

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

10. Shop fresh local produce at Niseko View Plaza

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Niseko View Plaza is a charming and quaint market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, jams, and much more; all under one roof. You can find an array of local produce which is sold by the farmers who grow them. Asparagus, pumpkins, and mushrooms are found in abundance here, make sure that you ask about the different varieties that they have. The staff here is extremely welcoming and ensure that you find something that is just meant for you. There are several restaurants and a homey cafe in the vicinity as well. The most amazing part of the market is the fact that the money goes directly to hardworking farmers. Located at a picturesque location, the plaza is the perfect place to visit with your friends and family. Be sure to pick up the soft-serve icecream which is filled to the brim with flavor!

Niseko View Plaza

Address: 77-10 Motomachi, 字 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1544, Japan

Website: Niseko View Plaza

Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)

11. Ride a gondola over the Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area

Riding a gondola is an exciting activity, the thrill of which lasts a lifetime. This ride can be perfect to witness the flawless views of Niseko. The stunning mountain-tops covered in powdery snow add to the charm of the scenery. The cherry on the cake would definitely be the sumptuous, hot Japanese curry which is sold in a local restaurant nearby. The area is quiet and serene and there are many options for those who are just starting out with skiing. The Gondola does not operate on windy days, so make sure that you plan your trip accordingly.

Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area

Address: Niseko-485 Niseko, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan

Website: Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area

Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)

12. Scale Hokkaido's lovely Mount Yotei

Enjoy trekking with your family and friends on the beautiful Mount Yotei. The climb is definitely challenging but extremely rewarding. As you climb higher, you would be able to see the farmlands, vegetable gardens, and lots of wildflowers, all of which make the climb absolutely worth it. If you’re not a fan of the snow, make sure that you visit in autumn to look at the spectacular views and enjoy climbing without any difficulty.

Mount Yotei

Address: Kawanishi, Kyogoku, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0131, Japan

13. Drive along the Niseko Panorama Line

Driving along the Niseko Panorama Line can be a memorable experience. With the backdrop of lush greenery, gardens, farmlands, and colorful trees, it’s hard not to enjoy the spectacular views. The best time to enjoy a ride is in Autumn, as you can witness the changing hues of the foliage. Simply rent a car from the Niseko Station, sit back and enjoy the ride!

Niseko Panorama Line

Address: Hokkaidō, Japan

14. Trek along the tranquil wetlands of Shinsen-numa Marsh

Trekking along Shinsen-Numa Marsh can be a real treat. The entire trail is filled with lush greenery and there are a number of signboards lined up along the path to ensure that you don’t get lost. The wooden path leads to open wetlands. The atmosphere is serene and calm. The melodious symphony of birds chirping in a distance adds to the soothing environment. On a cloudy day, you can see a sea of clouds floating around Iwanai. The soft-touch of fog coupled with the fluffy clouds makes the scenery breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoy a mesmerizing trek and soak in the calming atmosphere.

Shinsen-numa Marsh

Address: Maeda, Kyowa, Iwanai District, Hokkaido 048-2201, Japan

Website: Shinsen-numa Marsh

15. Enjoy a dip in Niseko's numerous hot springs

Niseko is particularly well-known for the numerous onsen (or hot springs) which are found in the area, name;y, Goshiki Onsen, Niseko Kelp Onsen, and Hirafu Onsen. The water of these hot springs is naturally warm and rich in a number of minerals. This makes it extremely favorable for those who want to dip in and relax. After a hectic day of trekking or hiking, head to the hot springs and soothe your aching muscles! Opt for a traditional outdoor bath or choose a modern Japanese retreat and soak in all that goodness.

Goshiki Onsen And Hotel

Address: 510 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan

Website: Goshiki Onsen And Hotel

Opening hours: May - Nov: 9am - 8pm (daily); Dec - Apr: 10am - 7pm (daily)

16. Savor fresh ice cream at Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm

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Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm is the best ice cream parlor that serves ice creams of several different flavors. This is the perfect place for people who enjoy natural, authentic flavors. Indulging your sweet tooth with the shop’s cakes, ice creams, milkshakes, and yogurt-based drinks is undeniably one of the best things to do in Niseko during summer.

You can try out their cream puffs as well which are made up of fresh milk straight from the ranch. The scent of the ice creams is really sweet and fresh and lingers in the air around the farm. Apart from that, the staff is really courteous and friendly. The seating arrangement is really comfortable and you can spend hours lazily lying there. Not only do they offer natural and freshly made ice creams, but they also have a wide range of exciting and never-tried-before flavors.

There are several shops next to the dairy farm, where you can find handicrafts, collectibles, gifting options, and home décor items.

Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm

Address: 888-1 Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1522, Japan

Website: Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

17. Get a bird's eye from a hot-air balloon

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The hot-air balloon ride is a fun-filled, thrilling experience which must not be missed. If you’re traveling with your significant other, then this experience can be truly unforgettable. The view from the top is surreal and offers some super enviable sights. The ride will provide you with a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire town. You’ll be amused at how carefree and gentle it feels to float in the air! Each ride is unique and what makes it special is that you allow the winds to take you to different places.

Niseko Balloon

Address: Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan

To sum it up

This part of Japan is one of the most stunning destinations to visit. With so much to explore, one can easily get confused as to what to do in Niseko first. One of the best things that you can find here is farm-fresh produce. Nearly all kinds of vegetables and fruits can be found here at dirt-cheap prices. It is the perfect place to relax since the hot springs provide an abundance of rejuvenation, healing, and comfort. To add to that, the beautiful backdrop of mountains makes the experience truly worthwhile!