Things are warming up in Niseko with all that is white and snowy giving way to green, green and more green!
So what happens in Niseko when all the snow has melted away? The international crowds dwindle, but the locals come out to play with an endless supply of activities and events available to keep people of all ages entertained.
The past month
May brought us the last step of the cherry blossom’s journey as their blooms slowly travelled north through Japan. This year they were out for around three weeks in the Niseko area, and up to four weeks in Rankoshi, providing plenty of photo opportunities and picturesque locations to bring that special someone for a picnic.
If you missed out on the cherry blossoms don’t fret! An equally extravagant floral display is still available exclusively in Kutchan with Mishima Kazuo’s stunning moss phlox garden in full bloom. Read all about it here or travel down towards the Niseko Brewery to enjoy them in person.
May also marked some big changes in the village, with local-favourite Green Farm Cafe and nearby offices at the main Hirafu intersection being demolished to make way for a big new development – expect the village to look markedly transformed again next winter!
The beginning of the festival season also started, with Sapporo hosting a wine fest as well as a ramen and lilac fest, and Otaru celebrating their Spring Festival.
There are plenty more festivals and events coming up so be sure to keep an eye on our events section!
COMING UP
This month, as the last of the snow slowly fades from Mt Yotei’s peak, be sure to make the most of the warm summer weather and get involved in some summer activities! Niseko is on course to carve out its own spot as a leading mountain bike and cycling destination within Japan, with weekly community rides organised by Rhythm, downhill mountain biking and pump tracks, and of course international road racing events such as the Niseko Classic. If you don’t own a bike yet this might be the summer to jump on two wheels!
There are a number of exciting events happening during June; If you’re a cosplay fan you still have a bit of time to wrap up those finishing touches on your costume before the Toya Anime Festival on the 23rd and 24th:
Ongoing – Botan Shakuyaku Flower Festival in Otaru
June 14-16 – Hokkadaio Shrine Festival in Sapporo
June 23-24 – Toya Anime Festival at Lake Toya
June 23 – July 01 – Sapporo Flower Festival
The roads are wide, the area is beautiful, and the rivers and beaches are warming up, so get out there and enjoy June!
