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Things to do in Niseko

Why you should go

Ninety seconds on Niseko

Powder is the reason this corner of Hokkaido has an international name. Cold air crossing the Sea of Japan drops light, dry snow on the Annupuri range through most of the winter, and four ski areas share the one mountain that catches it. Across the valley stands Mount Yōtei, a volcano so close to Fuji in outline that it is called Ezo Fuji. Hirafu, the busiest base, lies over the line in Kutchan; the town of Niseko itself is quieter, with onsen, farmland and upland ponds that open once the snow has gone.

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Things to do

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  1. Niseko United

    Niseko United

    Ski Resort · 6 hr

    Come in January for the deepest powder or in March for fewer crowds on the lifts, and buy the all-mountain pass online a couple of weeks before you fly, because daily numbers can be capped.

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  2. Park

    Fukidashi Park

    Park · 30 min

    At the foot of Yōtei in Kyōgoku, snowmelt that has filtered down through the volcano for decades comes out of the rock here as a cold, clear spring. It is listed among the best waters in Japan, and visitors fill bottles at the taps by the stream. A short loop of paths and bridges runs through the woods around it.

  3. Viewpoint

    Mount Yōtei

    Viewpoint · 8 hr

    A near perfect volcanic cone rising alone out of farmland on the far side of the valley from the ski areas, which is why it is known as Ezo Fuji. It fills the view from almost every run in Niseko. In summer a full day on the trail reaches the crater rim, and the snow on its upper slopes lingers well into June.

  4. Lake

    Shinsen-numa

    Lake · 1 hr

    A marsh pond high on the western Niseko range, reached by a boardwalk through beech forest from the Panorama Line road. The water holds the reflection of the surrounding peaks on a still morning, and the autumn colour around it is the best reason to come. The road is closed through the snow months, so this is a summer and autumn visit.

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