Enjoy some of the Niseko's festivals and events all year round
There are many local festivals (matsuri) held in the various towns and villages in the area. These festivals are highly recommended as they provide the chance to both meet the locals and sample regional cuisines. All towns have matsuri which usually incorporate the local "meibutsu" (famous local product) into festivities.
Hanazono Kutchan Music Festival
The 20th Anniversary Hanzono Kutchan Music Festival will begin on July 25th - 26th. This year, British Jazz-funk, SHAKATAK will be making their first appearance in Niseko. Set in the beautiful green of Hanazono Village with Mount Yotei as a backdrop, this music festival is a two day concert featuring international and some of Japan's most treasured musicians.
Details: July 25th-26th 2009
Location: Hanazono
Kutchan Jaga Matsuri
The Kutchan area is famous for its potatoes and the Jaga Matsuri is a celebration of that, and a chance for the town to get together and celebrate the peak of the summer weather. Each year, thousands of people turned out to enjoy the event which is the Kutchan's biggest summer festival.
Details: August 1st-2nd 2009
Location: Kutchan
Niseko Cycle Week
The Niseko Cycle Week is a one week event with the goal of educating and promoting a clean, active lifestyle. These cycling events throughout the week will be catered to cycling associations throughout Asia, giving them a taste of competing among elite cyclists around Japan and Asia.
Details: August 30th – September 6th 2009
Location: Hiraful/Niseko/Kutchan
Mikaku Fiesta
Yotei District Mikaku Food Fiesta is truly a culinary extravaganza and celebration of the region best produce culminating in amazing dishes all under one roof. This is a great opportunity for everyone who loves food of Hokkaido to taste and experience the locally produced foods.
Details: November 7th 2009
Location: TBA
Sapporo Snow Festival
Since 1950, the Snow Festival has grown into an international event and is the biggest and most spectacular festival in Japan, and a major tourist attraction.
Every winter local and international teams compete in the Snow Statue Contest in which sculptors create fantastic art out of snow and ice. Hundreds of beautiful and elaborate snow statues and ice sculptures dot the area, some the size of multi-story buildings, and it is these massive sculptures in particular that have made the festival famous.
Details: February 5th -11th 2010
Location: Odori Park
Reserve your Niseko Luxury Accommodation
- If you are interested to come to Niseko for a holiday anytime of the year, please see our Niseko Accommodation Page to reserve your luxury accommodation in Hirafu, Izumikyo and Hanazono.
