BEYOND WINTER

World famous for the abundance off wonderful powder in winter Niseko also holds another not so hidden secret. That is Niseko beyond winter.

When the big white melts away in favor of the warmer pleasant temperatures of the rest of the year it opens to a whole different world full of plenty of fun in the sun and nature under stunning blue skies during the day and star filled wonders at night.

Starting off with cherry blossoms in spring and ending with the amazing colors of autumn, the summer in Niseko has all sorts of outdoor activities for you to enjoy including golf, fishing, cycling, hiking, road-tripping not to mention the delicious seasonal food and beverages.

CYCLING IN NISEKO

Summer in Niseko is a cyclist’s dream, with everything from wide open roads to challenging vertical hill climbs offering rewarding views when you reach the top. Many cyclists enjoy looping around Mt Yotei in the morning or heading out to lake Toya and riding around the lake and stopping off for a swim or lunch at one of the many beautiful stops around the lake. With truly stunning views at every turn be sure to take your camera or phone to snap some magical pics along the way.

If you’re a more serious rider and looking to test your skills against some of the best in Japan and teams from around the Globe there are several events throughout the year. The Niseko Classic which is one of Hokkaido’s largest road races and The Niseko Hill Climb are among some of the best and attract both domestic riders and riders from all over the world.

FISHING NISEKO

Fishing in Niseko and its outer regions is a fantastic experience. The rivers flowing through the area are some of the cleanest in Hokkaido if not the world. They are well stocked with a variety of fish including Chum, Cherry and RedSpotted Masu Salmon, Whitespotted Char, Ayu, Stone Loach, Dolly Varden Trout, Brook Trout, and the Japanese Huchen.

It is recommended to book a local guide to get you in the right spots but there are also plenty of spots where you can just pull up with the family and set up the BBQ and throw a few lines in the water and teach the kids how to fish.

Most popular methods are flyfishing, and lure fishing, but if that sounds like too much work you also can’t go wrong with a box of good old garden worms from the local Homac store and a hook and sinker.

They sell everything you would need to have a fantastic day by the water enjoying nature.

GOLF

Niseko is renowned for being the perfect golf destination, with temperatures in the mid 20 range and low humidity it makes the perfect weather for a day on the links.

With all three of the Niseko golf courses having fantastic views of Mt Yotei and the surrounding mountain sides and being meticulously maintained it makes it an unforgettable experience for all levels of player.

There are a total three golf courses in the area within 20min drive: Hanazono Golf, Niseko Village Golf Course and Niseko Golf Course, open from end of April through early November. All three courses offer morning and afternoon tee times. It is recommended to book in advance, green fees are usually under 10,000yen for 18 holes, weekends can be slightly more expensive.

HANAZONO GOLF COURSE

This championship style course in Hanazono consists of 18 holes tottaling 7000 yards and is considered the most difficult course in the Niseko area.

Each hole brings something new from tight tee shots to water hazards and fairway bunkers. With green speeds averaging 9-10 on the stimp meter it is a great challenge for all levels of golfer.

• Designer: Miyazawa Chohei • Tel: 0136-21-7700

• Address: 1 Aza Hanazono, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun,

Hokkaido 044-0084

NISEKO VILLAGE GOLF COURSE

This par 73 resort style course measuring in at 6,845-yards is suited to all levels of golfer. With stunning views of Mt Yotei and Mt Annupuri there are many fantastic photo opportunities. The course boasts a par 6 10th hole which is a very rare thing in golf and a great and fun challenge for all golfers. The course can get busy in July and August due to it being located right adjacent the Niseko Hilton Hotel, so bookings are recommended.

• Tel: 0136-44-2211

• Address: Higashiyama, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido,

Abuta District, 048-1522

NISEKO GOLF COURSE

A par 72 and 6,805-yard long this is a truly Arnold Palmer designed course. With each hole offering a new set of challenges its important to hit the fairway off every tee box to give yourself the best chance at hitting the green in regulation. With some truly stunning panoramic views of Mt Yotei and sounding mountain ranges it is a true joy to play this one and not to be missed.

• Course Designer: Arnold Palmer • Tel: 0136-58-3131

• Address: Fukui, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1561