Events

Niseko’s stunning scenery transforms into a vibrant playground during the summer months. We are thrilled to announce the upcoming events held in Niseko.

The fireworks are launched with the hope that they will bring happiness and carry away people’s troubles. The Yukijin (hot spring demon gods) who live in Jigokudani, where the legend of Demon Fireworks has been passed down through the generations, release powerful Demon Fireworks into the night sky, resembling a volcanic eruption.

[Schedules in 2024] Starts at 8:00 pm (for about 15minutes)
*Opening day on June 1st.
*Mondays & Thursdays from June 3rd till July 1st.
*Thursdays in July
*Thursdays in October

Spectators limited up to 1,500 people

For more information: https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/en/...

Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/di...
**About 1h 52min drives from AYA Niseko

The 11th Niseko Classic enters its 9th year as UCI Gran Fondo World Series.

The 150km and 80km races are official UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier events, and are supervised by the Japan Cycling Federation. Your road to Aalborg/Denmark, the host cities of the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, begins in Niseko!
For more information: https://nisekoclassic.com/en/

Onsen resort transformed into a huge cosplay venue! Anime lovers from all walks of life gathered!

For two days in summer, the normally quiet streets of Lake Toya Onsen, a hot spring town in south-central Hokkaido, fill with cosplayers. Unlike most pop culture conventions, which take place in huge indoor exhibition spaces, at the Toyako Manga & Anime Festa party-goers walk through the crowded streets dressed as their favorite iconic characters.

For more information: https://tmaf.toyako-prj.net/

**About 50 minutes drive from AYA Niseko

Every year in early July, a fiery festival lights up the town of Shakotan in Hokkaido, Japan. Held at the Bikuni Shrine, the Shakotan Fire Festival is a celebration to ensure the safety of fishermen and bountiful catches. The main attraction, however, is the daring Tengu Fire Dance. A performer dressed as a "tengu," a mountain spirit in Japanese folklore, walks barefoot across a bed of burning flames. This symbolic act of purification is a thrilling climax to the festival.

Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/di...

**About 1h 19m drives from AYA Niseko

The Iwanai Shrine Festival is a vibrant celebration held annually in Iwanai Town, Hokkaido. Steeped in over 200 years of tradition, the festival unfolds over three days, transforming the town into a lively scene.

The highlight of the festival is the energetic parade featuring portable shrines, called mikoshi. Locals carry these decorated shrines through the streets, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of kagura, a form of sacred music. The lively procession, often featuring performers and the legendary "tengu" creature, brings an exciting atmosphere to the town.

For more information (conducted in Japanese):https://www.iwanai-jinja.com/%...

Google maps:https://www.google.com/maps/di...
**About 44 minutes drive from AYA Niseko

Experience your best hill Climb event ever in Niseko!

Niseko Hanazono Hill Climb is a hillclimb event in early August every year in Niseko, Hokkaido. The wide range of race categories makes it easy for anyone to participate and have fun, from the beginners to advanced.
After the race, a down hill ride towards Kutchan town awaits, where you will be rewarded with scenic views of Hokkaido.
General Deadline: 18:00 July 5th

For more information: https://en.nisekohillclimb.com

The Niseko Village Niko Niko Summer Festival is a summer festival event that showcases the food, nature, and charm of Niseko to visitors. A wide variety of entertainment and stage events will bring visitors and guests from the local community together, providing an unforgettable summer experience.

Time: 14:00 - 21:00 (July 13th) - 11:00 - 21:00 (July 14th)
Venue: Niseko-yo

Google maps link: https://www.google.com/maps/di...

**About 15-20 minute drive from AYA Niseko

The Niki Cherry Festival is a unique celebration held in Niki, Hokkaido, Japan. Unlike most cherry blossom festivals that happen in spring, this one takes place in early July, making it a midsummer event.

Held at the Farming Village Fruit Park, the festival offers a chance to experience the charm of Niki through cherries and fun activities. Visitors can enjoy delicious cherries, participate in a cherry pit spitting competition, and take part in lively entertainment like bingo games, Yosakoi dances, and Waka-ayu drumming.

For more information: https://www.niki-kanko.jp/comm...

Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/di...
**About 53 minutes drive from AYA Niseko

Unique, humorous and unforgettable spectacle, 3 magic words that describe this summer festival.

Humor is a key reason for the festival's success. Dancers make their "heso" (bellybutton) into a face, using paint, special costumes, and props. There are many innovative variations to the simple yet lively Heso Odori (Bellybutton Dance). Competition is intense as dancers compete for prizes and glory in various categories.

For more information: https://hesomatsuri.com/

Location: Furano, Hokkaido.
https://hesomatsuri.com/map

**About 3.5 hours from AYA Niskeo

Hanazono golf regularly organizes various events throughout the season to offer discounts on golf play.

Plenty of great prizes, including accomodation vouchers to stay in Niseko! Make new friendships or strengthen old ones with an open competition that even beginners and groups can enjoy!

The events starting dates: May 29th, June 19th, July 18th, August 5th, September 19th.

Every year in early August, the town of Kutchan in Hokkaido comes alive with the Kutchan Jaga Festival, a vibrant celebration of summer and all things potato! This two-day festival is a delightful mix of food, fun, and local culture. The Kutchan Jaga Festival is a fun-filled way to experience the heart of Kutchan, celebrating its agricultural bounty and rich cultural heritage.

Starter point: https://www.google.com/maps/di...

**About 15 minutes drive from AYA Niseko

Hirafu Festival, an annual summer festival held in Niseko Kutchan Town, Hokkaido.

・Mochimaki with gorgeous prizes!
・Adults are crazy about this event! Authentic “target practice” and chanbara (sword fighting) competitions!
・Music and live performances by local artists.
・Children love♪ Trampoline♪
・Niseko Gourmet Carnival” will be held by more than 20 popular restaurants in Niseko area!
・Yotei drums and fireworks will provide the finale to the festival!

Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/di...
*About 3 minutes walking from AYA Niseko. Located in front-right side of AYA NIseko hotel.

Hokkaido’s first trail run is now on its 24th edition.

The NAC Trail Run is one of Niseko’s premier sporting events with hundreds of people taking part every year. It is trail runner’s smorgasbord of mountains, forest trails, log hopping and creek crossings. There is a 30km mountain course for the hardcore, a still considerably mountainous but mercifully shorter 10km course, and a 5km serene forest trail course. Anyone of primary school age or older can join the run.

​Those who wish to join the day before can sign up at the NAC Centre.

For more information:https://nacadventures.jp/en/ev...

The 42nd Niseko Marathon Festival is a renowned annual event that takes place in Kutchan, Hokkaido, Japan. Runners can participate in a variety of race categories, including a marathon (42.195 kilometers), a half marathon (21.0975 kilometers), and shorter distances for casual runners and enthusiasts. The event typically occurs in September, attracting participants from all over the world who come to challenge themselves amidst the stunning natural beauty of Niseko. The event is also actively looking for volunteers should you want to participate from the sidelines.

For more information (conducted in Japanese) : https://www.i-sam.co.jp/niseko...
Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/di...
**About 14 minutes drive from AYA Niseko

Biannual gravel road bike race happening again in Niseko from September 21th - 22th, 2024.

Please wait for more details to be updated by the race coordinators. You can check back on updates at their website here: https://nisekogravel.com/en