Niseko in western Hokkaido is expanding its tourism offerings to provide more experiences featuring nature, culture, adventure, gourmet and learning.
Led by DMO MICE Niseko, the initiative is designed to attract more micro incentive groups seeking unique programmes, particularly during the area’s Green Season (May to November).
Outdoor activities feature prominently, including sunrise climbs up Mount Yotei and rambles along the Kutchan Trail, which features a rare alpine plant zone designated a national natural monument.
In sports, padel was launched at Niseko Hanazono Resort this year, and the town has secured the UCI Gran Fondo World Series cycle championships in August 2026. Hosting the event is expected to enhance Niseko’s already extensive provision for cyclists, which includes bike rental, three top-tier bike parks,. and tours by bike or e-bike.
In addition, new products include the Mountain Lights and Fire Goddess Performance on select dates from July to October. The act synchronises the mukkuri (a plucked idiophone indigenous to the Ainu) and other music to fire dances, fireworks and the flaming Ainu sword dance.
There are also options combining F&B and nature, such as a picnic served in a gondola or on a canoe, or afternoon tea by luxury pastry brand Pierre Hermé Paris served in a boat on a lake. At Niseko Green Farm, groups can harvest organic vegetables and herbs to make and enjoy pizza fresh from the oven.
With MICE Niseko’s new guest speaker programme, it is also possible to hear from more than 20 local experts, each with insights relevant to a wide range of organisation, for 55,000 yen (US$361) per speaker.
