Ride on The NISEKO Steam Locomotive!

Oct 03, 2011 

I have ridden the NISEKO steam locomotive.

You need a reserved-seat ticket between Sapporo and Kutchan,
but you can enjoy a small trip with local fare between Kutchan and Rankoshi. I savoured a short 50 minute round-trip journey between Niseko station and Rankoshi.

Retro-flavored seats and cafe lead you a nostalgia mood.

SL lunch box and special snacks for the SL perform a tool of your petit journey. Annoucement of touristic view points help you to understand scenery more from train windows.

The NISEKO Steam Locomotive is running on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays until November 3rd. Don’t miss the chance!

Posted by: Yoko  |  category: Activities, Kutchan, events |  Tag: Comment: 0

The Fittest and the Dirtiest

Jul 04, 2011 

This weekend, HANAZONO308 hosted one the JCF Japan Series MTB X-Country races, and it was quite the event. Competitors from all over Japan came to compete, and teams from major brands such as Cannondale and Giant were well-represented. The main course wound for 5km around Hanazono’s activity center and up towards the ski slopes and the nearby Tokyu Golf Course, leaving competitors muddied and tired, but the crowd loved it! Over 180 riders of all ages participated.

The elite-level race was a sight to see. The start of the race was a short climb then a cut back into the woods where things got tight and dusty. A number of racers fell over quickly, and even among these athletes their skills weren’t always enough to stay on the bike in such tough conditions.

There was a chance for all levels and ages to try out the course, too. The kid’s races were probably better attended than the ones with more competitive fields. Personally, I was inspired seeing those kids, from elementary school to high school, and I can’t wait to get back on my bike and try out the course later this week.

Our favorite platypus ninja, Kamonohashi, even made an appearance to help slake the thirst of tired competitors during the beginner race. Most riders took advantage of it, but a couple were so focused that they didn’t even know he was standing there! That’s serious dedication.

The HANAZONO308 Activity Center is open this summer, offering various off-site watersports, a wakeboard park, mountain biking, nature exploration activities, and golf. Stop by – everything you need is there. More photos are available from the event.

Posted by: Max  |  category: Activities, Green Season, events |  Tag: Comment: 0

Spring rafting for the adventurous

May 30, 2011 

Yesterday, I went rafting with Hokkaido Lion Adventures.
The Shiribetsu River, one of the most dramatic rivers in Japan, offers a number of activities you can enjoy throughout the year, and spring rafting is the most thrilling experience of all . Click to read more…

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities, Green Season, Out there... |  Tag: Comment: 0

Sakuragaoka Park Niseko is now the blooming season!

May 11, 2011 

Sakuragaoka Park, located just above the JR Niseko Station, is a beuatiful area where you can enjoy a blanket of seasonal flowers like Fawn lilies and Corydails fumariifolia (ssp. Azurea). The scenery is truly magnificent.

Unfortunately, if you look closely, it seems like we’re at the peak flower-viewing team, but we’ll be at the end soon. Don’t miss these few sunny days!

Posted by: Yoko  |  category: Activities, Green Season |  Tag: Comment: 0

Spring skiing in Niseko, Yahoo!

May 06, 2011 

Missing the 2010/2011 season, I went skiing during the “Golden week hoidays”, to Annupuiri Kokusai on 3 May, and to Grand Hirafu on 5 May.
I finally hiked up to the Annupuri peak for the first time.
Yahoo! I made a V sign with my skies!
Click to read more…

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities, Mountains |  Tag: Comment: 0

Spring message from Niseko

Mar 28, 2011 

Cherry trees are said to have started blooming somewhere in Japan recently. We have to wait for a while till flowers bloom, but still can feel some spring sunshine!

Blue sky, fluffy powder in the tree runs and soft corn snow in the base area in the Niseko Village Ski resort ( pictures taken on March 22) .

We’d like to express our heartfelt condolence and sympathy to all who have suffered from the huge earthquake and tsunami hit the eastern coastal areas on March 11.


The earthquake activity has not directly affected Niseko so far. We’d pray to those affected by the earthquakes and hope every reconstruction and prosperity.

As our message to all who love and support Niseko from all over the world, we have opened new webpages to introduce the upcoming melting snow season in Niseko.

Japanese 輝きの春　ニセコへようこそ！
English 　Spring Sunshine Green of Niseko!
Korea　봄빛 넘치는 니세코로 어서 오세요!　
Simplified Chinese “春季推荐”
Traditional Chinese“春季推薦”


You are always most welcomed in Niseko with the beautiful nature in the colorful four-seasons.

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities, Food, Green Season, Mountains, Out there..., Uncategorized |  Tag: Comment: 0

Snowshoe-hiking in the peaceful forest.

Feb 14, 2011 

I participated in one of the Grand Hirafu’s nature programs, “Snowshoe-hiking”.

Let’s walk into the peaceful fir forest just next door to the Family run @ Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort, guided by one of the local nature guides,Kiyoshi-san.
The meeting point is the Hirafu Kids’ Snow Park next to Hotel Niseko Alpen.
Now let’s put on your snowshoes and enjoy!
Click to read more…

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities, Food, Winter holidays |  Tag: Comment: 0

NOASC Winter rafting

Jan 25, 2011 

Do you reckon rafting in the river as only summer-activity?
Actually, no. NOASC Co.Ltd is a pioneer of winter-rafting in Niseko. Exploring the Shiribetsu river in winter would be unforgettable memory for you! Let’s check out the video to see what it’s like.

NOASC Co.Ltd is a pioneer of winter-rafting in Niseko. Let’s check out the video to see what it’s like.

What most impressive for me was the parcially frozen spring from the top of the 20 metre-high cliff! It was amazing and show the magnitude of nature!!! Rimed willows along the river are just gorgeous!!!

Unlike summer, one has the time to pull up alongside the riverbank and sip on a hot cup of tea　with some snacks.

Enjoy!

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities |  Tag: Comment: 0

Cat-skiing @ Weiss Horn

Jan 17, 2011 

Looking for something new? Then cat-skiing@Weiss Horn is just for you.

We had two journalists from UK newspapers lastweek over here. They enjoyed skiing around the Niseko United ski resort and one day during their stay they happened to see an article on the Weiss Horn ski resort in a magazine. Click to read more…

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities, Uncategorized |  Tag: Comment: 0

Powder spray　@ Grand Hirafu

Jan 11, 2011 

Niseko has been gripped by cold weather for a week, then the local people have been busy in shoveling out day after day in front of their house or office…..It was colder than -10 degrees Celsius in the morning even in the town.

That means, we’ve got more powder in the mountains!

Come on to join me to make sprays!!!!

First, let’s get on the HANAZONO No.3 lift and head on to the Yotei-Sunset course.

Next is …. Click to read more…

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Activities |  Tag: Comment: 0