Event and News | Niseko Promotion Board (NPB)

Moiwa Ski Resort early morning practice for racing skiers

2010-03-08T16:33:51+09:00

Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort supports alpine ski practice and expanding the future of alpine skiing. Prior to the Niseko Moiwa Spring Series races on 3 and 4 April, the resort will hold early morning practice from 22 March to 11 April. The resort opens their courses for racing teams upon request/booking. Call and book a course for your practice now! Period: 22 March - 11 April Time: As requested by racing team (early morning only) Courses: mainly near the pair lift Fee: 2,000yen　（same as normal racing ticket - available all day） Booking by: 19 March for practice in March 　　　　　　　　　　29 March for practice in April Booking/inquiry: Niseko Moiwa Resort 0136 59 2511

Niseko Moiwa Free Run Contest, 22 March

2010-03-08T16:32:38+09:00

Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort hosts Free Run Contest on 22 March. The race is open to EVERYONE - alpine ski racers, snowboarders, local guides, etc. Date: 22 March (Race starts at 12:00pm) Fee: 3,000yen inclusive of lift ticket Application: on the day For more information call the resort on 0136 59 2511 or see the website from here.

Niseko Moiwa Spring Series, 3-4 April

2010-03-08T16:31:42+09:00

Niseko Moiwa Spring Series takes place on 3 and 4 April at Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort. 5th NISEKO MOIWA CUP GS Date: 3 April (Race starts at 9:30am) Event: Slalom & Giant Slalom Fee: Adult/3,000yen, Elementary・Junior High・High School/2,500yen Entry by: 28 March Application form available from here. *For more information call Moiwa Ski Resort on 0136 59 2511 5th KEI-SKI CUP GS Date: 4 April (Race starts at 9:30am) Event: Super Giant Slalom Fee: Adult/3,000yen, Elementary・Junior High・High School/2,500yen Entry by: 28 March Application form available from here. *For more information email at furukawa@kei-ski.co.jp

Niseko Annupuri Festival, 13,14,20-22 March

2010-03-04T10:22:43+09:00

Niseko Annupuri Festival includes fun games and events, special discounts for ski/snowboard school and activities, and much more! 　Date: 13, 14, 20-22 March 　Place: Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort ・Hot drink/food, Niseko-nabe, onigiri (rice ball) will be served on site. ・Treasure hunt in snow　13:00　　For 12yo and under, limited to the first 30 applicants 　Registration starts at 10:00 　All participants win a prize! ・Digging potatoes out from under the snow　13:30 　For the first 20 applicants 　Registration starts at 10:00 　Get free potatoes! ・Tube race　14:00 　Applicants limited to the first 9 adults and 9 children 　Registration starts at 10:00 　Win Annpuri 8-hour lift tickt! All participants get prize for participation. 　・Get a discount voucher which enables you to buy 8-hour lift ticket at only 2,200yen! The voucher is valid until the end of the season. Plus, the first 100 customers will also get a free original gift! The voucher + gift are available at the lift ticket counter during the festival. ◎50％ discount on Niseko Annupuri Ski & Snowboard school during the festival 　*Half-day lesson, applicable for the first 20 applicants 　　Info/booking on 0136-58-3225 ◎Special discount on Niseko Outdoor Center (NOC) snowshoe downhill and nature tour 　Book on 0136 44 1133 - please mention "Annupuri Festival special discount" uopn booking ◎50% discount on Powder Company backcountry & cruising (applicable for 13yo and older), snowboards, boots, and set rental at Test Center 　Book on 0136-54-2820 - please mention "Annupuri Festival special discount" when booking

New model ski test-ride events at Annupuri Ski Resort, 14&22 March

2010-03-03T18:11:57+09:00

Try new model skis at Annupuri Ski Resort! 14 March - 2010-2011 new model skis test-ride event presented by ICI Ishii Sports 22 March - Next season's model skis test-ride event presented by Sports Takiguchi For more information call Annupuri Ski Resort on 0136 58 2080.

Niseko Annupuri Festival, 13,14,20-22 March

2010-03-03T18:10:39+09:00

Niseko Annupuri Festival includes fun games and events, special discounts for ski/snowboard school and activities, and much more! 　Date: 13, 14, 20-22 March 　Place: Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort ・Hot drink/food, Niseko-nabe, onigiri (rice ball) will be served on site. ・Treasure hunt in snow　13:00　　For 12yo and under, limited to the first 30 applicants 　Registration starts at 10:00 　All participants win a prize! ・Digging potatoes out from under the snow　13:30 　For the first 20 applicants 　Registration starts at 10:00 　Get free potatoes! ・Tube race　14:00 　Applicants limited to the first 9 adults and 9 children 　Registration starts at 10:00 　Win Annpuri 8-hour lift tickt! All participants get prize for participation. 　・Special 期間中リフト券売り場窓口で今シーズン４月以降（クローズまで）使える８時間券特別割引券と、更に先着100名様にはオリジナルグッズを差し上げます。 ◎50％ discount on Niseko Annupuri Ski & Snowboard school during the festival 　*Half-day lesson, applicable for the first 20 applicants 　　Info/booking on 0136-58-3225 ◎Special discount on Niseko Outdoor Center (NOC) snowshoe downhill and nature tour 　Book on 0136 44 1133 - please mention "Annupuri Festival special discount" uopn booking ◎50% discount on Powder Company backcountry & cruising (applicable for 13yo and older), snowboards, boots, and set rental at Test Center 　Book on 0136-54-2820 - please mention "Annupuri Festival special discount" when booking

King of the Hill 2010 -Snow Hill Climb in Niseko Moiwa-, 11 April

2010-03-03T14:08:53+09:00

Snow hill climbs have become a major motorsport event at European ski resorts during the last couple of years. Japan's first held was a small event in Sapporo in 2008. Racing up to the top of the mountain is a crazy but fun experience both for spectators and riders. This year the event will be held at Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and includes ATV/Quadbike to make it even crazier and funkier! Beginners, professionals, and Japanese motocross championship riders will race a wide range of machines from 50cc - Crossbikes. Rather than sitting at home and watching TV this winter, come experience the King of the Hill live and be part of this thrilling new winter event! Official website Please see the event details from a link below.

GOOD SPORTS clearance sale

2010-03-02T14:46:57+09:00

GOOD SPORTS clearance sale is on from 3 March till the end of the season at their shop in Hirafu! (map) ①　GIRO Helmet&Goggle 　　　If paid in cash...30% discount applies 　　　If paid in credit card...20% discount applies ②　Used ski sale 　　　15,000円　(another 20% discount applies if paid in cash) GOOD SPORTS Niseko office 0136-23-4560

Win 100,000yen in Niseko Life Style Photo Contest!

2010-03-02T10:33:54+09:00

Portray the beauty and enjoyment of four seasons in Niseko, and…WIN ¥50,000 for the best Niseko Life Style photo! Contest summary:　　・All photos must be shot in the Niseko region including Mt. Yotei and other areas around the foot of mountains and portray the “beauty” and “enjoyment” of Niseko’s four seasons. 　・The contest is open to both professional and amateur photographers. 　・Photo(s) must be unpublished at the time of application. The best Niseko Life Style photo (1 winner) - Prize 100,000yen The best Niseko White Season photo (4 winners) - Prize 20,000yen The best Niseko Green Season photo (4 winners) - Prize 20,000yen Send your photo(s) by 25 March. Please see the flyer from a link below or call Niseko Promotion Board on 0136 21 2551 for more information.

FUSION MELT DOWN SALE is on until the end of season!

2010-03-01T15:37:12+09:00

Here's your chance to get your favorite items and wear at low prices at Fusion! ☆　50% off all last year's stock... -Burton - Malolo, Feelgood, Lux, Supreme -K2 - Darkstar, VaVaVoom -Plus selected outerwear ☆　30% off Helly Hanson thermals. ☆　20% off 2010 hardgoods. -Burton, K2, Ride. ☆　15% off all 2010 outerwear and backpacks. -Nikita, Special Blend, Volcom, Foursquare, Burton, Columbia, The North Face The sale runs for the remainder of the season!

ICI Ishii Sports Ski & Snowboard Battle @ Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort, 14 March

2010-02-26T18:32:43+09:00

Date: 14 March Place: Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort Events: Ski Cross & Snowboard Cross Requirement: 13-year-old and older, sports insurance Fee: 3,500yen + lift ticket fee Registration by 5 March Call ICI Ishii Sports Fushiko shop on 011 787 0233 for more information. Application form here

Niseko Grand Hirafu event and competition schedule in March & April

2010-02-26T11:24:54+09:00

The ski season is not over yet! Come and participate or just enjoy watching the various events and competitions taking place at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Click on links below or call Grand Hirafu on 0136 22 0109 for more information. 7 March -　Namara Ippatsu Cup (big air competition)　*Registration by 6 March 13 March -　Grand Hirafu 'Oyaji' Ski Competition 28 March - 35th All Hokkaido Old Boys Giant Slalom Competition　*Registration by 13 March 　 30&31 March - 28th Hokkaido Junior Ski Championships　*Registration by 15 March 2-4 April - Niseko Pleasure Camp　*Registration by 25 March / inquiry on 0136 44 2120 11 April - 8th Hirafu Classic　*Registration by 21 March / inquiry on 090 9080 8269

Hanazono Monthly Freestyle Competition Series Slope Style, 6 March

2010-02-26T11:22:56+09:00

As the last event of the Series, Slope Style comp takes place at HANA-PARK in Hanazono Ski Resort on 6 March. The Hanazono 308 Day Centre will host a huge After Party following the awards ceremony, with video footage of the competition, DJs and pumping music! It should be a huge event so make sure you're there! Registration open till 5pm, 3 March. Register online or call the resort on 0136 21 6655 for more information.

Niseko Village Ski & Snowboard Session, 27-28 March

2010-02-26T11:20:10+09:00

Hot air battles in the snow will be on at Niseko Village in collaboration with 2 major ski/snowboard shops from Sapporo, BUMPS and CRUISE! The competition is open for everyone. Entry is 4,000yen/person plus a valid lift ticket. Those under 18-year-old require guardian's permission. Participants must be insured and wear helmet. Apply by 24 March. For more information call Niseko Village on 0136 44 2211.

6-hour-value 4-hour lift ticket available at Moiwa Ski Resort from 28 February!

2010-02-26T11:17:07+09:00

Another special lift ticket campaign at Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort! Buy a 4-hour ticket and enjoy 6 hours! The campaign runs throughout this season!! If you have yet to experience Moiwa's fabulous uncrowded powder, this is definitely a great opportunity!

Grand Hirafu 'Oyaji' Ski Competition, 13 March

2010-02-24T16:39:40+09:00

In the lead up to the 50th anniversary next year Grand Hirafu will host the first Oyaji “old blokes” ski competition on 13 March. All you 40-year-old plus ski bums who have hung back from exuberant races for some time, this is your chance to show off your downhill skills! The participation fee is 5,000 yen including the all-you-can-drink after party. Apply online (Japanese only) or call Grand Hirafu Ski Resort on 0136 22 0109 for more information. Conditions of entry: - Participants must be over 40 years of age on the day of the competition. - Sports insurance which permits participation in this event is mandatory,

Niseko Village Wonder Festival, 20-22 March

2010-02-19T16:38:40+09:00

The second annual Niseko Village Wonder Festival promises to be a great event for both recreational and die hard skiers and riders alike! A fun filled weekend packed with team and individual races, parties and prizes. You won't want to miss it! Detailed event information available from here.

1st Annual Toboggan Run & Candle Light Walk

2010-02-16T18:35:06+09:00

Celebrate the ‘Chinese New Year’ at Niseko’s first annual family toboggan run from 4pm, Thursday February 18th! Followed by a walk through a beautiful, candle-lit Niseko landscape. Events include: • Toboggan Races • Candlelit Walk • Prizes • Hot Refreshments Check the flyer for locations & details, or for more information, call 0136 21 6960

Scenic Night 2010 in Niseko Kiranoyu Onsen、20-28 February

2010-02-16T18:29:21+09:00

The Scenic Night is an event organised in different regions in Hokkaido during winter and Kiranoyu Onsen in Niseko Town has been a part of the event since 2006. Snow lanterns lighting up the street around the JR Niseko station create a very special atmosphere. The event runs from 20 to 28 February including: -outdoor food stands 15:30-18:30, 20 Feb -outdoor Sake onsen 10:00-21:30, 20 and 21 Feb -flea market 10:00-16:00, 21 and 28 Feb Come try our special Sake onsen!! For more information call Kiranoyu Onsen on 0136 44 1100.

Japan's first BAGJUMP opened at Hanazono Ski Resort!

2010-02-15T09:41:31+09:00

Japan's first-ever BAGJUMP opened on 10 February at HANAZONO Ski Resort! Available until 3:30pm (opening time depends on snow condition) and FREE of charge to enjoy this season! Rules for the BAGJUMP: - You must wear a helmet (rentals available at Hanazono308) - no ski poles on BAGJUMP - Check it out properly before giving it a try (be aware of the gap between the kicker and bag) - keep your speed up - start from the predetermined position - hiking is not permitted (Please use Hanazono Lift 1) Enjoy a biggggg jump!

Gong Xi Fa Cai 2010 - Chinese New Year at Country Resort, 14&15 February

2010-02-13T15:27:36+09:00

Come to the Chalets at Country Resort to celebrate the Chinese New Year! 14 February 15 February

Kanronomori Fitness Club opened!

2010-02-12T19:25:05+09:00

The newly opened fitness club in Hotel Kanronomori is equipped with various machines and studio programs including stretching, aerobics, yoga, and many more! The club members are entitled to use the hotel’s onsen facility for free anytime during the fitness club open hours. Don’t miss their early sign-up campaign - become a member and stay fit! Please call the hotel on 0136 58 3800 for more information.

Funky Jazz at The Barn!

2010-02-12T16:44:41+09:00

NOJAZZ, a funky, rocking, Parisian electro-Jazz dance Band are playing The Barn in Momiji-zaka Feb 16 - 19. With 3 international albums on Warner Bros and having played in some 40 countries, NOJAZZ are sure to be put on a great show! The 3,000 yen tickets include one drink, and for those those wanting to make a night of it, early dinner sittings are available from 6.00pm. Tickets are strictly limited so book early by emailing: reservations@kimamaya.com

Funky Jazz at The Barn!

2010-02-12T16:36:55+09:00

Ainu Traditional Dance in Niseko Village, 14 February

2010-02-12T16:10:59+09:00

Here is another chance to see the traditional Ainu dance, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a "masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity", in Niseko! The event starts at 16:00 to 16:30 at Ezo Pub in Hilton Niseko Village. Admission free!

Chinese New Year's 'Shishimai' lion dance performance, 13 February

2010-02-12T09:57:26+09:00

Sapporo performance group 'Ranbyoshi' will entertain guests with their Shishimai Lion Dance in Niseko. The schedule is as follows: 11：00～11：20　Grand Hirafu (Centre 4 lift and Hirafu Welcome Centre) 12：00～12：20　HANAZONO308 14：00～14：20　Niseko Village (Niseko Gondola base) 15：00～15：20　Annupuri Ski Resort (Annupuri Gondola base) *Schedule may change due to the weather.

Graubunden special events in March

2010-02-10T13:23:51+09:00

Don't miss Graubunden's specials in March! 1) Hina-matsuri Doll's festival buffet (bread, salad, cake and coffee or tea) 2,000yen/90mins/person The service provided 12:00-13:30, 14:00-15:30, 16:00-17:30, and 18:00-19:30. Advance booking required by calling on 0136 23 3371. 2) White Day special For girls, or guys with a girl, a sandwich and soup set is only 900yen! A delicious cake and coffee or tea set is only 700yen!

Graubunden Valentine's day special, 14 February

2010-02-10T13:19:57+09:00

Enjoy your favorite Graubunden sandwiches and cakes this St Valentine's day! For guys, and also for girls with a guy, a sandwiches and soup set is only 900yen! For dessert enjoy our delicious cake + coffee or tea only for 700 yen! Call early on 0136 23 3371 to order Graubunden's special Valentine's cake.

Japan Avalanche Network Safety Camp, 1-2 March

2010-02-08T15:39:20+09:00

The Japan Avalanche Network will host a safety camp in Niseko on 1-2 March. The camp includes a basic seminar on Avalanches, Group Management, and Search & Rescue techniques. The program will include both classroom and in the field practice. All backcountry skiers and snowboarders are welcome. The fee is 20,000yen which does not include accommodation or meals. Please contact JAN on 045 430 5736 for more information.

Chihiro music live event at Hanazono308, 13 February

2010-02-04T17:53:41+09:00

Chihiro, whose music can be heard in some snowboard DVDs, will hold a live music event at Hanazono308 from 4pm on 13 February. Admission is free, open for everyone!

Hanazono Monthly Freestyle Sompetition Series Half Pipe, 13 February

2010-02-04T17:42:23+09:00

HANAZONO MONTHLY FREESTYLE COMPETITION SERIES ～HALF PIPE～ Date: 13 February 　　　　　*The event will be postponed until 14 Feb in case of bad weather. Place: Hanazono Ski Resort Categories: Male Snowboard, Female Snowboard, Male & Female skiers Participation fee: 2,000yen (3,000yen/on-the-day) Applications close 5pm on 10 February or when capacity is filled. On-the-day application will only be accepted if capacity is not filled. Applications are accepted at the Hirafu and Hanazono Fusion shops. You can also print out the application form from the website and send it with your entry fee by registered postal cash envelope, or apply from your mobile on here and send the fee by registered postal cash envelope. No refund applicable upon cancellation. 1-day lift ticket needs to be separately purchased. Participants have to be insured and wear helmets during the competition. Please call the resort on 0136 21 6655 for more information.

IGLOO NIGHT in Niseko、14 February

2010-02-04T15:41:53+09:00

Come join us for an apre-ski drink inside our illuminated Igloos at Annupuri Village. Free Niseko sake and hot drinks provided. Watching the candle-lit glow of these Igloos under the falling snow will be a special winter moment in a world of snow and illuminations. Sunday, February 14th, 2010 16:00 – 18:00 Annupuri Village

NFL SUPER BOWL “LIVE” and BREAKFAST Meal, 8 February

2010-02-04T13:44:53+09:00

NFL SUPER BOWL “LIVE” and BREAKFAST Meal at Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub! Super Bowl XLIV – Indianapolis Colts Vs New Orlean Saints MONDAY the 8th February at 7.30 am for 8.00am Kick off. Bacon Eggs Toasted Sandwich & First Beer 1,500yen Please do book YOUR SEAT/ TABLE 090 8897 6288 or info@paddymcgintys.com Seats are limited. Watch the BIGGEST Game of the NFL season on the BIGGEST screen in Niseko.

Moiwa quad lift discount campaign is still on!!

2010-02-04T11:54:23+09:00

Moiwa Ski Resort's Quad Lift discount campaign is still on! (about the campaign) While 2 tickets normally required per ride, the campaign enables you to ride with only ONE! Come enjoy Moiwa's fabulous powder!

Niseko Moiwa Cup GS, 21 February

2010-02-04T11:42:35+09:00

The Niseko Moiwa Cup GS is held at Moiwa Ski Resort on 21 February! The event is supported by Hayashi farm, Sotoyama farm, Wood Peckers, Syugakuso, Patagonia, Morinaga Nyugyo, ICI Ishii Sports, ｂ.ｃ.map, and Paddle Club. Please feel free to call the resort on 0136-59-2511 for applications and inquiries. Apply by 14 February.

22nd Kutchan Yukitopia Festival, 20-21 February

2010-02-03T06:45:48+09:00

The annual Yukitopia Festival is held on 20 and 21 February at the Kutchan Chuo Park (just behind the Kutchan Public Hall). Various events include the wedding at the snow chapel, Nabe cooking contest, treasure hunt in the snow, snowball fighting, flea market, food stands, and many more! Please call the festival committee on 0136 56 8009 for further information.

Sapporo Snow Festival tour information

2010-02-02T12:34:52+09:00

61st Sapporo Snow Festival takes place from 5 to 11 February in Sapporo. Here are some bus tours available from Niseko. ●Day trip operated by SkiJapan Date：　5 and 9 February Meeting point and time：　SkiJapan.com main office at 12：30 Schedule：　13：00　Depart from Niseko 　　　　　　　　　15：00　Arrive in Sapporo 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Free time for viewing sculptures 　　　　　　　　　20：00　Depart from Sapporo 　　　　　　　　　22：00　Arrive back in Niseko Fee：　6,500yen/person inclusive of return coach transport, SkiJapan.com guide, and Sapporo information Booking at: SkiJapan.com main office (Phone: 0136 22 4611) ●Bus tour by JTB Date：　Everyday during 5-11 February Schedule：　13：30　Depart from Hirafu 　　　　　　　　　16：00　Arrive at Sapporo Odori Park (Hotel Royton) 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Free time for viewing sculptures 　　　　　　　　　20：00　Depart from Sapporo Odori Park 　　　　　　　　　22：50　Arrive back in Hirafu Fee：　4,500/adult, 2,500yen/child（6-11yo） exclusive of meals and tour guide Cancellation fee：　Previous day→20% of tour fee 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　On the day (before the departure)→30% of tour fee 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　After the departure, no-show→100% of tour fee Booking and ticket available at：　 Niseko Ground Service ticket counter　(Phone:0136 21 2503) *Inside the trailer house next to the Hirafu Welcome Centre

Niseko featured in Japan-i

2010-02-02T10:31:50+09:00

Niseko is featured in the February issue (Vol.13) of a free newspaper Japan-i. The paper is mainly distributed in hotels, international firms, and the US army bases in Tokyo with a circulation of 90,000 each in English and the simplified Chinese. Also available at the Narita and Kansai airports, in Osaka and Shizuoka, 30,000 of the latest issue are now circulated in Hokkaido from the end of January onward. 　 Japan-i website

Niseko Village event info in February

2010-02-01T18:10:45+09:00

Please see Niseko Village website or call on 0136 44 2211 for more information on following events: Chinese New Year Fireworks Date and time: 13 February, 22:00- Location: Niseko Gondola Base Valentine's Day sunrise gondola Date and time: 14 February, 6:15-6:45 (to go)/-7:15(to return) Location: Niseko Village Gondola Fee: Adult/1000yen, child/500yen (gondola round trip and coffee/soft drink included) * Ticket on sale from 6:15. Regular lift ticket not applicable for the sunrise gondola. * Skiing/snowboarding not allowed. Valentine's Day early morning gondola Date and time: 14 February, 8:00am-8:30am Fee: 1,000yen

Half pipe events at Hanazono this weekend, 30-31 January

2010-01-26T13:26:31+09:00

Two half pipe contests are held at Hanazono Ski Resort this weekend! kissmark presents FIS Snowboard Japan Cup 2010 in Hanazono Official practice - 29 January Half pipe qualifying round/final - 30 January 14th Hokkaido Ski Championship Half Pipe Contest Official practice - 30 January Male&female qualifying round/final - 31 January Please call the contest committee on 011 530 9121 for more information on these events. *Note - The half pipe course will be closed to the public until 31 January due to the events.

Live Schedule at Jazz Bar Half Note

2010-01-25T19:19:38+09:00

Various Live music are scheduled at Jazz Bar Half Note. For detail, please access www.nisekohalfnote.com, or look at the attached PDF file. Jazz Bar Half Note (170 Yamada Kutchan-cho) Momiji-zaka At the basement of Pension Full Note Tel: 0136-23-2727 Fax: 0136-22-5568

Australia Day's event at Apres Bar

2010-01-25T19:06:38+09:00

The Apres Bar has activities all day for Australia Day. We are presenting the Hottest 100 songs and running a competition to see who can guess the #3 song. First prize is 10,000 Yen to spend at the Apres Bar. Also, we will have a treasure hunt with the winner also getting 10,000 Yen to spend at the Apres Bar. Finally, in the evening we are having a giant Twister Conmpetition with the winner getting a10,000 Yen to spend at the Apres Bar. It is free Vegemite sandwiches all day!

Country Resort's Chili Cook Off

2010-01-21T14:33:13+09:00

Country Resort and the NPB are looking for Niseko's Best Chili! If you like your chili, the place to be on Saturday the 24th of Jan at 4pm will be Niseko Country Resort's new rec centre where a collection of Niseko's best restaurants will be challenging for the title of "Niseko's Best Chili". Only one of the restaurants vying for the prize can win, but for 500 yen all you chili fans can score big by being able to sample the competing chilis! Come on down for a fun afternoon with some great food, washed down with local and imported beers. All proceeds from this benefit event will go to the NPB and to the local Kutchan Kosei Hospital. A free shuttle bus service will leave from the Family Ace chair lift at 3.15 & 4.15, and from the Welcome Centre at 3.30 and 4.30; while return shuttles will leave from Niseko Country Resort on the hour between 4.00 and 9.00.

Moiwa Ski Resort early morning quad lift available on weekend and national holidays!

2010-01-17T17:00:31+09:00

Early morning quad lift now in operation from 8:30 on Sat, Sun, and national holidays at Moiwa Ski Resort. Come now and only one 1-time ticket instead of two enables you to ride the quad lift! *First Pow will not be in service during this quad lift campaign.

Niseko Annupuri & Moiwa joint campaign!

2010-01-17T16:46:42+09:00

From 16 January Annupuri Ski Resort and Moiwa Ski Resort have launched a joint promotion campaign in which you can receive a great discount on their lift ticket! If you have Moiwa's valid lift ticket (except 1-time ticket) and present it at Annupuri Resort, you can purchase Annupuri's 8-hour lift ticket on the day only for 2,900yen! If you have Annupuri's valid ticket and present it at Moiwa, you can purchase Moiwa's 1-day ticket on the day only for 1,500! *Please be noted that Moiwa's 1-time ticket is NOT applicable for this discount. **Extra 1,000yen will be required as a deposit at Annupuri. The deposit can be refunded afterwards from the ticket machine.

Niseko Gourmet Wine and Art Dinner, 22 January

2010-01-11T10:41:33+09:00

Niseko Gourmet presents an exclusive wine and art dinner hosted by Richard Cohen, Managing Director, Village Cellars and Simon Robinson, President, Hokkaido Tracks Development along with a photographic display by Niseko Photography. Simon will host this eight course wine dinner in the presence of special guest Richard Cohen. Richard will share his knowledge of eight extremely impressive Australian wines that have been stored in perfect conditions in Japan since their release from the winery and which are for use only on special occasions. Each wine is matched with a course to compliment by Niseko Gourmet. Simon will deliver an insight into the history of Niseko and the vision for its future, whilst Richard will take you on a voyage of the development of the wine market in Japan over the past two decades during which he pioneered Village Cellars, one of Japan’s leading wine wholesalers. During the evening you will be able to enjoy a photographic exhibition displayed by local photographers Niseko Photography. Date: Friday 22nd January 2010 Time: 7pm Location: North Field Lodge, Izumikyo 2, Hirafu Transportation: Private transfers to North Field Lodge from your accommodation Cost: 15,000yen per person Format: Eight course dinner with eight accompanying Australian fine wines WINES Yarra Yering New Vineyard Sparkling '92 Peter Lehmann Museum Release Semillon '97 Peter Lehmann Margaret Barossa Semillon S'03 Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay '00 Stonier's Reserve Pinot Noir '98 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz '97 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz '02 Mt.Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling '99 Seats are limited to 25. Reservations are essential. To reserve your seat e-mail Niseko Gourmet on concierge@niseko-gourmet.com or call 0136 556 885.

Shiraoi Porotokotan Ainu Museum Fair in Niseko, 26 January

2010-01-11T09:32:40+09:00

A long time ago, Hokkaido was a land where the indigenous Ainu people freely lived their own lives. The "Poroto Kotan" Ainu museum was established in Shiraoi town as a facility to preserve and carry on the precious Ainu heritage. In October 2009 the Ainu was recognized as Japan's indigenous people for the first time. This special event in Niseko is to introduce the Ainu culture including the traditional Ainu dance which has been recognized by UNESCO as a "masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity." The event including traditional dance starts at 19:30 (door opens at 19:00) and finishes at 21:00 at Niseko Kogen Hotel Piruka restaurant. Admission free! Call Niseko Promotion Board on 0136 21 3232 for more information.

Lecture and music event in Niseko town

2010-01-07T12:01:07+09:00

Akinori Kimura, a famous apple producer who has been devoted to pesticide-free farming methods, delivers advisory lecture on 16 January from 15:30 at Niseko Town Hall. Open for everyone, admission free! Music duo Junko&Cheep holds a live music event on 24 January at Niseko Town Hall. The event starts at 15:00. The ticket is 500yen/person (free of charge for those under 18!) and available at Niseko Commerce and Industry Association, Kiranoyu Onsen, View Plaza, and the town office.

GOOD SPORTS special sale

2010-01-07T10:29:29+09:00

Bargain price for: '08/'09MODEL 「4FRNT」　(SKI) 　credit card purchase→60,000yen cash purchase→50,000yen '09/'10MODEL 「GIRO」 (GOGGLE&HELMET) 　credit card purchase→１５%Off 　cash purchase→２０%Off Rental fee discount: From 9 to 31 January, ski, fatski, and snowboard rental fee is 30% off from the regular price (8:30-19:00) Please call GOOD SPORTS on 0136-23-4560 for more information.

Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort event schedule 9-11 January

2010-01-07T09:39:03+09:00

9 January - Torchlight skiing starting at 21:30 *If you like to join the torchlight ski, please be at the quad lift at 21:00. - Fireworks starting at 21:45 10 and 11 January - Annupuri gondola early morning operation 'First-run' Time: 7:00-8:20 Fee : 1,000yen *Regular lift tickets including multi-day tickets and season tickets are not valid for the First-run gondola.

Moiwa quad lift discount, 9-31 January

2010-01-06T14:07:57+09:00

Moiwa Ski Resort offers Quad Lift discount campaign from Jan. 9th (Sat) to Jan. 31st (Sun). While 2 tickets normally required per ride, the campaign enables you to ride with only ONE! Don't miss this chance and come enjoy Moiwa's fabulous powder! The campaign is valid during regular lift operation hours (9:30-15:30) and not applicable with the First Pow.

Free shuttle bus available at Niseko Winter Music Festival 2010

2010-01-05T16:49:03+09:00

Free shuttle bus available for Niseko Winter Music Festival 2010 from/to each resort in Niseko area as follows: 15&16 January, 2010 (Venue: Kutchan Concert Hall) ＜To Kutchan Concert Hall＞ Annupuri Ski Resort　　　17:45 Green Leaf Hotel　　　　　18:00 Hilton Niseko Village 　　18:05 Hirafu Welcome Centre 18:20 Kutchan Intersection　　18:25 Kutchan Concert Hall　　18:40 ＜From Kutchan Concert Hall＞　 Kutchan Concert Hall　　 21:10 Kutchan Intersection　　 21:25 Hirafu Welcome Centre　 21:30 Green Leaf Hotel　　　　　　21:45 Hilton Niseko Village　　　 21:50 Annupuri Ski Resort　　　　22:05 17 January, 2010 (Venue: Hanazono 308) ＜To Hanazono＞ Annupuri Ski Resort　　　17:45 Green Leaf Hotel　　　　　18:00 Hilton Niseko Village 　　18:05 Hirafu Welcome Centre 18:20 Kutchan Intersection　　18:25 Hanazono 　　18:40 ＜From Hanazono＞　 Hanazono　　 21:10 Kutchan Intersection　　 21:25 Hirafu Welcome Centre　 21:30 Green Leaf Hotel　　　　　　21:45 Hilton Niseko Village　　　 21:50 Annupuri Ski Resort　　　　22:05

New Year's event schedule changed - Annupuri Ski Resort

2010-01-02T16:57:58+09:00

Please be noted that some of the New Year's events at here and check out their event page.

New Year's event schedule changed - Grand Hirafu

2009-12-30T16:16:14+09:00

Please be noted that some of the New Year's events at Grand Hirafu have been canceled due to the expected snowstorm. Canceled events: 31 December - Event at stage (23:20~) - Fireworks Pending: - Torchlight ski on 31 December Take place in the Hotel Niseko Alpen: 1 January - New Year’s Day traditions of breaking open sake casks and rice cake pounding (10:00) - New Year's calligraphy (11:00-13:00) - Mochi rice-cake making (14:30)

New Year's event schedule changed - Annupuri Ski Resort

2009-12-30T10:36:58+09:00

Please be noted that some of the New Year's events at Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort have been canceled due to the expected snowstorm. Canceled events: - Free night ski after 21:00 on 31 December - Torchlight ski and fireworks on 31 December - Early morning gondola on 1 January New event schedule: - Torchlight ski from 21:30 on 2 January - New Year's fireworks at 21:45 on 2 January If you like to join the torchlight ski, please be at the quad lift at 21:00. Limited up to 60 participants.

Niseko Christmas Tree contest is on until 4 January!

2009-12-29T09:19:41+09:00

Until the 4th of January, Niseko will be lit up by trees of every style and imagination. 20 different merchants around town have put trees up in the spirit of a “Niseko Christmas”. Look inside this weeks copy of Powderlife for the map of all tree locations or from here, then visit them to see which you like best. Choose your favourite 3 trees for a chance to win fabulous prizes!! Drop off your ballots and the Safety and Information Centre, located next to Seicomart or vote online at derek@nisekotourism.com. Please besure to include your name and emal address- you`d be surprised how many contest winners forget ! Our best to you and yours from all of us here at the Niseko Promotion Board, our members. Look to the staff blog as we will feature different trees each day- enjoy the contest!

Moiwa Ski Resort New Year's event

2009-12-25T18:49:21+09:00

Moiwa Ski Resort offers free Japanese amazake (sweet-sake) to guests on 1-3 January. Limited quantity served so be early! First Pow is in service on 2 and 3 January. Please call on 0136 59 2511 the day before for booking.

Niseko Village winter event information

2009-12-24T17:56:18+09:00

・Countdown fireworks　(31 December, 23：50～）　Place：　Niseko Gondola base ・New Year gondola　（1 January, 6：30～）　Fee：　1,000yen/adult, 500yen/child ・Mini competition＠Winter Pure　（Mondays and Thursdays, 17：00～18：00）・Snow School Night　（Tuesdays, 16：00～18：00）・Beacon Search Treasure Hunt　（Wednesdays, 16：00～17：00）・Snowman making contest　（Fridays, 13：00～16：00）・Snowcart race　（Fridays, 16：00～17：00）・Snowball fight　（Fridays, 16：00～17：00）・Human bowling　（Saturdays, 16：00～17：00）・Strike Out　（Saturdays, 16：00～17：00）＊Click here for more information of above events. ・Kids Day event - Samurai "Tate" performance Date: 26 December, 23 January, 13 February 　Time:　①17：30～18：00　②19：00～19：30 　Place: Winter Pure, 3F Hilton Niseko Village 　Fee：　1,000yen （800yen for Hilton staying guest) Please see Niseko Village website for more information.

Half Note Esmie & Louis Takahashi Trio 27-Dec

2009-12-24T11:15:37+09:00

Esmie & Louis Takahashi Trio is performing great jazz standard numbers . Music starts 9:00PM and ends 11:00PM each night. No cover charge. Order minimum one drink per set. Sunday December 27, 2009 @ 9:00pm Location :Hirafu area [Half Note/Downstairs of Pension Full Note located on Momijizaka Street] Jazz Bar Half Note is planning some other events in future. Click here and check out their event page.

Moiwa Ski Resort First Pow starts 26 December

2009-12-22T14:01:25+09:00

Enjoy the best powder snow in the morning, and experience the joy of the first spurs in what feels like a private ski slope. ¥3,500 Lift operation only on Sat, Sun and public holidays. 7:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. (Valid for 4 consecutive hours) Limited to the first 30 customers - call the lodge on 0136 59 2511 in advance. *Kid's Run not applicable. *Season pass can be used with additional fee of 700yen See website for more information.

Grand Hirafu Christmas and New Years events

2009-12-22T11:43:37+09:00

Candle Street (22-24 December) Santa is on the slopes! (24, 25 December) Christmas fireworks (24 December at 21:30) Skiing with Grand Hirafu blog team (9th, 19th and 29th every month till April) Torchlight skiing, countdown, fireworks at midnight (31 December) 23:00 - Event at stage, DJ, music 24:00 - Count down, torchlight skiing, fireworks New Year's event (1 January) 10:00 - New Year’s Day traditions of breaking open sake casks and rice cake pounding 11:00-13:00 - New Year's calligraphy 14:30 - Mochi rice-cake making Snow Park (19 December - 31 March) 10:00-17:00 Hirafu Zoo: 500yen for entry Snow play park: Admission free Please see Grand Hirafu website or call on 0136 22 0109 for more information.

Lunch service started at Restaurant Lupicia

2009-12-22T10:43:57+09:00

Restaurant Lupicia, which just opened in Niseko 12 December, started their lunch service 11:30-15:00 (last call by 14:00). Come enjoy Lupicia's Cuisine Euro Japonaise.

Hanazono Monthly Freestyle Competition Series

2009-12-22T09:57:27+09:00

Take part in the Hanazono Monthly Freestyle Series and go for bragging rights as the No.1 freestyle skier/boarder of season 09-10! The title of the King/Queen of the Freestyle is to be given to the overall champion of Hanazono's four unique events - jib, jump, pipe, and slope. Rail Jam - 31 December (application by 5pm, 28 December) Big Air - 16 January (application by 5pm, 13 January) Half Pipe - 13 February (application by 5pm, 10 February) Slopestyle - 6 March (application by 5pm, 3 March) See Hanazono website for more information.

Annupuri early morning gondola in operation from 23 December

2009-12-22T09:49:19+09:00

Annupuri gondola early morning operation 'First-run' starts from 23 December. The special tickets are 1,000yen and are available at the ticket counter each morning - other tickets including multi-day tickets, season tickets, and regular lift tickets are not valid for the First-run gondola. The gondola will operate from 7:00 to 8:20 on 23 and 27 December, 1-3, 10 and 11 January, 7 and 11 February. On New Year's Day the round-trip guests are most welcome to enjoy the first sunrise of the year!

Half Note New Years Jazz Nights 12/31＆1/1

2009-12-21T22:35:49+09:00

To celebrate coming New Years, please visit Half Note to enjoy Toshi Arimoto Trio from Sapporo performing great jazz standard numbers. Music starts 9:00PM and ends 11:00PM each night. No cover charge. Order minimum one drink per set. Thursday December 31, 2009 @ 9:00pm Friday January 1, 2010 @ 9:00pm Location 場所:Hirafu ひらふ [Half Note/Downstairs of Pension Full Note located on Momijizaka Street] Jazz Bar Half Note is planning some other events in future. Click here and check out their event page.

Half Note Christamas Jazz Nights 24&25-Dec

2009-12-19T18:45:23+09:00

To begin with the coming season, Toshi Arimoto Trio from Sapporo is performing great jazz standard numbers for your Christamas nights. Music starts 9:00PM and ends 11:00PM each night. No cover charge. Order minimum one drink per set. Thursday December 24, 2009 @ 9:00pm Friday December 25, 2009 @ 11:00pm Location 場所:Hirafu ひらふ [Half Note/Downstairs of Pension Full Note located on Momijizaka Street] Jazz Bar Half Note is planning some other events in future. Click here and check out their event page.

Moiwa Ski Resort, Quad-lift open 20-Dec

2009-12-19T18:18:40+09:00

Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is planning to open the quad-lift on 20 of December afternoon, which makes all the courses open. For detail, contact Moiwa Ski Resort (0136-59-2511).

NAC Adventure Kids in service 21 December-25 February

2009-12-18T11:45:45+09:00

Enjoy Niseko's renowned powder snow as well as the NAC's exciting indoor rock climbing wall while your kids are playing in the Adventure Kids program. NAC Niseko Adventure Centre offers this program to both parents and children to fully enjoy their time in Niseko. The service is available for 4-10 years old children and runs from 21 December to 25 February. The fee is 5,000yen/6-10 year-old (4,000yen for 4-5 year-old) from 8:30 to 12:30 and 3,000yen/6-10 year-old (2,500yen for 4-5 year-old) from 13:30-16:00. Advance booking required by 21:00 previous day. Please call NAC in English or Japanese on 0136 23 2093 for more informaiton.

Burton Mountain Festival at Niseko Village, 9-17 January 2010

2009-12-17T12:29:47+09:00

The Burton Mountain Festival will be held from the 9th to the 17th of January 2010 at Niseko Village in collaboration with a major snowboard brand Burton. The 9-day event includes an opportunity to ride with with the Burton Japan team, photo sessions with pro photographers, early morning powder sessions, new equipment demos for next season, beginners special lessons, kids events, parties, and lots more! Please see the official website or call the Burton Mountain Festival office on 03 6416 9431 for more information.

Niseko for Free competition winners! (1 September - 30 November)

2009-12-16T16:30:56+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: H. W. L. Liow - Fusion Hirafu T-shirt x 2 B. Zaffis - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu R. Digance - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2 S. L. Ho - Fusion Hirafu T-shirt x 2 R. Dunn - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu D. Hortense - Snowmobile Adventure at Niseko Village H. S. Yu - Grand Hirafu T-shirt x 2 L. Mak - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu S. M. Yeung - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri S. Anderson - Grand Hirafu 1 week ski/snowboard free rental G. Chan - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen P. Bond - Grand Hirafu ski/snowboard school 1 day private lesson F. Kriek - Grand Hirafu 1 week ski/snowboard free rental W. Bartlett - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 C. Haitsuka - Niseko Village Snow School 2 hour private lesson L. Y. Choo - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2. G. Stachowiak - Sushi delivery from EN fine dining. C. Lau - 2 hour private ski lesson with NBS. L. Bondar - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen M. Lam - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu C. Torrie - Four-course dinner for 2 at North Field Lodge restaurant M. Young - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu D. Ko - Grand Hirafu T-shirt x 2 D. Way - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu R. F. Gander - A king crab dinner at Pension Full Note C. Ma - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri F. Hannington - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2 K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September, October, and November goes to: J. Tse S. Y. Woo K. H. Sin Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko!

Australian Chamber Orchestra in Niseko!

2009-12-13T19:11:09+09:00

The Australian Chamber Orchestra has announced it will hold 3 concerts in Niseko in January 2010. The ACO will be joined by the exhilarating Youtei Taiko Serve Association taiko drummers and one of the world’s greatest harp players, Naoko Yoshino. Highlights include Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.4, music by tango master Astor Piazzolla and traditional Taiko drumming Youtei Taiko Serve Association Drummers Richard Tognetti Artistic Director Naoko Yoshino Harp CONCERT I • 15 January, 7pm Kutchan Concert Hall MOZART Violin Concerto No.4 VIVALDI Spring, from Four Seasons ELGAR Sospiri PIAZZOLLA Oblivion PÄRT Fratres BARTÓK Romanian Dances SATOH Birds in Warped Time II Traditional Taiko drumming and English folk music CONCERT II • 16 January, 7pm Kutchan Concert Hall BACH Concerto for Two Violins, BWV1043 VIVALDI Winter, from Four Seasons PAGANINI Caprice Nos.5 & 24 RAVEL Kaddisch & L’énigma éternelle PIAZZOLLA Contrabajissimo SHOSTAKOVICH String Quartet No.8, Op.110 CONCERT III • 17 January, 7pm Hanazono 308 VIVALDI Summer & Autumn, from Four Seasons GRIEG Holberg Suite SIBELIUS Impromptu HANDEL Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 DEBUSSY Danses sacrée et profane TARTINI Violin Sonata “Devil’s Trill” Tickets is available from the following outlets: Within Niseko: At the Niseko Promotion Board office from 16 November 2009. Within Japan: Aspen on 03-5467-0081 Within Australia: ACO website or 1800 444 444 (or +61 2 8274 3888 if outside Australia)

Apres Bar opening party, 18 December

2009-12-12T09:46:33+09:00

Apres Bar is having their opening party on Friday December 18. The bar have a giant Twister Mat and is looking to set a record with the numbers of players involved. Prizes and cheap cocktails all night from 19:30 until late!

Moiwa ski resort open 13 December (Pre-open 12 December)

2009-12-11T18:05:42+09:00

Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort opens on 13 December. On their pre-opening day 12 December the resort have a special 'one coin fare', with a flat lift charge of 500yen applies to all adults and children. Please visit the website for further information.

Signatures film event at Annupuri, 18 December

2009-12-10T15:11:23+09:00

US film maker Nick Waggoner spent several months in Niseko last season filming the stylish snow documentary 'Signatures'. This capivating new film will be shown at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri on 18 December from 18:00. Locals telemark-skier Yutaka Takanashi and photographer Yoichi Watanabe both feature in the film and will join the event as guest speakers. Please book in advance on 0136 58 2080 or by email at annupuri@lagoon.ocn.ne.jp (with your name, phone number, and the number of guests included and should be titled "Signatures film event") by 13 December. Be early - seats are limited! Admission fee is 1000yen/person including one drink. *No alcohol service offered to guests who drive to/from the venue

Taro Tamai x Yoichi Watanabe talk show, 17 December

2009-12-10T14:21:29+09:00

Professional snowboarder and creator Taro Tamai and professional photographer and skier Yoichi Watanabe will discuss their affection for Niseko on 17 December at Kutchan SME Centre (Minami 1 Nishi 1, Kutchan) from 18:30. Tamai is known for his "snowsurf" style as well as the popular snowboard brand, Gentemstick. His varying activities include organising photo exhibitions, creating visual works, and designing cafes. Watanabe's breathtaking ski/mountain photos have been published both internationally and domestically in magazines and ads, especially known for his work on the official Niseko ski resort's yearly winter poster. The discussion will be led by local restaurateur Junko Watanabe of Graubunden. Admission is free and doors open at 17:30. Please call Hide Takehi at the Niseko Promotion Board office on 0136 21 2551 for further information.

NAC Christmas sale, event, winter climbing pass, and local's club

2009-12-07T16:27:16+09:00

A NAC Christmas special sale will take place at NAC from 9:00am 19 December to 22:00pm 25 December. Special bargain includes ski/snowboard wears, winter boots, goggles, helmets and many more. There are also some free events along with the sale. From 1-3pm everyday during the sale guests can experience the MSR snowshoe within a space around the NAC. Please wear ski/snowboard wears and bring your own boots. The latest winter movies will be played at the Jojo's restaurant on 19 and 20 December from 7pm and there a lucky draw will also take place for guests after the movie. Have you signed up for the NAC local's club member? The club membership entitles you free shoes and harness rental for the climbing, 10% discount (15% on climbing shoes/harness) at the shop. The membership is available for locals who work in Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri ski resorts.

Lars Longcox Nachos Bar Opens 8th December

2009-12-07T11:26:51+09:00

Lars Longcox Nachos Bar Opens this Tuesday. 8th December at 6 pm. Try some great Nachos, cheap drinks and Table Dancing. All Welcome…spread the word. Register for The Lars Lucky Sombrero Competition…Cash Prize Jackpot up for grabs. Entry is FREE !

Updated restaurant openings in Niseko

2009-12-04T13:04:59+09:00

Want to know when your favourite restaurant opens this season? Desperate to head to that new place in town? Check back regularly for updated news hot off the press with all the openings around town. 21 November - Wild Bills 30 November - Ezo Seafoods 1 December - Gyu+ - Ebisutei 2 December - The Vale Bar & Grill 4 December - Niseko Pizza (new menu) 19 December - Souan Niseko Genghis Khan

Winter at Kamimura

2009-12-03T17:12:07+09:00

Winter menus at Kamimura 2009/2010 This season for the first time at KAMIMURA we are offering 3 degustation menus every evening from 5:30pm. Guests will have the option of a 7 or 9 course menu and as an 'early bird' special we are offering a 5 course menu. 5 course 'early bird' menu: 6,500 yen (Reservations from 5:30~6:00pm with tables to be vacated by 8:00pm) 7 course menu: 9,000 yen 9 course 'taste of Hokkaido'menu: 13,000 yen Current 5 course 'early bird' menu 'Danshaku' potato and truffle soup Snow crab with 'ikura' and consomme jelly Poached cod with dried fish 'komai' and mizuna leaf Slow roasted lamb with 'Yamawasabi' cream Shiraz marinated strawberries with ice cream For more details and reservations please visit our website at Kamimura

Paddy's Special Christmas Turkey Dinner, 24th & 25th December

2009-12-03T10:36:58+09:00

Christmas SPECIAL TURKEY Dinner Christmas Eve 24th December and Christmas Day 25th December. Come and enjoy Paddy McGinty’s Traditional Irish Christmas Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings and Christmas Pudding.... Ho Ho Ho MMMMMeeeeeeeerrrry Christmas! Special Christmas 6 course Turkey dinner, 4,000 yen per person including a glass of Sparkling wine, 2 starters, Turkey and Roast Vegetables, Cheese, Christmas Pudding & Ice Cream Coffee and Chocolates. (children 2000 yen dinner with unlimited free soft drinks). Special requirements catered for. Turkey meals are limited to 20 serves per evening, so be quick so you don’t miss out, book early and reserve your table for Christmas Dinner 6.30pm or 8.30 pm sittings each night. Please call Mayumi on 090 8897 6288 or Email Mayumi at mayumi@paddymcgintys.com That’s not all....Early Bird Offer ........ be one of the first 5 to reserve your table for either night’s dinner and receive a bonus free bottle of sparkling wine for your table. (Our regular menu option is also available for those who prefer) Ho ho ho Merry Christmas from Paddy

Final 2009 Trivia night at Paddy McGinty's, 11 December

2009-12-01T17:50:03+09:00

Paddy McGinty’s Pub Trivia Night FINAL TRIVIA NIGHT FOR 2009!!! We will be taking a break over the winter season. ‘The Best Team’ have been unbeatable throughout the 09 summer season. Dare to take them on. Someone needs to stop them winning the jackpot for the 5th time in a row. Think you got what it takes!!!!! When: Friday December 11, 2009 Venue: Paddy McGinty’s Irish Pub (Hirafu) Entry: 1000yen (Yes, sorry times are tough.) Your 1000 yen entry gives you the chance to win the jackpot and prizes, and entry into the lucky door prize and pays for the cost of preparation, organising and running of the event. Paddy McGinty's again has generously agreed to provide all participants with a free drink (draft beer or house wine or softdrink . Time: Trivia starts at 7pm. GET THERE EARLY TO GET A SEAT AND TABLE. Turn up on the night. Spots are limited. Free drink with entry and draw into the lucky door prize goes to the first 60 people to enter the trivia night by turning up. First in first serve so get there early, grab a bite to eat and kick off the winter season with the final trivia night for the year. See you there! For more info contact: aleishariboldi@gmail.com 090 7513 2579

Niseko for Free competition winners! (1 September - 23 November)

2009-11-30T09:56:40+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: S. L. Ho - Fusion Hirafu T-shirts x 2 R. Dunn - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu D. Hortense - Snowmobile Adventure at Niseko Village H. S. Yu - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 L. Mak - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu S. M. Yeung - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri S. Anderson - Grand Hirafu 1 week ski/snowboard free rental G. Chan - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen P. Bond - Grand Hirafu ski/snowboard school 1 day private lesson F. Kriek - Grand Hirafu 1 week ski/snowboard free rental W. Bartlett - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 C. Haitsuka - Niseko Village Snow School 2 hour private lesson L. Y. Choo - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2. G. Stachowiak - Sushi delivery from EN fine dining. C. Lau - 2 hour private ski lesson with NBS. L. Bondar - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen M. Lam - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu C. Torrie - Four-course dinner for 2 at North Field Lodge restaurant M. Young - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu D. Ko - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 D. Way - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu R. F. Gander - A king crab dinner at Pension Full Note C. Ma - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri F. Hannington - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2 K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September and October goes to: J. Tse S. Y. Woo Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko! Don`t forget, everyone can enter this competition just by booking your Niseko holiday. See the Niseko for Free website for details and how to enter! The sooner you book and enter, the more chance you have to win some great prizes!

Kamimura san's guest chef appearance in Hong Kong

2009-11-27T13:19:21+09:00

Niseko's most internationally recognised restaurant, Kamimura, was in Hong Kong from 15-22nd November. The Kamimura team spent 6 nights in the fine dining room of The Aberdeen Marina Club offering their 9 course degustation menu. The menu showcased what Hokkaido has to offer including Hokkaido King Crab, Notsuke Scallops and Hokkaido Wagyu. The feedback from the Marina club's members was outstanding and Kamimura's reservations book filled up very quickly for the coming winter season. Many of the guests who attended the dinners talked of their love of the Niseko area and how they looked forward to their yearly ski holiday. There were also many guests who talked of Niseko as their summer getaway. In addition to the dinners, Kamimura-san also conducted two days of cooking classes. They were a lot of fun and the ladies were very happy to pick up the Japanese cooking tips.

Paddy’s Mates Card for Locals and Seasonal Workers

2009-11-25T11:34:42+09:00

For the winter season from 1st December 2009 until 31st of March 2010 Paddy McGinty’s Irish Pub is offering a Members Card exclusively for locals and seasonal workers of Niseko. The Paddy's Mates Card will allow you a 10% discount on all our regular priced meals and food, and 400yen for Classic (Sapporo Draft Beer), glass of white or red wine, or sparkling wine and a basic sprit drink such as Gin, Vodka, Rum with basic soft drink ( Cocktails with juice are not included). This membership is open to local resident customers and our Niseko seasonal workers and staff and is non transferable and not able to be used with any other offers or discounts. Decision on matters concerning card use is reserved to management. Forms available for card at the Pub counter. Or you can apply from our website. Bring proof of your entitlement.

Niseko Pizza Eating Competition, 26 November

2009-11-24T15:07:15+09:00

The generously-proportioned Matt Thomas from Powderlife will be taking on the modestly-sized Aleisha Riboldi from Hokkaido Tracks in a pizza eating competition this Thursday (26/11) at Niseko Pizza, at 7pm on the dot. The pizzas will be 18-inch pepperonis, so this should be quite the spectacle! A ¥5000 pizza voucher for the winner (plus bragging rights for the season!). Only Matt and Aleisha are able to compete in this week's competition, but we are hoping this can be a competition that continues throughout the season, with different competitors each week, and continuing prizes. Spectators are encouraged, and the kitchen and bar will be open on the night to everyone. Pizzas have been reduced from last season. Get a local's card for 20% off as well. All beers and house wine a bargain at only ¥300. Are you up for the challenge? Summit your name to be randomly drawn for next week`s eat-off! See you there!

Open Mic at Cafe Kaku, 28 November

2009-11-24T09:52:10+09:00

Cafe Kaku offers a stage for individual/group acoustic musicians to perform on 28 November from 15:00. If you would like to perform please contact Cafe Kaku at music@cafekaku.net

American Thanksgiving at Cafe Kaku, 27 November

2009-11-24T09:35:30+09:00

Cafe Kaku presents an American Thanksgiving Feast on 27 November from 19:00. With turkey, roast lamb and pork, veggies, and plenty to wash down with... 2,500yen per person including 1 drink. Please RSVP/prepay by 25 November by email at info@cafekaku.net or groovecycles@gmail.com.

Graubunden Christmas dinner set and cake reservations

2009-11-18T15:21:03+09:00

Graubunden in Hirafu is now taking reservations for their special dinner set for Christmas night for locals and visitors who spend the holiday seasons in Niseko. Various Christmas cakes are also available. Book early and have a cozy Christmas in Niseko! Dinner set Christmas cake

Fusion grand opening, 21 November

2009-11-13T18:36:09+09:00

Demo/Fusion Hirafu-saka St – Below Sencho2 Grand Opening - Saturday, November 21th Open Hours – 8:00am – 9:00pm

Hirafu Trivia Night at Paddy's Pub, 20 November

2009-11-12T16:26:01+09:00

Hirafu Trivia Night at Paddy's Pub Friday November 20, 2009 From 6.30-midnight. Grab a meal and drink. Start drinking earlier with Paddy's Happy Hour. Trivia will kick off at 7pm. 500yen entry. Teams 1-5 ppl. Get yourself a team, or form one on the night. Jackpot and prizes to be won. Be sure to get there early to get a start. Please register your team to avoid disappointment. Contact aleishariboldi@gmail.com or 090 7513 2579. Teams that pre-register will be guaranteed a table/seating. Feel free to turn up on the night - but seating and teams may be limited due to capacity.

Niseko Village Opening Film Event, 28 November

2009-11-11T17:30:01+09:00

Be sure not to miss the event of the early season- the Niseko premieres of Car Danchi 4 by Niel Hartmannand and Signatures by Sweetgrass Productions . Two epic film homages to Niseko in the best venue around and a great afterparty and season kickoff in the Niseko Village Ezo Pub! A night not to be missed by anyone who loves Niseko, loves powder or loves to party! Tickets for the event are 1000 yen and include 1 drink at Ezo afterwards. Buses will be available from Hirafu for the event. Don`t miss this one!

Niseko Opening Day Schedule and Events

2009-11-11T17:21:52+09:00

The Niseko United Mountains kick of their respective seasons on the following dates: Grand Hirafu and Annupuri- November 21st Niseko Village- November 28th Hanazono- December 12th Please join the local tourism organizations, government and shinto priests in praying for a safe and successful season this year at the Hirafu Parking 1 at 10am, November 21st.

Niseko for Free competition winners! (1 September - 11 November)

2009-11-11T12:01:09+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: S. Anderson - Grand Hirafu 1 week ski/snowboard free rental G. Chan - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen P. Bond - Grand Hirafu ski/snowboard school 1 day private lesson F. Kriek - Grand Hirafu 1 week ski/snowboard free rental W. Bartlett - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 C. Haitsuka - Niseko Village Snow School 2 hour private lesson L. Y. Choo - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2. G. Stachowiak - Sushi delivery from EN fine dining. C. Lau - 2 hour private ski lesson with NBS. L. Bondar - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen M. Lam - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu C. Torrie - Four-course dinner for 2 at North Field Lodge restaurant M. Young - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu D. Ko - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 D. Way - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu R. F. Gander - A king crab dinner at Pension Full Note C. Ma - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri F. Hannington - Nook Annupuri Restaurant Voucher and Free Onsen at Ikoi no mura for 2 K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September and October goes to: J. Tse S. Y. Woo Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko! Don`t forget, everyone can enter this competition just by booking your Niseko holiday. See the Niseko for Free website for details and how to enter! The sooner you book and enter, the more chance you have to win some great prizes!

Niseko Promotion Board career opportunity

2009-11-10T14:47:33+09:00

Niseko Promotion Board Co-ordinator The Niseko Promotion Board has an exciting position available for a marketing expert. The Niseko Promotion Board was founded in 2007 as a Not for Profit Organisation to promote the Niseko area as one. The Co-ordinator role is a busy and varied role where you will deal with a variety of companies, organisations and people throughout Niseko, Japan and the world. As the contact for all foreign members, you will be responsible for all communication between the office and the foreign members. The role will include checking and editing English documents, replying to all English correspondence and when necessary, liaising with the relevant staff and local authorities to find the information required. A major component of this role is dealing with foreign media and agents and you will be required to initiate media & agent trips, host media/agents while in Niseko and ensure media/agents are exposed to all aspects of Niseko and all member companies. This role is also required to initiate marketing campaigns to promote the Niseko brand. You will also work on the English website and offer advice in terms of layout and content and keep the site regularly updated with news, events, blogs and other exciting information that visitors should know. You will be expected to update the Niseko Tourism social media sites regularly, weekly newsletters to members and monthly newsletters to media/agents/tourists. The role requires a professional level of confidentiality and a certain level of cultural awareness with the ability to work and communicate in a multi cultural environment. The role is constantly expanding and it will be yours to grow with. Japanese skills are preferred but not essential, however marketing skills and relevant experience are essential to this role. Send your applications to office@niseko.ne.jp (please send a Japanese resume if available).

Last ever half price pizza event at Niseko Pizza, 7 November

2009-11-04T14:41:28+09:00

This Saturday, The 7th November, is the last chance to get your hands on The Niseko Pizza Locals Card. Valid ALL winter season; this card entitles you, our Valued Local Customers, to 20% off ALL food, night and day. So, to say farewell to this offer, we will also be thanking you all, with the Last Ever Half Price Pizza Event!!! Great music, chilled beer, an awesome atmosphere and the best pizza in town! Don`t miss out. Let`s all get together and welcome in the 2009/10 season!

This week`s lunch set at J-Sekka & Sunday lunch

2009-11-04T14:40:00+09:00

This week a single sen-yen hooks you up with a toasted sando - chock-filled with roast pork, apple sauce, caramelised onions and winter greens, and as always, your choice of drink. Our last sando as we take a two-week break before the madness begins, so come in and get your fill this week at J-Sekka.　Available from 10am Wednesday through Sunday. 　　 AND..... Don`t forget, the J-Sekka chefs are out to bring joy and happiness into locals' lives with a Sunday Thai banquet lunch - soup, salad, curry, stir-fry and a little something sweet to finish off, the flavors will be full, fresh and promise to bring some heat into the early winter. At just 2,500yen a head, with an option to partake in a 1,500yen Otaru draft beer nomihodai, the family style lunch will kick off at 1pm with numbers limited to just 14. Be sure to get in early and e-mail Kat to reserve your spot at kat@j-sekka.com or call the deli on 0136-21-3088 and get your name on the list.

Niseko Pizza Halloween weekend specials

2009-10-30T13:47:02+09:00

Niseko Pizza are proud to offer a family Halloween Bonanza NOT to be missed. This Halloween weekend, a family of 4 can wine and dine for just Y3,980!!!! This offer covers 2 large pizzas of your choice, 2 alcoholic beverages or coffees, unlimited soft drink refills for the kids and as much Caesar salad and pumpkin soup as your heart desires. Feast yourself on our delicious pizza in our uniquely themed atmosphere. Spider Surprise Hunt around and count all our furry friends for the special prizes. Kids in costume will enjoy fruity ice cream cake to end the feast with a chill!! Every child will receive a surprise Halloween gift so, bring the family and don`t miss out on the festivities….see you there!

Skybus Adventure Tours, 14 & 15 November

2009-10-29T14:26:42+09:00

Skybus has commenced starting tours and adventure activities from November 2009. There will be 1-2 activities each month (subject to availability) and we hope all Hokkaido residents will take advantage and get out and experience the wonderful things to do in this great Prefecture. November 2009: We would like to invite a limited number of people to experience gliding in Hokkaido. This activity will be held over 2 days only. This is the only activity planned for November. Details of the tour and inclusions are as follows: 1) Pick-up from Seicomart Niseko departing 9am. 2) Transport to and from the gliding field. approx travel time 3 hours. 3) Insurance, taxes and activity/guide fee 4) Children under 10 not permitted 5) The tour may be cancelled if less than 4 participants, or adverse weather conditions or for other reasons beyond our control. 6) Gliding time is approximately 15 minutes, instruction time also 15 minutes. 7) Lunch stop on the way back to Niseko. Experience a unique activity and witness the splendor of Hokkaido from a bird's perspective!! Bring the family and a camera!! Dates: 2 daily tours in November. Choose from either: Saturday 14 November OR Sunday 15 November Cost: adult over 18 - 14,000 yen, child (10-17) - 11,000 yen Payment to be made on departure at Niseko. Cancellation fees will apply for no-show or cancellations after 6pm the day prior to departure. Bookings will close 10 November 2009. If you cant make it this time, understandable, we shall run this tour again in May 2010. For bookings and enquiries, please contact: tours@skybus-jp.com or by telephone on 011 788 4994

Sekka 1000 yen lunch set

2009-10-28T15:01:47+09:00

A ghoulishly good Wild Hokkaido venison ragu served with linguine will be filling our locals' lunch plates this Halloween week at Sekka. A one-senner sees you get an ample serve of pasta and ragu, with any size coffee/tea or set drink from the fridge.

Wild Bill's Season Opening Party, 21 November

2009-10-28T14:12:20+09:00

Saturday November 21st, 2009 2009/2010 Season Opening Party at Wild Bills! Pretenders to the throne rise and fall with the yearly comings and goings of the world's kindest pow, but Wild Bills reigns supreme, year after year after year. The charismatic management team does everything right, turning every customer into a regular and building rapport with the locals. The bar is always spotless and hopping with customers, the Tex-Mex menu is the perfect filling end to a long day slaying pow. The PARTY is about to start. BE THERE. Sat Nov 21. Bills.

Bledisloe Cup Live in Tokyo, Live at Paddy McGinty's, 31 October

2009-10-27T10:41:42+09:00

Watch the Rugby Live “Bledisloe Cup Live In Tokyo” this Saturday from 5.00pm !!!! The Bledisloe Cup LIVE , this Saturday the 31st October at 5.00pm @ Paddy McGinty’s Irish Pub Watch the Bledisloe Cup LIVE , Australia Wallabies-v- New Zealand All Blacks on the BIGGGGEST Screen in Niseko. Event starts at 17.00 sharp, have SPECIAL DINNER(1,000yen- dinner and first free drink) ( Draft beer, glass wine, sparkling wine or soft drink), YOU MUST RESERVE ( phone us 090 8897 6288 or email to info@paddymcgintys.com ), and enjoy great food and plenty of Draft Beer, Guinness and Kilkenny, wines, bubbly and soft drinks And the first 5 Pints of Draft Guinness and first 5 pints of Draft Kilkenny served from 5.00 pm will be FREE FREE NIBBLES during the game. Wear the Gold for the Wallabies or the Black for the All blacks to the Pub, in some form and receive a Free Draft Beer or Glass Wine drink coupon after the Game (valid for next visit to the Pub), and The Competition pick the winner of this Game and the winning margin? Win a Dinner for Two with Bottle of Wine at Paddy’s ; be in the Pub before game start to enter the Competition.( enjoy any time over the following 14 days) and also a Raffle, bring your business card, drop in the Fishbowl. Draw after the Game, 2 winners for a Free Pint of Guinness or Free Pint of Kilkenny, ( valid next visit to the Pub, you must be present at the draw to win!). Don’t Miss it!!! Watch the game live in the comfort of your local pub....its your local, so see you there!!!

Winter preparation for cherry trees, 3 November

2009-10-26T17:10:33+09:00

Volunteers are wanted in a winter preparation work to protect cherry blossom trees in the Niseko Arishima area. Spreading rodenticide baits around the area also takes place on the day. Meet in front of the Arishima Memorial Monument for Farm Liberation (off Route 5, towards town) at 10:30 on 3 November. Bring your own sickle, gloves, and wear suitable clothes and shoes for the work. Your cooperation and dedication for the community is very much appreciated!!

Paddy McGinty's trivia&quiz night -Halloween Theme-, 30 October

2009-10-23T18:10:34+09:00

Hirafu Trivia Night: Halloween Theme Trivia Night @ Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub, Hirafu Friday October 30, 2009 7pm START. Get there early to secure a seat and table, and grab some dinner - nourish the mind. (Pies are back in stock, until sold out) 500yen entry for trivia. Includes one free standard drink (softdrink, nama beer, house wine) If you wear orange clothing you will receive an additional drink ticket which will entitle you to 50% off your next drink on the night. Halloween Theme. Additional prizes to be won. Prizes for best team Halloween Costume (1st and 2nd places prizes - dinner voucher, drink voucher) Individual Best Costume Prize - bottle of wine. For any main meal that is 1000yen or more, there will be 10% discount. Trivia Jackpot to be won!!!! Come dressed in costume for your chance to win prizes. Get your team together. Pre-registration appreciated. Call 090 7513 2579 or email aleishariboldi@gmail.com

Australian Chamber Orchestra tickets

2009-10-22T14:50:19+09:00

The Australian Chamber Orchestra will hold 3 concerts in Niseko from 15-17 January 2010. The ACO and Artistic Director Richard Tognetti will be joined by exhilarating Taiko drummers and one of the world`s greatest harpists, Naoki Yoshino, for concerts including Mozart, Piazzolla, Back, Elgar, Shostakovich and Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Tickets will be available from the following outlets: Within Niseko: At the Niseko Promotion Board office from 16 November 2009. Within Japan: Aspen on 03-5467-0081 Within Australia: ACO website or 1800 444 444 (or +61 2 8274 3888 if outside Australia)

Jazz live event at Half Note, 28 October

2009-10-21T16:48:11+09:00

Come enjoy an autumn night with fine jazz music at the Jazz Bar & Cafe Half Note in Hirafu. Harvie S and Tommy Campbell will join with a Sapporo-native guitarist Sasajima Akio and play for the first time in Niseko. The event starts at 7:30pm at Half Note on 28 October. Advance tickets at 3,000yen (3,500yen at door) including one drink. Call Shimatani san on 0136 23 2727 or Shigematsu san on 090 1307 3792 or email at tedmami@gmail.com advance tickets.

Niseko for Free competition winners! (1 September - 19 October)

2009-10-21T13:22:40+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: L. Bondar - Buffet dinner voucher for 2 at Hotel Niseko Alpen M. Lam - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu C. Torrie - Four-course dinner for 2 at North Field Lodge restaurant M. Young - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu D. Ko - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 D. Way - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu R. F. Gander - A king crab dinner at Pension Full Note C. Ma - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri F. Hannington - Dinner and onsen voucher for 2 at Nook Annupuri Restaurant / Ikoi-no-mura onsen spa K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September goes to: J. Tse Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko! Don`t forget, everyone can enter this competition just by booking your Niseko holiday. See the Niseko for Free website for details and how to enter! The sooner you book and enter, the more chance you have to win some great prizes!

Hilton Niseko Village gym membership

2009-10-20T17:19:06+09:00

Hilton Niseko Village gym membership is much more than just a way to stay fit and healthy. As a member, you are entitled to an array of additional benefits. Join in if you want to keep fit, meet friends or simply relax. See attached file below for more information.

Niseko gets a write up in the JNTO London newsletter

2009-10-20T14:42:55+09:00

Niseko gets a write up in the JNTO London newsletter this month. Click here to read the article.

SUIBOKU media feature

2009-10-20T14:31:20+09:00

The October issue of Home Journal magazine in Hong Kong had a marvelous feature article on Suiboku which you can view, with Chinese and English text here. They observed that “every single loft has a perfectly framed full view of Niseko's signature tourist feature - Mount Yotei - sometimes referred to as Ezo Fuji, the Hokkaido Mount Fuji. Indeed, taking in the awe-inspiring sight of majestic snow-capped Mount Yotei while bundled cosily amid heaps of fur and plush cushions serves to perfectly underpin Suiboku's leitmotif of beautiful contrasts.” *Other Suiboku news here

Paddy McGinty's First Birthday Party! 23 October

2009-10-19T18:00:13+09:00

Happy Birthday Paddy! Come to Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub's First Birthday Party 7:00pm to 10:30pm Friday the 23rd October 2009 All drinks for half price including Guinness and Kilkenny (excluding fancy cocktails) Party Food & Nibbles Free Dont miss out!

Niseko condominiums featured on AllAbout.co.jp (Part 3)

2009-10-15T10:53:50+09:00

Niseko condominiums were featured in a travel column on the AllAbout website, a Japanese online magazine for lifestyle information and advice. Condominiums in Niseko 3 (Japnese only)

Hong Kong Economic Times Niseko article

2009-10-14T12:53:45+09:00

As part of the Niseko Promotion Board media trip in September 2009, the Hong Kong Economic Times has published the article about autumn in Niseko. The Hong Kong Economic Times is Hong Kong`s largest financial newspaper with a daily circulation of 82,000 copies. There are more articles to follow this one and these will be uploaded on the website as soon as they are released. Click here to read the article.

Niseko for Free competition winners! (1 September - 12 October)

2009-10-14T11:02:50+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: M. Young - 5,000yen dining voucher at Syokusai Hirafu D. Ko - Grand Hirafu T-shirts x 2 D. Way - SMITH goggles courtesy of Fusion Hirafu R. F. Gander - A king crab dinner at Pension Full Note C. Ma - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri F. Hannington - Dinner and onsen voucher for 2 at Nook Annupuri Restaurant / Ikoi-no-mura onsen spa K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September goes to: J. Tse Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko! Don`t forget, everyone can enter this competition just by booking your Niseko holiday. See the Niseko for Free website for details and how to enter! The sooner you book and enter, the more chance you have to win some great prizes!

KAMIMURA in Hong Kong 15-22 November

2009-10-13T09:10:03+09:00

Chef Yuichi Kamimura of KAMIMURA restaurant in Hirafu will be appearing at The Aberdeen Marina Club in Hong Kong as a guest chef from 15-22 November. The club is said to be the most prestigious private club in Hong Kong with stunning dining facilities. Chef Kamimura`s stay will involve cooking for invited guests at a gala night as well as doing 5 nights of his menu over dinner service at one of their restaurants. KAMIMURA's restaurant manager Michael Phipps and the sous chef Motoya Otokozawa will also be on site and assist the chef in promoting the restaurant along with Niseko. Many of the guests that are members of this prestigious club frequently come to Niseko, and this event will be a great opportunity to draw more people to Niseko as well as the restaurant. Due to this trip the KAMIMURA restaurant is closed from November 13th until December 1st.

Niseko for Free competition winners!

2009-10-09T09:57:08+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: R. F. Gander - A king crab to dine in at Pension FullNote C. Ma - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri F. Hannington - Dinner and onsen voucher for 2 at Nook Annupuri Restaurant / Ikoi-no-mura onsen spa K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September goes to: J. Tse Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko! Don`t forget, everyone can enter this competition just by booking your Niseko holiday. See the Niseko for Free website for details and how to enter! The sooner you book and enter, the more chance you have to win some great prizes!

Niseko condominiums featured on AllAbout.co.jp (Part 2)

2009-10-06T16:14:22+09:00

Niseko condominiums were featured in a travel column on the AllAbout website, a Japanese online magazine for lifestyle information and advice. Condominiums in Niseko 2 (Japnese only)

Niseko for Free competition winners!

2009-10-05T17:40:24+09:00

The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the following Niseko customers have won prizes in the Niseko for Free competition! Weekly Lucky Draw winners: K. Wheeler - 5,oooyen rental voucher at Good Sports L. H. Kwok - Dinner voucher for 2 at Country Inn Milky House D. Labib - Dinner voucher for 2 at Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri The 100,000 yen cash back on arrival in Niseko for September goes to: J. Tse Thank you for your bookings and we look forward to seeing you in Niseko! Don`t forget, everyone can enter this competition just by booking your Niseko holiday. See the Niseko for Free website for details and how to enter! The sooner you book and enter, the more chance you have to win some great prizes!

Australian Chamber Orchestra in Niseko!

2009-10-01T14:34:21+09:00

Paddy McGinty's special pub meal and NRL Grand Final! 4 October

2009-09-30T16:42:07+09:00

SPECIAL PUB MEAL AND NRL GRAND FINAL SUNDAY October 4th from 3:00 pm, with game kick off at 3.30 pm. Don’t Miss the biggest game of the NRL Season...it will be a blockbuster! Watch it on the BIGGGGEST screen in Niseko in the comfort of your local pub. Parramatta EELS VS. Melbourne STORM Your first drink HALF PRICE and more 1000 yen SPECIAL PUB MEAL served from 3.30 pm ＋ FREE First DRINK, pub's Regular Irish bar meal, fish/chicken chips etc. and a draft beer, glass of wine or basic spirit, Please book special pub meal on 090 8897 6288 or info@paddymcgintys.com AND if you wear Yellow for EELS or Purple for Storm you get a free beer (next visit) AND also we have a Pick the Winner and the Winning Margin Competition for Lunch for Two at Paddy’s ( next visit ) ****AND ***** FREE NIBBLES during the game.

Ultimate Dosanko Cup 2009 in Niseko, 26 September

2009-09-25T18:07:14+09:00

Ultimate is a new craze in Japan. It is an American Football-like sport but players use a flying disk instead of a ball. Ultimate has become popular among college students in central and western Japan, and recently some adult and college teams have been formed in Sapporo as well. The Sapporo Flying Disk Club hosts the first open ultimate event in Hokkaido this coming Saturday 26 September at Koropokkuru ground (188 Aza Yamada, Kutchan). The event starts at 10am and anyone interested is welcome to watch the unique and exciting game!

3rd anniversary and a free onsen day at Popolo-no-yu! 1 October

2009-09-25T15:51:28+09:00

On 1 October the Niseko Hirafu Onsen Popolo-no-yu celebrates its 3rd anniversary and opens their onsen to everyone for free! There are special prices for food at the restaurant as well. Come enjoy the free onsen with a great view of Mt. Yotei!

Niseko condominiums featured on AllAbout.co.jp

2009-09-24T17:30:32+09:00

Niseko condominiums were featured in a travel column on the AllAbout website, a Japanese online magazine for lifestyle information and advice. Condominiums in Niseko 1 (Japnese only)

Late bus service operated by Skybus this coming winter

2009-09-24T14:58:39+09:00

Skybus is operating a daily 22:30hrs late bus service from the New Chitose Airport to Niseko this coming winter. As it did last year, the late bus service assists people who have to book on those late flights due to non-availability. Please visit Skybus website for further information.

WataFei music live at Cafe Kaku, 16 October

2009-09-24T14:58:10+09:00

Ambient music unit with theremin and guitar WataFei will hold a live event at Cefe Kaku in Kutchan on 16 October starting at 19:00. The live event is admission free but please give the unit a generous tip if you like their performance!　　WataFei sample music... Please call Cafe Kaku on 0136 22 5608 for more information.

Paddy McGinty's:Special Footy Lunch and AFL Grand Final, 26 September

2009-09-24T14:28:54+09:00

SPECIAL FOOTY LUNCH AND AFL GRAND FINAL at Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub GEELONG VS. ST KILDA Saturday September 26th from 12:00 noon, with game kick off at 12.30 pm. SPECIAL FOOTY LUNCH and the AFL Grand Final, CATS VS. SAINTS, 1000 yen SPECIAL LUNCH served from 12.30pm until 2.30 pm ＋ FREE First DRINK, our Regular Irish bar meal, fish/chicken chips, pies etc.and a draft beer, glass of wine or basic spirit. Please book special lunch on 090 8897 6288 or info@paddymcgintys.com AND if you wear BLUE for CATS or RED for the SAINTS you get a free beer (next visit) AND also we have a Pick the winner and the winning margin Competition for Lunch for Two at Paddy’s ( next visit ) FREE NIBBLES during the game. Don’t Miss the biggest game of the AFL Season...it will be a blockbuster. Watch it on the BIGGGGEST screen in Niseko in the comfort of your local pub.

Paddy McGinty's Pub trivia&quiz night, 2 October

2009-09-24T14:10:51+09:00

Hirafu Trivia night is back again!! When: Friday, October 2, 2009 - 7pm Sharp start Venue: Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub, Hirafu Entry fee: 500yen/person (each team 1-5 people) Get a team together and get there early. Spread the word! Prizes and Jackpot to be won. Contact Aleisha on 090 7513 2579 or aleishariboldi@gmail.com for more information.

Niseko Marche Autumn 2009, 4&12 October

2009-09-24T11:59:20+09:00

Following the Niseko Kira Kira Market, there are 2 more markets open at different sites! On 4 October the marche is held in the Hirafu parking lot-1 starting at 9am. There are music performances by Kutchan Elementary and Jr. High School students as well as by the Yotei-daiko Japanese drum team. Another marche is held in Niseko Higashiyama, in front of Milk Kobo, starting at 10am. The Yotei-daiko team, local band, Hawaiian music, violin&piano, and Japanese shamisen (3-string banjo) will be performed while the market is open. Fresh local products and seafood will be sold at both markets. Flea markets and food stands are also on site. Don't miss this chance to enjoy socialising with locals and great food of autumn Niseko!

Niseko backcountry film 'Signatured' free tickets now available!

2009-09-24T11:58:12+09:00

‘Signatures' is anything but the standard ski film (The Aspen Times) 'Signatures' teaser The film will be on Japan tour and free tickets are available at the following Patagonia stores on a first-come first-serve basis! ＜October＞ Tokyo Gate City Ohsaki 14 Oct　(open 18：00, start 18：30) Tickets available at patagonia Shibuya, patagonia Kanda, patagonia Yokohama/Kannai Sendai Sakurai Central Hall 21 Oct　(open 19：00, start 19：30) Tickets available at patagonia Sendai Sapporo Sapporo L・PLAZA Hall 24 Oct　(open 19：00, start 19：30) Tickets available at patagonia Sapporo-kita ＜November, December＞ 5 Nov　20：30～　patagonia Kanda　（40 seats by booking）　　　 6 Nov　19：30～　patagonia Yokohama　（50 seats by booking） 11 Nov　20：30～　patagonia Shibuya　（80 seats by booking） 11 Nov　20：30～　patagonia Fukuoka　（40 seats by booking） 12 Nov　19：30～　patagonia Kobe　（50 seats by booking）　　　　 18 Nov　19：30～　patagonia Nagoya　（50 seats by booking） 19 Nov　19：30～　patagonia Sapporo-kita　（40 seats by booking） 19 Nov　20：30～　patagonia Esaka　（40 seats by booking） 25 Nov　19：30～　patagonia Mejiro　（40 seats by booking） 26 Nov　19：30～　patagonia Kamakura　（50 seats by booking） 2 Dec　20：30～　patagonia Sendai　（40 seats by booking） 3 Dec　20：30～　patagonia Osaka　（50 seats by booking）

Lake Hangetsu nature tour, 10 October

2009-09-24T10:05:44+09:00

Shikotsu-Toya National Park will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year in recognition of it becoming a national park. Hangetsu-ko, literally means Half Moon Lake, is a crater lake located in the park and surrounded by the plant communities that are designated as natural monuments. As a memorial event, a nature tour around the lake will be held on 10 Ocotber from 9:00 to 12:00. Anyone from elementary school children to adults can join with no participation fee! Meet at the Hangetsu-ko parking lot at 9am. Please wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Bring your own drink, raincoat, towel, notebook and pen. In case of rain, the tour will be conducted on 11 Oct. Participants are limited to 25 people so apply soon! Call Toyako Nature Protection Office on 0142 73 2600 between 8:30am to 17:15pm to apply or further information.

Niseko Village autumn events!

2009-09-18T18:10:09+09:00

Sports, outdoor, culture....check out and join various original events at Niseko Village! Lineups are: Pure Sports Day 22,23 Sep TAKIBI Night 20&26 Sep; 3,10,17 Oct Lantern carving and exhibition, Kabo-lympics 11 Oct Visual contest till 3 Nov See the website or call on 0136 44 2211 for more information.

Niseko Village SNAG Golf Competition, 4 October

2009-09-18T18:09:29+09:00

SNAG golf originated in the U.S and can be enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults. Using a plastic club and a tennis ball-like ball, SNAG golf is a safe and fun sport. The competition is for everyone including those new to SNAG and children. Meet at 9:00 at Niseko Village Pure reception on 4 October. The participation fee is 500yen/person. Apply by 30 September by FAX, email, or bring the application form directly to Niseko Village. The application form can be downloaded from here. Call Niseko Village on 0136 44 2211 for more information.

Hokkaido Tracks Resort Properties Escarpment Estate OPEN event, 26 September

2009-09-18T16:38:14+09:00

An open invitation for the local community to come down and see the new Estate which will bring another new dimension to Hirafu village! When: Saturday September 26th, 2009 Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Where: On the Escarpment Estate at the base of Hirafu village. There will be a Light lunch and drinks available as well as a small farmers market stand available courtesy of our friends at NISEKO GREEN FARM. Come see and inspect the Escarpment Estate and have a chat with the Hokkaido Tracks Resort Properties team about the future of the site! For more details contact: Julian.bailey@hokkaidotracks.com or call on 0136-216960

6th Annual Yotei District Mikaku Food Fiesta, 2 November

2009-09-18T15:35:16+09:00

The “Foodies” event of the year! A true culinary extravaganza and a celebration of the region’s best produce and amazing dishes all under one roof. Come and meet the people behind the food and try the food that makes the people in this incredibly diverse district. A food seminar and a lecture on local agriculture will also take place prior to the fiesta. All events take place at Hilton Niseko Village on 2 November. Advance tickets available. Please see the website for more information.

KAMIMURA Silver Week Special! 17-27 September

2009-09-18T10:20:32+09:00

Enjoy fine dining at KAMIMURA restaurant in Hirafu during Silver Week with their specials! KAMIMURA is offering their Silver Week Special from 17 to 27 September. One free drink service with 4,500yen course dinner and a glass of champagne with 9,000yen course. The restaurant is open through the Silver Week, 18:00-23:00 for dinner and 12:00-15:00 for lunch. Please call 0136 21 2288 or email at reservations@kamimura-niseko.com for booking.

SL Niseko steam train from 19 September!

2009-09-17T12:28:21+09:00

SL Niseko train starts its annual service this Saturday 19 September. Travel through the beautiful colored Shiribeshi region (between Sapporo and Rankoshi), the retro train is a great match with the autumn scenery of Niseko. Tourists can enjoy not only the amazing view but also a variety of local gourmet treats and onsens along the way. Adult/one way fare is 2,590yen for Sapporo-Kutchan, 2,900yen for Sapporo-Niseko/Kombu, and 3,220yen for Sapporo-Rankoshi (half price for child). Different types of set-tickets such as train+gourmet, train+onsen, etc. are also available. The train runs on weekends (Sat and Sun) and national holidays from 19 September to 3 November.

Niseko first snow competition!

2009-09-16T16:24:05+09:00

Winter is coming and the Niseko Promotion Board is running a competition to guess which day the first snow will arrive on the top of Mt. Yotei! Prizes available for winners! Check out the NPB staff blog to see how you can submit your entry!

Niseko Golf Week Chipping Contest, 18 September

2009-09-16T15:39:57+09:00

Make the closest chip shot to the pin and get great prizes!! The contest is held from 4pm to 6pm on Friday 18 September at Hirafu SunSports Land. Practice from 3pm. 1st Prize - ¥50,000 2nd Prize - 2 nights luxury accommodation for 4 people in Hirafu Village 3rd Prize - 2 bottles of wine 3 Balls 1 Play ¥500 Join us for an after party at the deck of Downtown Cafe! Cocktail Party 1000 yen including a free drink Awards ceremony from 7:30-8pm Dancing from 9-12pm *No jeans or tshirts! For more information please contact Derek at derek@nisekotourism.com

Special dinner and AFL preliminary final Cats vs. Magpies, 19 September

2009-09-16T15:03:49+09:00

SPECIAL DINNER and AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL, GEELONG VS. COLLINGWOOD at Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub Saturday September 19, 2009 @ 6:00pm - 9:00pm! 1000 yen SPECIAL DINNER (served from 17.30 until 20.00) ＋ FREE First DRINK, Regular Irish bar meal, fish/chicken chips, pies etc.and a draft beer, glass of wine or basic spirit, Game Kicks off after the Rugby at 6.30 pm approx. Please book special dinner on 090 8897 6288 or info@paddymcgintys.com AND if you wear BLUE for CATS or BLACK for the MAGPIES you get a free beer (next visit) AND Pick the winner and the winning margin for Dinner for Two with Bottle of Wine at Paddy’s ( next visit ) FREE NIBBLES during the game!

AFL St. Kilda VS. Western Bulldogs Preliminary Final, 18 September

2009-09-16T14:36:56+09:00

Come and watch the AFL Preliminary Final ST KILDA vs. WESTERN BULLDOGS LIVE this Friday night at Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub .... Enjoy dinner and drinks, including Draft Guinness, Kilkenny and Sapporo Classic all at reasonable prices in the comfort of your local pub while watching the BIG Game on the BIGGGGEST Screen in Niseko.! FREE NIBBLES during the game Friday September 18, 2009 @ 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Paddy’s SPECIAL DINNER with TRINATIONS LIVE, 19 September

2009-09-16T14:19:04+09:00

Paddy’s SPECIAL DINNER with BLEDISLOE CUP LIVE , AUSTRALIA vs. NZ from 4 pm Saturday, 19th September < 1000yen Special DINNER (served from 17.30 until 20.00)＋ FREE First DRINK > - Paddy's regular Irish bar meal –fish/chicken and chips, pies, etc.. - Draft beer, glass of red/white wine, sparkling wine and basic spirit (Must book by midday Friday! -info@paddymcgintys.com or 09088976288) Kick Off 4.25 pm. More and more… - 500 yen for first 5 Pints of Draft Guinness and first 5 pints of Draft Kilkenny served from 4.00 pm - FREE beer coupon (effective from next visit) when you wear YELLOW for the WALLABIES or BLACK for the ALL BLACKS - A competition, pick the winner of the LIVE Game and the winning margin. Dinner for Two with Bottle of Wine at Paddy’s (effective from next visit ) - A raffle, bring your business card, two winners for a Free Pint of Guinness or Free Pint of Kilkenny (effective from next visit) - Free nibbles during the game Don’t miss the RUGBY at Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub, this coming Saturday Afternoon the 19th September watch the TRINATIONS on the BIGGGGEST Screen in Niseko.

Black pine planted at Suiboku

2009-09-14T18:09:02+09:00

On 23 June 2009 Suiboku contractors Iwata Chizaki arrived at the building with three huge cranes, a truckload of high-potency soil and one stunning nine-metre Japanese black pine. After a morning of ground preparation the tree was finally set in place (on the corner of the building outside Abucha 2) at 2:43 pm, the most auspicious time for Suiboku, Abucha and, hopefully, the tree itself. This coniferous pretzel, with its free spirit and serendipitous appearance, forms a perfect foreground to the strong quadrilinear architecture of Suiboku, each attaining what the other cannot. (Photo by Glen Claydon at GCP)

Paddy McGinty's Pub trivia&quiz night, 11 September

2009-09-11T13:32:11+09:00

Hirafu Trivia night back by popular demand. When: Friday, September 11, 2009. Same venue: Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub, Hirafu 6.30pm for a 7pm Sharp start Better and improved trivia (better sound system, one less round). Get a team together (1-5 people). 500yen entry includes one free drink (draft beer, house wine, softdrink). Jackpot and prizes to be won!!! Special prize for BEST TEAM COSTUME (free Paddys Pub dinner/meal coupon). 6 rounds - new categories. Be there! Dont miss the fun. Registering your team name and members beforehand is appreciated so we can better try to accommodate people if I have a better idea of numbers attending. Be sure to get there before 7pm to secure a table. Aleisha 090 7513 2579 aleishariboldi@gmail.com

Skybus earlybird fares end 30 September!!

2009-09-11T13:18:37+09:00

Skybus is offering a 10% discount on ALL transfers to and from Niseko and New Chitose Airport to assist people with the high costs associated with the strong Japanese Yen. Skybus has extended this discount to all new customers who make a new booking and payment with us. This offer applies to their normal retail rates as listed on their website for travel between 1 December 2009 and 31 March 2010. Offer ends 30 September 2009. Credit Card and Paypal payments accepted (prepayment is required). Other services are: - Door to door EXPRESS shuttle service from New Chitose Airport direct to your hotel, apartment or pension including Airport meet & greet, baggage handling. Fares start from 3,600yen. - Private Transfers available, fares start from 31,500yen. - Sapporo and Otaru City Transfers available throughout the season. - Regular airport shuttle service to and from ALL Sapporo Hotels and New Chitose Airport. - Transfers and day trips to Furano, Tomamu, Sahoro and Sapporo Ski Grounds are available. - LATE NIGHT TRANSFERS are scheduled for those passengers arriving on late flights. There are a 9pm and 10:30pm departure from New Chitose Airport. Please visit their website for further information.

Niseko Tri Camp, 16-20 September

2009-09-11T13:17:58+09:00

The Niseko Tri Camp will be held from 16-20 September with Head Camp Coach, Kevin Clark. Kevin Clark is the Assistant Triathlon Coach for the Hong Kong National Triathlon Team. This is a 3 and a half day training camp in Niseko. The camp will concentrate on tools and techniques for increasing the quality and effectiveness of your training sessions. It will help to create a training regimen relevant to your own specific goals. You will learn the skill needed to produce your best finish at a triathalon, whetever level you compete at. The cost for Niseko locals is US$675 which includes administration fees, coaching, all on ground costs and associated meals. For those outside of Niseko, the cost is $US740 which inlcudes transfers from Chitose airport. See the Niseko Tri Campwebsite for more information and how to apply.

Niseko Park Golf Ladies Open 2009, 13 September

2009-09-10T13:57:41+09:00

Ladies Park Golf Open 2009 is a 9 hole Park golf tourney. There will be quick lessons available to help you get the hang of the game, and child minding will be on hand too. There are prizes for the top winners and the participation fee is only 300yen including club rental! Check out the Niseko Golf Week website for more information and to register. Spaces limited - sign up TODAY!

Niseko Kira Kira Market, 27 September

2009-09-09T14:20:08+09:00

Come and enjoy Niseko's freshest products at the Kira Kira Market on 27 September! The market opens from 10am to 3pm at the parking lot of Niseko Kira-no-yu (in front of Niseko town train station). In addition to the fresh Niseko products, there will be a seafood market provided by Shiribeshi fisheries cooperatives, a flea market, and a variety of goods from Niseko shopping street. For further information please call the executive committee office on 0136 44 2214. If you wish to sell goods at the market, please contact the committee by 15 September.

Paddy’s SPECIAL DINNER with TRINATIONS LIVE, 12 September

2009-09-09T11:40:56+09:00

Don’t miss the RUGBY at Paddy McGinty's, this coming Saturday Afternoon the 12th September watch the TRINATIONS on the BIGGGGEST Screen in Niseko, and then the AFL final! TRINATIONS LIVE NZ vs. SA from 4.00 pm Saturday, 12th September (Game REPLAY at 20.55 – but NO SPECIAL DINNER deal) 1,000yen for DINNER ＋ FREE First DRINK (Must book by midday Friday! - info@paddymcgintys.com or 09088976288) - Paddy's regular Irish bar meal –fish/chicken and chips, pies, etc.. - Draft beer, glass of red/white wine, sparkling wine and basic spirit More and more… - 500 yen for first 5 Pints of Draft Guinness and first 5 pints of Draft Kilkenny served from 4.00 pm - FREE beer coupon (effective from next visit) when you wear Black for the All Blacks or Green for the Springboks - A competition, pick the winner of the LIVE Game and the winning margin. Dinner for Two with Bottle of Wine at Paddy’s (effective from next visit ) - A raffle, bring your business card, two winners for a Free Pint of Guinness or Free Pint of Kilkenny (effective from next visit) - Free nibbles during the game And GAME REPLAY at 20.55 (interposed with the AFL Collingwood vs. Adelaide, 2nd Semi Final from 18.30 approx...after Live TriNations game)

Paddy’s SPECIAL DINNER with The TRINATIONS LIVE!, 5 September

2009-09-02T10:40:29+09:00

Kick off the weekend at Paddy McGinty's Irish Pub, this Saturday Night the 5th September at 6:00pm, with Special Dinner and watch the TRINATIONS on the BIGGGGEST Screen in Niseko! 1,000yen for DINNER ＋ FREE First DRINK - Paddy's regular Irish bar meal –fish/chicken and chips, pies, etc.. - Draft beer, glass of red/white wine, sparkling wine and basic spirit (Please MUST book by midday Friday 4 Sep! - info@paddymcgintys.com or 09088976288) More and more… · 500 yen for each first 5 Pints of Draft Guinness and first 5 pints of Draft Kilkenny served from 18.00 · FREE beer coupon (effective from next visit) when you wear the Yellow for the Wallabies or Green for the Springboks · A competition, pick the winner of the Game and the winning Margin. Dinner for Two with Bottle of Wine at Paddy’s (effective from next visit ) · A raffle, bring your business card, two winners for a Free Pint of Guinness or Free Pint of Kilkenny (effective from next visit) · Free nibbles during the game

Niseko Cycle Week 2009 is on till 6 September!!

2009-09-01T18:07:34+09:00

Niseko's one of biggest summer events Niseko Cycle Week 2009 is now on! In addition to various road rides and mountain bike races that take place around Niseko and neighbor towns, for those who do not participate in the ride there are also a Mexican food and movie night and a great BBQ coming on the way too!! Riders or spectators, with friends and family, come join this fun annual event! See the websitefor all the information!

Local Daisuke Watanabe makes the All Japan Junior Snowboard Team!

2009-09-01T18:06:28+09:00

A young Kutchan-native snowboarder Daisuke Watanabe will join the team of the All Japan Junior Snowboard Team. Daisuke, who is currently a second-grade student of Noboribetsu Otani High School, has improved his techniques at the bumpy and varying courses of the Grand Hirafu since an elementary school kid. Daisuke has his sights on competing in the World Snowboard Junior Championships held in next August in New Zealand and will be training as much as he can back in his home ground Niseko this coming winter. Good luck Daisuke!!

Niseko Halloween Party 2009, 31 October - 1 November

2009-09-01T18:05:42+09:00

The Niseko Halloween Party is the biggest autumn event in Niseko which children and adults can enjoy together! The party is held on 31 October from 15:00 to 20:00 at the NOOK Annupuri Ski Hill. Tickets are ¥1500 for child and ¥2000 for adult. Pre-booking required and bookings are accepted from 1 October. There are lots of activities taking place during 2 days - Trick or Treat in Annupuri pension area, the Haunted House, pumpkin carving, mini pumpkin craft, other Halloween games, and a costume contest with great prizes! See their website to keep updated! Contact: Annupuri Village 0130-59-2111, reservation@annupurivillage.com

Niseko Halloween Party 2009, 31 October - 1 November

2009-08-27T17:40:48+09:00

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009 Time: Location: NOOK Annupuri Ski Hill Cost: Kid: ¥1500 / Adult: ¥2000 Contact: Pre-booking required (Booking requests accepted from Oct 1st) Activities Trick or Treat in Annupuri Pension area, Haunted House, Pumpkin Carving, Mini Pumpkin Craft and other Halloween games. 豪華景品が当たるコスチュームコンテスト Costume Contest with great prizes チームコンテスト - 3名以上でエントリー可能（会社仲間、友達グループなど） Team Contest - Groups of more than 3 people (families and groups of friends can enter)

Rugby

2009-08-25T17:15:15+09:00

Oh the Party is on again at Paddy McGinty's, Saturday Night the 29th August watch the TRI NATIONS LIVE, Australia Wallabies-v- South Africa Springboks on the BIGGGGEST Screen in Niseko and come for dinner!! SPECIAL PADDY’S RUGBY MEAL DEAL DINNER (1,000yen- dinner and first drink, beer, wine, bubbly or soft drink) from 18.00 Bookings please on 090 8897 6288 or email to info@paddymcgintys.com. Enjoy great food and plenty of Draft Beer, Guinness and Kilkenny, wines, bubbly and soft drinks AND FREE NIBBLES during the game. Heaps of fun and shenanigans Wear the Yellow for the Wallabies or Green for the Springboks and if your team gets the first try you get a free beer (next visit) the first 5 Pints of Draft Guinness and first 5 pints of Draft Kilkenny served from 18.00 will be sold @ 500 yen each, so be early..AND a Competition, ah Paddy loves a free competition; pick the winner of the Game and the winning margin to win a Dinner for Two with Bottle of Wine; so make sure you are in the Pub before game start to enter the Competition.( enjoy any time over the following 14 days) and also a Raffle, bring your business card, drop in the Fishbowl. Draw after the Game, 2 winners for a Free Pint of Guinness or Free Pint of Kilkenny, ( valid next visit to the Pub, you must be present at the draw to win!). Don’t Miss it! It will be a hoot to be sure to be sure!!

Bledisloe Cup Live at Paddy McGinty’s! 22 August

2009-08-13T10:47:45+09:00

Come and watch the Tri–Nations and Bledisloe Cup at Paddy McGinty’s Irish Pub! Australian Wallabies-V- New Zealand All Blacks Saturday the 22nd August, LIVE 18.45 until 21.00! And it's a special meal and drinks deal night! So diarise it, get your mates sorted, and make a date to be at Paddy McGinty’s your local Pub to watch the Bledisloe Cup game LIVE. Don’t miss it! Drink Draft Guinness, Kilkenny and Classic; Wine and mixed drinks all at special Rugby Drinks Deal prices for the night. Why not have dinner first or during the game, at the Pub, munch on some of Paddy’s yummy snacks and meals whilst enjoying the game at special Rugby Meal Deal prices for the night.

Rugby at Paddy McGinty’s - live games and replays on the biggest screen in Niseko!

2009-08-05T15:59:21+09:00

Come and watch the Tri–Nations and Bledisloe Cup at Paddy McGinty’s! South African Springboks -v- Australian Wallabies full match replay this coming SUNDAY the 9th August 14.00-16.00 Drink Draft Guinness, Kilkenny and Beer; Wine and mixed drinks at reasonable prices, free nibbles provided by the pub, and also munch on some of Paddy’s yummy snacks and meals from Jun’s kitchen to keep your energy levels up whilst enjoying the game!

2nd Shiribeshi Landscape Signage Workshop, 27 August

2009-08-05T11:31:08+09:00

ROGER DONAZZAN appointed Director and Chairman of SKYBUS

2009-08-04T14:37:01+09:00

Skybus announced that Australian investor and lawyer Roger Donazzan has been appointed Chairman of the Skybus Group of Companies. Mr. Donazzan is well known in Hokkaido as the founder and former Executive Chairman of Nihon Harmony Resorts KK for whom he still acts as a Senior Advisor in a consulting capacity. With a strategic role overseeing management operations and providing advice and guidance for the company’s continuing growth, Mr. Donazzan looks forward to working with the Skybus Team to provide the best possible experience for the customers.

47th Jaga Matsuri (Potato Festival), 1-2 August

2009-07-31T12:37:40+09:00

NISADE Niseko River Festival, 21 August

2009-07-30T11:51:17+09:00

Come join this unique event which is to bring the community and visitors to Niseko together to increase communications through the rafting race, darts game, and BBQ! Meet at under the St. Moritz bridge at 16:00 on 21 August. BBQ party ticket is 700yen/adult and 300yen/child. Great prizes include hotel voucher, golf course ticket, and DVD player! For further information please call NISADE on 0136 22 0038 or email at masamichi@nisade.com

NOASC Summer Festival, 15 August

2009-07-29T15:55:08+09:00

NOASC presents a beer garden-atmosphere festival with a BBQ party and great music starting at 17:00 on 15 August. Don't miss this once-a-year summer event! There will be a darts and pool competition for adults and a sideshow for kids featuring traditonal Japanese festival attractions. A flea market will also take place. Rafting participants on the day will receive a free drink voucher! Guests are not allowed to bring own food and drinks in the venue, please purchase food on site. Tranportation services are available. For further information please call NOASC on 0136 23 1688.

Group bike ride around Mt. Yotei, 1 August

2009-07-28T16:38:33+09:00

Mountain bikes, Road, Cross, or other bikes are all welcome on this group ride around Mt. Yotei on August 1st. Starting point from Niseko 343 / Northern Fox parking lot at 9:00am, the group will be doing a full lap of Yotei-zan taking in the sights and sounds of this classic Niseko ride. The tour is for all levels of riders with a reasonable fitness level however children under 14 years of age not recommended to join unless physically fit enough to ride 60kms of hilly terrain and accompanied by an adult. No participation fee required - bring cash for food or drink. Groove Cycles is offering out free bike rentals for the ride (while stock is available) for anyone who wants to join the ride but does not have a bike. Please call 080 3612 5475 for more information.

Pub trivia/quiz night, 7 August

2009-07-28T13:19:42+09:00

Round up a few friends, form a team, and enjoy a night of trivia, fun and friendly competition! From 7:00pm to 9pm at Paddy Friday August 07, 2009 @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location 場所: Hirafu ひらふ [Paddy's Irish Pub] Details 詳細: Entry fee: 500yen per person. First drink is free courtesy of Paddys Pub (softdrink, house wine, draft beer only. Entry fee is used for the jackpot. Second place team - each team member gets their money back. FIRST PLACE TEAM- team members share the JACKPOT!!! Think you got what it takes. Teams: 1-5 people

Kutchan Shrine Festival, 27-29 August

2009-07-28T12:27:38+09:00

The annual Kutchan Shrine Festival is being held from 27 to 29 August in the central area of Kutchan Town. On 28 and 29, town's intangible folklore cultural assets ‘Akasaka-yakko’ and the ‘Mikoshi’ portable shrine are paraded through in the street. Come enjoy a special atmosphere of traditional Japanese summer festival along with a number of food stalls!

North Field Lodge BBQ, 12 August

2009-07-27T14:31:19+09:00

Rob is having another North Field Lodge BBQ event on 12 August from 6pm! You may have heard how popular the last one was so if you missed out, here is your chance! For only 1500 yen, you get....marinated beef, lamb, kangaroo, seafood, local veg, tasty homemade soup, fresh garden salads and an indulgent dessert! Beer only 350 yen! Please book by calling Rob by Monday 10th August (see attachment for details).

Niseko Toyru starts sea kayaking tour

2009-07-24T15:13:48+09:00

Niseko Toyru invites everyone for safe fun-filled sea kayaking tours during this summer season! The 1 Day Tour takes place mainly around the Shakotan Peninsula, Otaru, Raiden, Toyoura, and Lake Toya where participants can enjoy kayaking and amazing sights to the fullest. The Half Day Tour is for bigginers and families with children as more peaceful lakes and rivers are to be the field. Depends on physical strength and experience, kayaking can be safely enjoyed in different ways by anyone. For more information please call Nieko Toyru on 0136 21 4055, email at niseko@toyru.com or visit their website http://www.toyru.com

Renaissance Lunch: Books & Ideas, 15 July

2009-07-14T15:58:59+09:00

**Who is lunch for? Entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who feels intellectually, etc. stuck, or feels that Hokkaido could do a bit better with increasing its intelligence level. **Why Renaissance? Natalie Roschina (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090124a1.html) would also like to see some major intellectual changes in Hokkaido, if we are going to spend the rest of our lives here. The lunch is to exchange ideas with like-minded people. **Things to bring: Any good books that you could recommend to others, or ideas you would like to share, or problems you would like the second opinion about. Natalie is currently interested in books on physics, science, maths, creativity, genius, feng shui, inter-crossing unrelated things and fields, problem solving, nutrition, brain, art, music vs brain, stress, Renaissance, intelligence, etc. Apart from running a company, she has published three books, learning improvised dance and studying Leading Change postgrad by correspondence. No bookings, just show up. For fluent English speakers only who like to read and exchange ideas.

Niseko United Shuttle

2009-07-10T17:49:47+09:00

The shuttle bus formerly known as the ‘Niseko Free Passport Shuttle’ which runs between Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri during the winter season has been renamed for the 2009-10 season as the Niseko United Shuttle. There is no change in regards to the All Mountain lift pass and bus usage. The time schedule will be uploaded as soon as fixed.

Echinococcus extermination campaign sticker available at NGID

2009-07-10T17:33:25+09:00

Niseko General Information Desk (NGID－Hirafu Welcome Centre 2F) will now sell stickers on behalf of The Association of Niseko-Yotei Discovery for the echinococcus extermination campaign. NGID staff have assisted in spreading pesticide baits around the gondola, Alpen Hotel, and Niseko Tokyu Golf Course. The sticker is 500yen and is available at NGID, Kutchan Natural History Museum, Ecol and NAC. Proceeds are to be used in the campaign. For more information contact Makiko at NGID on 0136 21 3232 or email at makiko@nisekotourism.com.

Farm Experience, 12 July, 9am-3pm

2009-07-10T13:16:05+09:00

Come along and help local farmers pruning pumpkins for the Annupuri Halloween event in autumn. Meet at Iwasaki farm at 8.30am with your own gloves, boots, work clothes, snacks and refreshments. Fee is 500 yen to participate plus 700 yen/adult (500yen/child) for BBQ lunch. Contact Iwasaki Farm on 0136 44 3179 or Annupuri Village on 0136 59 2111 to RSVP and more information.

Grand Hirafu fireworks, 8 August

2009-07-09T17:06:46+09:00

Come and see beautiful fireworks at Grand Hirafu ski area on 8 August. Fireworks start around 8pm.

Canoeist Tomosuke Noda's talk & live, 10 July

2009-07-09T10:30:17+09:00

NPO Outdoor Education Japan will host a talk show and harmonica live performance by Tomosuke Noda, a famous Japanese canoeist/essayist on 10 July at Pirka restaurant in Kogen Hotel, Hirafu. Doors open at 18:30 and the show starts at 19:00. Admission free. Please contact Miyazawa of Outdoor Education Japan on 080 6073 9534 for more information.

Santana summer festival, 11 July

2009-07-07T16:29:32+09:00

Santana Cafe is doing a summer festival/flea market/beer garden every Saturday during the summer (4 July - 5 Sep). All welcome to sell their wares at the flea market: old stuff, furniture, vegetables, gifts, antiques, etc. Each space 500yen per event. There will be food, some games and a beer garden to get the night started. Contact Michael Japanese 0136-23-1003 / English 090-5987-7390.

Niseko Pizza's half price pizza night! 10 July

2009-07-07T16:14:37+09:00

Love hot pizza, cold beer, and free karaoke? Then bring along your Niseko Pizza’s Local’s Card, grab a mate and both enjoy half price pizzas all night! If you don't have a Niseko Pizza’s Local’s Card, see Cezar and take advantage of some great deals. Contact Niseko Pizza on 0136 21 6888 Email www.nisekopizza.com 6:00pm till late.

West Canada Homes inventory reduction sale, July

2009-07-07T12:03:40+09:00

West Canada Home is moving their warehouse and having an Inventory Reduction Sale. There are numerous items include finishing materials, building supplies, floor coverings, appliances, tools, beds and more for sale! Please contact Keith Danis on 0136 21 2226 if you are interested in any item. The warehouse will be open for viewing on the 11 and 12 July.

Niseko Festival 2009 seeks participants and sponsorship

2009-07-06T15:10:21+09:00

Niseko Festival 2009 will take place from 19 September through 12 October. The festival will consist of several programs that represent Niseko’s local attractions and products and aims to increase Niseko visitors and establish a strong Niseko brand. The event also includes the Niseko Marathon Festival on 20 September. Participation/sponsorship fee is ¥2,000 per facility. For more information please call Mr. Kato at Niseko Festival Executive Committee (Niseko Resort Tourism　Association) on 0136 44 2420. Apply by 9 July.

Tourism promotion and special taxes for specific purposes seminar, 13 July

2009-07-04T12:34:34+09:00

The seminar will be held on 13 July from 18:00 to 20:00 at Kutchan SME Centre. The seminar will be conducted by Mr. Kim Jin-man from Japan Tourism Marketing Co., JTB Group and will help attendees understand special taxes for specific purposes that may be a more suitable taxation system in the Niseko area. There will be no English interpretation service provided however the NPB will upload the English summary of the seminar on the website at a later date. There is no charge for this seminar. For more information please call Kunieda at NPB office. Apply by 10 July.

North Field Lodge BBQ, 8 July

2009-07-03T17:28:35+09:00

Head to North Field Lodge on Wednesday July 8th from 6 pm ¥1500 Marinated beef, lamb, kangaroo, seafood, local veg, tasty homemade soup, fresh garden salads and an indulgent dessert. Please book by calling Rob on 0439 276 491 or email rbuffier@hotmail.com by Tuesday 7th. The first 16 to book get a free welcome drink and a seat at the newly raised BBQ table!

Grand Hirafu Bike Challenge, 4&5 July 2009

2009-07-03T13:49:42+09:00

Head to Grand Hirafu for the annual Grand Hirafu Bike Challenge (GHBC) on 4 & 5 July. Saturday is the practice day and lifts open from 9.30am. Sunday is the race day and lifts are open from 9.30am and the race begins at 11.30am. See Niseko MTB website for more information.

Sekka Deli

2009-06-26T06:28:23+09:00

Niseko,san 2009 is now available!

2009-06-17T11:13:50+09:00

Niseko, san 2009 is now available to purchase from selected bookstores throughout Japan and facilities in Niseko. Niseko,san is a Japanese summer publication and this year, in conjunction with ANA, the publication focuses on eco travel and how to get around Niseko by bus. The publication also includes restaurant information, onsen information and accommodation details. There is also a new events section so you can keep updated on all the events in Niseko throughout the year. Pick up your copy today!

Niseko Village Golf Carnival, 26 July

2009-06-16T15:46:39+09:00

Summer Gondola in service from 20 June

2009-06-15T18:04:31+09:00

North Field Lodge Restaurant is now open

2009-06-15T17:39:49+09:00

North Field Lodge Restaurant in Izumikyo 2 is now open! Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, lunch is served from 12.00~14.00 and dinner from 18.00~20.00. North Field Lodge Restaurant will be open every day in summer from 15 July to 31 August! Pop into North Field, have a chat to Rob and enjoy some great Aussie food.

Tokyu Golf Course is open from 4:30am

2009-06-15T16:04:10+09:00

Srixon/XXIO Cup, 21 June

2009-06-15T14:06:06+09:00

Srixon/XXIO Cup will take place at the Niseko Village Golf Course on 21 June. Up to 80 players will participate in the event. Participation fee is 12,000yen for visitors, 10,000yen for Tomo-no-kai members, and 5,000yen for seasonal memebers. 2,000yen for lunch and one drink is included in the fee. The tee time will be at 8:05-9:01. Please apply by phone (Niseko Village Golf Course:0136 44 2211) or on site by 16 June.

1st Annual Niseko Spring Charity Golf Classic a great success

The 1st Annual Niseko Spring Charity Golf Classic held on 6 June 2009 at Niseko Village Golf Course was a great success. Ten teams of 4 took to the course and with one team taking home the trophy. The event raised over 280,000 yen for three charities in the Niseko area. The Niseko Promotion Board is luckily enough to be able to receive a donation from the event, along with Kabayama Primary School and the Kutchan Social Welfare Fund. The Niseko Promotion Board will use the funds towards maintenance on the hiking course between Hirafu and Niseko Village. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Flower planting at Hirafu Chuo Park,

Help keep Hirafu beautiful this summer by attending the Hirafu Tourism Association planting day on 15 June 2009. Please come along on Monday morning, 9am at Hirafu Chuo Park (below JFirst Hotel) to help plant flowers and clean up the park. Please bring your own gloves, shovel, watering can etc.

Shiribetsu River Clean-up Project

A Clean-up Day for around the Shiribetsu River will take place from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, 20 June. To keep the river one of the clearest rivers in Japan, we need your help! Meeting point/time is Rankoshi Ran Ran Park by 8:50am - please bring your own gloves, towel and apporpriate dress. Garbage bags will be provided on site. Please contact　Rankoshi Town Office in advance on 0136-57-5111 (Ext. 231) by 18 June to let them know your (or your group's) name, address, and how many people will participate.

Cherry blossom planting event,

As part of Sakura week, come along and plant your very own cherry blossom tree on 14 June 2009! Plant your own tree for 500 yen and hang your name on the tree! The event starts from 10am in front of the Arishima Memorial Monument for Farm Liberation (off Route 5, towards town). Apply by phone on 0136 43 2882 or email hokkaido@lion-adventure.com by 10 June.

International ATM now available in Hirafu Village!

Located inside the Hokkaido Tracks Holidays office in Yamashizen East, the ATM is available during business hours for everyone to use! The ATM is internationally compatible and accepts almost all major credit cards & bank cards (does not accept non-rectangular shaped cards). Available for all locals and tourists. Operation hours are: Summer (28 April - 25 November): Sunday - Thursday 8:00am-18:00pm Friday & Saturday 8:00am-21:00pm Winter (26 November - 27 April) Every day 8am - 21.00pm