Whether you’re shredding powder in Niseko, Furano or Hakuba this Christmas/New Year’s (Oshogatsu), you’ll have a ton of different activities on offer. From après in Hakuba, to Rail-Jam’s in Niseko, to family-friendly fun in Furano, there’s a variety of options to suit your celebration needs.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on the best things to do around the different Japanese alpine regions this holiday season.
First, The Must-do’s
Enjoy A X-Mas Shred
There’s something so surreal about shredding on Christmas Day, especially if it's your first ever white-Christmas. Embrace the best pow that Japan has to offer this Christmas and be the envy of all your friends and family back home.
Start The New Year Fresh
Christmas and New Year's Eve don’t always have to be a big party, why not kick off the year relaxed by spending the final days of 2023 rejuvenating in a traditional Japanese onsen? Really, it’s a choice you can’t go wrong with.
For Those In Niseko
Meet Santa at Rhythm
Santa has been seen bumping fists with the crew up at the Rhythm Hirafu store. Keep an eye out on X-mas eve and there might be a spot for you on his knee!
Nightlife
If there’s one thing Niseko is synonymous with outside of deep pow, it’s partying. Whether you’re staying in Hirafu, Annupuri, Hanazono or Niseko Village, your options for nightlife on New Year's Eve are endless. From Chu-hais at Wild Bill’s, to craft beers at the Niseko Taproom, to cocktails at Bar Gyu, you’ll never be short of lively nightlife destinations.
Sake Tasting
Symbolising the opening of possibilities that lie ahead, the ceremony of sake breaking and tasting is a symbolic way for the Japanese to commence festivities, especially New Year’s Eve. Dive into the New Year with a full-on Japanese cultural experience by enjoying sake and traditional Izakaya food with your nearest and dearest.
Tip: For our picks on the best Izakaya around the Niseko region, we suggest Robata and Kobito. Here you’ll find a selection of fresh seafood, Hokkaido beef, sushi, yakitori, and diverse selections of local sake.
night rider
When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, Annupuri's Night Rider stands out as a truly unforgettable experience. During this special occasion, Annupuri generously opens its lifts for free night riding until 11:00 p.m. The real magic, however, unfolds as participants are handed flaming torches, creating a mesmerising spectacle as they carve down the mountain together. The grand finale includes a spectacular fireworks display perfectly synchronised with three other Niseko resorts, ensuring a magical start to the New Year.
Fireworks Display in Hanazono
Illuminate your holiday celebrations with the breathtaking sight of Hanazono's night sky ablaze with fireworks. Starting from 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and midnight on New Year's, this dazzling showcase is a must-see, offering a unique opportunity to experience Niseko in a whole new light.
Tip: Hanazono’s free shuttle service is available, however at this stage the last bus from Hanazono departs at 7:29pm
Tree Lighting Celebration
Start the Niseko season right by joining the festive kickoff at Hanazono's Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Coinciding with the first night of Hanazono's night skiing, visitors can relish complimentary hot apple cider and cookies while enjoying a dazzling firework display. For the little ones, there's a chance Santa Claus might be stopping by for a special appearance, making it a delightful event for the entire family.
Hanazono Gondola Light Up
Starting from the 16th of December, Hanazono will add festive flair to their lifts by incorporating the vibrancy of changing colours into each gondola’s LED lights. Perfect for families, couples, and photographers looking to capture world-class scenery.
Christmas Rail Jam
Nothing quite screams Christmas like a rail-jam does. Whether you’re looking to wow the crowd with your freestyle skills or wanting to watch local shredders demolish a selection of rails and a specially setup jib section, Juicy Fruit’s Christmas rail-jam is the perfect option for you.
For Those In Hakuba
WEEKLY Happo Firework Show
Bring in the X-mas and New Year spririt watching Happo’s night sky illuminated with a sea of fireworks.
The 10 minute display will be set off at the Nakiyama slope each weekend for five weeks.
Schedule:
20:00 - Saturday 20 January
20:00 - Saturday 27 January
20:00 - Saturday 3 February
20:00 - Saturday 10 February
19:30 - Friday 17 February
Happy Christmas! Event at Hakuba 47
Free chocolate from Santa Claus? Say less, we’re in. Head to Hakuba 47 to enjoy your free goodies before a day out riding. Kicking off at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on both the 24th and 25th of December, Hakuba 47’s ‘Happy Christmas’ event will have you starting off your morning right.
Christmas Dinner at the Hakuba Taproom
Continuing their annual tradition, Hakuba Taproom invites you to join their Christmas dinner celebration. Enjoy a welcome drink of champagne, wine, or beer, and savour a delightful three-course feast that will leave you and your family as stuffed as a Christmas day roast turkey. Relish in the festivities without the worry of post-dinner dish duty.
Cocktails at Sugar
Amidst Hakuba's lively nightlife, Sugar stands out as a go-to spot for cocktails. For a special Christmas event, Sugar will be hosting local legend Wata Igarashi to spin tracks before he takes on the European circuit. There's something oddly right about clubbing on Christmas–it's a unique experience not to be overlooked.
New Years Festival at Hakuba 47
Kick off 2024 by playing Rock, Paper, Scissors (Jan, Ken, Pon) at Hakuba 47 to snag a free New Years gift. Later in the afternoon visitors will also be treated to a treasure hunt and snow flag contest, providing riders with a ton of extra activities in between riding.
As an extra touch, guests receive ¥5 upon entry, as 'fate' and 5 are both pronounced "go en" in Japanese, symbolising wishes for good fortune.
Test Out New Demos
Those staying in Hakuba will have the opportunity to test out new models from top Japanese alpine brands ID One and Blastrack this Christmas. Kicking off on the 23rd and 24th of December, both brands will be unveiling their newest lines of skis in a two day special event at both Nakiyama (ID One) and Happo (Blastrack) slopes, where visitors will be able to take out the skis for a Christmas shred in Hakuba’s finest powder.
For Those In Furano
Northern Daimonji Wildfire Festa
Welcome the New Year with the captivating Northern Daimonji Wildfire Festa. Witness the snowy expanse of Hinode Park transform into a spectacle of flames, forming the kanji word 'big.' This mesmerising event showcases a 70-metre-long and 50-metre-wide character crafted from 300 steel rods, offering an incredible sight for fortunate spectators attending the annual celebration.
Kan Kan Mura
Embark on a truly magical New Year's celebration at Kan Kan Mura. With an enchanting snow dome, cozy snow cafe, Japan's longest Snow Tubing course, and a dazzling array of illuminated snow sculptures all on offer, Kan Kan Mura promises an unforgettable and festive experience to welcome the New Year.
Ningle Terrace
Hidden away in a forest near the New Furano Prince Hotel is Niggle Terrace, an oasis of 15 log hunts bathed in warm glowing lights. Step into a fairytale winter wonderland this Christmas by exploring the tiny stores of Ningle Terrace, where you’ll find unique one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and souvenirs.
Furano New Years Festival
Celebrate the arrival of the new year with local live music at the New Furano Prince Hotel. Each year, the hotel hosts a New Year's Festival featuring a live performance by a top Japanese artist in the hotel's chapel. Stay tuned for the festival announcement on the hotel's website to ensure you don't miss out on this fantastic New Year's event.
Need some
