Time to pack up the computer, load the kids into the Hiace and head off on your Golden Week adventures. Sunshine and sushi, hikes followed by an onsen, and an extended long weekend timeline to fit in as many activities as possible – that’s what Golden Week’s all about.
While the snow may be more or less all melted from the bottom runs by this stage, there’s no better time to visit Niseko or Hakuba than Golden Week. With blossoming spring blooms, the last weeks of spinning lifts and skiable top runs, and daylight into the evenings, Golden Week offers the full spring experience, whether you want to get out for a few laps on the last remnants of snow or be the first one exploring the freshly groomed mountain bike trails.
If you’re heading to Niseko or Hakuba for the long weekend, there’s a tonne of activities on offer for you and the family to enjoy during your time off. Plus, with all the seasonal traffic gone home, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the incredible dining scenes of both locations without needing to worry about reservations or busy crowds.
For those planning on visiting Niseko, you’ll be able to get an early glimpse of summer life in Hokkaido, with Rhythm Hirafu opening up their doors for a special week of operation, offering up to 50% off winter goods and top of the line Specialized Hybrid and E-Bikes to hire throughout your stay.
If you’re bringing the young ones with you, the Rhythm Activity Hub will also be in full swing for the week, giving kids days worth of entertainment as they enjoy indoor rock climbing, kilter boards, trampolines, slacklines, pump tracks and custom built skateparks.
If you’re not keen on loading up your Golden Week with action packed activities, BBQ’s in full swing as people begin celebrating the end of another monumental winter season for the Niseko mountain ranges.
Which will be equally evident for those visiting Hakuba. From rafting tours to spring skiing, Hakuba has a lot on offer for Golden Week celebrations. And, for the first time all season, Hakuba actually has more coverage on the slopes, making it the perfect destination to create some slushy tracks and head out for some spring park laps.
As stated by Rhythm Hakuba’s Marissa Hemmi, “It’s been super chill around the village lately, we get a handful of visitors but bars and stuff are all mostly locals, which means there’s lots of space and time to chill out. There’s still a lot of events like pool tournaments at Mockingbird and Butter Bar x Bassfield events at Samurai Kebab, where you’ll see lots of local music talent.”
“Being super quiet around the village comes with obvious perks, not only is it quieter in the bars, the roads and public areas are less populated so it’s perfect for biking around the village, skateboarding along the river and grocery shopping – which is a massive perk because during peak season it’s a battle for restaurant reservations and grocery shopping during peak hour. With a lot of restaurants closed, it’s more convenient to cook at home, which is perfect because it’s farmers market season!”
“Golden Week will also be great because you’ll have a revitalization of businesses that have been dormant since the end of winter. More restaurants will be open, more events will be on and people will be able to catch the last of the sakura trees.”
As part of the Golden Week festivities, Hakuba’s Rhythm Summit will also be opening its doors for the week, giving visitors the opportunity to hire a selection of E-Hybrid and Full Suspension Mountain Bikes for 50% off in celebration of Iwatake’s opening weekend; alongside a selection of summer retail goods from leading outdoor brands like Patagonia, Oakley and Smith.
Sure, for the powder hounds out there, the lack of deep snow might be a killer, but for those who want the option to explore different activities while also enjoying a relaxing getaway surrounded by picturesque scenery, there’s no better Golden Week destination than Niseko and Hakuba.
We’ll load up the charcoal BBQ’s and see you there.
