Spring Events Worth Booking In That Last Minute Japow Trip For
Look, let's be honest here. Skiing is only one portion of the excitement when booking in a JaPow trip – it’s all about the events!
Ok, sweet, we are in agreeance?
Whether you’re stopping in for some quick arvo après, soaking up traditional Japanese artworks at a local museum expo or watching some of the nation’s best riders battling it out at a rail jam, Japan’s mountain resorts offer up tonnes of fun, off-snow events worth checking out.
And when we say ‘tonnes’, we mean it. Looking ahead, there’s a heap of awesome events coming up for the remainder of the season – especially as the weather starts heating up over Spring.
Here’s a few of the ones we are most looking forward to:
PSA: If you don’t currently have a trip booked, you will absolutely be looking up flights after you hear what’s in store…. you’ve been warned!
Niseko’s Best Upcoming Events
Hanazono Lantern Festival
When: 16 Feb, 2026
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an unforgettable lantern experience. If you haven’t attended the Hanazono Lantern Festival before, trust us, this will be the event that everyone replies to your social media posts saying ‘OMG, where is that?!'
Rhythm Rail Jam
When: 28th Feb, 2026
Where: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Freeride Park
Rails, riders, and rad vibes: Rhythm Rail Jam is officially back, and this time, we’re turning up the stoke for the biggest showdown yet!
We’re talkin’, the gnarliest jibs, sickest lines, and butters so phat you could spread ‘em on toast–all in front 4,000 frothed out onlookers – now, that’s something to send it about.
And, not only will 2026’s edition once again see the Rhythm crew taking over Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu’s iconic Free Ride park for our course set up, there will also be an additional heat to gain a wildcard entry to this year's Swatch Nines: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, held for the first time in Asia. It's going to be massive!
Mad Dog Jam
Date: TBA Held annually at the beginning of March.
The term ‘send it’ is well and truly ingrained in ski and snowboard culture, but nothing quite sums it up like Moiwa’s Mad Dog Jam. A competition without the competitive edge, Mad Dog sees Niseko locals coming together to send the biggest and most ludicrous tricks in their playbook, all with the intention of having fun.
Banked Slalom
Date: TBA Held annually at the beginning of March.
No matter what style of rider you are, you’ll always appreciate a solid carving technique. So if you want to hone in on that edging, check out the best of the best at Moiwa’s Banked Slalom! A perfect day out for riders of all ages looking to see local shredders showcasing their tight turning ability in a specially designed course.
Niseko Shootout
Date: 21st of March, 2026
It's back! A staple of the Niseko events calendar, the Niseko Shootout offers a large-scale event showcasing the creativity of Niseko photographers and videographers, providing local creatives the opportunity to showcase their hidden talents behind the lens in front of thousands of stoked spectators.
Niseko Village Family Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt
Date: Mar 7–8, 2026
Just because we all had to grow up and get ‘regular jobs’ doesn’t mean that we all aren’t still quietly pining over our dreams to grow up and ‘be a pirate’ one day…
If this statement hits close to home for you, it’s not too late! Sure, we can’t get out on the high seas, but we can get down to Niseko Village and enjoy an arctic treasure hunt! An epic morning out on the snow with the fam.
Swatch Nines: Asia
Date: 06th April - 11th April, 2026.
*Public viewing available on April 11th.
We are stoked to announce that for the first time ever in Asia, the world famous Swatch Nines will be descending upon Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu for two events in 2026, and 2028 respectively, bringing the world’s biggest action sports athletes into town for the internationally renowned showcase.
Hakuba’s Best Upcoming Events
Taiko Drumming
When: Every Sunday, 4pm
Where: Hakuba Après
Immerse yourself in a true piece of Japanese history with taiko drumming processions at Hakuba Apres.
Hakuba Winter Comedy Festival
When: Held from the 20th – 21st of March, 2026.
Where: Hakuba Apres
We used to be firmly of the belief that nothing quite warms you up after a day out on the slopes like a quick shot of Fireball, and while that isn’t wrong, it has nothing on a belly full of laughs!
Freeride World Tour Qualifiers
Date: Jan 27th – Jan 30th (Completed)
With the Freeride World Tour, only two things are set in stone: the starting point and the finish line, everything else is completely up to the riders individual style. As you can imagine, it makes for a pretty exciting watch, attracting visitors from all over the world, who descend upon the Hakuba valley for a one week competition in the Happo-One backcountry.
78th Annual Happo-One Risen Slalom
When: 26th - 27th February, 2026
One of JaPow’s longest running events, the Risen Slalom sees a collection of the nations best skiers battling it out over a multi-day event to be officially crowned Hakuba’s king or queen of slalom skiing.
Waku Waku Jam
Date: TBA Normally held towards the start of March.
Anyone who rides park in Hakuba knows that Jigatake is one of the valley’s best kept secrets. While 47, Tsugaike and Iwatake have the established reputation of hosting Hakuba’s biggest terrain park, Jigatake’s ‘Hike Up Park’ hosts a collection of kickers, waves, rails and boxes that riders of all skill sets can enjoy, making it the perfect place to host a high energy springtime event for Hakuba’s best park riders to come out and showcase their bag of tricks.
Chanmero Open
Date: TBA Normally held towards the end of March - beginning of April.
Want to compete in an event but unsure if you’d rank up next to the other competitors? The Chanmero Freeride is the one for you! A three event series spanning across the entire winter season, the Chanmero Freeride is one of Hakuba’s best displays of local freeriders. The only entry requirement? You must love snowy mountains.
Blizzard Trivia and Country Music Night
Date: Weekly - until the beginning of May.
Nothing quite screams post-shred apres like a few brain busters followed by a few hours of country music – it’s the match made in heaven that no one asked for, but everyone’s happy to get around. Whip out the boots with the spurs and get down to the honkey tonk for some trivia and country music!
Yukimi Film Festival
Date: 14th March, 2026
SHOOT SOMETHING COOL, WIN CASH,
Now returning for its third edition, Rhythm Japan is proud to announce the return of the annual Yukimi Film Festival–a showcase of art, creativity and good vibes, all within Hakuba.
With a venue upgrade to account for a larger capacity, 2026’s edition will be hosted at Bears Cafe, Snowplaza Sakka, on the 14th of March, 2026, and yet again, promises to be another unforgettable celebration of the Hakuba valley, all showcased through the lens of local creatives.
Applications are now open! If you’re a filmmaker looking to showcase your work, we’d love to hear from you.
Snow Machine
Date: 3rd - 8th March, 2026.
Hosted between the 3rd to the 8th of March in Hakuba, Snow Machine guarantees to yet again be one the largest international events Hakubahas ever seen, promising thousands of eager punters coming to town to revel in the festivities, support local businesses, and see some of the worlds largest touring acts descend upon Japan’s mountain ranges for what’s a two-week non-stop party.
First time heading to Japan this Snow Machine? Thought so. We decided to make all of your mum’s happy and provide you with a detailed guide on how to survive 5 days of partying, shredding, and enjoying all of the après at your first Snow Machine in Japan.
Furano’s Best Upcoming Events
Kan Kan Mura
Date: 21st Dec - 28th Feb, 2026
Embark on a truly magical New Year’s celebration at Kan Kan Mura. With an enchanting snow dome, cosy 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.
Bonchi Powder Festival
Date: 31st Jan - 28th Feb, 2026
One of the biggest events of Furano’s winter season, the Furano Bonchi Powder Festival (Furano Ski Festival) brings together all your favourite things – hot drinks, beers, wines, food trucks and fireworks– together for two days of constant celebrations and good times.
It's not too late to book in that last-minute trip! Book now to score exclusive pre-book perks! Plus, we are also offering 20% off all lesson, guiding and touring services in Niseko this March!