Like the future the weather is a notoriuously hard thing to predict and with it ski resort opening days too.
We were eagerly awaiting Hirafu's opening day that was scheduled for November 23rd but this has unfortunately been postponed. The new opening date has yet to be announced but we are hoping it won't be too far away.

Although the resort hasn't opened there have been plenty of snowy mornings and even fresh tracks for those keen to hike. Che

Are you looking to come to Niseko but not wanting to ski everyday or perhaps you're only here for just a couple of days and are looking to experience what else the area has to offer. Take a look at what we have below and this is just the beginning, Niseko is fast becoming Asia's ultimate winter adventure destination!

The Autumn is a quieter season in Niseko and a fantastic time to visit. The weather is settled, the village uncrowded and there is still plenty to see and do. One thing that can't be missed are the stunning colours of Autumn with stunning post card-esque views every where you look.It is a great time to explore the area on foot with hiking trails galore and if you want to cover a little more ground it is still warm enough to cycle one of the many bike paths.

For back country and mountaineering enthusiasts Mt Rishiri in the far north of Hokkaido may be the ultimate adventure.
Mt Rishiri juts up from Rishiri Island, stands at 1,700 meters and is an impressive sight during the winter or summer. The island sits just to the west of Wakanai Hokkaido's northern most city, a 5 hour drive from Sapporo. The island is then accessed by ferry which takes around 2 hours. During the summer Rishiri and neighbourin

If you've been to Niseko before you've undoubtedly uncovered the delights of the convenience stores. There are now 3 to choose from here in Hirafu, a 7/11 on the eastern side opposite My Ecolodge and moving in from there Lawson begins it's reign with a new store freshly opened in the newly developed Mid Town. Now both these are a little out of the way unless you are either staying in Izumkyou, My Eco Lodge or Mid Town but moving further into the village we have..

Take me to powder heaven, take me to Gate 11! The Niseko gate system has allowed terrain to be opened up to the public that never has been before and one of the most recent additions to this is Gate 11 or Mizuno Sawa. Gate 11 provides some of the steepest pitches on the mountain, open bowls, epic trees and an awesome natural halfpipe to finish things off at the bottom.

Just a 20 minute drive from Hirafu is a small town named Kyogoku which sits at the foot of Mt Moiwa on the north eastern side. This quaint farming town was founded by Takanori Kyōgoku (1858-1928) and first settled back in 1897. The main attraction today is Fukidashi Park which winter or summer is well worth a visit.

Travel opprotunities are endless here in Hokkaido especially in the summer time, in every direction there is a destination to travel to or a unique attraction to see.
Erimo Misaki is the south eastern most tip of Hokkaido, a rugged windswept cape with a striking line of small islands extending from dramatic cliffs.

If you've ever been to Niseko with a little luck you will have had the pleasure of Mt Yotei's presence beaming down on the Hirafu Village and surrounds.
Mt Yotei's summit stands at 1,590m which isn't huge in mountaineering terms but it is the highest peak in the area and one that just begs to conquered.
Mount Yotei is an active strato volcano which most recently erupted back in 1050BC and lucky for us hasn't done a lot since!

Summer is a time for celebration here in Hokkaido and every year the calendar is dotted with great events. Closest to home and coming right up we have the Kutchan Jaga Festival  (2019-08-03) a celebration of summer and of course Kutchan's most prized and all important crop, the potato. This features scores of delicious food carts, local produce, spectaucular floats and processions and a fire works display.