The new year is almost here and it's time to set some New Year Resolutions. Why not start the year off right and make 2023 your best year yet with a trip to Niseko?
Here are five reasons why visiting Niseko in January should be on your bucket list:
#1 It's the start of Peak Powder Season
January/ February are peak-powder months in Niseko!
It goes without saying, Niseko is famous for its incredible snow. JaPOW is powdery, soft, and light and is in no shortage. There's so much of it falling in Jan/Feb, It feels just like you're gliding on top of a soft, fluffy cloud!
January (along with February) are traditionally peak powder months in Niseko, and the best time to be out there on the slopes.
#2 Hirafu village is alive and filled with energy!
Upper and Lower Hirafu is packed with must-see eateries, bars and shops for any budget.
The return of international guests for the first time in three years means that Hirafu is the place to be this Winter. There are plenty of new places to eat, drink, shop and relax up a storm! No matter what you're into, there's something for everyone in Hirafu!
Make sure to take a peak at Experience Niseko's 2022/23 Eats Guide to peruse the hottest eateries around town for any budget. You can also view the 2022/23 Resort Map, to plan out your must-see spots for your January visit.
#3 Plenty of Chinese New Year Celebrations to welcome the Year of the Rabbit
Ki Niseko will be celebrating Lunar New Year on Sunday 22 January with a special Lion Dance performance.
Niseko is one of the most popular destinations for the Lunar New Year in Japan. Expect to see busy streets, live performances and many celebrations.
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac. The rabbit is regarded as the luckiest out of all the twelve animals, symbolising mercy, elegance, and beauty in Chinese culture.
Ki Niseko will be marking the start of the Lunar New Year with a special Lion Dance performance planned from 5:00PM - 5:15PM on Sunday 22 January, 2023.
#4 Night riding is ON
Night riding is back in all four resorts of Niseko United, available until 7:00PM each night in January!
Going night riding makes the dark evenings feel ALOT shorter and is the best way to get a view of the beautiful twinkling lights of Hirafu village from above.
Riding in the dark mixes things up – you challenge your riding skills, you get off the sofa and out into nature and maybe if you're lucky, even sneak in a warming meal after the ride. What’s not to like?
Night skiing is available every night from 4:30PM - 7:00PM (weather dependent). Access a variety of night terrain from Grand Hirafu Ace Quad Lift #2 (Center 4).
#5 See the first of Hokkaido's World-Famous Snow Festivals
Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is back from January 28 – February 23, 2023.
Kicking off a mammoth month of winter festivals, in January you'll be able to catch the first - the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.
A fun day out for the whole family. Swing out to Lake Shikotsu for an afternoon and evening to catch the ice sculptures, tasty food and maybe a dip in one of the area's famous Onsen. During the evening, the ice sculptures are illuminated in a rainbow of colours.
If you're lucky enough to be able to plan your trip on a Saturday or Sunday, From 6:30PM on weekends, there is the launching of an evening fireworks display, as well as Wadaiko drum performances.
The next festival is the Sapporo Snow Festival kicking off the first weekend of February, so you can always extend your stay into Feb a little to catch this world-wide famous event making a comeback to its full scale for the first time in 3 years.
Want to book a January stay at Japan's Best Boutique Ski Hotel?
January is just around the corner - book your stay with us today! We hope to see you soon.
Phone: +81-136-21-2665
Email: stay@kiniseko.com
