In Niseko, the white winter season has gracefully given way to the green season, bringing a vibrant tapestry of flowers and foliage. June ushers in a fresh, natural beauty alongside a bustling array of activities. From thrilling outdoor adventures to unique cultural events, the June events in Niseko and its surrounding areas promise unforgettable experiences.
Spanning from lively outdoor activities and exquisite concerts to unique business events and vibrant festivals, Niseko awaits with boundless experiences. Whether you seek relaxation, improved productivity, or cultural exploration, Niseko offers memorable adventures.
1. June Events in Niseko: Mountain Biking
June kicks off with energy, celebrating the opening of the green season at Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMBA)’s Twin Peaks Bike Park on the 1st and 2nd.
Twin Peaks first opened last September, and this will be the inaugural green season for the 13km mountain biking trail network set in the mountainous terrain between Hirafu and Hanazono.
One of the exciting activities planned is the Dirty Dames group ride, set to take place from 10-11 AM on June 1st. Miles Zeorlin, co-founder of NAMBA and marketing director, shared that the goal of Dirty Dames is to spread the joy of mountain biking, a sport typically dominated by men.
Zeorlin elaborated, “NAMBA’s mission is to make mountain biking accessible to all ages, abilities, and genders.”
For those with a competitive edge, Hokkaido’s premier cycling event, the Niseko Classic, will kick off its 11th year on June 14th. The event features 150km and 80km long-distance races, along with 60km and 100km fun rides, categorized by age groups.
(Photo: Niseko Classic)
2. Sculpture and Painting Exhibition
(Photo: Hiroyasu Kosukegawa)
In June, immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience at the Arishima Memorial Museum (57 Arishima, Niseko), where renowned artist Hiroyasu Kosukegawa from Sapporo is hosting a special sculpture and painting exhibition themed around mountain winter scenes. Titled “I Scream,” this exhibition runs until June 29th, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore and enjoy unique, creative artworks that blend nature and art. This exhibition not only provides a relaxing and contemplative space but also allows visitors to momentarily set aside daily concerns and lose themselves in the magical beauty of winter through an artistic lens. Don’t miss this chance to visit and experience the vibrant culture of Niseko this June!
3. Yosakoi Soran Festival
(Photo: Yosakoi Soran)
In Sapporo, the Yosakoi Soran Festival will occur from June 5th to June 9th at central Odori Park.
Since its inception in 1992, this festival has featured thousands of colorful dancers using traditional wooden naruko clappers. It has become a summer kickoff ritual in Hokkaido, regularly attracting over 2 million visitors from Japan and worldwide.
The Yosakoi Soran Festival is more than a cultural event; it’s an opportunity for locals and tourists to immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere, enjoying impressive dance performances. Dance teams from across the region perform along Odori Park, creating a lively and colorful scene.
In addition to dance performances, the festival offers numerous food stalls and other entertainment activities, providing a diverse and rich experience for visitors. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the culture and people of Hokkaido in the cheerful and bustling summer atmosphere.
4. Otaru Shukutsu Herring and Scallop Festival
(Photo: Tanage-kai)
Returning for its second year, the Otaru Shukutsu Herring and Scallop Festival is a community-organized event where visitors can enjoy delicious charcoal-grilled herring (limited quantity) and scallops—two local specialties. Children can also participate in activities like scallop fishing and releasing young herring back into the sea.
5. TOYOTA Gazoo Racing Challenge
(Photo: Toyota Gazoo Racing)
Car enthusiasts and racing fans will be thrilled with the upcoming TOYOTA Gazoo Racing Challenge in Rankoshi on June 1-2. This exciting competition involves driving on gravel forest roads, offering a unique experience compared to traditional circuit races. Everyone is welcome to watch and cheer on the racers and join in the fun activities and games at the TOYOTA Gazoo Racing Park, where families and friends can enjoy a delightful day out.
6. Toyako Manga Anime Festival
(Photo: Hokkaido Love)
The Toyako Manga Anime Festival is a must-visit for anime and manga lovers, taking place on June 22-23, 2024, in Toyako Onsen, just an hour's drive from Niseko. This two-day outdoor festival features exhibitions, performances, and markets that visitors can enjoy from morning to night. One of the festival's highlights is the Itasha exhibition, where people display their cars adorned with elaborate manga or anime-themed decals or artwork. Attendees are also encouraged to come in cosplay costumes.
These special or new events complement the many existing summer activities such as Hanazono Zipflight (Japan’s longest zipline at 2,591m long, 1,700m high, and speeds up to 110km/h); three tree trekking adventure parks in Niseko (one in Hanazono, one in Hirafu operated by NAC, and the third, Pure Niseko, located in Niseko Village); or thrilling white-water rafting excursions on the Shiribetsu River.
After record-breaking visitor numbers to Japan in February, March, and April, June in Niseko is shaping up to be a busy start to a historic Green Season.
Read more: Top 8 Summer Activities in Niseko You Must Try
Source: Powderlife, SetsuNiseko
