With crisp air and golden-red hues gradually covering the mountains, Niseko welcomes visitors with a range of diverse events. From challenging trail runs and mountain bike races to exciting culinary adventures, September events in Niseko offer the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn and savor unforgettable moments before winter arrives.
September Events in Niseko: Niseko Marathon Festival
Dive into the vibrant autumn scenery at the 42nd Niseko Marathon Festival on September 15, 2024! Breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the enchanting landscapes of Hokkaido as you run through winding roads, surrounded by majestic mountains and peaceful villages. With various options for all levels, including a full marathon, half marathon, and shorter fun runs, this event promises a memorable experience. After crossing the finish line, join the post-race party to enjoy local cuisine and engage in unique cultural activities.
The start times for the following events have been adjusted:
● Half Marathon: Changed from 10:10 to 10:20.
● 3km Run: Changed from 10:30 to 10:35.
For more details, you can learn more about the Niseko Marathon Festival here.
Niseko Gravel
The Panaracer Niseko Gravel Autumn Ride will take place in the town of Niseko. This fun cycling event allows participants to explore off-road terrain connecting mountains, rivers, and towns in the Niseko area. This year, a special forest area, usually off-limits, will also be open for a limited time! Join us for an exciting cycling adventure!
The event kicks off on September 21, 2024, with activities including registration from 12:00 to 17:00 and the S Ride Tour from 9:00 to 12:00. On September 22, 2024, registration will be from 5:30 to 8:30, with races such as PAS Ex Long Course (6:30), Shimano GRX Long Course (7:30), and Ikeuchi Group Middle Course (9:00).
The main race includes three levels: XL (120-130km), L (100km), and M (65km), with elevations ranging from 1,100m to 2,350m, suitable for all skill levels. To participate, you will need a bike suited for gravel terrain. Entry fees range from 5,000 to 16,000 yen depending on the category, with limited slots available for each. For details on rules, insurance, and cancellations, please refer to the official event website.
Hanazono Autumn Super Sale
Enjoy autumn with special deals from Hanazono! Book Hanazono activities online in September and October and get a second activity free, up to the maximum value. Discounts include up to 60% off on activities like the Summer Gondola and Mountain Lights, 50% off on Tree Trekking and Rafting, and 30% off on Zipline.
To participate, book online at least 3 days before the date of use. For Hanazono Zipflight, Rafting, and Tree Trekking, use the discount code ‘autumn24’ when booking. For the Summer Gondola and Mountain Lights, visit the reception at Hanazono Resort Center 308 on the day of use and provide the booking number of your first activity to receive the discount.
For accurate information on this promotion, please check here.
Mountain Bike Flowtrail: A Highlight of September Events in Niseko
On the other side of Mt. Annupuri, Grand Hirafu Resort’s mountain bike ‘Flowtrail,’ with its steep curves on a ski slope that mimics the feel of snowboarding or skiing, will be open until September 23rd. Additionally, the ‘Skill-up Area’ practice course is available for free until November.
This course features both gentle and steep slopes with various types of curves. It is called a “flow” trail because of its characteristic winding shape, which utilizes the ski resort slopes and allows bikers to ride naturally through banks and waves. The sensation of riding through banks and turns is similar to skiing and snowboarding, providing an unexpected and enjoyable surprise for skiers and snowboarders.
• Dates: July 13, 2024, to September 23, 2024
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Last boarding for Summer Gondola)
Enjoy Fresh Fruit Right at the Orchard Outside the Town
About an hour’s drive from Niseko, the towns of Niki and Yoichi are famous for their fruit orchards and fields, open to visitors for harvesting. In September, you can pick grapes, dried plums, and peaches, while apples can be harvested in mid-month along with various other local produce.
For fruit enthusiasts, nothing is more delightful than indulging in a feast of fresh, organic fruit straight from the tree or vine. This is exactly what you can experience in Yoichi, a fertile paradise nestled among the rolling hills of southwestern Hokkaido.
Sapporo Autumn Fest: A Gathering of Fabulous Flavors
The Sapporo Autumn Fest, a grand culinary event that began in 2008, focuses on the theme “Food of Hokkaido and Sapporo.” This event showcases seasonal ingredients and local delicacies from across Hokkaido, offering a diverse picture of the region’s rich food culture, including specialties from various municipalities, local alcohol, and exquisite dishes from renowned chefs in Sapporo. The festival aims to contribute to the revitalization and growth of Hokkaido by widely promoting the food culture of each area.
Held in seven areas of Odori Park in the heart of Sapporo, stretching about 1 km with 300 stalls, the festival attracts over 2 million visitors annually. The event runs from September 6 to September 29, 2024, with opening hours from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM (last order at 8:00 PM).
The events in Niseko this September promise an ideal destination awaiting you. From exciting sports races to colorful nature explorations, each event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the autumn beauty of this region. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the crisp fall atmosphere, enjoy diverse activities, and create memorable moments. Get ready for a September full of new experiences and cherish the valuable moments in Niseko!
Source: Powderlife
Read more: Winter Festival Japan: A Snowy Spectacle of Tradition and Delight
