Niseko, nestled among majestic mountains such as Niseko Annupuri, Mount Yotei, and Mount Konbu, is a renowned winter destination attracting visitors from all over the world. This region not only impresses with its stunning natural scenery but also with its local specialty products made from regional ingredients. With countless shops scattered throughout this magnificent area, finding the perfect souvenir can be a challenge. To make your selection easier, here is a list of 18 must-have souvenir ideas from Niseko or the best things to buy in Niseko. Each item reflects the essence of nature and local culture, from food and snacks to beverages and sweets. Explore these suggestions to find the perfect gift during your visit to Niseko.
1. Souvenir Ideas from Niseko: Nisei Ko Sora ku Blue Cheese
A small cheese factory in Niseko produces this blue cheese. Its mild blue mold flavor makes it approachable even for those who are not fond of blue cheese. You can enjoy its refreshing bitterness and enticing taste.
It has a firmer texture than regular blue cheese, making it ideal for melting dishes like raclette and fondue. It pairs well with sherry, port wine, sweet white wine, and other sweet beverages.
Awarded Best in Category at the Japan Cheese Awards in 2016, 2018, and 2020, it has received numerous accolades, including a silver medal at a world competition. This is the perfect souvenir for blue cheese lovers.
You can purchase this blue cheese at the Niseko Cheese Factory (425-6 Kondo, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1542).
Opening Hours:
√ May – October: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
√ November – April: Open daily except Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
By car: Approximately 10 minutes from JR Niseko Station.
2. Souvenir Ideas from Niseko: Niseko Farm Takahashi Gift Set
This gift set from a company that operates a farm and dairy factory in Niseko includes drinkable yogurt, Niseko milk Castella cake, and Milkuchen cake. The drinkable yogurt has a balanced sweet and tangy flavor, rich and creamy, made from low-temperature pasteurized fresh milk, combined with lactic acid bacteria and slowly processed.
The Niseko milk Castella cake is made with a generous amount of fresh farm milk, giving it a unique aroma. Although the moisture in the milk can make the cake difficult to rise, its unique egg preservation method ensures a soft and moist bake. When torn by hand, you will experience its fluffy and tender texture, making it a delightful treat.
The Milkuchen cake stands out with special ingredients such as fresh milk, Hokkaido butter, local eggs, and fresh cream. The cake has a soft, airy texture, making it a pleasant experience. This gift set allows you to enjoy a variety of products, making it an ideal souvenir.
3. Souvenir Ideas from Niseko: 5-Type Sausage Set
This sausage collection features five distinctive types: Bierwurst, Käsewurst, Frankfurter, Weisswurst, and Vowwurst. Bierwurst, made from coarsely ground pork combined with black pepper, garlic, and mustard, offers a spicy kick, perfect when paired with beer or wine.
Käsewurst is made by mixing ground pork with Gouda cheese, creating a sweet and savory flavor. Frankfurter, made from pork stuffed into thick sheep casings, has a chewy texture and a distinctive sweet taste. Weisswurst, made from ground pork stuffed into pig casings, offers a smooth texture and a fresh taste of parsley.
Vowwurst is made from coarsely ground pork, slowly smoked to create a tender sausage, ideal for pairing with wine as a snack. This set makes a fantastic souvenir from Niseko, allowing you to experience a range of unique sausage flavors all in one box.
4. Souvenir Ideas from Niseko: Del Sole 3-Type Pizza Set
This wood-fired pizza set offers the chance to enjoy the refined flavors of Niseko’s renowned pizza shops. The set includes three special pizzas: classic Margherita, Funghi with a blend of three types of mushrooms and garlic, and Quatro Formaggi with four varieties of delicious cheese.
After being perfectly baked, these pizzas are quickly frozen, making it easy to reheat and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. This makes an excellent souvenir for those seeking something different from sweets, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Address: 483-1 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun 048-1511 Hokkaido
5. Souvenir Ideas from Niseko: Salted Butter Mochi from Okashi no Fujii
The Salted Butter Mochi from Okashi no Fujii is a delightful daifuku mochi with a smooth red bean paste filling, decorated with cute eyes and a tongue. The eyes are drawn with cocoa, and the tongue is made from salted buttercream. The mochi features a charming open-mouthed expression. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with fruit or strawberry jam for a delightful twist.
The salted buttercream is made from unsalted Hokkaido butter and mineral-rich Okinawan salt, “Nuchimaasu.” To achieve the mochi’s chewy texture, carefully selected Hokkaido glutinous rice is steamed and pounded. Not only is the mochi adorable in appearance, but it also tastes delicious.
This treat can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. It was famously chosen as the dessert for the 36th Ryuo Shogi tournament in Otaru. The mochi is individually packaged and available in boxes of 4, 6, or 12 pieces. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a cute souvenir from Niseko.
6. Souvenir Ideas from Niseko: Cream Puffs from Okashi no Fujii
The cream puffs from Okashi no Fujii have a subtly sweet flavor. Made from fresh eggs from a farm in Kutchan and milk from a dairy farm in Kimobetsu, the custard filling has a delicate sweetness using only beet sugar. To enhance the flavor of the pastry shell, whole wheat flour from Hokkaido is also used.
The puff pastry is made with Hokkaido butter and rice oil from Hokkaido, avoiding shortening and margarine, giving it a unique taste. The large cream puffs, about the size of a fist, provide a satisfying bite. Enjoy them traditionally, or try freezing them to make cream puff ice cream, or heating them in the microwave for a warm treat.
Exclusively sold at the shop, these popular cream puffs have an annual sales volume of up to 30,000 pieces. They are available in boxes of 2, 4, or 16 pieces, with a shelf life of 30 days from the shipping date. Each puff is individually wrapped, making it convenient for portioning. For those seeking a moderately sweet souvenir from Niseko, this product is worth considering.
You can view more details about the product in Japanese here.
7. Niseko Dairy Farm Takahashi Cacao Crown
This chocolate product blends milk from a Niseko farm with cocoa from around the world. All processes, from roasting cocoa beans, grinding with a stone mill, and tempering, to molding, are done at the workshop in Niseko. The product includes three types of chocolate: Ghana 83%, Vietnam 57%, and Malaysia.
Ghana 83% has the distinctive aroma of roasted nuts. This high cacao chocolate offers a rich taste of pure cacao from Ghana. Vietnam 57% features a tangy fruit flavor with a hint of bitterness and a delicate grape aroma.
Malaysian chocolate uses cocoa butter from Malaysia and milk from Niseko farm. It has a light sweetness that highlights the gentle flavor of the milk, providing a smooth and refined experience. This makes for a wonderful souvenir from Niseko for chocolate lovers.
8. Coffee Black Bean Mochi from Niseko
This sweet traditional Japanese treat is available exclusively at Niseko View Plaza. The surprising combination of coffee with mochi makes this treat special. The mochi is made with black beans and coffee grown in Niseko, with a red bean paste filling.
Enjoy this treat at room temperature or chilled. The box contains 6 pieces. The subtle coffee aroma will spread as you eat, offering a delightful blend of traditional Japanese and Western flavors. It is an ideal souvenir for those who appreciate unique flavors.
9. Keiryu-yaki from Keiryu-do
Keiryu-yaki from Keiryu-do is a cherished traditional souvenir from Niseko. This special treat features a filling made from carefully selected red beans grown in Hokkaido, prepared using traditional methods that preserve its classic flavor.
The packaging of Keiryu-yaki is adorned with an “I’ve been to Niseko” sticker, adding a touch of authenticity to this unique souvenir. The classic design of the packaging enhances its appeal. Each box contains 12 cakes, making it a perfect gift with the pure taste of wagashi, suitable for all ages. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a traditional and distinctly Niseko souvenir.
10. Daiichi Kaikan Gousetsu Udon
Daiichi Kaikan Gousetsu Udon is made by a hotel in Kutchan and features a unique preparation method that results in clear, glossy noodles. Unlike traditional udon made from wheat flour, this product uses local specialty potatoes from Kutchan.
The noodles are distinctive for their shine and transparency, combined with a light, flavorful broth and chewy, tender texture. Available in both fresh and dried varieties, the fresh noodles have a shelf life of 14 days when refrigerated. This is an ideal souvenir for noodle lovers.
11. Yotei Green Business Special Organic Sparkling Wine
This organic sparkling wine is crafted from 100% organic grapes grown at the company’s certified organic vineyard, leveraging Niseko’s climate and environment. All stages from cultivation to fermentation, bottling, and sales occur at the winery in Niseko.
The wine offers a refreshing aroma of green apples and a fine, lasting effervescence, providing a rich, refined taste. It has an alcohol content of 12.5%. Available in two sizes: half bottle (375ml) and full bottle (750ml). For a distinctive Niseko wine souvenir, this is a perfect choice.
Read more: Top 2 Sake and Whisky Distilleries: Niseko’s Hidden Gems
12. Shirai Koibito Beer from Lupicia Yotei Sanroku
This craft beer, brewed in Niseko, is notable for its unfiltered, cloudy ale with fine foam. It incorporates white chocolate from the famous Hokkaido brand “Shiroi Koibito.”
The beer features hop aromas reminiscent of fruits like peach and citrus, harmonizing beautifully with the mild sweetness of milk. To ensure the best drinking experience, the shelf life is limited to 90 days when refrigerated. Each bottle contains 330ml. This is an ideal souvenir for beer enthusiasts.
13. Takano Coffee Filter Pack
This is a specialty coffee gift set from the renowned roastery and coffee shop in Niseko. The “Annupuri Mountain Blend” offers a mild flavor with moderate sweetness and minimal bitterness, featuring caramel notes and the sweet acidity of Muscat grapes.
The “Yotei Mountain Blend” is richer and more bitter, suited for those who prefer strong coffee. It highlights flavors of ripe fruit and dark chocolate. The cute cat illustration on the packaging also makes this product an excellent gift for coffee lovers.
14. Niseko Yamashita Farm Tomato Juice Pack
This pack of pure tomato juice, free of salt and additives, is made from 100% tomatoes grown in Niseko. The product is characterized by the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, with a mild acidity that makes it refreshing, akin to tasting fresh tomatoes.
The pack comes in two options: 180ml x 6 small bottles for convenience, and 1,000ml x 2 large bottles perfect for sharing with family. This is a great choice for those seeking a less sweet souvenir from Niseko.
You can find these snacks and sweets at Niseko ViewPlaza and also purchase them online.
15. KumaGera Seisaku Wooden Souvenirs
For unique wooden souvenirs, check out KumaGera Seisaku, known for its three core values: attractive and charming designs, advanced technology like 3D printing, and sustainability using environmentally friendly materials. The production process is carried out entirely in-house, from design to machinery fabrication, which reduces costs and improves mass production efficiency.
The company develops products from local wood, including wooden stickers, badges, magnets, and coasters, all made from Niseko and Hokkaido wood. The products are free of plastic packaging and feature unique designs, making them ideal souvenirs for international visitors.
16. ICOR Cosmetics
When visiting Niseko, a fantastic souvenir option is cosmetics from the ICOR brand. Established in Niseko, Hokkaido, ICOR focuses on harnessing the natural gifts of the region, including water from the snowmelt of Mount Yotei. With the name ICOR, meaning “treasure” in Ainu, the brand uses durable ingredients produced in Hokkaido, capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions.
ICOR ensures that its products contain over 90% natural ingredients, suitable for sensitive skin, and are free from petrochemical surfactants, synthetic preservatives, or artificial fragrances. By emphasizing natural and organic ingredients, ICOR guarantees effective skincare without irritation. The brand also adheres to sustainability principles, including using ingredients from Niseko and Hokkaido, eco-friendly packaging designs, and no animal testing.
At the main store in Niseko, you will find high-quality skincare products designed to be environmentally friendly and support regeneration projects. This is a perfect souvenir that not only enhances the recipient’s beauty but also contributes to environmental protection.
17. Handcrafted Hats by The Mad Hatter
Discover the handcrafted hats by The Mad Hatter, where every detail is meticulously crafted to create a unique product. The materials and size of the hat can be customized according to personal preferences.
The displayed price is based on the materials shown in the sample photo. However, prices may vary depending on the materials and specifications chosen. To ensure a perfect fit, measure your hat size by placing a finger next to your head and using a measuring tape around your head from that point. It is recommended to have someone else measure for the highest accuracy.
You can choose different materials from those shown in the sample. If you have a special idea for your hat, consult to bring that idea to life. Prices may change based on the materials used, and availability is limited, so be sure to order early if you find a material you like.
18. Doumu Glass Products
When visiting Niseko, consider purchasing exclusive glass products from Doumu as souvenirs. Located at the base of Mount Yotei, Doumu offers exquisite glassware at favorable prices. This is a great opportunity to own high-quality handcrafted items and participate in year-round workshops, open to both individual visitors and groups.
All products are made to order, with a production and delivery time of about 2 to 3 weeks. Since each item is handcrafted, colors may vary, and you can review samples such as Tumblers and 8-ounce beer glasses to see the differences.
When you find a product you like, you can contact them via phone or email to place an order. Payment can be made through bank transfer or upon delivery, noting that shipping fees are not included. Additionally, Doumu’s products are available at department stores and galleries, with a wide range of other items offered. For more information, please get in touch with the store directly.
In winter, when Niseko transforms into a paradise with beautiful snow, it’s an ideal time to look for souvenir ideas from Niseko that take advantage of nature’s offerings. In addition to delicious sweets, snacks, and noodles are popular. Don’t forget to explore unique alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, crafted from the region’s pure spring water. Choose the perfect souvenir to take home and preserve the memorable experiences from your trip.
Source: Sakidori
