This summer, how about visiting a place where you can enjoy a wide open countryside, some great sport activities and relish amazing farm-fresh products? Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Niseko, located in northern Japan, is a summer paradise for tourists. Although known more as a ski resort, come summer and you can see the transformation of winter wonder land into the rich summery green. When the snow starts melting in Niseko, suddenly all the nature wakes up at once to discover their pleasant beauty with chirping of birds, wildflower blooms and everything harmonizes perfectly with the seasonal change.
Niseko offers lot of adventurous summer activities such as rafting, canoeing, trekking, mountain biking horse riding, hot air balloon rides, paintball and lots more. For those in search of laidback activities there is fishing, nature walks, bird-watching, golf and other such activities. You can also try your hands at making ice-creams, sausages with farm-fresh products available locally.
As Niseko is situated between mountains, there is an abundant variety of hikes and walks to suit all abilities and tastes. It is a heaven for golf lover’s offering six excellent courses within a 20 minutes drive of the village. A walk through the forests can introduce you to some rare animals like flying squirrel, known locally as momonga, or some unique plants found only in this part of the world. The region is also famous for onsen or natural hot water springs that are known to contain natural mineral water which is very relaxing and healing.
If you want to know more about Japanese culture, you can participate in Japanese tea ceremonies, try playing taiko drums or polish your karate skills. Tourists can also try making craftwork and handcraft like ceramic art, leather work, old Japanese snowshoes, etc. And apart from making these, you can also shop for these crafts from the local artists.
Food is another interesting activity you can indulge in at Niseko. There is a mélange of restaurants in Niseko that offer some of greatest authentic Japanese cuisine. Niseko region produces some of the best agricultural products of the country, so be assured to taste some good quality food here. You can also try some locally brewed alcohol and your culinary experience of Niseko will surely last a lifetime.