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Niseko’s main activities are sporting ones, especially during the winter, but there are plenty of other attractions to keep visitors amused throughout the year.
Being in such a beautiful location, Niseko is surrounded by natural assets which help to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere, where visitors can stroll around, relaxing, taking the air, and revitalising both body and soul. The scenery is an attraction in itself – with mountains, lakes, forests and streams, it is an idyllic place to take walks, and a paradise for artists and photographers.
Onsen
The Japanese use hot-springs, or onsen, as a way to relax all year round, and visitors have adopted the idea with gusto. There are many natural onsens around Niseko, as it is close to a dormant volcano, The minerals in the water vary between baths, but include sodium, calcium and magnesium which all help with various ailments, including sore and aching muscles. Mixed with water around 40 degrees centigrade this makes relaxing in the onsen after a day’s exercise on the ski slope the perfect way to end the day. After a bathe the body is left feeling revived, and ready for another day out on the slopes, or a night on the town..
Etiquette aplenty surrounds the ritual of onsen bathing, and visitors should abide by the rules too. Bathers don’t wear any clothing, and this is an important part of the ritual, as it is a symbolic way of leaving inhibitions and pre-conceptions in the changing rooms. The Japanese feel this helps them to leave their stresses behind and get the most from the baths. The receptionist can assist with bathing etiquette, ensuring that both you, and those sharing the bath, have an enjoyable visit. Shy or hesitant visitors, reluctant to bathe in public, may be able to hire an onsen for private use at certain hotels - the local information centre will be able to help here.
The outside onsen at the Anupurri Hotel is a peaceful secluded one, as it is some distance from the town, Surrounded by trees and boulders, it is a tranquil place and is the perfect start to a relaxing evening – first a bath and then drinks and a meal all in the same wonderful setting. Alternatively Yukoro Onsen is a popular town centre hot springs, with many apartments close by, ideal if you prefer not to go too far after a long tiring day on the slopes.
Indoor attractions
There are several museums in Niseko – including Shu Ogawara Museum of Art, and the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum. The Natural History Museum aims to introduce people to the region’s history and culture, while the Kyouwa-cho Kakashi Home Museum gives an insight into Japanese life.
For shoppers, Niseko offers many outlets catering for the winter sports market, with clothing, skis, snowboards and other equipment, for rent or purchase, alongside various souvenir stores for trip mementos..
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