Why Summer Might Just Be Better Than Winter

May, 22nd 2025

With another epic winter in the books it’s time to reveal a local secret… summer… known here as the Green Season.

Of course, we all all love winter and it’s what has made Niseko famous around the world. Skiing and riding the best snow on the planet is one of the most epic experiences on earth. But what you may not know, is that the green season (July – October) is just as epic… and possibly even better. The green season in Niseko, stretching from late spring to early autumn, offers something that winter can’t… perfect weather, no crowds, and a slower pace… but with all the excitement and adventure of winter.

Perfect Climate

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (rarely sweltering) with average highs hovering around 25°C (77°F). Evenings are crisp enough for a sweater or light jacket… perfect for a stroll, stargazing, or winding down in an outdoor onsen. The air is clean, the skies are wide, and there’s a rhythm to summer life that leaves you content and tired, but not exhausted.

Adventure Awaits

Adventures shift from snowy slopes… to trails, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Some of the activities on offer are mountain biking through winding forest trails, hiking volcanic mountain peaks, zip-lining, tree trekking, fishing Japan’s cleanest waters, and whitewater rafting down the Shiribetsu River.

Golf

Golfers will find some of Hokkaido’s most scenic courses just minutes from town, and at an incredibly reasonable rate compared to equal quality courses in other countries. Check out Niseko’s most picturesque golf courses at Hanazono and Niseko Village.

Gastonomy

Food in the summer tastes better, too. Local farms come alive, and you’ll find abundant produce grown in volcanic soil fed by Mt. Yotei spring water… sweet corn, just-picked tomatoes, asparagus, greens, incredibly ripe and delicious fruit, and more. Restaurants serve up spectacular summer menus that celebrate this fleeting season of fresh produce. Of course Japan’s best dairy, meats and seafood are also represented in perfect, succulent detail. This is the time to taste Niseko at its best.

Libations

Nestled between rolling rice fields, potato fields and mountain springs, the region’s sake breweries and distilleries blend tradition with innovation to craft sake as pure as the water… craft beers, and small batch gin, and whisky, showcasing the region’s pristine botanicals and crisp mountain spring water.

Another bonus… and the best for your bank account… Summer is surprisingly affordable. Accommodation discounts are common, with many resorts and hotels offering seasonal packages that make longer stays more accessible. Restaurant menus offer a symphony for your tastebuds at a lower cost than during the winter months. Fewer visitors also mean more space, more quiet, and a deeper sense of connection—with the land and the locals.

Niseko in winter is legendary. But in summer, it feels like the place is letting you in on a secret—one that’s quieter, warmer, and just waiting to be discovered.

Check out the activities and discounts on offer at each of Nisko United’s four resorts this summer at the links below, and stay tuned for more green season updates through summer.

Niseko Annupuri – https://annupuri.info/en/activities/

Niseko Hanazono – https://hanazononiseko.com/en/summer/activities

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu – https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/en/activities/

Niseko Village – https://www.niseko-village.com/green-seasons/