MORE RECOMMENDED PLACES TO VISIT BEYOND THE SLOPES

NISEKO VILLAGE SNOWMOBILING

Niseko Village resort offers 50-minute snowmobile tours. Kids are allowed to join if they can reach the controls, and tandem (two guests on one snowmobile) are welcome. This is a perfectly safe and fun adventure as you will get to explore the snowy white surroundings of Niseko Village resort. For more information, visit niseko-village.com.

WINTER HORSE RIDING

Horse riding is a fun and exciting activity in Niseko that can be enjoyed most months of the year. In winter you can ride through trails of beautiful white snow. The horses are well-trained and friendly, and you can do a practice run in a paddock before the actual trek. The activity is ideal for those with children or those who have never been on a horse before. Bookings can be done at hanazononiseko. com.

TOSHIRO’S BAR

For those who enjoy drinking, there is a hidden gem located inside the Hirafu Prince hotel (a short walk from Sansui) or Toshiro’s bar, owned by award-winning bartender Akinori Toshiro and his wife Yoko. While enjoying the couple’s friendly hospitality, have a taste of their unique cocktails (including the famous signature Smoked Penicillin). They offer a huge range of whiskey, gin and many other spirits at their bar with over 400 different bottles. Opening hours are 5pm-1am. Visit toshiros-bar.com.

NISEKO DISTILLERY TOUR

The distillery was founded by Hakkaisan Brewery, a major Niigata-based sake brewer that celebrated its grand opening back in 2021. The home of local brands such as award-winning Nikka whiskey and Ohoro gin, Niseko Distillery is located near the foot of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area and is now welcoming guests for a tour. All entries to the distillery require a reservation, so visit nisekodistillery.com for more information.