From soft serve road trips to tee-offs with a view, here’s how to make the most of three sun-drenched days during Hokkaido’s green season.
Swap your ski boots for sneakers, it’s a whole new world in Niseko once June rolls around. While world-famous as a winter destination, summer in Niseko is underrated — and we’ll tell you why. When else can you enjoy cool mountain air, lush green trails, roadside soft serves, and festivals that light up the night?
Whether you’re here to hike, cycle, play golf or simply chill out and take in a view of Mount Yotei, here’s a 72-hour itinerary to discover Niseko’s warm-weather charm.
DAY 1
Check In and Cool Down
Summer in Niseko brings crisp alpine air, wildflower-strewn trails, and zero crowds. Kick off your holiday with a breather at your private stay. Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, the wide-open living spaces and nature-framed views make it easy to shake off travel fatigue (and city stress).
If you’re staying at a luxe condo-hotel like Niseko Kyo or Intuition, which comes with concierge perks, don’t hesitate to ask for help — be it where to stock up on local snacks, book a scenic lunch, or plan an off-the-beaten path excursion.
Sweet Disposition
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to dive into one of Hokkaido’s iconic warm-weather pleasures: soft serve. The island’s milk is famous for a reason, and our guide to Hokkaido’s best soft serves will send you down the tastiest rabbit hole.
From creamy milk swirls to seasonal fruit sorbets, plan a mini road trip centred on soft serve and gelato. Don’t skip Milk Kobo, home to Niseko’s famous ice cream, cheesecake served up with dreamy mountain views. Another local favourite? Ruhiel, an artisanal Italian gelato shop in Kutchan known for refreshing flavours made from local ingredients.
Festival Mode
Make the most of matsuri season and head into town, where festival stalls serve up yakitori, grilled corn, and local treats. If you’re in the area in early August, don’t miss Jagamatsuri, Kutchan’s annual potato festival celebrating its famously sweet Kutchan 540 potatoes with food booths, live performances, and games.
Even outside of festival season, Hirafu and Kutchan are home to restaurants that showcase the region’s fertile land and cool-climate produce — from summer vegetables to mountain herbs and freshly caught seafood.
DAY 2
Choose Your Own Adventure
Start your day by fuelling up with a hearty breakfast with fresh Hokkaido eggs or a quick café stop for sourdough toast and local jam. You’ll need the energy, because Niseko’s summers are made for getting outdoors.
Whether you’re craving adrenaline or calm, our guide to the top 10 summer activities in Hokkaido has you covered. Choose from whitewater rafting, scenic cycling through forested backroads, or hiking Mount Annupuri for panoramic views.
Want something a little gentler? Go fruit picking at a local orchard. From strawberries in June to pears in September, Hokkaido’s fruit farms let you taste the seasons right off the vine. It’s a family-friendly, photo-friendly way to spend your morning — and yes, you get to take home your harvest.
Afternoon Tee
It’s time to hit the greens. Golf in Hokkaido is a best-kept secret with stunning fairways set against Mt. Yotei, uncrowded greens, and fresh, pine-scented air. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular, these Niseko and Rusutsu courses are worth a swing.
Evening Glow
After a day out and about, return to your villa for a well-earned onsen soak — the perfect way to ease tired legs and reset before the evening ahead. Many of our accommodations, like Corniche Hirafu and Tsubasa at Hanaridge, come with private onsens.
Once refreshed, head to Niseko Confidential for dinner — now reopened for the green season. Tucked away in Hirafu, this reservation-only spot serves up elevated Japanese-European fare using fresh, seasonal ingredients, along with summer-inspired cocktails that complement their signature après-ski concoctions.
If you’re up to walk off your meal, cap off the night with a visit to Hanazono Mountain Lights — a dazzling outdoor art installation by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro. As night falls, the walking trails glow with over 180,000 fiber-optic lights, transforming the forest into a magical dreamscape at the foot of Mount Annupuri.
DAY 3
Slow Start, Big Finish
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Start your final day with a walk through one of the forest trails nearby, or roll out your yoga mat on the deck for a slow morning stretch. Then, it’s time for a countryside brunch. Green Farm Café in Hirafu is a local favourite, serving up farm-to-table dishes using fresh Hokkaido ingredients, with sunny terrace seating perfect for lingering over your last morning in the mountains.
The Final Wind-Down
Still got time before your flight? Take one last scenic drive and snap a few parting shots of Mount Yotei — the Fuji of Hokkaido. The area is full of stunning vantage points that don’t require a hike. We’ve mapped out the best Mount Yotei photo spots around Niseko, so you can make the most of your day before heading out.
Back to Reality (But With Better Photos)
As you wrap up your 72-hour summer escape, don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return. Whether for the powder or another off-season recharge, Niseko always finds a way to draw you back. This slice of one of Asia’s top “coolcation” destinations will be waiting with wide skies, alpine breeze, and plenty of space to exhale.
Planning your escape? Browse our Niseko stays and book your Summer getaway today.
Hokkaido Fruit Picking: Strawberries and Cherries in Niseko in June
Summer in Hokkaido: 10 Best Activities in Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano
Golf in Hokkaido: Where To Tee Off In Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano