Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, celebrates the annual meeting of two stars, Orihime and Hikoboshi. In honor of this festival, Niseko plans a vibrant event in August that lights up the night sky with over 1,500 breathtaking fireworks. It’s a fun-filled evening for the whole family with an experience corner for kids, hand-held fireworks, live music and food stalls.
Venue Location: Niseko Town Sport Park
Date: Sat, Aug. 2nd, 2025
Ready for an adrenaline-packed challenge? The Niseko Expedition is a thrilling adventure race that kicks off the summer season. Over 36 hours, athletes will trek, mountain bike, pack raft and canyon across 200km of Niseko’s stunning mountains. Starting at Hilton Niseko Village, this race is for those who love tough challenges. Plus, the winner gets free entry to the 2026 World Cup Final!
Venue Location: Niseko Area
Date: Fri, Jul. 4th-Sun, Jul. 6th, 2025
Image from nisekoexpedition.jp
mage from nisekotourism.com)
Is cycling your thing? Then don’t miss the 2025 Niseko Classic! This thrilling event serves as a prelude to the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Whether you’re racing or cheering on the competitors, the Niseko Classic promises excitement for all. Registration opened on February 21st, 2025.
Venue Location: Niseko Area
Date: Fri, Jun. 13-Sun, Jun. 15, 2025
Enjoy live performances, try your hand at mochi throwing for a chance to win amazing prizes and take part in the thrilling target practice and chanbara (sword fighting) competitions. The festival’s finale includes stunning Yotei drums and a fireworks display! Over two action-packed days, experience the vibrant international spirit of Hirafu with activities for all ages, from fluffy playground equipment for kids to unforgettable music and food from 40 popular Niseko restaurants!
Venue Location: Sun Sportsland Kutchan
Date: Late-August
Join the Rankoshi Seseragi Festival, where you can enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), live outdoor music and traditional performances, all while being immersed in the seseragi or gentle sounds of the Shiribetsu River, Hokkaido’s clearest stream.
Venue Location: Shiribetsu River Lan Lan Park
Date: Sun, Jul. 20 2025
The Niseko Hirafu Green Park is back for its third consecutive year! Get ready for a summer of fun with outdoor movie screenings, live music, DJ sets and art performances. Explore the farmers market showcasing local foods and crafts, and enjoy special film programs in collaboration with Cinema Caravan, a group of artists, musicians, painters, carpenters, cooks, and more. Whether you’re coming from near or far, this event promises to bring the vibrant community spirit of Niseko to life!
Venue Location: Hirafukogen Central Park
Date: July-September
Celebrate the harvest of Kutchan’s famous potatoes at their local Potato Festival! Try your hand at the “Potato Janjan Tori” game, where you race against the clock to fill a bag with as many potatoes as you can. Don’t miss the lively “Jaga Sennin Odori” dance, featuring around 1,000 participants dancing to the tune of “Jaga Ondo.” The festival wraps up with a fireworks display lighting up the summer night sky!
Venue Location: Kutchan Ekimae Avenue
Date: Early-August
About an hour’s drive from Niseko, the Toyako Manga Anime Festival is a must-see for anime fans! This unique event transforms the entire Toyako Onsen town into a cosplay haven, with various exhibits and performances on a lakeside stage. In addition to the anime excitement, enjoy a variety of shops and food trucks, making it an event for everyone, not just anime enthusiasts.
Venue Location: Toyako Onsen (1H From Niseko)
Date: Sat, Jun. 28-Sun, Jun.29, 2025
Also about an hour’s drive from Niseko, the Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival, is a lively celebration with over 200 years of tradition. The festival’s highlight is the “Mikoshi Procession,” where around 450 participants carry two portable shrines through the streets, culminating in a dramatic race up “Shrine Hill.” Over 100 stalls line the streets, and the procession ends with the mikoshi being raced across the sea.
Venue Location: Iwanai Town and Port (1H From Niseko)
Date: Mon, Jul. 7-Wed, Jul. 9, 2025
About an hour’s drive from Niseko, the Toyako Manga Anime Enjoy delicious food, live music and a stunning fireworks show at this summer festival sure to make you nikoniko (smiley). Set in the Niseko Village’s Niseko-yo, a charming area that captures the feel of traditional Japan, this festival offers a great mix of food, drinks and mini-events. Plus, special lodging packages make it easy to stay and fully enjoy the festivities.
Venue Location: Niseko Village
Date: Sat, Jul. 19-Sun, Jul. 20, 2025
Stay in the heart of Niseko.
