5 top reasons to book a Niseko getaway this January
2023 is just around the corner which means it's almost time to finalise your New Year Resolutions.
Here are five reasons why a visit to Niseko to stay with us this January should be on your list:
#1 The snow is getting more powdery, soft and plentiful by the day
Niseko is famous for its incredible snow, and it's currently powdery, soft, and light and in no shortage. We've had over 3 meters of snowfall this season so far, and that number is only going to keep rising.
January (along with February) are traditionally peak powder months in Niseko, and the best time to be out there showing off your latest moves on the slopes.
#2 Chinese New Year Celebrations to welcome the Year of the Rabbit
Niseko is one of the most popular destinations for the Lunar New Year in Japan. Expect to see busy streets, live performances and many celebrations all over the resort.
Skye Niseko will be marking the start of the Lunar New Year with a special Lion Dance performance planned from 3:00PM - 3:15PM on Sunday 22 January, 2023.
#3 Night skiing has returned and open until 7:00PM every night in January
Night riding is back in all four resorts of Niseko United and is open every night from 4:30PM - 7:00PM (weather dependent). Going night skiing or snowboarding makes the dark evenings feel ALOT shorter and is the best way to get a view of the beautiful twinkling lights of Hirafu village from above.
Get access to all night terrain from Grand Hirafu Ace Quad Lift #2 (Center 4), with convenient ski-in ski-out access to the lift right from our doorstep.
#4 Experience one of Hokkaido's World-Famous Snow Festivals
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is the first of Hokkaido's snow festivals this year and it's on from January 28 – February 23, 2023. Take a trip out to Lake Shikotsu in the afternoon to catch the ice sculptures, tasty food and maybe a dip in one of the area's famous Onsen.
During the evening, the ice sculptures light up in a rainbow of colours, which makes for a great holiday memento snap.
The next festival is the Sapporo Snow Festival kicking off the first weekend of February, so you can always extend your stay into Feb to catch this worldwide famous event making a comeback to its full scale for the first time in 3 years.
#5 Hirafu village has come alive, and is bursting with energy
With the return of international guests for the first time in three years, exploring Hirafu is a must this Winter. Upper and Lower Hirafu is packed with a large range of eateries, bars and shops. With a beautiful snow cover giving the village an extra beautiful touch, you can easily spend a whole day wandering around the streets.
Make sure to pick up an Experience Niseko 2022/23 Eats Guide to peruse the hottest eateries around town for any budget. You can also view the 2022/23 Resort Map here, to plan out your visit in advance.
Interested to come and experience January in Niseko with us?
We'd love to host you and we still have a range of room types still available to host you on your January trip. Click below to search for your preferred dates, and we hope to see you soon.