Discover Niseko: Two Stays for a Relaxing Family Trip in Nature

Surrounded by Hokkaido’s beautiful scenery, Niseko is a perfect family destination, with hot-spring inns, cozy hotels, shops, and restaurants offering year-round comfort. In winter, its world-famous powder snow turns the area into a playground for all ages.
Beyond the slopes, Niseko offers plenty to explore—from outdoor adventures to relaxing family activities amid Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

• Hokkaido
• Hotels
• TravelWithKids
• TravelJapan
• Onsen
• Hotsprings

Niseko’s Natural Beauty

Niseko in Hokkaido is blessed with clear mountain streams such as the Shiribetsu River, ranked the cleanest first-class river in Japan. The Niseko Range forms a stunning backdrop, and pure spring water from Mt. Yotei—a local symbol—is so clear it’s even bottled as drinking water. The area’s deep forests are home to wildlife like the Ezo red fox, making it a welcoming place for families to experience Hokkaido’s natural beauty. Alongside its nature, Niseko offers soothing spas, cozy restaurants, and local produce stands that reflect the region’s relaxed charm.

Framed by lush forests and clear mountain air, the Niseko area is full of adventures families can enjoy together. In summer, dive into nature with trekking, canoeing, ducking, canyoning, and sea kayaking on sparkling streams and lakes. When winter blankets the region in soft powder snow, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, or take a peaceful snowshoe walk through the forest—a magical way to experience Niseko’s quiet beauty.

A must-visit spot in the area is Niseko Annupuri (1,308 m), part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Families can enjoy an easy climb using the gondola, which starts from mid-mountain, and take in panoramic views of the Sea of Japan from the summit.
For a cultural stop, visit the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum, dedicated to a leading writer of modern Japanese literature, or drop by the Niseko View Plaza, a roadside Station, to browse fresh local produce and pick up travel information.

Niseko offers dynamic scenery and exciting activities all year round. Each season has its own charm, but winter is especially popular for its world-renowned powder snow—perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and cat skiing. Families can also enjoy a variety of fun winter experiences suited for children, making it an ideal destination for all ages.

Winter in Niseko is bitterly cold, often dropping below –10°C, so dress warmly from head to toe. Even if you’re not skiing, insulated clothing, winter boots, gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer are essential. Choose heat-retaining innerwear and thick socks to stay comfortable—and take extra care when traveling with children.

Chalet Ivy Hirafu

In the heart of Hirafu, this refined mountain retreat offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of Mt. Yotei and the Hirafu slopes. Natural wood accents and soft tones evoke the calm of Hokkaido’s forests, while suites like the Grand Deluxe Onsen Suite pair luxury with serene mountain scenery. Guests can also enjoy seasonal dishes at the hotel’s signature restaurant, with more dining options coming soon.

The natural hot spring, or onsen, at Chalet Ivy Hirafu is among the finest in the Niseko area, renowned in Japan for its soothing, mineral-rich water. Drawn from a depth of 300 meters, the pristine spring water has been naturally filtered underground for hundreds of years, reaching an ideal temperature and quality for health benefits. Known to relieve fatigue, ease pain, and calm the mind, it offers a deeply relaxing experience amid Niseko’s serene mountain landscape.

Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Moku no sho

Nestled among old-growth trees in Oku Niseko Konbu Onsen, a historic hot spring area at the foot of Mt. Yotei, MOKU NO SHO offers a peaceful retreat where the only sound is the gentle murmur of the river. Surrounded by forest and flowing water, the inn invites guests to relax and reconnect with nature’s quiet rhythm.

Guests can unwind in public and private onsen baths, both sourced from Konbu Onsen’s mineral-rich springs, or enjoy plant-based spa treatments that refresh body and mind. Blending the warmth of natural wood with refined Japanese design, the inn invites every guest to feel at home in Niseko’s tranquil nature.

The Timeless Allure of Niseko

From world-class powder snow to soothing hot springs and scenic summer adventures, Niseko is one of Hokkaido’s most captivating destinations. Every season offers new ways for families and travelers to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. With its mix of luxury resorts, welcoming inns, and warm local hospitality, Niseko travel promises a memorable family trip in Japan you’ll want to experience again and again.