The Niseko area has the curious phenomenon of two foliage seasons.  In the spring, as the snows melt, the leaves first appear on the trees in the same color that they left them, oranges, reds and browns, before turning brilliantly green.  In the autumn, the expect process happens in reverse, creating two opportunities each year to observe nature in multi-colored splendor.

White Water Rafting/Kayaking:  Niseko’s world-leading snowfall starts its rapid metamorphosis into flowing liquid from mid-April.  While downhill thrills remain available on the slopes, gravity offers another outlet on the spectacular rapids of the Shiribeshi River which runs straight between Mt. Annupuri and Mt. Yotei in its charge to the sea. Niseko’s world-class adventure guides  offer a variety of trips from light paddles to Class IV plunges. Instruction is also available for the technically ambitious.

Golf:  Niseko and the surrounding region offer numerous challenging golf courses with spectacular views and cool breezes. A five minute walk from Freedom Inn’s front door is the clubhouse of the beautifully planned Tokyu Golf Course (Japanese web-page only)  with breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei and Mt. Iwao throughout its 18 holes. Inquire about our golf packages for this course and others. The Niseko Higashiyama Resort  offers two 18 hole courses framed against Mt. Yotei’s preening cone, including one designed by Arnold Palmer. A scenic drive around Mt. Yotei will take you to the Rusutsu Resort’s  72 holes, including 9 “nighter” holes set up for evening play. Dozens of other courses dot the region.

Hiking:  The mountains that spring up and surround Freedom Inn offer a full range of trekking and hiking options, from simple wooded walks or an overnight climb up Mt. Yotei’s cone to a multi-day hike along the Niseko Panorama Trail straight out to the Sea of Japan in the picturesque fishing port of Iwanai.

Cycling/MTB: Both the hills and the surrounding countryside provide beautiful roadways for leisurely or exertive cycling routes with magnificent views of the area’s striking mountains and pastoral farmland. For those with a preference for knobby tires and unpaved byways, mountain biking trails abound for the free-wheeling and those who seek guides or instruction.

Horseback Riding:  Niseko Joba Village and the Saison Club  offer a variety of guided equestrian tours along trails skirting the base of Mt. Annupuri.

Fishing:  The Niseko area offers some of the most outstanding river fishing in Japan, primarily for trout and char.  The crystal clear waters of the nearby Shiribetsu River hold Rainbow Trout (niji-masu), Brook Trout (yamame) and Char (iwana).  Other nearby rivers such as the Shubuto, Kuro-matsu-nai and Konbu hold these fish as well. In addition, there are numerous smaller mountain streams (Kei-ryu) with smaller, wild trout. 

The fishing season typically runs from May through October, with the best months in July and August when dry fly fishing is at its peak.  Fishing for Rainbow Trout and Char runs year round. 

Fishing for Sakura Masu (a type of trout) and salmon is available at river mouths flowing into the sea.  These sea-run fish can be quite large. 

The river fishing experience in Niseko is not just for the serious angler.  The visitor who simply wants to try a half-day of trout fishing will find the experience very manageable, but possibly addicting once the pulse-quickening strike of a Rainbow Trout rising to a dry fly is felt. 

We recommend that guests utilize one of the area’s skilled guides who supply equipment, waders and, of course, unique insight into the rivers and tributaries they have been fishing for years.  BUG’s Fishing Guide Service (Japanese only, but the pictures / videos speak a thousand words in any language), which is run by veteran guide Ms. Yoshikoh Itoh, has particularly good knowledge of the Niseko area and an excellent website with photos and videos of her clients pulling in fish from local waters. 

We also recommend Bouken Kazoku (Japanese only), which offers fishing experiences on smaller streams known as Kei-ryu.

Fishing techniques can vary with the river, the fish and the fisherman.  Fly fishing is standard, but spinning lure fishing and tenkara (traditional Japanese fly rod) are also available.  

Others:  Tennis, hot air balloon rides, SL Niseko (steam locomotive ride—late September to early November only)。

Adventure Companies