What's On: New Year Celebrations in Niseko
Bring in 2018 with a host of events in Niseko including fireworks and traditional Japanese sake celebrations.
Goodbye 2017, hello 2018! Celebrate the start of a new year ahead in true Niseko style!
Here are our top picks to ensure your new year starts with a bang:
New Year's Eve Fireworks & Torchlight Skiing
Catch the dazzling display of fireworks to bring in the New Year.
Enjoy fireworks and a midnight torch parade down the slopes on New Year's Eve. Witness the 42nd Torchlight Skiing at Niseko Grand Hirafu and marvel at the torchlight skiers as they make the '2018' formation on the mountain.
Then, watch the sky and slopes light up with the amazing colour display with a fireworks display.
Torchlight Skiing: 11:55 pm on 31 December
Fireworks: 12:15 am on 1 January
Want to know more or register to participate in the Torchlight Skiing? Read more.
Kagami-Biraki: New Year Sake Celebration
Join in a Japanese tradition.
Bring in the New Year in traditional Japanese style with the "Kagami-Biraki" or "Kagami-wari". The traditional ceremony, translating to "Opening the Mirror" or "Breaking of the Mochi (Japanese rice cakes), is usually held during occasions such as weddings, opening ceremonies, sports events and other parties.
A number of hotels and venues in Niseko host this traditional celebration including Ki Niseko, AYA Niseko, The Vale Niseko and Hotel Niseko Alpen.
Head to King Bell Hut at 10:00 am on 1 January for one of the first Kagami-wari ceremonies of the day.
For more information, check out our Events.
Hatsumode: The First Shrine Visit
Celebrate the new year like the locals.
When the clock strikes twelve, locals will make their first wishes for the year and you can too! "Hatsumode" festivities are held at practically every shrine and temple across Japan during the first few days of the year, especially on the first day of January.
Head to Yamada Shrine in Hirafu to join in this New Year tradition. (View Map)
New Year Sunrise Gondola
Witness the first sunrise for 2018.
In Japanese tradition, watching the first sunrise of the year, or "hatsu hi no de" will bring you good luck. Why not to head up to the mountain and watch the sunrise to start your new year 2018!
Niseko Village hosts the New Year Sunrise Gondola with tickets available at 6:15 am, gondola ride at 6:30 am till 6:50 am, with the last return ride at 7:30 am.
Price: Adult 1,400 yen, Child (Ages 7-12) 1,000 yen for Niseko Gondola round-trip
View the official event information.
Hanazono New Year Fun Jump 2018
Have the chance to win great prizes at this park event.
Show off your skills at the the annual event Hanazono New Year Fun Jump.
Registration is between 9:00 am - 11:00 am at Hanazono 308, with lots of great prizes up for grabs! Maximum 80 participants.
Head to Hanazono website for more information.
Wishing all of our readers a wonderful and safe New Year!
