Summer Exclusive Trip Ideas: 2-Day Niseko Itinerary to Follow

Rent a car near Sapporo Station and set off towards Niseko. The drive from Route 230 onto Route 276 will bring you right in view of Mount Yotei, with its beautiful snow-capped peak, appearing on your left. If visiting between May and June, don’t miss the stunning sight of Mount Yotei’s reflection in the flooded rice paddies.
Including breaks, the journey to Niseko takes around two and a half hours.
For extra hacks and tips about car rentals in Japan, click and read the article below.

Before starting your sightseeing in Niseko, stop by Locanda, a beloved local Italian restaurant and patisserie. Run by two brothers—a chef and a pâtissier—both born and raised in Niseko, Locanda showcases delicious Italian dishes and desserts crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
The lunch set includes pasta (choose from six options), freshly baked bread, salad, a small dessert, and a beverage.
Indulge in both authentic Italian cuisine and delightful sweets, satisfying your appetite and lifting your spirits for the adventures ahead.

After treating yourself to a dessert and refresh, backtrack a bit on the same road, this time towards Yotei Sugatami Pond. The road along Route 478 is hugged by fields that bloom with white and pink potato flowers from late June to mid-July, making for a perfect color palette at the doorstep of Mount Yotei rising just behind.
The drive from Locanda to Yotei Sugatami Pond takes about 10 minutes. This charming 130-meter-long pond, filled by fresh spring water from Mount Yotei, is famous for offering spectacular reflections of the mountain, known as “Sakasa Yotei” (“upside-down Yotei”), on clear days.

Next, head to Mishima's Shibazakura Garden for another spectacular view. Since this location doesn't have parking, make a note to leave your car at nearby Kutosan Park and walk over from there.
Lovingly cultivated by Mr. Mishima, this garden offers breathtaking scenery with vibrant pink moss phlox (Shibazakura) fields beautifully contrasted against the snow-capped Mount Yotei. The flowers are typically at their best from late May to early June—a view unique to summer in Niseko.
Please remember, this garden is generously opened free of charge at a private residence. Be respectful by avoiding early morning or late-night visits and keeping noise to a minimum.

Leaving Kutosan Park, hop back on Route 343 to your next destination. The road passes through a picturesque trek lined with white birch trees that finally opens to a charming little area dotted with modern buildings and Nordic-style lodges.
A short drive further brings you to the popular ski resort Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, which transforms into an exciting outdoor playground during the green season. Among its various summer activities, the Summer Gondola is especially recommended, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Niseko’s majestic natural landscape from an elevation of about 750 meters.

After taking in the breathtaking views created by Mount Yotei, head to Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO, a luxury hotel awarded one Michelin Key — the accommodation version of the Michelin Guide's prestigious restaurant rating.
Inside, the space beautifully blends Niseko’s natural beauty with contemporary design. From the guest rooms with large windows, you can enjoy exceptional views of Mount Yotei and the Niseko mountain range.
For dinner, choose from one of the 10 restaurants within the hotel, offering a range of cuisines including sushi, Chinese, and teppanyaki. Each dish is crafted by professional chefs using the finest ingredients from Hokkaido.
After dinner, relax at "The Bar & Cigar Lounge." Enjoy craft gin and beer made in Hokkaido, as well as premium selections from around the world.

Zaborin offers a sumptuous menu to savor, whether at a dinner of ease or tastefully crafted, authentic Japanese breakfast. Bite in for fresh, seasonal palette of Hokkaido’s local fare that’s just as tasty as it is wholesome as you charge up for the new day.
After enjoying breakfast, check out and head out for your first stop.

Launch into a new day at HANAZONO ZIPFLIGHT, an adventure destination found at the highly coveted sky destination, Niseko HANAZONO Resort.
Packed with thrills and one of the largest zipline tours in Asia, brave travelers here can select between three courses: MACH 1, MACH 2 and MACH 3. Start with the beginner-friendly MACH 1, progressively challenge yourself, and culminate your adventure on MACH 3, stretching an impressive 1,700 meters in length.
Reaching exhilarating speeds exceeding 110 km/h, grab a hold for an adrenaline-packed whoosh through unbeatable panoramas out over Niseko’s top scenery.

Next, head to Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm, located at the foot of Mount Yotei. This expansive farm is home to various eateries serving delicious farm-to-table specialties.
Enjoy lunch at either Prativo, a restaurant featuring dishes centered around fresh local vegetables, or at Mandriano, a pizza shop attached to the cheese workshop.
Afterward, treat yourself to sweet indulgence with ice cream or cakes from the farm's specialty shops, including the Milk Kobo, Yogurt Kobo, and Baumkuchen Kobo.

Finally, stop by Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza. Browse local specialties and crafts at the Information Plaza Building, or pick up delicious locally-produced sweets and processed goods at the Farmers’ Market.
The plaza’s courtyard, offering beautiful views of Mount Yotei, is also perfect for taking a relaxing break during your drive.

After fully enjoying Niseko, it’s time to set sights on your next destination.
Otaru is about a 90-minute drive away, while Hakodate can be reached in approximately 3 hours.
Embark on your summer adventure exploring more of Hokkaido’s best!