What's On In Niseko In May 2017
There are a lot of great events over the course of May to be excited for! Here's a look at what to expect as spring comes into full swing!
A kabuto Japanese traditional helmet on display for Children's Day.
May is a beautiful and busy month here in Niseko. There are all kinds of activities, events, and holidays going on throughout the month of May 2017 to be excited for. Take a look at some of the wonderful events coming this year to look out for!
Children's Day
Carp streamers fluttering in the wind in celebration of Children's Day this coming May 5.
Kodomo no hi or Children's Day is a Japan-wide holiday celebrating children and their parents. The holiday is celebrated with a number of traditional displays, including koi nobori carp streamers that are strung up and left to flutter in the wind. In addition to the streamers, you will often see traditional samurai helmets called kabuto on display in homes and businesses as well.
Keep an eye out for traditional pink rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, as they are often served on this day.
Location: Japan-wide
Date: May 5, 2017
Niseko United Resorts Close
After a long and fun winter, the Niseko United Ski Resorts wrap up their winter operations on May 7, 2017. Operating through the Japanese Golden Week holiday, Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, and Niseko Village all will have a number of lifts operating to accommodate that last burst of spring skiing before the last of the snows melt.
Location: Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, and Niseko Village
Date: May 7, 2017
Cherry Blossoms Around Niseko
Photo taken by Kutchan Tourism Association.
While it can be tough to know just when they will bloom and how long they will last, it seems that this year the Sakura will be reaching their peak during the middle of May this year! A few years ago, they arrived in record time, but this year they are more in line with their timing here in Niseko.
Location: Across the Niseko area
Approximate Date: May 12 - 20, 2017
Toyako Marathon
The Toyako Marathon attracts an average of 5,500 runners every year. While registration closed back in February, timing a day trip to the Lake Toya area for a soak in an onsen might be a fun activity to line up with the marathon. Get a chance to watch all of the runners make their way along the course around the lake without having to worry about losing your pace as you take in the scenic Toya views!
Award presentations start from 11:00 am with the Family 2 km Run and there is a fun celebration event from 1:00 pm as well!
Location: Lake Toya, Cultural Centre, Wakasaimo Honpo, Tourism Information Centre, Toyako Promenade
Date: May 21, 2017
Pink Moss - Shibazakura Start To Bloom
Photo taken by Kutchan Tourism Association.
Mishima's Shibazakura in Kutchan was started after the former farmer retired more than a decade ago. The pink, white and purple flowers cover an area of over 4,000 sqm across the private garden. Entry is free to anyone and the flowers are usually in full bloom by late May. Other shibazakura flowers can also be seen across the region on smaller scales.
Location: Kutchan Town, Across Niseko
Approximate Date: End of May until early June, 2017
