Things to Do in Niseko in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Niseko
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Drastically lower accommodation prices - you're looking at 40-60% off peak winter rates. A room that costs ¥45,000 in February might run you ¥18,000-25,000 in June, and properties are genuinely negotiable since occupancy hovers around 15-20%
- Zero lift queues and empty trails - Niseko's famous ski runs transform into hiking and mountain biking routes with literally nobody on them. You can explore Mt. Yotei trails, Hanazono bike park, and backcountry paths without seeing another soul for hours
- Peak green season means the landscape is absurdly lush - the volcanic soil combined with June moisture creates this almost neon-green countryside that photographers obsess over. The birch forests around Niseko Village are particularly stunning, and wildflowers are everywhere on the lower slopes
- Onsen culture without the crowds - the natural hot springs are actually more enjoyable in June's cooler evenings (12°C/54°F nights) than summer's heat. You'll have rotenburo outdoor baths essentially to yourself, and the contrast between warm water and cool mountain air at places like Yukichichibu and Goshiki Onsen is perfect
Considerations
- Most ski-focused businesses are completely closed - we're talking 60-70% of restaurants, shops, and tour operators shut down between late May and early July. The village centers in Hirafu and Niseko Village feel somewhat deserted, though Kutchan town stays active since it serves locals year-round
- Public transportation drops to minimal service - the resort shuttle buses don't run, and local bus routes reduce to 3-4 trips daily. You really need a rental car in June, which adds ¥6,000-8,000 per day to your budget. Taxis exist but are expensive for the distances involved (¥3,000-4,000 from Hirafu to Annupuri, for example)
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - that 10 rainy days statistic doesn't tell the full story. June sits in this weird transition period where you might get brilliant sunshine, heavy fog that rolls in within 20 minutes, or steady drizzle. The 70% humidity makes everything feel damper than the rainfall numbers suggest, and clothes don't dry quickly indoors
Best Activities in June
Mt. Yotei Hiking and Trail Exploration
June is actually ideal for tackling Niseko's hiking trails before the July-August heat and bugs arrive. Mt. Yotei (1,898 m / 6,227 ft) is snow-free on lower sections but still has patches above 1,500 m (4,921 ft), creating this dramatic landscape transition. The Hirafu Course takes 5-6 hours up and you'll likely see fewer than 10 other hikers on a weekday. The 70% humidity sounds rough but temperatures topping out at 21°C (70°F) mean it's actually comfortable for sustained climbing - locals specifically target June for this reason. Trails around Annupuri (1,308 m / 4,291 ft) are completely clear and offer easier 2-3 hour options with incredible views when weather cooperates.
Mountain Biking at Niseko Resort Parks
Hanazono and Niseko Village convert their ski slopes into mountain bike parks from late May, and June is perfect because the courses are freshly groomed but barely used - you'll often have entire flow trails to yourself. The parks offer everything from gentle green runs to technical black diamond descents, and bike rentals with protective gear run ¥5,000-8,000 for a full day. The cooler temperatures and variable conditions actually make this more pleasant than July-August when it gets genuinely hot and dusty. The surrounding area also has extensive cross-country trails through birch forests where the June greenery is almost overwhelming.
Shiribetsu River Rafting and Kayaking
June water levels are perfect - high enough from snowmelt to be exciting but not the dangerous spring torrents. The Shiribetsu River runs Class II-III rapids through stunning gorges with those bright green mountainsides towering above. Water temperature is cold (around 12-15°C / 54-59°F) but you're in full wetsuits anyway, and the air temperature of 21°C (70°F) means you're not freezing when you're out of the water. Half-day trips typically run 3-4 hours including transport and cost ¥7,000-9,500 per person. The river is also calm enough for inflatable kayak trips if you want something more mellow.
Farm and Dairy Experiences in Niseko Countryside
The agricultural side of Niseko is actually fascinating and completely overlooked by winter visitors. June is prime growing season - potato fields are lush, asparagus harvest is wrapping up, and dairy farms have calves born in spring. Several farms around Niseko and neighboring Rankoshi offer tours, cheese-making workshops, and farm-to-table meals. Takahashi Dairy Farm and Niseko Cheese Factory do tours for ¥1,500-3,000 that include tastings. The rural landscape in June is gorgeous for cycling - flat roads, minimal traffic, and farm stands selling fresh vegetables and dairy products directly.
Onsen Hopping Circuit
With minimal tourists, June is perfect for exploring Niseko's extensive onsen network. The area has over 20 hot spring facilities ranging from rustic outdoor baths to modern resort complexes. Entry fees run ¥600-1,500 at public baths, ¥1,500-3,000 at resort day-use onsen. The cooler June evenings (12°C / 54°F) make outdoor rotenburo baths particularly enjoyable - that temperature contrast is what locals seek out. Goshiki Onsen at 750 m (2,461 ft) elevation offers milky sulfur water with mountain views, while Yukichichibu has riverside baths. Many close one day weekly for maintenance, so check schedules.
Shakotan Peninsula Coastal Excursions
About 90 minutes north of Niseko, the Shakotan Peninsula offers dramatic coastal scenery that's perfect for June day trips. Cape Kamui has a 770 m (2,526 ft) walking trail along cliff tops with absurdly blue water below - the color comes from volcanic rock and is most vivid in June before summer algae blooms. The peninsula is famous for uni (sea urchin) which peaks in June-July, and coastal restaurants serve it incredibly fresh for ¥2,500-4,000 per donburi bowl. The drive itself through mountain tunnels and coastal roads is spectacular, and you'll see virtually no foreign tourists.
June Events & Festivals
Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo
While not in Niseko itself, this massive dance festival in Sapporo (about 2.5 hours away) happens in early June and is worth timing your trip around if you're interested in Japanese festival culture. Over 200 teams perform high-energy choreographed dances throughout central Sapporo streets. It's genuinely spectacular and completely authentic - not a tourist show. Free to watch from sidewalks, though paid seating areas exist for ¥2,000-3,500.