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Summer activities

Observation Square

1000-meter Plateau Observation Square

You can take in various views, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, a sea of clouds, and sunset, depending on the season and time of day.
You can also marvel at the panoramic view of Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, and Funka Bay.

Mountain hiking

Recommended for beginners!
Enjoy spectacular views on a two-hour basic mountain hiking tour involving the use of the gondola.

You can enjoy easy mountain hiking while admiring the view from Mt. Niseko Annupuri and the beautiful alpine flora. After reaching the summit, why not savor a blissful moment at a hot spring that will refresh your body and soul and a delicious meal made of local ingredients?

Gondola operating hours 9:00 - 16:30
  • The last boarding time of the gondola is 14:15 for those who are going to hike up the mountain. (If you will not use the downhill gondola, the last boarding time for the uphill ride is 16:00.)
  • Please note that the gondola service may be suspended in the event of inclement weather.

Estimated time for the gondola hiking course

Ascent Approx. 1hr. 10 min.

Descent Approx. 40 min.

Round trip: approx. 2 hr.

Average temperature of Mt. Annupuri

Month Highest
temperature		 Lowest
temperature
July 18ºC 11.7ºC
August 19ºC 12.3ºC
September 15.2ºC 7.5ºC
October 9ºC 1ºC
Click here for a trail route map. Gondola information
Mountain hiking guide
1

Upon arrival at the summit station, fill out the mountain entry form.

2

After getting off the six-seater gondola, a ride that takes 10 minutes in both ways, there is a path leading to the summit observation square and the mountain trail.

3

This is the entrance to the trail, and finally, one is on the trail. From here it is 1.3 km to the summit, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The trail is a single track that is not hard to follow.

4

There is a signboard in the middle of the course to indicate the distance.

5

Here the trail splits in two. One track leads to the Annupuri summit and the other to the Hirafu gondola summit station.

6

We are now on the ridge, and the wind feels good. A wonderful view suddenly opens up and we can continue our ascent while enjoying the scenery.

7

We have reached the summit! There is a stone monument for the Niseko Observatory site, where the Zero fighter plane underwent icing tests.

8

A sea of clouds can be seen on rare occasions, depending on the weather!

9

The bare mountain in the foreground is Iwaonupuri, and Weiss is at the far right. The Sea of Japan (Ura-Shakotan), Iwanai Port, and Tomari Beach can be seen in the distance.

Annupuri hiking report

We arrived at the summit exactly one hour after getting off the gondola and took a 10-minute break. At the summit, we took a 20-minute break to enjoy the view and then descended for 40 minutes without a break. It took two hours and 10 minutes to return to the gondola summit station (at 1,000 meters above sea level). The gondola ride is 10 minutes each way, so a round trip takes 20 minutes. As a result, we could enjoy hiking Niseko Annupuri in two hours and 30 minutes!

To enjoy mountain hiking
  • Mountain hiking is done entirely at your own risk.
  • Consider appropriate clothing and footwear (hiking shoes or trekking shoes are recommended) for mountain hiking. Don’t forget to carry rain gear for sudden weather changes.
  • If you feel overwhelmed, descend the mountain promptly, even if you are in the middle of the planned course.
  • Avoid going off the trail as far as possible. (Do not damage wild plants. Do not pick alpine plants to take with you)
  • No littering of cigarettes and garbage. Be sure to take any trash home with you.
  • If you are hiking with your dog, be sure to keep your dog on a leash and behave in such a manner that you do not disturb other users. Don’t leave feces lying on the ground (bury it or throw it in the bushes) and don’t allow the dog to roam free, as it is a threat to wild plants and animals.
  • Fill out the mountain entry form. (There are entry forms and a submission box at the Annupuri gondola summit station.)
Checklist of day hiking equipment
Basic equipment
Useful to have

Nature guided trekking

Annupuri trekkingReservations required

A nature guide will lead you to the summit via the Annupuri gondola. This is the shortest route to the summit of Niseko Annupuri over a distance of approximately 1.3 km and a difference in elevation of roughly 300 m.

  • The fee for the gondola ride is not included.
  • Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes for hiking the mountain.

Shinsen Marsh nature tourReservations required

Hike around the Shinsen Marsh and its surrounding marshlands, boasting some of the most beautiful scenery among the lakes and marshes that dot the Niseko mountain range.

  • Car transportation will be provided to and from the Shinsen Marsh parking lot.
  • All reservations are for a minimum of two people.

Experience

Hot-air balloon mooring experienceReservations required

Families, friends, couples, and children can all enjoy this hot air balloon experience. Enjoy the panoramic view of Niseko Annupuri from 30 meters above the ground. Make a wonderful memory of the Niseko sky.

Period June 1 - September 30
Flight hours Early morning (6:30 – 7:00)
Evening (16:30 – 17:00), approx. 5-minute flight
Location Sanroku Square (Parking Lot No. 2), Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
Fees
  • Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥3,150
  • Children (elementary school students) ¥2,200
  • Infants (preschoolers) ¥650
  • Family Pack (2 adults + 2 children) ¥9,600
*Available from the age of 2 years to a body weight of 90 kg

Bungy trampolineReservations required

Jump into the Niseko sky on a giant trampoline! Everyone from children to adults can experience acrobatic jumping!

Period July 1 - End of Sept.
Hours 6:30 – 7:00 / 16:30 – 17:00
Location Sanroku Square (Parking Lot No. 2), Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
Fees 1,000 yen (1 session: 5 minutes)
*Available from the age of 2 years to a body weight of 90 kg

MTB
ANNUPURI
DOWNHILL Mountain bike

Supervised by professional MTB rider Kazuki Shimizu.
A full-scale downhill course for intermediate and advanced riders!

This is a full-scale downhill course for intermediate and advanced riders, utilizing the ski slope under the supervision of professional MTB rider Kazuki Shimizu.
You can take the gondola up to a level of 935 m altitude and ride down the 2,750-meter-long course while enjoying the majestic nature of Niseko Annupuri.
Aiming to serve as a sustainable MTB course in a ski resort, this downhill course was designed to be as natural as possible, with as little modification of the slopes as possible. Enjoy the Niseko Annupuri MTB downhill course this summer.

Kazuki Shimizu, MTB rider

Downhill course

Period July 13 - October 14, 2024
Hours 9:00 – 16:00 (last ascent gondola)
Course
information

Total length 2,750 m, elevation 935 → 400 m (elevation difference 535 m)

  • A1Distance 640 m, elevation 935 →
    795 m (elevation difference 140 m)
  • B1Distance 600 m, elevation 795 →
    665 m (elevation difference 130 m)
  • C1Distance 600 m, elevation 665 →
    565 m (elevation difference 100 m)
  • D1Distance 910 m, elevation 565 →
    400 m (elevation difference 165 m)
Fees
Adults High school
students
and younger
Single ticket ￥1,000 ¥500
Four-hour pass ￥3,500 ¥1,750
One-day pass ￥5,000 ¥2,500
Season pass ￥20,000 ¥10,000
  • The MTB course is open on days when the Annupuri gondola is in operation.
  • Operation may be suspended due to competitions, events, inclement weather, or other reasons.
See the course map Gondola information

Season pass information

Please download the application form below, fill it out, and submit it to the sales counter
(the office on the first floor of the Annupuri gondola station building).
At that time, we will take your picture.
Please come in person.

  • Start of sales July 12, 2024
  • Sales hours 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Season Pass Application Form

MTB Precautions and Rules

Gondola boarding
  • Please clean your bicycle of mud and dirt before boarding.
  • Please remove the front wheel of your bicycle and place the front fork on the seat.* One bicycle and one person per gondola (except for children accompanied by an adult)
  • Please cooperate and follow the instructions of the staff when getting on and off the gondola.
MTB course
  • The MTB course is open on days when the Annupuri gondola is in operation.
  • This course is for intermediate and advanced riders ONLY. This is not a flow trail. Natural downhill is maintained in consideration of the sustainability of the MTB course at the ski resort.
  • Operation may be suspended in the event of competitions, events, or inclement weather.
  • It is prohibited to enter and ride outside of business hours.
  • Beginners are not permitted unless they are accompanied by an advanced rider.
  • Riding with two persons or piggybacking is prohibited.
  • The course is for downhill only. It is prohibited to climb up the course and working paths in the ski area.
  • MTB helmets must be worn when riding. *Use of full-face MTB helmet and elbow, knee, and neck protectors is strongly recommended. You may not be admitted to the course if it is considered that the clothing you wear is not appropriate for using the MTB course.
  • You must use a well-maintained MTB with properly functioning brakes and other functions.
  • You must be able to control your MTB at all times and be able to avoid collisions with people and obstacles.
  • It is prohibited to intentionally ride off the course or outside the designated course. It is prohibited to ride an MTB on work roads as related vehicles will be driving on the road.
  • The rider in front has priority on the course under all circumstances.
  • It is prohibited to remain in one spot on the course, obstruct other riders, or stop where you are not visible to riders following you.
  • You will not be allowed to board gondolas or use the course if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or illness, and are not in a good physical condition.
  • If you are injured on the course, you must try to move off the course immediately. If you cannot move, please signal to warn others.
  • Please check the signboard and warnings every time you use the course.
Other remarks
  • If a person violates any rules, passes may be confiscated and future use may be denied.

It is required to fill out the Pledge of Use to use the course.

Please download the Pledge of Use from the link below, fill it out, and submit it at the sales counter
(the office on the first floor of the Annupuri gondola station building).
(You can also fill out the form on-site.)

Pledge of Use

Reservations, emergency contact numbers, and inquiries

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area MTB Reception

Tel.0136-58-2080
KENDA ROCKY MOUNTAIN