Niseko Izumikyo

2024年10月01日

Halloween Pumpkins in Niseko

Autumn is in its full swing!

Autumn in Niseko offers many things to enjoy such as autumn foliage, hiking, biking, hot springs, and gourmet food, but the best part is the “Halloween pumpkins” that fill the Niseko area to the delight of all who come to visit.

Although the harvest of pumpkins grown in Niseko is low this year due to the long summer rains, there are plenty of gigantic pumpkins with a strong presence on display everywhere.

One of the most representative spots is JR Niseko Station and the Kitanoyu day spa across the street. With the retro atmosphere of the station in the background, visitors can enjoy photo time with the pumpkins📸.

The upcoming “Niseko Halloween” will be held on October 13 2024, and the area in front of Niseko Station will be crowded with people in costumes👻.

https://www.niseko-ta.jp/news/article/niseko-halloween-2024-event/

Also, many pumpkins will be on display at the “Pumpkin Mama's Shop,” an unmanned sales stand in the Satomi district of Niseko Town. This store is owned by a farmer who grows Halloween pumpkins in Niseko Town. Located along Route 5, it is a good place to stop by on a drive.

Halloween pumpkins are also on display in front of the Izumikyo Management Center! Decorations are planned for the future, so sit on a bench and enjoy your photo time!

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posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 15:59| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Things in Izumikyo |

2024年08月19日

Upcoming event in September 2024

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding a fall event in Izumikyo !

The name of the event is “Izumikyo Thanksgiving Community Day”.

The dates are Saturday 14th and Sunday, September 15, 2024, starting from 10:30am.

There will be food trucks and stalls, sundry goods, workshop experiences, music, dance, and magic performance stages, children's fishing experience, and many other fun things to do during the two days.

This is a scene from last November's community exchange event. This year's event will be upgraded even further!

The dog run, which opened this season in Izumikyo, will be open free of charge, so dogs are welcome.
(*We ask that you keep your dogs on a leash at the event site.

There will be games and raffles for gorgeous prizes on both the 14th and 15th, and a mochi-maki (rice cake throwing) event as the finale on the 15th.

Save the date on Sep 14 and 15 for our event!

Come enjoy eating, drinking, watching, and experiencing Niseko in autumn!

For more information, please check out the Izumikyo Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/niseko_izumikyo/

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 12:20| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Things in Izumikyo |

2024年06月01日

We are planting Ezo Sakura trees in the area

We planted trees in the area at the back of the parking lot at the Izumikyo Management Center.

For this planting, we got help from the professional gardeners at "Creative Leaf" and planted a total of 12 Ezo Yama-Sakura trees.

Instagram

@creativeleafniseko

First, they dig a hole with a shovel, place the sapling in it, cover the roots with nutrient-rich soil, and secure it with stakes. In Niseko, heavy snowfall and strong winds from the mountains can cause trees to fall, so we'll keep the trees well-supported with stakes for a few years.

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Depending on their size and type, trees are planted with their roots wrapped in burlap and hemp string. This protects the roots while they are planted in the soil, and after a few months, the burlap and string will decompose, allowing the roots to grow through the fabric.

It's said that cherry trees take 3-4 years to bloom after planting. We are looking forward to the time when the cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a beautiful spot to view Mt. Yotei through the cherry blossom-lined path.

We are also planning activities for everyone to enjoy in the area where we planted the cherry trees, so stay tuned!

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 08:53| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Things in Izumikyo |

2024年05月22日

Spring Foliage in Niseko

A few days after the end of Golden Week, it rained in Niseko, seemingly washing away the white birch pollen with the blessed rain. Then, as the clouds cleared, Mt. Yotei finally revealed itself.

As Hokkaido and Niseko prepare for the dazzling greenery to come, looking across the mountains, one might be deceived into thinking they are seeing the autumn foliage. The leaves on the trees have turned brown and yellow, creating an illusion of autumn scenery before summer! This phenomenon, known as "spring foliage," is a seasonal landscape unique to this time of year.

For those unfamiliar with spring foliage, it might seem puzzling to see leaves changing color when it's not autumn. The mechanism behind foliage color change involves chlorophyll reduction, which reveals other colors in the leaves.

In autumn, the chlorophyll decreases rapidly due to the sudden drop in temperature before the leaves fall. In contrast, spring foliage occurs when new buds show other colors before accumulating chlorophyll.

This spring foliage can be observed across Hokkaido and is a characteristic of broad-leaved trees.

For instance, the young leaves of the Itaya maple and Japanese white birch turn yellow-green, the Katsura tree leaves turn brown, and the Japanese maple leaves turn a wine-red. This coloration is due to anthocyanins protecting the new leaves from ultraviolet rays.

Both in spring and autumn, foliage color changes, but the colors of spring foliage are gentler, with yellows and browns being predominant, unlike the vivid hues of autumn.

This fleeting northern spring landscape can be seen for a brief period of 1-2 weeks until the leaves accumulate chlorophyll. Along with the cherry blossoms, the spring foliage quickly comes to an end.

However, being able to feel so closely the power of nature and the changing seasons is something unique to Niseko.

(Nashi)

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 12:30| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Niseko Weather |

Litter clean up in Niseko

As the snow melted, a volunteer litter cleanup event was held.

Izumikyo, along with five of its members and one additional helper, participated in the cleanup organized by businesses around the Niseko area.

This is the season when the litter that had been buried in the snow surfaces, and the local community comes together to keep Niseko clean.

For the visitors who come to see the beautiful nature of Niseko, we are also planning and preparing for summer activities!

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 08:30| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Niseko event |

2024年05月02日

Golden Week holiday. Spring flowers are blooming in Niseko Izumikyo.

It's Golden Week holiday. The cherry blossoms next to the cottage "Terra'' are in full bloom, making it a very pleasant sunny afternoon.

Passing by the cottage "Terra" where cherry blossoms bloom, there is a hidden spot with a pond in a park. Glacier lilies (Japanese name: Katakuri) are blooming here.

Katakuri takes at least seven years from seed to flower.

In the first year, the above-ground part dies after only producing buds, and in the second to sixth years, it produces only one leaf in the spring and dies. In the seventh year, it finally puts out two leaves and blooms. The pale reddish-purple flowers bloom beautifully as if they have been waiting for spring, letting you know that spring is coming.

Niseko has such a precious natural environment. In spring, you can see this kind of flower scenery in the Izumikyo area.

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 15:50| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Things in Izumikyo |

2024年04月30日

[2024 Summer] BBQ at a Niseko Cottage

Without Any Prep With the pleasant weather during Golden Week, many people may be itching to have a BBQ outdoors. At Niseko Izumikyo Rental Cottages, you can enjoy BBQ at all cottages. The BBQ season at Izumikyo runs from May to October.

Enjoy a stay at a cottage surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Niseko Highlands, where you can have private time to yourself. After check-in, you can relax without worrying about your surroundings and enjoy a private BBQ. But you might be thinking,

"But I'm a BBQ beginner, and I don't know what to prepare."

"Gathering BBQ gear and bringing it on a trip is a hassle."

"It's a pain to gather all the stuff on-site; I just want to enjoy a BBQ without having to prepare anything."

For those of you who feel this way, Izumikyo Rental Cottages offers a plan where you can enjoy a BBQ without any prep. Whether you're traveling with small children, friends, couples, or for a company gathering, you can use a plan with rental options and meal plans tailored to your style. With these plans, you can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable time in Niseko without any worries.

1. BBQ Equipment Rental

For those who want to bring their own food but rent the equipment on-site:

BBQ Grill Set 4,200 yen (including tax)

The set includes a charcoal BBQ grill, 3kg of charcoal, kindling, a lighter, tongs, a fan, work gloves, and a tong.

(*The staff sets up the equipment, but you must start the fire yourself.)

The grill measures 60cm x 30cm x 70cm (with possible variations), suitable for 4-6 people.

A guide for starting a fire is provided, making it safe for those who are not used to fire-starting.

Other equipment for enjoying outdoor time is also available.

Tarp Tent 3,000 yen (including tax)

For shade or light rain protection. The staff sets it up and takes it down for you.

Floodlight 400 yen (including tax)

A must-have item for BBQs during dark hours.

Outdoor Table 400 yen (including tax)

Convenient for placing food or drinks.

*Some cottages have terraces where you can have BBQ with chairs, tables, and lighting. Contact Izumikyo for details about the facilities in each cottage.

2. BBQ Food Sets

Want to order BBQ equipment and food together? We've got you covered with BBQ food sets! We offer BBQ sets that include meat, grilled vegetables, and rice balls, as well as a beer server, to make your cottage BBQ time enjoyable.

*Photos are 2 sets

*Each set can be ordered more than 2 sets.

Premium BBQ Set 5,250 yen per person (including tax)

Grilled Meat BBQ Set 3,580 yen per person (including tax)

Genghis Khan Set 3,580 yen per person (including tax)

Seafood BBQ Set 4,000 yen per person (including tax)

Beer Server 10 liters 9,800 yen (including tax)

There's plenty to do in Niseko during this season, including activities, hot springs, and gourmet dining. Staying in a private cottage and enjoying a BBQ under the clear blue sky is actually a popular way to spend the summer in Niseko.

Whether you're new to BBQ, just feeling like having a BBQ, or a seasoned outdoor expert with pro-level fire-starting skills, come to Izumikyo to enjoy BBQ.

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 14:04| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Things in Izumikyo |

2024年04月23日

The First Flower to Bloom in Spring: The Crocus

As the snow melts and the first flower to bloom in the Izumikyo area is the crocus.

The crocus, a bulbous plant known for its ability to withstand the cold, is a quintessential flower that heralds the arrival of spring. Interestingly, it belongs to the same family as the spice "saffron," used for food coloring. While the crocus blooms in spring, saffron blooms in autumn.

Every year, in this season, these charming flowers, in shades of purple, yellow, and white, bloom in the same spots.

I've heard that the crocuses that bloom near the parking lot of Second Izumikyo were planted nearly 20 years ago by a staff member who worked in the area and loved flowers.

Despite their small size, they have a strong presence and continue to bloom energetically, announcing the late arrival of spring in Niseko.

For us staff, these crocuses signal the end of the long winter and the start of the lively green season. The crocuses blooming beside the lingering snow and Mount Yotei, partially covered with snow, create a scenic view that can only be enjoyed for a short period from April to May during the snowmelt. If you visit Izumikyo, one of the attractions is the encounter with the resilient flora and fauna that change with the seasons.

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 12:24| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Things in Izumikyo |

2024年04月19日

Spring Birch Sap in Niseko

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The white birch trees ”Shirakaba”, commonly seen in Niseko, are properly called "shirakanba".

These trees prefer cold climates and are commonly found in Hokkaido, but in Honshu island, they are only seen in mountainous regions. The season for collecting sap from these birch trees has arrived! It can be experience only about a month in a year.

Before the snow melts and new buds start to sprout is the time when sap can be collected. The collected sap can be consumed as nutrient-rich water, or enjoyed in various ways such as mixing it with shochu or using it in birch sap shabu-shabu hot pod. It truly evokes the arrival of spring in Niseko.

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When drill a hole in the tree, the sap flows out like water, sometimes filling up a one-liter bottle only in overnight. The fact that some trees yield more sap than others adds to the natural intrigue. Enjoying spring skiing while experiencing this local tradition is what spring is all about for the locals.

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posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 15:56| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Niseko diary |

2021年05月02日

Koi Nobori in Makkari Village

It is Golden Week!

So many Koi-Nobori in Makkari Village (just next to Kutchan town and Niseko town).

"Koi-Nobori", carp streamers.

The number is about 80!

(source: Makkari Village HP: Makkari no Kaze no Tayori)

Mr. Youtei, Makkari River and Koi-Noboi.

I feel very comfortable with this view.

posted by Niseko Izumikyo at 20:03| 北海道 ☔| Comment(0) | Niseko event |

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