You are visitor number 014077 .　 Overview of Niseko　｜　Four seasons in Niseko　｜　Attractions of Niseko　｜　Access to Niseko　｜　Links 　Overview of Niseko Location and Climate 　Niseko is located in western Hokkaido, an island in northern Japan, surrounded by Mts. Yotei, Niseko-Annupuri and other mountains. Mt. Yotei and Cherry Trees 　The average annual temperature is as low as 6.3℃. In winter, the northwest monsoon brings moisture from the sea, causing a lot of snowfalls upon hitting the mountains. This is a heavy snowfall area; the deepest snow accumulation of the year is two meters. 　The melted snow flows into the Shiribetsu and other rivers running through the town. Bird’s eye view of Niseko ▲To the top of the page Population 　Niseko, a small town with a population of 4,685 (as of February 28, 2011), welcomes as many as 1.5 million tourists annually. Origin of the town’s name 　Niseko means “vertical cliff” in the language of Hokkaido’s indigenous people, the Ainu. ▲To the top of the page Industry 　The mainstay industries of Niseko are agriculture and tourism. 　The primary agricultural products include potatoes, rice, melons, asparaguses, tomatoes and lily bulbs, of which potatoes and asparaguses are especially famous for their deliciousness. 　To develop as a leading agricultural production area that meets the expectations of customers, we have introduced environmentally-friendly agricultural production with limited use of chemicals. Also, by turning garbage into compost and through other measures, we endeavor to promote recycling-oriented agriculture and enrich the soil key to agriculture. Ski slopes filled with the sound of people enjoying themselves 　Niseko and its neighboring area, the area designated as a national park, comprise a year-round tourist resort with beautiful natural settings that change their appearances by season. 　It is also possible to make a sightseeing trip from Niseko to the neighboring towns of Kutchan and Rusutsu, both known as ski resorts like Niseko, and to Otaru, which is famous for canals and sushi. Beautiful potato flowers of a light purple color ▲To the top of the page Culture 　Takeo Arishima (1878 ? 1923) is one of the writers with connections with Niseko. 　Arishima, upon inheriting his father’s farmland in Niseko, allowed his tenant farmers to co-own their share of land without charge. 　In honor of his charitable spirit, the Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum was built on the former site of the Arishima’s farm. Takeo Arishima Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum ▲To the top of the page Landscape conservation  Niseko’s magnificent landscape and clear-blue sky never fail to fascinate visitors.   We have implemented regulatory measures against reckless development to protect these splendid views for years to come. Yellow blossoms, blue sky and Mt. Yotei ▲To the top of the page Information disclosure and community development with the participation of local residents 　Based on the Machizukuri Basic Ordinance (Community Building Ordinance), Niseko promotes information disclosure to local residents to encourage their voluntary participation in community development by sharing administrative information and involving them in the discussion concerning Niseko’s challenges and future prospects. 　 　Machizukuri Basic Ordinance Community development in an environmentally-friendly manner 　Based on the Basic Plan for Environmental Conservation, Niseko promotes the conservation of water cycles and natural assets to realize a good balance between environmental protection and economic development. 　We also promote garbage separation and recycling programs and improve waste treatment plants to ensure community development in an environmentally-friendly manner. ▲To the top of the page Kira Street 　When it was decided to improve the town’s Hondori district, the local residents organized a council to set criteria for local landscape conservation so that an orderly streetscape befitting Niseko would be produced through the improvement project. Kira Street is the outcome of that effort. Kira Street Two stations JR Niseko Station 　The town has JR Niseko Station, a train station, and Road Station Niseko View Plaza, a rest facility for people traveling by car. 　Both stations have a tourist information counter. Niseko View Plaza’s farm stand selling local products is always lively with many customers. Road Station Niseko View Plaza ▲To the top of the page Life in Niseko 　An increasing number of people have moved to Niseko from elsewhere in Japan and abroad to live in unspoiled natural settings. 　Why don’t you experience firsthand the attraction of Niseko not only through short trips but also by staying for an extended period or relocating here? ▲To the top of the page 　Overview of Niseko 　Four seasons in Niseko 　Attractions of Niseko 　Access to Niseko 　Links Copyrights (C) NISEKO Town all rights reserved.