Niseko's Nighttime Skiing Shines: Japan's Premier Powder Playground

As of November 17, 2025, Niseko, a ski resort on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, has emerged as a premier destination for night skiing. Despite howling winds and heavy snowfall during the day, the resort comes alive after dark, with floodlights illuminating the entire mountain and creating ideal conditions for carving turns through the famous "Japow" powder.

The article's author recently visited Niseko and was captivated by the resort's nighttime allure. After a day of plowing through fresh snow, the crowds melted away, and the author was able to glide effortlessly down the slopes, even recovering from a fall with ease thanks to the soft, fluffy snow. Niseko's night skiing experience is a rarity, as most ski resorts become frigid and blustery after the sun sets.

Beyond the slopes, Niseko offers a quintessentially Japanese experience in the form of its natural hot springs, or onsens. The author stayed at the Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, and indulged in the serene, mineral-rich waters to rejuvenate after a day on the mountain. The resort's intimate omakase restaurant also impressed, showcasing the region's exceptional seafood.

Niseko's appeal extends beyond its snow and spa offerings, as the resort is undergoing a transformation into a luxury destination. New high-end hotels, including a Park Hyatt and an Aman, are slated to open in the coming years, catering to a diverse international crowd that now makes up around 70% of Niseko's visitors. The author encountered skiers and snowboarders from Australia, Southeast Asia, and the United States, drawn by the resort's inclusion in the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective programs, as well as a favorable exchange rate.