Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays within seven days. In combination with well-placed weekends, the Golden Week becomes one of Japan's three busiest holiday seasons, besides New Year and the Obon week.
What Holidays make up Golden Week?
April 29 Showa Day (Showa no hi): April 29 is the birthday of former Emperor Showa who died in the year 1989. Until 2006, Greenery Day (see May 4) used to be celebrated on this day.
May 3 Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi): On this day in 1947, the new postwar constitution was put into effect.
May 4 Greenery Day (Midori no hi): Until 2006, Greenery Day used to be celebrated on April 29 -- the birthday of former Emperor Showa. The day is dedicated to the environment mainly because the emperor loved plants and nature. Before being declared Greenery Day, May 4 used to be a national holiday due to a law which declares a day that falls between two national holidays, a national holiday.
May 5 Children's Day (Kodomo no hi): The Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku) is celebrated on this day. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. The Girl's Festival is celebrated on March 3.
If visiting Niseko during Golden Week, you will arrive just as the sakura (cherry blossom) will arrive in Hokkaido! The days are getting longer and as the last of the snow melts away, you will still have a chance to ski during the final days of the season. Dining options are still plentiful in and around Niseko, hence we came up with this list of recommended restaurants at the Odin Place:
The Alpinist (Bookings available from 6pm - 830pm)
On offer is a set menu for 5000 JPY per person which includes:
1. Welcome glass of wine
2. French Onion Soup
3. Cheese Fondue or Raclette
4. Assorted French Crepe
5. Tea and Coffee
Both Musu and Koko will also open up until the 6th of May.
Musu - Open Sunday to Thursday - 8am till 6pm (4pm last order) and Friday & Saturday 8am till 1030pm (9pm last order)
The Niseko Classic is an annual cycling event that features 70km and 140km races, and a 3.4km Time Trial Race. This 2018, the races will be held on July 7 and 8, starting from the Niseko Hirafu Resort, up to the Panorama Line Climb, out to the Japanese sea and back.
This event is being organized by the UCI Gran Fondo, an amateur cycling world tour. Every year, they select 20 different destinations across the globe to host championship qualifying races, and Niseko is one of the two destinations in their Asian tour.
The registration starts on July 6 and the awards ceremony will be on July 8. The race entry application already started December last year and will end on June 10, 2018 or once the maximum number of entries is reached. The entry fee for the 70km race is ¥12,000, for 140km is ¥14,000 , and for the Time Trial race is ¥4000. 1000 participants from all over the world are expected to take part in this exciting event, hence early application is recommended.
Amateur riders of all abilities are welcome to join. If you don't feel like participating in the races, feel free to take part in the 64km Niseko Yotei Circuit Fun Ride that will take place on the weekend. This ride is relatively flat and has plenty of rest breaks at various scenice spots, including the Ikeuchi Niseko Nature Center in Higashiyama, alongside Hirafu.
Whether you want to join the races or be a supporter or spectator, don't forget to book your accommodation and stay at SHIKI Niseko.
For first time visitors to a snow destination like Niseko, the experince can feel somewhat daunting. The where, what and how's can seem endless. Where can I rent the correct gear and what exactly do I need. How do I organise lift tickets and what is the best ticket that suits my needs. This is where our team can assist, our guest services team lead by our Guest Service Manager Hiromi-san can provide advice and make bookings on everything snow related. The late season can be the perfect time for a first visit, with more space on the slopes and shorter line ups on the ski lifts meaning you will have more time for practice. Kiaara and Kaydi Foo from Singapore had their first experince this season which you can read about here
On January 25/26 come and meet with local artist and experince the tradition of Japanese arts and crafts, including live demonstrations in traditional gift making. Located in the lobby from 11:00 am until 7.00pm on both days, this is the season's second event hosted by Shiki Niseko with December's event proving to be a hit with our guests, so if you're lucky enough to be staying during the event period this is one not to be missed.You can also purchase handmade Japanese accessories, organic tea and locally produced rice.
The slopes on the famous ski areas of Niseko are now fully illuminated and night skiing is underway for the 17/18 season
Night skiing is now running on the Niseko slopes, a selection of lifts continue to spin up until 830pm each night. With a large section of the mountain illuminated by floodlights, some of the best ski conditions can be found after the sun has set. As the conditions are often still and the terrain is easier to navigate with the shadows well defined under lights. This is one activity not to be missed during your time at Shiki Niseko.
