Summer in Hokkaido

Rental Cars
To truly explore the magic of Hokkaido in summer, a rental car is highly recommended. Take note that a valid International Drivers Licence (IDP) is required to book a rental car and drive in Japan.

With prices starting from JPY6,000 (USD$40) per day it’s perfect for chasing lavender fields, mountain trails, and hidden food gems at your own pace. As an added delight, you can enjoy the countryside drive, without the hassle of navigating city traffic.
 

Buses
While airport buses run mostly in the winter, the Niseko Bus service does provide summer routes between Kutchan and Niseko’s various resort areas; ideal if you prefer a more budget friendly way to get around.

In Rusutsu, a paid shuttle bus runs between New Chitose Airport and Rusutsu Resort at limited timings, exclusively for resort guests; do note that advance online reservations are required.
 

Private Transfers
Sit back and relax with a myriad of private transfer options to help you get around Hokkaido without the need to worry about obtaining an International Drivers Licence, or driving on foreign roads.

They are the more premium option from JPY100,000 (USD$680) for round trip transfers from New Chitose International Airport, but are well worth the money if comfort and convenience are your priority.
 

Taxis
These are a great option to quickly zip around on smaller trips, whether you’re off to grab a quick bite, or to visit the popular lavender fields in Furano. On average, a 10-minute journey will cost approximately JPY 3,000 (equivalent to USD 20).

It’s recommended that these are booked in advance. If you need any help with transport arrangements, just let our friendly staff know.

Exploring Hokkaido by car is refreshingly easy, especially for travellers accustomed to driving on the left. Japan’s roads are well-maintained, and local drivers are famously courteous, making the journey as pleasant as the destination. 

Foreign visitors can drive in Japan with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 12 months. For the latest guidelines on obtaining one, we recommend checking with your local automobile association before your trip.

Hokkaido enjoys a gentle summer from June through August. Humidity is moderate, rain is occasional especially in June and late summer, and temperatures often drop notably after sunset. It’s a stark contrast to what’s felt in Honshu (mainland Japan) and many other tourist hotspots in Asia.

• June: Typically 20-24 °C during the day, 10-19°C at night; pleasantly mild, somewhat wetter but far less humid than mainland Japan
• July: Warms to 26-30°C in the day, although nights remain cool at 16-19°C
• August: 27–31 °C in the day, typically the warmest part of summer; evenings continue to cool off and range from 12-18°C
• September: Summer weather continues until mid-September, with an average high of 20°C (68°F), average low of 11°C (51.8°F)
   

Layered clothing is ideal: breathable daywear paired with a light jacket for cooler moments. Rain gear (an umbrella or poncho), sun protection and insect repellant will keep you comfortable on your adventures through flower fields, mountains, lakes and coastlines.

Furano
A short 5-10 minute drive from Fenix West and Fenix Furano will take you to the local Japanese eateries and necessities one would expect from a larger town.

Robata, Furanoya, and Furano Marche are among the top recommendations for those looking for the authentic Hokkaido cuisine experience whilst McDonald’s is just a few minutes down the road for those that would like fast food options.

As dining establishments are privately-owned, operating hours may vary; it is best to contact the restaurant for more information. The friendly front desk team is happy to share dining recommendations and assist with making restaurant reservations.
 

Rusutsu
The Vale Rusutsu is part of Rusutsu Resort, which is home to a variety of cafés and restaurants serving a mix of Japanese and Western cuisines—all easily accessed via the interconnecting walkway.

You can also find a selection of independently-owned restaurants nearby along the famous Rodeo Drive; reach out to our friend in-house team to assist you with restaurant recommendations and enquiring about their operating hours.
 

Niseko
Many of Niseko’s most iconic restaurants take a well-earned break during the off-season, but a delicious handful do stay open. A number of local delights operate all year round; crowd favourites Elements and Ristorante Pizzeria R Niseko being must-visits and mere minutes from many of our properties within the area.

For those that appreciate a slower start to your day, check-out Green Farm Café. Early risers and hiking lovers should reward themselves with a fan favourite soft serve ice cream from Milk Kobo, just a short 15-minute drive from Hirafu. The popular Hokkaido-style soup curries at Tsubara Tsubara is another top lunch option in the summer. 

For a curated guide to where to dine and sip in style during summer, check out our restaurant guide as well as Niseko Wine and Dine, your go-to for all things gourmet.

Aside from the obvious winter season, the best time to visit Hokkaido in summer is from late June to early September. This is when the island offers its most comfortable weather; cooler than the rest of Japan and is largely free from the oppressive humidity of Honshu (mainland Japan).

July brings fields of vibrant lavender in Furano and Biei, while August offers the height of local summer festivals and ideal hiking conditions in Daisetsuzan. If you want peak flower season and festival culture with minimal rain, mid to late July is the golden window.

Absolutely! When the snow melts, Niseko’s mountains turn into a verdant playground. The same gondolas that ferry skiers in winter now take hikers, bikers, and zipliners up to breathtaking viewpoints.

Cruise around lush golf courses by cart, soaking in views of Mount Yotei, Annupuri, and Hokkaido’s enchanting birch forests. It’s a perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon or a photography-filled adventure.

Dive into summer with a serene afternoon tea session by the lake, or embark on an adventurous mix of rafting, canyoning and fishing.

Furano
Furano’s must-sees include the famous lavender fields at Farm Tomita, best viewed in July, and the whimsical forest cottages of Ningle Terrace.

The Furano Cheese Factory offers a taste of local flavor, while Furano Winery serves up scenic views with your glass. Goro’s Stone House adds a cultural touch, and the Panorama Road weaves through rolling, flower-filled countryside that captures the essence of Hokkaido summer.
 

Rusutsu
Whilst best known for its ski slopes in winter, Rusutsu transforms into a lush alpine playground in summer.

The amusement park is a quirky, retro delight with roller coasters, a carousel imported from New York, and sweeping mountain views. For nature lovers, Mount Yotei offers rewarding hikes and panoramic vistas, while nearby Lake Tōya is perfect for a scenic detour.

For those who enjoy strolling around lush fairways, golfers will find championship courses tucked into forested hills, and summer festivals bring a festive energy to the evenings. Rusutsu blends nature, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy.
 

Niseko
In summer, Niseko trades its ski fame for alpine charm. Mount Annupuri offers hiking trails with sweeping views, while the Shiribetsu River invites you to raft, kayak, or fly-fish in crystal-clear water. Niseko Village and Hirafu are hubs of boutique cafés, onsen, and local art. Milk Kobo is a sweet stop for farm-fresh dairy treats with a view of Mount Yotei, often called the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido.”

For a slower pace, explore the quiet trails of Hangetsu Lake or soak in a rotenburo (outdoor hot spring) under open skies. It’s nature, culture, and comfort, seamlessly wrapped.

For returning guests or those already captivated by the charm of Hokkaido, we’re delighted to present an enticing opportunity to linger a little longer. This summer, enjoy exclusive long-stay discounts for 30, 60, and 90-day bookings in both Niseko and Rusutsu. 

Whether you're a family seeking an extended mountain retreat or a digital nomad in pursuit of serene surroundings, our curated long-stay options offer the ideal blend of comfort, space and sophistication.

Rates begin from JPY 306,000 for a 1-Bedroom apartment at Terrazze, or JPY1,823,000 (USD12,390,000) for the privacy of your own 5-Bedroom Chalet at Jade Rabbit.

To learn more or to secure your reservation, please contact our Reservations Team at 📧 [email protected].