Tokyu Land Corporation (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President & Representative Director: Tatsuaki Tanaka) and Tokyu Resorts & Stay Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President & Representative Director: Ken'ichi Yamawaki) have announced the start of the 2026 summer season at their jointly operated all-season nature resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu, opening Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Among the highlights this summer is the Ace Gondola, running for its first-ever summer season with panoramic views of Mt. Yotei, and NEST813, a scenic dining facility that debuted last winter and will welcome its first summer. New activities including pickleball, rafting, and river SUP have also been added, further enriching the resort's lineup. Niseko Grand Hirafu aims to be a natural theme park where guests can enjoy a full day of activities.
Ace Gondola Makes Its Summer Debut
This summer, the Ace Gondola will operate as a summer gondola for the first time. The state-of-the-art gondola features 360-degree glass panels and wide windows, providing a quiet and smooth ride. During the approximately 10-minute aerial journey, guests can enjoy not only the scenery but also the sounds of nature. Views of Mt. Yotei and the surrounding townscape — quite different from winter — are one of the highlights of the experience. A limited number of gondola cabins with glass floors will also be in operation during summer.
- Operating period: July 4 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in September
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last ascent 3:30 PM)
- Fares: Adults ¥2,000 / Elementary school students ¥1,200 / Preschool children & pets free (round trip)
NEST813 — Scenic Dining at 813 Meters Above Sea Level
Last winter, the scenic dining restaurant NEST813 opened on the second floor of the mountaintop gondola station at an elevation of 813 meters. Surrounded by large glass windows, the interior offers panoramic views of the majestic Mt. Yotei as it appears and disappears through the clouds. The adjacent terrace, YOTEI SKY TERRACE, lets guests enjoy the mountain scenery up close while feeling a refreshing breeze. The restaurant serves refined cuisine using local seasonal ingredients in a spacious, open atmosphere.
In addition, YOTEI SKY FIELD has been newly established outside the gondola mountaintop station. The lawn area is furnished with sofas and other seating for relaxed lounging, offering a different, more laid-back atmosphere from the terrace for taking in views of Mt. Yotei.
- Operating period (NEST813): July 4 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in September
- Operating hours: Café 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last order 3:30 PM) / Lunch 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
ALPEN NODE Becomes the Summer Activity Hub
ALPEN NODE, which opened last year, will serve as the activities registration base for Niseko Grand Hirafu this summer, becoming the central gateway for visitors. A new pickleball court is being added to the mountain base plaza in front of ALPEN NODE. Roughly half the size of a tennis court and played with a soft plastic ball, pickleball is easy to enjoy regardless of age or experience.
Beyond the courts, benches and open plaza spaces are being developed to create a gathering spot for families, groups, and solo visitors alike, bringing new energy to Niseko Grand Hirafu.
Pickleball
- Operating period: July 4 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in September
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last admission 3:00 PM)
ALPEN NODE
- Operating period: July 4 (Sat) – November 3 (Tue/Holiday), 2026
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Expanded Water Activities in Partnership with NAC
Tokyu Land Corporation and Tokyu Resorts & Stay have deepened their partnership with NAC (Niseko Adventure Centre), which has been providing water activities including rafting in the Niseko area since last year. Starting this summer season, the resort's activity offerings expand from the mountain to the river. The introduction of water activities like rafting broadens the range of experiences available during a stay.
Programs are guided for safe enjoyment and cater to a wide range of needs — families, groups, and active solo travelers. Plans include full-day and half-day itineraries combining mountain and river activities, offering diverse ways to enjoy the rich natural environment of Niseko from the water.
Various Events Throughout the Summer Season
Niseko Grand Hirafu has eight events planned during the summer operating period. These include HIRAFU OPENING FESTA, where guests can experience summer activities at special prices; NISEKO JAZZ FESTIVAL, held at the scenic mountaintop restaurant; and NISEKO SAKE & FOOD FES, celebrating the food and drink of the Niseko region. In addition to activities, the lineup features uniquely Niseko scenery and food experiences.
About Niseko Grand Hirafu
Niseko Grand Hirafu is an all-season nature resort blessed with abundant snowfall and the fine powder snow Niseko is famous for, while also offering Hokkaido's summer nature, scenery, and activities. In summer, amphibious activities expand the range of outdoor fun. Additionally, the mountaintop scenic restaurant NEST813 and POWDERHOOD RESTAURANT & TAPROOM, where local flavors can be enjoyed, round out the experience beyond physical activities. It's a place where guests can savor the full breadth of Hokkaido's nature in their own way.
- Address: 4-5-18 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080
- Access by car: Approximately 2 hours from Sapporo via National Route 230; approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport via National Route 276
- Access by rail: Sapporo Station to Kutchan Station (via Otaru), then approximately 20 minutes by taxi or bus from Kutchan Station
- Official website: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nisekograndhirafu/
