Nature abounds in Niseko and its surrounding areas. And with an abundance of natural amenities come a number of outdoor activities: rock climbing, white water river rafting, river and sea kayaking and trekking. Activities such as these require equipment, planning and a little guidance from those in the know.
Located in Hirafu’s East Village, in an area known as Izumikyo, is the Niseko Adventure Centre (NAC). The centre offers the public a huge array of outdoor guided adventure activities, as well as a shop that sells gear to ensure you’re outfitted properly.
While the focus may be on all the outdoor activities, NAC does have an indoor trick up its sleeve. On the advice of my guesthouse, The Red Ski House, I recently paid a visit to a popular attraction that is available no matter what the weather is like outside: An indoor rock-climbing wall.
Thankfully, the staff at the centre really knows what they are doing and provides assistance with equipment and guidance when it comes to technique. Additionally, assistance can be provided in both Japanese and English.
The wall is not for the faint of heart but it’s also not just for the adults. While the grown-ups can have their way with the adult wall that stands at ten meters high, kids also have an opportunity to learn to climb on the smaller three meter wall, complete with soft mattresses that line the floors beneath the wall.
The prospect of a ten meter high wall might be enough for the daredevil in you. But, if you are an adrenaline junky and need something a little more daunting, then perhaps NAC’s Sapporo location may be something worth checking out. I was all too happy to stay at the ten meter wall in Niseko but as the very helpful staff member, Maiko, told me, “The Sapporo wall is the biggest in Japan, 1200 square meters, its massive!”
Regardless of size, the challenge is in the climb. If you are looking for adventure and the weather isn’t cooperating or if you just want to try something new and fun, the Niseko Adventure Centre climbing wall is an activity that people of all ages can try.
