Lunar New Year in Niseko 2027: What the Week Looks Like From Behind the Counter

Short answer first. During the Lunar New Year week, Niseko becomes a different town. From behind a restaurant counter, where I used to work, the phone never stops and we turn down dozens of bookings a day. By evening the supermarket shelves for meat and sashimi are empty, and the roads jam with rental cars. Lunar New Year 2027 falls on 6 February. If you're coming around then, the trick is to book everything early and shift your timing a little.

• Restaurants: the phone doesn't stop. Last-minute bookings are nearly impossible
• Supermarkets: meat and sashimi sell out by evening
• Roads: jammed with rental cars
• Around town: you hear Chinese everywhere
• Locals: shop in the morning and don't eat out that week
• What to do: book accommodation, restaurants and ski school early. Shop in the morning, eat dinner early

Lunar New Year week, from behind the counter

I worked on the restaurant side, and that week feels like a different town. The phone rings nonstop, and we turn down dozens of bookings a day. However many tables we set, it's never enough.

Out in town, you hear Chinese everywhere. Because I speak Chinese, people stop me outside the restaurant to ask for directions or help interpreting.

Supermarkets and roads

By evening, the meat and sashimi shelves at the supermarket are empty. The roads fill with rental cars. A drive that normally takes five minutes can take over 30.

Locals do their shopping in the morning and don't eat out that week.

If you're going to Niseko over Lunar New Year

• Book accommodation, restaurants and ski school early. Book restaurants and lessons the same day you book your stay
• Shop in the morning. If you're cooking, go early, not in the evening
• Eat early. No booking? Walk in during the 5pm hour
• Allow extra time. With a dinner booking, leave an hour early
• Drive carefully. The roads are busier and accidents are more likely

A local tip: if you're coming in Lunar New Year week, arrive with everything already booked. With bookings in hand, the lively, festival-like atmosphere is actually a lot of fun.

If you'd rather avoid the crowds

If your dates are flexible, skipping Lunar New Year and New Year is the best move. It still snows in late February and March, and it's quieter (The Best Time to Visit Niseko).

FAQ

When is Lunar New Year 2027?

Lunar New Year 2027 is on 6 February. The weeks around it are very busy in Niseko.

Can I book restaurants in Niseko over Lunar New Year?

Last-minute bookings are almost impossible. Book restaurants when you book your accommodation.

What gets busy during Lunar New Year week?

Almost everything: restaurants, supermarkets, roads, lifts and ski schools.

Is Chinese spoken in Niseko?

Some places have Chinese-speaking staff. English works in more situations.

— Niseko Hub Editorial Team