Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area Conservation Zones encompass protected lands around the Annupuri mountain, part of the larger Niseko United ski region on Hokkaido’s western coast. These zones are established to balance recreational use with conservation of the region’s unique volcanic landscapes, dense conifer forests, and native flora and fauna. Spanning a mountainous terrain shaped by volcanic activity, the conservation zones include alpine meadows, forested slopes dominated by Sakhalin fir and Jezo spruce, and important wildlife habitats, including those for the Hokkaido brown bear and Ezo red fox. Historically, Niseko’s snowy winters and abundant powder have attracted skiers since the 1960s, and in recent decades the area has grown into an internationally recognized destination for winter sports, as well as summer hiking and nature observation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the fragile ecosystems from infrastructure overdevelopment, soil erosion, and the pressures of heavy visitor use. The zones also help maintain clean water sources flowing into nearby rivers and support cultural connections with Ainu heritage. Visitors to Niseko Annupuri Conservation Zones can enjoy an array of outdoor activities including skiing on some of the world’s most famous powder snow, guided snowshoe tours, summer hiking through alpine ridges, and wildlife viewing. The area's volcanic landscapes offer unique geological features such as fumaroles and hot springs. Niseko's balance of natural beauty and high-quality recreational infrastructure makes these conservation zones a vital area for sustainable outdoor tourism and environmental stewardship in Japan.
