Niseko

Niseko (ニセコ) is a town and ski resort on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan.

Understand
Niseko is an increasingly popular destination for powder hungry skiers and boarders, and nearly alone among Japan's ski resorts is drawing increasing numbers of overseas visitors year-on-year as well. Niseko is highly favored by Australians, and by Asian tourists. The resort boasts four ski areas: Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama) and Annupuri. Most activity is centered on the village of Hirafu, approximately 20 minutes from the main town and administrative centre in the area, Kutchan.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a bilingual guide site.

By plane
The nearest airport to Niseko is Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, which receives flights from all over Japan and from some international destinations.

There are direct international flights from most neighboring countries. If you come from further far away often Nagoya (Chubu) or Seoul are most convenient transfers.

By bus
During winter months, numerous limousine bus services are provided to various ski resorts in Niseko at a cost of ¥1900-2300 each way. In addition, two public bus lines run buses from New Chitose Airport to Hirafu. Both operate on a regular timetable during the ski season, with the Chuo Bus having 5 trips each way daily while Donan Buses have 4 each way.

Times are subject to change from season to season, but each can be contacted by phone (Chuo-Bus +81 11 231 0500, and Donan-Bus +81 123 465701). In the 2017/18 season, the cost of a one-way ticket is ¥2600 and a return is ¥4500 (50% less for children). The trip takes 3½ - 4 hours, depending on the road conditions. This is an excellent way to see the countryside, the snow covered farm lands and the quaint houses.

In the 2011/12 season both bus lines offer a discounted return ticket including a strongly discounted one-day ski pass.

By train
Reaching Niseko from Sapporo by train is a lengthy affair, requiring a transfer of trains at Otaru, and perhaps a long wait as well; local trains between Otaru and Niseko run about every 1.5 hours. But, if it's between December and March, and you decide to leave Sapporo at around 8:00 or 12:30, you can get to Niseko on a direct train. The limited express train, appropriately named the Niseko Ski-Express, makes the run in 2 hours at a cost of ¥4560. Return Ski-Express trains depart from Niseko at 10:00 and 16:00. There is no charge for this train with the Japan Rail Pass.



If you're staying near Hirafu, the best option is to take trains to Kutchan (with a transfer at Otaru; ¥2100), then ride a local bus to Hirafu (about ¥400, 20 minutes).



Get around
In winter (Dec - early Apr) the Niseko United Shuttle runs between the four resorts. The route runs in a line from Annupuri to Hanazono, with multiple stops at each of the four resorts. Operates roughly 08:00-16:40, with extended hours until 19:40 in peak season (mid Dec to mid March). Travel time from one end to the other is about 1 hour, with departures every 40-60 minutes. Free with an All-Mountain Day pass or season pass, 1 point with an All-Mountain Point pass, and charges a fee otherwise.

Skiers and snowboarders can move between areas by ascending to the upper lifts and traversing the mountain. Although a little difficult to follow on the map, there are specific paths for traversing between areas. This sometimes requires a little bit of walking uphill, but the distances are short enough that it's not a problem, and it will be much faster than waiting for the shuttle. However, the upper lifts needed to accomplish this may be closed due to weather, and even when open, the winds at the top of the mountain can be fierce.

Eat
The diversity and quality of Niseko's cuisine scene is part of its appeal as a travel destination. Eating out will definitely be one of the highlights of your visit to Hokkaido. Local specialities include potatoes and seafood. There are also a large number of restaurants that specialize in Italian, Korean, Indonesian, Thai, Nepalese and other ethnic foods. Families on a budget will also be pleased with the variety of outlets offering quality meals at affordable prices.

For smaller restaurants, it's best to reserve in advance (up to 1-2 days before, if you can plan that far ahead). Otherwise, the wait at the door may be 1-2 hours at some places.



Drink
There is an active night life in Niseko, even on weekdays, with plenty of live music, hopping pubs and a good collection bars and small clubs with both resident and visiting DJs and a wide variety of live music most weekends. International acts, like the ever-popular "NoJazz" and the Australian Chamber Orchestra featured in the annual Winter Music Festival add a bit of sophistication to the entertainment offerings and round out the varied night-life scene. While many try to get a good nights' sleep and catch the fresh powder in the morning, for night-owls, party animals and music-lovers there is plenty to do, and a plethora of quirky and fun places to enjoy a drink or three and some great tunes.



Sleep
Niseko has transformed from a sleepy village into one of the hottest ski and outdoor recreation resorts in the world. Significant investment from Australia and SE Asia have seen a dramatic increase in western-style apartments and chalets becoming available. Japanese investment in the region is also on the increase.

The Niseko ski experience is extremely good value when compared to other major ski resorts. Accommodation options range from shared facilities to ultra luxury, fully self-contained chalets and wonderful boutique hotels. There are also 'pensions' or lodges that cater for groups and individuals.



Go next

 * Kutchan
 * Makkari
 * Rankoshi
 * Kuromatsumai
 * Iwanai
 * Kyowa
 * Niki
 * Yoichi
 * Otaru