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.
Get in
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 (CTS IATA) 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.
- 1 Niseko railway station (ニセコ駅, Niseko-eki).
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).
- 2 Kutchan station (倶知安駅, Kutchen-eki).
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.
See
- 1 Mt. Yotei (羊蹄山). This 1,898-m peak is directly opposite Hirafu at Niseko. The peak makes for great views in the winter. In the summer, many people climb it, and it is possible to stay on top of the mountain in the Mountain Hut (山小屋). This mountain is sometimes called Ezo Fuji (蝦夷富士) due to its strong resemblance to Japan's iconic Mt. Fuji, with Ezo being the former official name for the island of Hokkaido.
Do
Winter
- Skiing. Skiers love the deep, reliable powder, tree runs and relative ease to find untracked snow. There are no real steeps here (max slope is approx 35 degrees) but there are lots of great runs, serviced by good quality lifts, most of which are gondolas or covered chairs. Niseko is renowned for its huge amount of powder brought from Siberia by northern weather patterns.
- Snowboarding. Niseko is a snowboarder's snowy-cultural paradise. The area averages 12-16 meters of light snow every season to slide sideways, shred, surf and slash. Niseko United includes the four resorts of Hanazono, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village Higashiyama and Annupuri on one all mountain pass (29 lifts, 3 gondolas) From deep powder runs to your pick of 3 terrain parks, Niseko offers a lot to enjoy.
Summer
- Hiking. In the summer, there are several wonderful day hikes.
- Biking. It's possible to bike around Mount Yotei, by using the surrounding, mostly quiet, roads for a total of 52 kilometers. Bike rental is available from various establishments, including Rhythm Japan, for around ¥4000 per day. Tours are also available.
All seasons
- Onsen. Onsens, Japanese hot springs, are popular places to relax. Some are natural, and some are not.
Buy
- Java Massage. A great place to unwind and relax those well used muscles after a big day on the slopes. Relaxation, remedial, deep tissue or sports massage.
- Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS), 190-34 Aza Yamada, Kutchan cho, Abuta gun, ☏ +81 136 21 5050. 08:00-20:00. English-speaking ski school and rental shop across from the Ace Family lift in the ground floor of Alpen Ridge. Experienced team of international instructors provide adults and children's lessons. Rental equipment includes K2, Aramada, Head and more. On snow accessories for sale including shoe spikes, goggles, helmets and more from Oakley, Dakine and Smith.
- Larry Adler Ski and Outdoor, ☏ +81 136-214050. open December to end of March. Offers free overnight storage and a large range of ski and snowboard hire. Best value in town and right next to the Ace Family lift. Also sell clothing, googles and gloves.
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.
- Niseko Pizza (ニセコピザ), 〒044-0081 北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田１８８−９, ☏ +81 136-21-6888. A pizzeria, pasta, and cafe with a family atmosphere. Sells pizza, salad, and bread baked in a stone-fired pizza oven. Prepared with locally grown ingredients. ¥380-4300.
- A-bu-Cha. A bakery by day and Japanese izakaya by night. Serves sweets, sandwiches, bagels, and baguettes. ¥380-4300.
- Ezo Pub (Inside Hilton Niseko Village). Offers fresh-baked pizza and light meal selections. Happy hour and drink discounts available. Free shuttle bus to and from Hirafu. Live DJ during ski season.
- Onegiri Cafe Komekichi. Offers Komekichi's rice balls, made of freshly milled and steamed rice and filled with Hokkaido ingredients. Also sells fresh-baked breads and soup.
- Rest House Ace Hill. Restaurant with nice views of Mt. Yotei and the top of Mt. Annupuri.
- Bang Bang Cafe. Japanese pub-style cuisine in the heart of Hirafu, with dishes like tofu and yakitori. Specializes in Japanese and local dishes.
- Fuji Sushi. Fresh sushi and sashimi from the nearby Shakotan Peninsula.
- Paradise Hut. A cafe on the slopes of Niseko Annupuri mountain.
- Melt Grill and Bar (in the Hilton Niseko village). A nice selection of local and imported cuts of prime beef, seafood and more. Has nice value lunch deals. ¥1500 lunch buffet.
- EN In-house fine Dining. The chefs cook a fantastic dinner in your holiday home. This food catering company does delivery to all Niseko locations.
- Niseko Gourmet. A catering company which will come to your property, prepare and serve a meal and then clean up.
- Wild Bill's, ☏ +81 136-22-5652. The 2nd floor is a tasty Mexican restaurant with burritos, quesadillas, tequila, and more. On the first floor, there are two bars, one with a pool table, and the other with darts.
- 1 YUMMY'S Restaurant & Bar (ヤミーズ), 〒044-0081 北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田１７０−１７５, ☏ +81 136-21-2239. Handmade pizza, salads, cold beer, and music.
- Yo, 155-416 Aza Yamada (Lowder Hirafr Village), ☏ +81- 136-22-6979. 19:00. Traditional Japanese cuisine with tasty sake and selected wines. Free pick-up and Drop-off service in Hirafu village and Kutchan station ¥3000-4500.
- Kabuki, 170 Aza Yamada (40m down from Seicomart), ☏ +81 136 212233. 17:00-21:30. Kabuki 1 is Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki do-it-yourself style, cook on your own hotplate. Kabuki 2 is full service Teppanyaki were the skilled chefs cook as you like seafood, steak and various Japanese specialties. ¥2000-4000.
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.
- Wild Bill's. A large Western style pub with good music, pool, drinks and darts. An excellent restaurant early, turns into a pumping nightspot later, with live music often and regular DJs on weekends.
- Tamashi Bar. A very popular pub that attracts younger more hip crowds. It has live music, billiards, darts, good drinks and decent Japanese "drunk food" like ramen noodle soup. Twice-weekly, locals swarm the place for the locals' darts comp, but visitors are still welcome to come along and watch the darting fun!
- Blo*Blo. A quirky bar, with crazy Asian-influenced lounge areas reminiscent of an old opium-den. Has good tunes & decent cocktails, and a pole to dance with (or watch while someone else gets their sexy on). The adjacent partner bar, "The Ice Bar", is a fun experience too, just watch out for falling icicles!
- Gyu Bar (aka the fridge). A fantastic little bar only a short stroll downhill from the Seicomart traffic light. Amongst the regular drinks, serves excellent hot cocktails and rare whiskeys, with music provided by spinning vinyls and regular live musicians. Entrance is through a small old-style fridge door.
- Jam Bar. A fun little restaurant/bar with an insanely loud sound system, which regularly hosts all-night DJ parties, often with one ticket getting you entry into Jam and one or two other nearby bars for collaboration parties, and a free drink or two on entry.
- Ezo Seafoods Oyster Bar, 170-165 Aza Yamada Kutchan (next to M Hotel), ☏ +81 136223019. 17:00-22:00. Popular seafood shack well known for its oysters, crab and cooked seafood dishes. from ¥2500.
- Wabi Sabi, 170-5 Aza Yamada, Kutchan Cho (on main road opposite seicomart, between Tamashi Bar and Fuji Zushi Restaurant), ☏ +81 136 21 5115. Best value Japanese in town - classic rice bowl Japanese, family style taste.
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.
- Black Diamond Lodge, ☏ +81 136 44 1144. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. They organise backcountry ski tours. from ¥3,100.
- Milky House, 482-1 Aza-Niseko, ☏ +81 136582200. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 10:00. Established in the 1980s. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. ¥8,000-12,000.
- Niseko Backpacker Aspara Lodge, ☏ +81 136-22-3126. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Dormitory bedrooms, separate men's and women's. Japanese-style rooms with bedding for up to four people. ¥3,300.
- Niseko Freedom Inn (in the Hanazono area), ☏ +81 136-22-3322. A 16-room red-brick boutique hotel. Only hotel within walking distance of the Hanazono ski lift, 200 meters above the Hanazono 308 base lodge, and a 5-minute walk to the Tokyu Golf Course.
- Shizenkan Lodge & Backpacker, ☏ +81-136-234351. Run by a Japanese family, and with both Japanese and native English speaking staff. Hearty breakfasts to start the day and a large lounge area.
- The Chalets at Country Resort, 30-149 Aza Kabayama, ☏ +81 136 555 122. Check-in: 17:00, check-out: 12:00. 30 chalets serviced by a regular shuttle service that runs through the day and into the evening, and a concierge service. Each chalet comes with an equipped western-style kitchen, wireless Internet and cable TV.
- Hurry Slowly, 155-416 Aza Yamada (Lower Hirafu Village), ☏ +81- 136-22-6979. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. 1- and 3-bedroom condominiums. 2-min drive to ski hill and 1-min walk to a bus stop for ski shuttle. Free car service is available for local cruise (first-come first-served basis). from ¥5333/pp.
- Australia House, 170-40, Aza Yamada Kutchan cho (7 km from Kutchan train stn - opposite seicomart in the center of town), ☏ +81 136 21 2222. Check-in: after 11:00, check-out: any time. The original and longest-held lodge owned by expat from Australia Scott Walker, since 1997. Fine colonial-style building. In winter has a cafe with fine Japanese food with good Australian wine, deserts and coffee. It has beautiful polished flooring and fine style. ¥4,000 - 9,500.
- 1 Hilton Niseko Village, Higashiyama Onsen (on the southern slopes of Niseko Annupuri Mountain), ☏ +81-136-441111, reservation.niseko@hilton.com.
- 2 Chatrium Niseko Japan (チャトリウム ニセコ ジャパン), Shiki Niseko, 190-4 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuda-gun, ☏ +81-136-21-4191, info.cnsj@chatrium.com. Check-in: 1500 hrs or 3 pm, check-out: 1200 hrs or noon. 78-room hotel with one restaurant. ¥35,000.
Go next
| Routes through Niseko |
| Sapporo ← Kutchan ← | N  S |
→ Oshamambe → Hakodate |