Niseko

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 more recently, Asian tourists. The resort boasts four ski areas: Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama) and Annupuri. Most activity is centered around the village of Hirafu, approximately 20 minutes from the main town and administrative centre in the area, Kutchan.

By plane

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

Skybus is a convenient door to door private airport transfer servicing all hotels in Niseko, operating 365 days a year. Bookings are essential. More information at Skybus
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) 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 2006/7 season, the cost of a one-way ticket is ¥2300 and a return is ¥3850. The trip takes about 3.5 - 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 tricky affair, requiring a transfer of trains at Otaru, and perhaps a long wait as well; there are only six daily local trains between Otaru and Niseko. 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.

• Mt. YoteiThis 1,898m 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 it's strong resemblance to Japan's iconic Mt. Fuji, with Ezo being the former official name for the island of Hokkaido.

Winter

• SkiingSkiers 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.

• SnowboardingNiseko 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

• HikingIn the summer, there are several wonderful day hikes.

• BikingIt'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 yen per day. Tours are also available.

All Seasons

• OnsenOnsens, Japanese hot springs, are popular places to relax. Some are natural, and some are not.

• Java MassageA 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)

  address: 190-34 Aza Yamada, Kutchan cho, Abuta gun
  English-speaking ski school and rental shop. Located directly 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 OutdoorOffers 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 Clothings, googles and gloves for your ski holiday.

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.

• Niseko Pizza

  address: 〒044-0081 北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田１８８−９
  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.

• A-bu-ChaA bakery by day and Japanese izakaya by night. Serves sweets, sandwiches, bagels, and baguettes.

• Ezo PubOffers 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 KomekichiOffers 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 HillRestaurant with nice views of Mt. Yotei and the top of Mt. Annupuri.

• Bang Bang CafeJapanese pub-style cuisine in the heart of Hirafu, with dishes like tofu and yakitori. Specializes in Japanese and local dishes.

• Fuji SushiFresh sushi and sashimi from the nearby Shakotan Peninsula.

• Paradise HutA cafe on the slopes of Niseko Annupuri mountain.

• Melt Grill and BarA nice selection of local and imported cuts of prime beef, seafood and more. Has nice value lunch deals.

• EN In-house fine DiningThe chefs cook a fantastic dinner in your holiday home. This food catering company does delivery to all Niseko locations.

• Niseko GourmetIs a catering company which will come to your property, prepare and serve a meal and then clean up.

• Wild Bill'sThe 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.

• YUMMY'S Restaurant & Bar

  address: 〒044-0081 北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田１７０−１７５
  Handmade pizza, salads, cold beer, and music.

• Yo

  phone: +81- 136-22-6979
  address: 155-416 Aza Yamada
  Traditional Japanese cuisine with tasty sake and selected wines. Free pick-up and Drop-off service in Hirafu village and Kutchan station

• Kabuki

  address: 170 Aza Yamada
  Kabuki 1 is Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki do it your self 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.

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 DJ's 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'sA 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 dj's on weekends.

• Tamashi BarA 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

*BloA 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 BarA 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 BarA 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

  address: 170-165 Aza Yamada Kutchan
  Popular seafood shack well known for its oysters, crab and cooked seafood dishes.

• Wabi Sabi

  address: 170-5 Aza Yamada, Kutchan Cho
  Best value Japanese in town - classic rice bowl Japanese, family style taste.

In recent years, 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 LodgeBlack Diamond Lodge is Niseko’s accommodation of choice for serious recreational and professional skiers and snowboarders alike. They organise backcountry tours which follow the freshest powder all over Hokkaido.

• Captain Hirafu Bed & BreakfastThe non-smoking cottage is run by friendly Japanese and Australian staff who, in addition to their housekeeping and cooking duties, are happy to show you around their favourite spots on the mountain and in the village.

• Milky House

  address: 482-1 Aza-Niseko
  Established in the 1980s, 200 m from the world-famous Annupuri Ski Resort. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price.

• Niseko Backpacker Aspara LodgeOpened in 09/10 winter season. Dormitory bed room separate men's and women's. Japanese-style rooms with bedding for up to four people. ¥3,300.

• Niseko Freedom InnA 16-room red-brick boutique hotel. The Inn is the 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

  phone: +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 that is for sharing adventures over a drink at day's end.

• The Chalets at Country Resort

  address: 30-149 Aza Kabayama
  30 + Luxury Chalets at budget prices just 2 km from Hirafu ski lifts. Serviced by a regular shuttle service that runs through the day and into the evening, and a concierge service. Each chalet comes with a fully fitted western style kitchen, wireless internet and cable TV.

• Hurry Slowly

  address: 155-416 Aza Yamada
  1BDR and 3BDR 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)

• Australia House

  address: 170-40, Aza Yamada Kutchan cho
  The original longest held Lodge owned by expat from Australia Scott Walker since 1997. Fine Colonial style building with beautiful architecture. In winter has a cafe with fine Japanese food with good Australian wine, deserts and coffee. It has beautiful polished flooring and fine style.

• Hilton Niseko Village

  phone: +81-136-441111
  address: Higashiyama Onsen
  Hilton Niseko Village hotel is surrounded by a wealth of outdoor activities. The winter months offer skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer, hiking, biking and hot-air ballooning.