Niseko

Niseko was Hokkaido’s first international ski resort. Early ski travelers were drawn to resorts around Mount Annupuri due to its reputation for receiving huge amounts of powder snow thanks to its location near the Sea of Japan and the super low temperatures in Hokkaido. Over the years, foreign interest has resulted in rapid modernisation and the once quiet area is now a truly international resort town. For travelers, Niseko has it all - epic rides,  modern accommodation, world class dining, relaxing onsens and a buzzing apres scene. 

Skiing in Niseko

The skiing experience in Niseko ranks among the best in the world. With an annual snowfall that exceeds 15 meters, there is a high chance of scoring epic powder days.  The resort area comprises four main interconnected ski areas: Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, offering an extensive variety of slopes catering to all skill levels. While its not part of Niseko United, Moiwa is a smaller resort next to Annupuri that can be a less crowded option. Niseko's perfectly spaced trees are perfect for those who want to get into deep powder. The Hanazono area is famous for its exhilarating tree runs, like Strawberry Fields, where you can carve your way through snow-covered birch trees. 

Niseko United

The Niseko United All mountain pass gives you access to all 4 ski resorts in Niseko. You have to pay a little more but you get to ski from one resort to another and utilize the connecting shuttle buses for free. Good option if you are planning to explore more of Niseko.

Niseko Rules

Niseko was the first resort to recognize the hunger for off piste skiing and created the Niseko gate system for controlled access to off piste terrain. All skiers and boarders should abide by the resort rules, register and only enter the backcountry through these gates.

Getting around Niseko

The Welcome Center in Hirafu is Niseko’s main transport hub where visitors arriving by resort liners get loaded onto hotel shuttle buses.

The Niseko United Bus is a shuttle bus service linking all four resort areas and the Welcome Center in Winter. It is free if you have an United All Mountain Pass or you can pay a small fee when you get off. It’s cash only so make sure you have change. There are also local shuttle buses operating in the Hanazono, Higashiyama, Kutchan and Hirafu areas. 

Niseko Ski Shops & Rentals

There are possibly more ski & snowboard shops in Niseko than anywhere else in Japan. Every resort in Niseko has a shop and rental station with English speaking staff who can help you with your gear. You won’t miss the large Burton shop at the Hirafu crossing. The Rhythm in Hirafu is massive and efficiently handles gear rentals from it’s Hirafu location. Dotted around Niseko are smaller independent shops which are worth checking out for local brands like Gentemstick who have come to define Japan’s snow surf culture.

If you need some fresh wax, you can drop it by the Day Wax and tuning van.

Niseko Food

You aren’t going to find any other resorts with the variety and quality of food as in Niseko. The food is exceptional on mountain, with restaurants, cozy wooden log huts and food halls for the masses. Downtown Hirafu there is michelin starred dining with degustation menus, traditional izakayas and robata yas, sushi-tens, ramen stalls and barista made coffee. Be prepared to pay Niseko prices! High compared to the rest of Japan, but about average for International ski resorts. Certain restaurants get booked out months in advance and its near impossible to get tables if you have a large group. Thankfully there are lots of food trucks and standing bars around. And there is always Selcomart.

Where to Stay in Niseko

You can find anything from premium ski in / ski out hotels to lodges in Niseko. Where you stay depends on which resort you will mainly be skiing at and whether you need quick access to dining and entertainment venues. Hirafu has the largest amount of accommodation and range, with apartments, backpackers lodges and even capsule hotels.

Things to Do in Niseko

Apart from the awesome snow, travelers have fallen for Niseko for it’s unique blend of international and local culture. Hirafu has enough restaurants, cafes and bars to keep down days interesting with cafes, galleries and shops to explore. Nearby Kutchan city offers a more laidback local experience. When its time to relax and rejuvenate, try out the different onsens in Niseko and soak up their healing properties.