Niseko Travel Tips

Recommended

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2 of 16 in Hokkaido Prefecture

Niseko (ニセコ) is Japan's top international ski destination, known for its deep powder snow, exciting backcountry terrain, and vibrant après-ski scene. Its main ski areas—Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri—are all connected on Mount Niseko-Annupuri, allowing skiers to move between them with ease. Grand Hirafu is the largest, home to Hirafu Town, a lively area full of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Shuttle buses and the Niseko All Mountain Pass make exploring all three resorts seamless and convenient.

Off-trail skiing is a major draw in Niseko, with access to the backcountry via resort gates, guided tours, and even helicopter rides—some reaching the iconic Mount Yotei. Foreign visitors, especially Australians, have made Niseko their winter playground, resulting in a welcoming, English-friendly atmosphere. Smaller resorts like Moiwa offer quieter slopes ideal for beginners, while towns like Kutchan and Niseko Town provide additional lodging and local charm just a short bus ride away.

Getting around

Niseko is made up of a few small towns, each with its own vibe and connection to the ski resorts. Kutchan Town is the biggest and feels the most like a city. It has Kutchan Station at its center, where you can catch local buses to Hirafu (about 20 minutes) or Niseko Village (about 35 minutes), though buses aren’t very frequent. Hirafu is the most popular area for skiers, located at the base of the Grand Hirafu resort. It's easy to reach by direct bus from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, making it the top choice for convenience. Be aware that while there is a Hirafu Station, it’s far from town and not very useful for getting around.

Niseko Town, near Niseko Station, is closer to Annupuri and Niseko Village resorts, but public transport there is quite limited. Many visitors skip the towns altogether and go straight from the airport or Sapporo to the resorts by bus. In winter, Niseko United Shuttle Buses run hourly between the main resorts—Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. If you have a Niseko All Mountain Pass, you can ride them for free. There’s also a small on-demand service called the Nikotto Bus that goes around Niseko Village and Moiwa—it costs 200 yen and must be booked by phone. Many hotels also offer free shuttle rides to the ski areas and train stations, so check with your accommodation ahead of time.