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Niseko (ニセコ) [1] is a town and ski resort on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan.

[edit] Understand

Niseko is an increasingly popular destination for powder hungry skiers and boarders, and nearly alone among Japan's ski resorts is starting to draw increasing numbers of overseas visitors as well. Niseko is highly favoured by Australians, and increasingly Chinese and Japanese as well.

The region boasts four ski areas: Hanazono, Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri with most activity centred around the village of Hirafu, approximately 20 minutes from Kutchan, and overlooked by Mount Yotei (which so resembles Mount Fuji it is often referred to as the Fuji of the north)

[edit] Get in

[edit] 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.

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 (NCA) to Hirafu. Both operate on a regular timetable during the ski season, with the Chuo Bus having 5 trips to Niseko and 5 return to NCA 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 +81 11 231 0500, and Donan +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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

• Snow riders will 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.

• Onsens, Japanese hot springs, are popular places to relax. Some are natural, and some are not.
• In the summer, there are several wonderful day hikes.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Java Massage, [2]. A great place to unwind and relax those well used muscles after a big day on the slopes. This place is renowned for its amazing customer service and it's professional therapist's who perform either relaxation, remedial, deep tissue or sports massage. A highly recommended place to visit while in Hirafu Village, Niseko.  edit

[edit][add listing] 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.

• Niseko Pizza is a pizzeria, pasta & cafe. Enjoy great food any time of day in a family friendly atmosphere.Fresh Salads Bread baked daily Stone fired Pizza oven Authentic Italian recipes Delicious locally grown ingredients.
• A-bu-Cha is a bakery by day and a Japanese tapas bar (izakaya) by night. Dishes range from 380-4300 yen.
• Ezo Pub Inside Hilton Niseko village. Free shuttle bus to/from Hirafu. DJ during snow season. Offers freshly baked pizza and many light meal selections. Happy hours/promo priced drinks on some nights.
• Onegiri Cafe Komekichi offers Komekichi's rice balls, made of rice that has been freshly milled and steamed until fluffy. They are filled with choice Hokkaido ingredients. Enjoy freshly baked bread, and soups made from local vegetables.
• Rest House Ace Hill. Comfort restaurant with great views of Mt. Yotei and the top of Mt. Annnupuri. Shops are also available.
• Bang Bang Cafe offers Japanese pub-style cuisine in the heart of Hirafu, with dishes ranging from tofu and yakitori specialties to a variety of traditional Japanese and local specialties.
• Fuji Sushi offers fresh sushi and sashimi selections from the nearby Shakotan Peninsula.
• Paradise Hut is a cafe on the slopes of the Niseko Annupuri mountain.
• Melt Grill & Bar offers guests a superb selection of local and imported cuts of prime beef, seafood and more, located in the Hilton Niseko village.
• Yawaraya.
• EN in-house fine dining why go to the restaurant when they come to your house? The chefs cook a fantastic dinner in your holiday home. This food catering company does delivery to all Niseko locations.

[edit][add listing] Drink

There isn't much of a night life in Niseko, even on weekends. You are probably better off getting a good night sleep and catching the fresh powder in the morning.

• Wild Bill's. A Western style pub with good music, drinks and darts.
• Yuki Bar. A very popular pub that attracts younger more hip crowds. It has live music, Foosball, darts and good drinks.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

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.

There are now many companies to book accommodation through including The Niseko Company, Hokkaido Tracks, Niseko Powder Connection, SkiJapan.com or Nisade (Niseko Alpine Developments).

• The Niseko Freedom Inn, [3]. The Niseko Freedom Inn is a 16-room Georgian style boutique hotel located in the Hanazono area of Niseko United Ski Resort. The Inn is situated 300 meters above the new Hanazono 308 base lodge and the Niseko United ski lifts, and a 5-minute walk to the Tokyu Golf Course. The Freedom Inn is about ten minutes by car from the Kutchan Train Station.  edit
• Captain Hirafu Bed & Breakfast, ☎ 0136 226028, [4]. checkin: 2.00pm; checkout: 10.00am. Superbly located in the heart of Hirafu village, surrounded by great restaurants, bars, cafes, hot springs and a pleasant stroll to the lifts, the winter cottage “Captain” makes a perfect home away from home in the abundant Niseko powder snow. The non-smoking cottage is run by very 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. ¥6,000~.  edit
• Shizenkan Lodge & Backpacker, ☎ +81-136-234351, [5]. Run by a Japanese family, and with both Japanese and native English speaking staff, Shizenkan is renowned for its great service. Hearty breakfasts to start the day. And a large lounge area that is perfect for sharing adventures over a drink at day's end. Our lodge and backpacker are next door to each other.  edit

[edit] Get out

Sapporo ← Kutchan ←

N  S

→ Oshamambe → Hakodate