From Wikitravel

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 and in fact Japan, is renowned for its huge amount of powder brought over from Siberia by northern weather pattens.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

A-bu-Cha.

Bang Bang.

Fuji Sushi.

Yawaraya.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• LUX

In the last 5 years Hirafu has been transformed from a sleepy little village into one of the hottest development sites in Japan. Significant investment from Australia and SE Asia has seen a dramatic increase in western style apartments and chalets becoming available. Japanese investment in the region is also on the increase.

Accommodation options range from backpacker style with shared facilities to ultra luxury, fully self contained chalets. With the current value of the yen, accommodation in Hirafu is extremely good value when compared to other major ski resorts around the world.

There are also 'Pensions' or lodges that cater for groups and individuals. These are also incredibly good value. One such 'Pension' is Kinoko Pension which is run by Australians.[2]

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

[edit] Get out

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!