If you are dreaming of a winter getaway in Japan, let me introduce you to Niseko! It is home to some of the best powder skiing in the world. And they are not exaggerating. It snowed every single day we were there, and we skied in some of the deepest, fluffiest powder I have ever experienced.
This post has everything you need to plan your own Niseko adventure. I will tell you how to get there, where to stay, how the four ski areas are connected, tips for navigating the mountain, and, of course, my favorite spots to eat, drink, and unwind after a long day on the slopes. And if I did miss anything….email me! I’m always happy to help
Getting to Niseko
Getting to Niseko takes a bit of effort, but it is totally worth it. Fly into New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), then right from the airport, take a scenic 3-hour ski bus transfer to Niseko. Make sure to book the bus in advance! From Tokyo, the domestic flight to Sapporo is about 2 hours.
You can choose your drop-off area from the shuttle options, and from there it is usually a quick walk to your hotel, or just let your hotel know your arrival time, and they will likely have a shuttle ready to scoop you up.
You can also rent a car or get private transportation to bring you to Niseko, but I do not think this is necessary, as the bus is very easy.
Understanding the Mountain: Niseko United
Niseko is made up of four interconnected ski resorts, which together make up Niseko United:
- Grand Hirafu
- Hanazono
- Niseko Village
- Annupuri
Your lift pass gives you access to all four ski areas, which you can easily explore by skiing across the mountain or hopping on the free shuttle buses that run between the base areas. Even though there are technically four ski areas, it feels like just one big resort.
Where to Stay in Niseko
Each base area of Niseko has a different vibe:
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Hirafu: The liveliest village with the most dining, nightlife, and convenience. Great for first-timers.
- Ki Niseko: Stylish and modern, this ski-in/ski-out hotel is right next to the gondola and perfect for convenience, comfort, and a little luxury.
- The Vale Niseko: A luxury condo-style hotel with an outdoor onsen and incredible mountain views.
- My Ecolodge: A great budget-friendly pick with small rooms, a restaurant on-site, and a social vibe.
- Always Niseko Hotel: A good value, laid-back and stylish modern rooms, with a fun café/bar.
Niseko Village: More upscale, with ski-in/ski-out resorts.
- Green Leaf Niseko Village: A ski-in/ski-out hotel with an onsen with mountain views.
- Hilton Niseko Village: Classic ski-in/ski-out hotel with multiple restaurants, a beautiful onsen, and unbeatable access to the gondola.
Annupuri: Quieter and more local, with direct slope access.
- Annupuri Lodge: A charming and casual lodge just steps from the lifts.
- Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri: Comfortable place in a quiet area by the base.
Hanazono: Family-friendly, with newer developments and great terrain.
- Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono: A luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel with fine dining, a spa, and beautiful rooms.
- Meikeikyo Hanazono: An entire villa with a great location near the lifts.
For first-time visitors, or if you like to walk to many restaurants and shopping, staying in Hirafu gives you the most access without needing a car.
Getting Around Niseko: Walkability & Ski Shuttles
While Niseko is a spread-out area with four main ski resorts, it is still easy to navigate.
- Walkability: If you are staying in Hirafu, many restaurants, shops, and lifts will be walkable from your hotel.
- Ski Shuttles: There are free ski shuttles that make it easy to get between all the ski areas, or most hotels offer free van rides as well.
Renting Gear & Lift Passes
If you are not traveling with your own ski gear, I recommend Rhythm Japan for rentals. They have multiple locations, great service, and a wide selection of high-quality gear.
Buy your ski pass online in advance to save time. Once you arrive, you can easily pick it up at one of the self-serve kiosks located at the base of the mountain.
What to Expect on the Slopes
Navigating The Mountain
Navigating Niseko’s slopes is surprisingly easy for such a large ski area. Everything is well-marked, and the trail map is intuitive and color-coded clearly.
As mentioned previously, the four ski areas, Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Hanazono, are interconnected by lifts and runs, making it easy to ski from one area to the next without taking off your gear. Just make sure to pay attention to the lift closing times so you do not get stuck on the wrong side of the mountain at the end of the day. But, if you do, remember that there are also shuttles running between the base areas.
Niseko has a very international feel. Many signs are in English, the staff often speak English, and the resort draws a global crowd, making it very welcoming for travelers from abroad. You will notice a lot of Australians working around Niseko during their summer off (I mean, come on, what a way to spend your summer!).
Expect powder! Niseko is known for getting consistent fresh snow. You will definitely be able to find plenty of untouched snow throughout the day.
You will find a good mix of runs for all levels, and lift lines are generally efficient and fast-moving. You might wait for lines on peak ski days (holidays or weekends) at the base lifts/gondolas, but nothing crazy in my opinion.
On-Mountain Food
On-mountain food options are good, with plenty of cozy hot chocolate and ramen! Lookout Café and King Bell Hut are two of the top spots to check out on the mountain, but you will also find plenty of delicious options at the base areas to keep you energized for more runs.
Backcountry At Niseko
There are a lot of “gates” across Niseko, and these all indicate backcountry terrain. They are very accessible, so they do not necessarily feel like backcountry, but it does mean that once you pass through a gate, you are outside the resort’s controlled and patrolled boundaries, so you should be prepared. You should bring avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and know how to use them.
The terrain beyond the gates is incredible (and often has the best powder!), so I highly recommend trying some out when skiing Niseko.
Where To Ski
Strawberry Fields to Mango Salad
Strawberry Fields is a Niseko favorite! It is wide open, and if you link it with Mango Salad, you can have a super long run that just makes you smile.
Hiking the King Gondola to Miharashi
Hike up from the top of the King Gondola to Miharashi. It is a short climb, but so worth it as the views are unreal, and the ride down is even better. On a powder day (which is most days!), this area is pure magic with wide-open tree runs and deep snow. It was one of those realizations that this is exactly where I want to be and will keep me wanting to come back!
Zangi, Konbu, and Superstition
These three are some of my favorite runs as they are long, fun, and full of soft powder. Zangi and Konbu are great tree runs, and Supersitition is a classic you will want to lap again and again (and I am pretty sure I did!).
Rinkan
Rinkan is a beautiful winding run through the trees, and it is honestly just fun. It feels a little hidden compared to some of the more obvious routes. This is great if you want something scenic and flowy in between your more technical or powder-heavy runs.
Annupuri Gate 7 + Silver
Gate 7 at Annupuri is one of the best ways to access deeper powder and more untouched terrain. The runs through Silver are amazing. Fewer people, steeper, and serious powder.
Gate 5
Gate 5 is for the powder chasers! It opens up into a vast area that feels completely freeing and you can really have some fun here!
Gate 9
Gate 9 is a bit of a hidden gem. It is not as hyped up as some of the other gates, but that just means fewer tracks, so plenty of powder and trees here.
Après-Ski & Dining
After a day on the slopes, Niseko has plenty of cozy spots to unwind. Here are my favorite food and drink recommendations in Hirafu:
- Tozanken Ramen: Classic, comforting bowls of steaming ramen.
- Musu Bar + Bistro: Great atmosphere with excellent international cocktails and bites.
- Tsubara Tsubara: A local favorite for Japanese soup curry.
- Music Bar MINA MINA: A fun après-ski spot with live music.
- Bar Gyu: Known for its hidden entrance and warm ambiance, this is a must-visit. (Be prepared to wait in line outside)
I highly recommend making reservations if the place takes them! Many of these places are small, and it is common to see lines forming outside.
Non-Skiers Welcome Too
Even if you are not a skier or boarder, Niseko has plenty to offer:
- Snowshoeing tours
- Onsen baths
- Cafe hopping
- Scenic walks around town
There is something magical about this snowy mountain town, even if you are just there to soak in the views and the vibes.
Ready to Book Your Powder-Filled Adventure?
Skiing in Niseko was easily one of the most unforgettable parts of our Japan trip. It seriously checks every box for the ultimate ski trip: incredible terrain, a fun town vibe, amazing food, and cozy après-ski spots.
If you are planning a longer trip, check out my full 11-day Japan itinerary to see how Niseko fits into a bigger Japan adventure.
And if I missed anything or you need help planning your trip skiing in Niseko, email me at windowseatsonly@gmail.com
Happy skiing!