Region
Hokkaido
Island
Hokkaido
Largest City
Sapporo
Population
5,682,950

Niseko

World-class powder at Japan's most famous ski resort.

Over the last decade, Niseko has gained international recognition as one of the best winter resorts in the world, attracting large crowds of skiers and snowboarders. Located on the northern island of Hokkaido, the region experiences more than 15m of annual average snowfall, blanketing 48 km of ski runs in heavenly powder snow.

The spectacular backdrop of Mount Yotei—Hokkaido’s own Mount Fuji—turns every pre-run selfie into a postcard.

The ski season in Niseko can last up to six months, providing ample opportunity for snow shredding.

Niseko ski resort in Hokkaido Japan

Gnarly.

The spectacular backdrop of Mount Yotei—Hokkaido’s own Mount Fuji—turns every pre-run selfie into a postcard, one for showing off later among the city’s buzzing dining and nightlife scene.

Four interconnected resorts meet at the top of Mount Niseko Annupuri and you can easily ski between them via groomed runs or off-piste and back-country terrain. There are 38 lifts in total, covering the whole way around the mountain, and they can all be accessed with the Niseko All Mountain Pass (around ¥6,900).

Moiwa ski area chairlifts.

Niseko has countless ski areas.

Alternatively, you can buy passes for each area separately. Discounts become available later in the season, in March and April when the crowds start to disappear and accommodation is cheaper.

Warm me up, baby

Take a dip in this piping hot outdoor bath at Hinanoyado Chitose.
Leading the way for Japanese apres-ski culture, Niseko has plenty of local and international restaurants, bars, clubs, and karaoke to suit a majority Aussie clientele. Convenience stores stock foreign goods, and many hotels and guesthouses speak English, so there are no worries about language barriers.

One thing that makes skiing in Japan special is the onsen (hot spring bath) culture. Sinking into a warm natural bath after a hard day on the mountains is a quintessential Japanese winter experience.

Niseko in Other Seasons

Moss phlox in Niseko Sapporo Japan

Colorful moss phlox blooms in Niseko from late May to mid-June.

Beyond winter, Niseko is also making efforts to become a year-round tourist destination. Niseko Green Season truly shines as a premiere outdoor destination. Try horseback riding at Niseko Country Farm and spend an afternoon galloping through the countryside. The nearby mountains, laced with powdery snow in winter, become perfect day-hike destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Want to see stunning views of the Sea of Japan? Less than an hour away, kayaking at Iwanai Resort is an unforgettable way to explore the shoreline. For something extra special, head to the skies with a ride on a hot air balloon to take in the lush green views.

In spring, from late May to mid-June, bright pink moss phlox covers the Mishima Shibazakura Garden. The carpet of blooming flowers before Mount Yotei is free to the public, attracting flocks of Instagrammers trying to snap the perfect shot. A 15-minute stroll from Kutchan station will take you there.

Trivia

Take a dip in this piping hot outdoor bath at Hinanoyado Chitose.

Warm me up, baby

Winter and hot springs go together like miso and soup. Find out where to warm your bones with our list of Winter Hot Spring Destinations in Japan.

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How To Get There

Address

Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

By train

To reach Niseko, the best stations are Hirafu and Kutchan stations, not JR Niseko which is small and far from the main resort. Direct trains run from Sapporo, or may require a transfer at Otaru, and there are shuttle buses to the slopes which become much more frequent during the winter.

By bus

During the ski season, the quality of the region’s bus travel is ramped up with direct routes from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport transporting tourists straight to the resort. Packages including bus and lift passes are plentiful.

By car

Rental cars are available but you’ll have to be a fairly confident driver to navigate Niseko’s winding roads, especially during the winter.

Where To Stay


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