Niseko Chō

Niseko is an increasingly popular destination for powder hungry skiers and boarders, and nearly alone among Japan's ski resorts is drawing increasing numbers of overseas visitors year-on-year as well. Niseko is highly favored by Australians, and by Asian tourists. The resort boasts four ski areas: Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama) and Annupuri. Most activity is centered on the village of Hirafu, approximately 20 minutes from the main town and administrative centre in the area, Kutchan.

Tourist information site:

The local tourist association has a bilingual guide site.

By plane:

The nearest airport to Niseko is Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, which receives flights from all over Japan and from some international destinations.

There are direct international flights from most neighboring countries. If you come from further far away often Nagoya (Chubu) or Seoul are most convenient transfers.

By bus:

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 (CTS IATA) to Hirafu. Both operate on a regular timetable during the ski season, with the Chuo Bus having 5 trips each way 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-Bus +81 11 231 0500, and Donan-Bus +81 123 465701). In the 2017/18 season, the cost of a one-way ticket is ¥2600 and a return is ¥4500 (50% less for children). The trip takes 3½ - 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.

In the 2011/12 season both bus lines offer a discounted return ticket including a strongly discounted one-day ski pass.

By train:

1 Niseko station (ニセコ駅, Niseko-eki). (updated Sep 2025) is the main railway station in Niseko. It sees a sparse local service from Oshamambe and Otaru.

If you're staying near Hirafu, the best option is to take trains to 2 Kutchan station (倶知安駅, Kutchen-eki). (updated Feb 2024)(2h), then ride a local bus to Hirafu (20 minutes).

From Sapporo:

In the evenings, the rapid Niseko Liner runs directly from Sapporo station to Kutchan. At other times take one of the frequent trains to Otaru, then change for a local service to Kutchan. The full journey takes about 3 hours.

On selected days in September, the limited express Niseko runs once daily directly from Sapporo to Niseko (2h 30min). Reservations are mandatory to board the train.