2019-20 Hakodate <=> Niseko Shuttle Bus Starts December 1st!
Enjoy 2 great iconic destinations in Hokkaido more easily!
Are you planning your trip to Niseko this winter? Other than flying from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport, you can also take SHINKANSEN bullet train from Tokyo to Hakodate in 4hrs.
Starting from 1st of December, 2019 through 30th of April, 2020, book this special shuttle ahead of time and you can easily access 2 iconic scenery spots in Hokkaido. Please click HERE for details and book the bus.
Detailed info, please check out the flyer HERE. TEL 0136-55-1111 (Japanese speakers only) Office Hour: 10:00 - 17:00
2019-20 NISEKO UNITED Ski Resort Trail Map and MORE!
Find out all the latest changes in the resorts.
A NEW HANAZONO – EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS FOR WINTER 2019-20
Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO Hotel and Residences
If you visited HANAZONO during winter 2018-19 you couldn’t help but notice the construction at the base of the resort, which will open on 20 January 2020. These new structures are the home of Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO. This includes a ski-in-ski-out Park Hyatt Hotel and Residences. This much-anticipated development will form the centerpiece of HANAZONO, overlooking the base and the beginner slopes. The development includes extensive new retail and dining options and will be the most significant and spectacular modern development in Niseko to date. For more information, please see HERE.
Hanazono EDGE – New Ski Center
To keep up with HANAZONO’s expansion, the resort will build a brand-new ski center. Opening for winter 2019-20, the Hanazono EDGE will compliment the Park Hyatt with an exciting new slopeside restaurant, café, and bar. This new 2 story ski center will accommodate more than 500 people and raises the bar for resort dining and relaxation in a ski-in-ski-out location.
↓↓ This schedule will be changed depends on the snowfall.
■Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Operation period: 7 December 2019 - 31 March 2020
Business hours 8:30-16:00
*No night operation
The new facility
MOUNTAIN CENTER ANNEX
Open on Dec. 7, 2019
The Tokyu Land Corporation (Headquarters: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo; President: Yuji Okuma) together with Niseko Tokyu Resort Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Abuta-gun, Hokkaido; President: Shinji Isome) and Tokyu Resort Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo; President: Motoyoshi Kumazawa) would like to announce the new construction of the “Mountain Center Annex”, a facility located next to the lower slopes of Niseko Mt. Resort Grand HIRAFU, the ski resort in Kutchan, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, which we manage and operate. The new facility will open for business in December 2019.
■NISEKO MT. RESORT GRAND HIRAFU
Operation period: 23 November - 6 May 2020 *Opening date will be decided depends on the snow accumulated.
Night operation period: 11 December 2019 - 22 March 2020
Business hours: 8:30-16:30 (night operation until 20:30)
■Niseko Village Ski Resort
Operation period: 1 December 2019 - 6 May 2020
Night operation period: 11 December 2019 - 22 March 2020
Business hours 8:30-16:30 (night operation until 20:00)
Niseko Village comprises of the luxuriously appointed apartments of Hinode Hills Niseko Village, eight exclusive Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse that redefines alpine living, Hilton Niseko Village – voted ‘Best Ski Resort Hotel in Japan’ by World Ski Awards 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019, The Green Leaf Niseko Village, spa and onsen facilities, a dining and retail village hub, the Niseko Village skifield – renowned for its dry champagne powder at low-altitude, variety of ski terrains, the world-class Niseko Village Snow School and Niseko Kids™ programmes. All 4 luxury hotels provide ski-in and out access.
■Niseko ANNUPURI
Operation period: 23 November 2019 - 6 May 2020
Night operation period: 11 December 2019 - 22 March 2020
Business hours: 8:30-16:30 (night operation until 20:30)
Experience natural splendor and amazing powder snow at Me world-class Annupuri Ski Resort. with a wide variety terrain. Annupuri has something for everyone!. Gentle and wide courses allow beginners and children to learn and enjoy while challenging trails and side county gates offer thrills for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. Sunny days offer lovely views of Mt. Yotei and the surrounding mountains.
For more information, please visit Niseko United website from HERE!!
2019-20 NISEKO UNITED Trail Map
For PDF data, please download from HERE!! The Niseko United shuttle bus is now extended to HANAZONO resort.
Niseko Village Open Day!!
“I would like to find a job for 4 hours per day", "I would like to fill my empty mornings when the children are at school..”
If you are looking to find a good work life balance through flexible working, we may have the right opportunity for you.A number of positions are available this winter in our Housekeeping, ski valet, culinary and Niseko Village Ski Resort teams. Come to explore our flexible working opportunities and stop by on one of the below dates. Our team will be there to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
| Date and time | （1）Octorber 12th, 2019（SAT） 15:00-19:00（2）Octorber 19th, 2019（SAT） 11:00-16:00 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Annupuri, 3F Hilton Niseko Village |
Contact us
*Free entry
*No need to bring resume. Feel free to stop by. For more information, please see HERE.
TEL 0134-44-1112（Weekday 9:30-18:00）
Email [email protected]
Niseko Grand HIRAFU Mountain Center Annex will open on Dec. 7, 2019
We would like to announce the new construction of the “Mountain Center Annex”, a facility located right next to the lower slopes of Niseko Mt. Resort Grand HIRAFU. The new facility will open for business in December 2019.
Since large numbers of skiers and snowboarders from within Japan and overseas visit to enjoy the outstanding snow quality in Niseko and Hokkaido, our aim is that visitors will easily be able to enjoy Niseko’s quality of snow while also experiencing a winter resort that is even more satisfying than before. The new Mountain Center Annex is situated in the perfect location, both adjacent to the HIRAFU Gondola Sanroku Station and right in front of the beginner-friendly Holiday Pair Lift, allowing for direct access to the slopes.
The Mountain Center Annex features a public area, snow school reception desk, changing rooms and locker rooms on the first floor, with a large-scale ski and snowboard rental shop, boasting a floor area of 802㎡, on the second floor. This rental shop offers our visitors a total of 4,000 items. Our comprehensive array of products can be enjoyed by both domestic and overseas visitors. We are also launching an overnight holding service for rental items so that guests can go back and forth to their accommodation completely hands-free.
【For more information】
http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/blog/hirafu-news/?p=9343
【Ski & Snowboard Rentals ONLINE Reservation】
https://www.reserve.tokyu-snow-resort.com/en/grand-hirafu
Find more details HERE.
10 Things to Do in Niseko during Autumn
Did you know Autumn is one of the best times to visit Niseko?
Niseko might be known for its powder snow and stunning winter landscape, but autumn is one of the locals favorite season during the year. Not only do we revel in the autumn leave (koyou) scenery, it is also the perfect time to enjoy all these 10 things in Niseko area:
1. HIKING & TREKKING:
With its superb weather conditions, autumn is THE time to explore all the mountains around Niseko. For the people who would like a good challenge, Mt. Yotei, Mt. Annupuri and Mt. Chisenupuri are all fantastic options. If you would like something a bit more relaxing, make sure to visit Hangetsu Lake, Kagami Marsh, Fukidashi Park or Shinsen Marsh and just soak in the fresh autumn air with a nice excursion.
2. FOOD, FOOD, FOOD.
Savor in the freshest produce at all the Niseko local spots. You can find their operation schedule below:
| RESTAURANT NAME | Schedule |
|---|---|
| An Dining | Operating till breakfast on Nov 11th. Open again from Nov 18th for winter season. |
| Bang Bang | Open till Oct 26th. Open again late Nov for winter season. (Dinner only) |
| Bistro Re Arbor | Open all year round |
| cafe HANA | Open all year round (Lunch only) |
| Graubuden | Open all year round |
| Green Farm Cafe | Open all year round (Closed Oct 27th - Nov 1st for maintenance) |
| Jojo's Cafe | Open all year round |
| Lupicia | Open all year round |
| Madriano | Open all year round |
| Midtown Diner | Open all year round (Closed Oct 7th-9th for maintenance) |
| Milk Kobo | Open all year round |
| Niseko Pizza | Open till Oct 28th. Open again Nov 15th for winter season. |
| Prativo | Open all year round (Lunch only) |
| Seven Star's Cafe | Open all year round (Lunch only) |
| Toshiro's Bar | Open Oct 9th to 12th & Oct 24th-26th. Open again Nov 23rd for winter season. |
| Long Tang | Open all year round (Closed from Oct 1st till 16th) |
| Ichiseko | Open till Oct 15th. Open again Dec 1st for winter season. |
| Harvest Cafe | Open till Nov 4th. Open again Nov 19th for winter season. |
| Moon Bar | Open all year round (close on Sunday) |
| Hirafu Zaka & Snow Castle@ Chalet Ivy | Open again Oct 21st |
| Taj Mahal | Open all year round |
| Temporada | Open all year round (Closed Sundays to Wednesdays; Closed Oct 27th - Nov 1st for maintenance) |
| Tomone Po-cha | Open all year round (Closed Tuesdays) |
| Ichimura Soba | Open all year round (Lunch only) |
| Guzu Guzu Bakery | Open all year round (Breakfast & Lunch only) |
| Yoko Oh No | Open Fridays (Closed from Oct 25th; Open again Nov 15th for winter season) |
| Gokoro Udon | Open all year round (Lunch only) |
| Niseko Curry Goya | Open all year round (Lunch only) |
| Sekka Lab | Open till Oct 28th. Open again Nov 20th for winter season. |
| Somoza | Open till Nov 2nd. Open again Dec 3rd for winter season. |
| PIZZERIA e RISTORANTE LOUIS | Open all year round |
| El Asador | Open Thursday to Saturday in November (Accept private party reservations for Tuesday & Wednesday). |
| Umami | Open all year round |
| Orench | Open all year round (Close on Wendnesday) |
3. Golfing.
Did you know there are three golf courses in Niseko area, offering great variety in their layouts. The Niseko Village Golf Course is operating till Oct 22nd. Both HANAZONO Golf and The Niseko Golf Course are open till Nov 4th. Why not enjoy the beautiful Hokkaido foliage while playing a round of golf?
4. Rejuvenate and relax in Onsens!
There are more than 25 different onsens around Niseko with different textures or smell due to the mineral content and can relax your body after a full day of activity. The temperature during Autumn is ideal for a long soak.
5. NAC Niseko Adventure Park.
The largest obstacle course in Japan is one spot you don't want to miss during your visit to Niseko in autumn. Challenge yourselves or your family & friends and have fun in the wonderful nature of Hokkaido. Contact NAC team in advance to check on availability.
6. Trick or Treat.
There is tons of spooky fun in the Niseko area.. Check out Kutchan Halloween on Oct 19th and Halloween Costume Party on Oct 26th. Come and join the Halloween horror with the locals and all the scary excitement.
7. Rafting.
For the ones who want to experience some fun on water, Good Sports, Lion Adventure, NOASC & NAC are operating till end of October/beginning of November.
8. Cycling.
The comfortable autumn weather and the wide roads in Niseko makes the riding experience so much better! Starting this year, you can rent e-bikes from The Green Leaf Hotel and explore further more easily.
9. Celebrate 2019 Rugby World Cup!
This year, more than 7 venues in Niseko area invite all the Rugby lovers to watch the exciting games and cheer for the teams together. Find out more details HERE.
10. Day touring around Niseko
Take a day and visit all the scenic spots near Niseko as close as 30min drive such as Lake Toya, Yoichi, Jozankei, Otaru or Shakotan and see all the autumn beauty south west Hokkaido region has to offer.
And don't forget to DOWNLOAD THE FREE OFFICIAL RESORT APP "NISEKO" so you have all the useful area info right in the palm of your hand.
About parking in the Hirafu area before and after the G20 meeting.
Since the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting will be held on October 25th and 26th in Kutchan Town, several parking space will not be open in the Hirafu area.
There are no traffic restrictions on roads in the Hirafu area during the period.
- Closing period:
From 18:00 on Wednesday, October 23rd to 12:00 on Sunday, October 27th.
- Closing Parking:
- ・Hirafu Parking Lot #1 (These include welcome center parking lot, Niseko Alpen Hotel parking lot and also the parking lot next to Chalet Ivy)
- ・Hirafu Parking Lot #2（These include parking area in front of Hirafu Gondola and the lower tennis court next to Gondola Chalet as well)
- ・Hirafu Police Box Parking
- ・Sun Sports Lund（The parking lot in front of the office building will be closed, but you will be able to park at the temporary parking space on the baseball field next to it as indicated below in the "Temporary Parking" section）
- Temporary Parking
Starting from 18:00 on Wednesday, October 23rd to 12:00 on Sunday, October 27th, please use the Sun Sports Land Temporary Parking space on the baseball field.
Since the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting will be held on October 25th and 26th in Kutchan Town, several parking space will not be open in the Hirafu area.
There are no traffic restrictions on roads in the Hirafu area during the period.
- Closing period:
From 18:00 on Wednesday, October 23rd to 12:00 on Sunday, October 27th.
- Closing Parking:
- Hirafu Parking Lot #1 (These include welcome center parking lot, Niseko Alpen Hotel parking lot and also the parking lot next to Chalet Ivy)
- Hirafu Parking Lot #2（These include parking area in front of Hirafu Gondola and the lower tennis court next to Gondola Chalet as well)
- Hirafu Police Box Parking
- Sun Sports Lund（The parking lot in front of the office building will be closed, but you will be able to park at the temporary parking space on the baseball field next to it as indicated below in the "Temporary Parking" section）
- Temporary Parking *For parking map, please download from here.
Starting from 18:00 on Wednesday, October 23rd to 12:00 on Sunday, October 27th, please use the Sun Sports Land Temporary Parking space on the baseball field.
Inquiry: Kutchan Town Office, Tourism division [email protected]
TEL0136-23-3388
G20 Japan - Kutchan Promotion Film Released!
Find out what the Asia's Outdoor Lifestyle Destination is all about.
Showcasing the overwhelming beauty of our home town of Kutchan and the surrounding area check out this film by local photography duo and long term residents Aaron Jamieson and Neil Hartmann. Traversing the stunning 4 seasons of Niseko and exploring some of the most fun and adventurous activities in the area, this short film is a great way to see what Niseko lifestyle is all about!
G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting will take place in Kutchan on Oct 25 & 26, 2019.
You can view the two different edits edits below.
Rhythm Japan to Open Niseko's Largest Retail And Rental Space
Japan’s most comprehensive snowsports retailer is opening a new store, Rhythm Base, in time for the 2019/20 ski season.
Located only 100m from the Hirafu Gondola, Rhythm Base will be home to 1200sq meters of floorspace, stocking the world’s most reputable ski and snowboard brands for customers to both rent and buy.
Rental and retail operations at Rhythm’s original store in the heart of town, Rhythm Main Store, are set to continue, along with the friendly service from knowledgeable staff that Rhythm is famous for. It will also be ‘business as usual’ around the corner at Rhythm Summit, which specialises in backcountry ski and snowboard gear. For the convenience of hotel guests, Rhythm also operates service counters within the Hyatt House and Aya Niseko hotels.
The brand new, architecturally designed building has been constructed to ensure a streamlined and comprehensive rental experience, allowing customers to pick up their gear with ease and be on the mountain faster. Alternatively, they can stop, browse and buy from the most extensive range of ski and snowboard equipment in the region. Adjacent to the store will be a record 40 dedicated car spaces, more than any other retail outlet in town.
Inside, customers can expect to find everything they need to maximise their on-snow experience. Rhythm’s full-service workshop, Rhythm Tunes, will offer overnight ski and snowboard tuning along with mounting and repair services from highly trained technicians. Other services include custom boot fitting thanks to Rhythm’s partner boot fitting store, Boot Solutions, plus lockers and storage for customers who wish to store their gear overnight.
Gloorious Coffee, known for serving award winning coffees, will open inside the shop, along with a bar and event space to support local movie screenings, art shows and music.
Other services on offer include free pick-up and drop-off service, free gear swaps and multi-resort bookings.
For more information contact:
Sherry Yen
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
+81 136 23 0164
+81 70 2423 7885
Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center
What you can consult about: Visa application, Work, Hospital, Tax, Pension, Birth, Parenting, Child education, Disaster, Housing, Marriage, Divorce, Domestic violence, etc,
For more information, please see here.
Facebook URL http://www.hiecc.or.jp/soudan *It'll be opened from 29 August, 2019
