WINTER 2025/26

Adrenaline & Comfort

From late November to April, Niseko gets some of the world’s most consistent snowfall—reliable powder paired with the simple warmth that follows a day on the slopes: a bowl of ramen, an izakaya, or the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent.

Stays Activities Cuisine Wellness Shopping

Stays

Where you stay shapes your experience. Hirafu pulses with energy—international restaurants, late-night bars, everything within walking distance. Hanazono blends resort amenities with mountain access. Niseko Village offers a quieter, contained experience, while Annupuri attracts those seeking calm.

Book Accommodation

Hirafu

Midtown Niseko

Simple, no-frills comfort—everything essential, well located and cozy.

midtown-niseko.com

Hirafu

Niseko Kashinoya

Cozy, homey guesthouse run by a Niseko devotee—warm welcomes, local tips.

kashinoya-niseko.com

Hirafu

Haku Villa

Expansive condos with 6-star service and ultimate private villa escapes.

hakuvilla.com

Hanazono

Park Hyatt

Japan’s pinnacle luxury mountain retreat with integrated amenities.

parkhyattniseko.com

Winter Activities

Crisp outdoors, light powder, adrenaline and all mountain fun.

On the Mountain

Niseko's four interconnected resorts offer terrain for all levels: 30% beginner greens, 40% intermediate blues, 30% black diamonds across 2,000+ acres. One lift pass unlocks Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Moiwa.

Hanazono

Hanazono Runs

Silver Dream: Wide, gentle beginner run with excellent visibility.
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Strawberry Fields: Iconic ungroomed tree run for advanced powder seekers.

Hirafu

Grand Hirafu Runs

Green & Holiday: Gentle beginner routes for building confidence.
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Center & Furiko: Core intermediate lines with dynamic terrain and rhythm.

Niseko

Niseko Village Runs

Wonderland & Namara: Long, smooth runs for enjoyable cruising.
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Banzai & Cruiser: Approachable slopes for beginners to intermediates.

Annupuri

Annupuri Runs

Family & Junior: Gentle beginner terrain for skill development.
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Panorama & S-ji: Scenic intermediate descents with moderate grades.

Moiwa

Moiwa Runs

Family Run: Safe beginner slope for basic turns and control.

Main Course: Steady intermediate cruiser from summit to base.

Beyond Skiing

Explore off-slope adventures: snowshoe through birch forests on guided tours (90-min at Hanazono, ¥4,000+), snowmobile across backcountry (tandem options for families), or relax in outdoor onsens like Yugokorotei’s natural rock bath.

For Families

Dedicated zones and activities keep everyone smiling.

Hanazono Tube Park: Snow tubing on magic carpet (ages 3+, ¥2,500/1hr).
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Hirafu Kids Snowland: Free sleds, gentle escalator (¥2,000/family).
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Niseko Village Adventure Park: Jumbo sledding, snow rafting, horse sleigh rides (ages 3+, ¥3,000+). Lessons via NISS for ages 3+ in small groups.

Backcountry Access

Eleven gates (G1-11) provide sidecountry entry when conditions allow—check NAIC bulletins or niseko.ne.jp daily.

Mandatory avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe); complete AST courses.

Recommended guides: Rising Sun Guides for backcountry tours, CAT skiing, and avalanche training (advanced, ¥20,000+/day); Whiteroom for resort powder discovery and backcountry lines (high intermediate+, ¥25,000+/group).

Rescue fees start at ¥100,000—stay roped and prepared.

AFURI

Tokyo’s cult-favorite yuzu ramen lands in Niseko. Clear, fragrant broth, stylish space, Mt Yōtei views. Perfect energy recharge before or after the slopes. 
From ¥1,600

afuri.com

Sisam

Seasonal Hokkaido seafood and local produce. Fresh sashimi, handmade sushi rolls, and Japanese classics with panoramic mountain views.
From ¥2,000-¥10,000

sisam-niseko.com

Kaigetsu

Elegant Japanese dining overlooking Mt Yōtei. Signature Mangetsu hotpot, Maesawa beef, hairy crab, uni, fugu, plus rare Juyondai sake and fine wines.
¥10,000+

kaigetsu-niseko.com

Genghis Khan Eijin Bettei

Premium lamb Genghis Khan, A5 Wagyu, and seafood grilled at your table. Extensive drink list for a luxurious night out.
¥8,000-¥50,000

eijin-bettei.com

La Villa Lupicia

Lupicia refined Hokkaido-French cuisine. Fresh local ingredients transformed with global flair in an elegant villa setting.
¥5,000-¥25,000

villa-lupicia.com

Getting Here

Niseko sits in southwestern Hokkaido, roughly two hours from New Chitose Airport and three from Sapporo. The journey is part of the experience—watching the landscape shift from city to farmland to snow-draped peaks.

From Chitose

2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport

Most visitors arrive via coach bus or private transfer. Car rentals are available for those comfortable driving in snow—winter tires and experience are essential.

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From Sapporo

2 hours from Sapporo JR Station

Direct buses run daily. The train offers a more leisurely option route via JR Kutchan Station.

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Around Niseko

Local Transport Options

Local shuttle buses connect the main resort areas during winter. Many accommodations offer their own shuttle services. Local car hire and taxis are also available.

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Winter Wellness

Natural hot springs dot the region, fed by the same volcanic activity that creates Niseko's unique snow. The practice is simple: wash thoroughly first, then soak, let the heat work into tired muscles, breathe the mineral-rich steam.