Park and Ride Project - Hirafu

What is Park-and-Bus-Ride?

The “Park-and-Bus-Ride” system allows commuters to drive from their homes to designated parking lots and then transfer to public transportation for the remainder of their journey.

In the Niseko area, the easing of entry restrictions has resulted in an increase in international tourists, leading to significant issues such as traffic congestion and parking shortages due to the growing use of rental and private cars. With the anticipated extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen and high-standard roads, traffic volume is expected to increase further in the coming years.

In the Hirafu area, measures are being implemented to reduce traffic volume, alleviate congestion, lower environmental impact, and promote the use of public transportation. As part of these efforts, the Park-and-Bus-Ride pilot program for employees, first introduced last year, will be conducted again in 2024.

Request to Business Owners

During the winter season, carpooling among staff is strongly encouraged. By late November, most parking lots in the Hirafu area are already full, primarily with staff vehicles, which are often occupied by only one person. Maximizing parking availability for guests is essential, and carpooling is an effective way to achieve this.

To further reduce congestion and environmental impact, carpooling with colleagues or even staff from other companies is recommended. Feedback on this initiative is welcomed to help improve its effectiveness as an important service for the community.

Implementation Details

  • Period: Saturday, December 14, 2024 to Tuesday, February 11, 2025
  • Location: 4-3-2, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan Town, Hokkaido 044-0087
  • Eligibility: Employees working in the Hirafu area
  • Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Fee: Free of charge
  • Parking Capacity: Approximately 50 vehicles

Project Coordinated by Kutchan Tourism Association

TEL 0136-55-5372  FAX 0136-55-5376 Email [email protected]