When to Come
Niseko has four distinct seasons, all with unique things to see and do!
Spring
Beautiful blooms, clear skies, and great weather. Spring offers exciting river rapids as well as ski-touring.
Spring is considered the best time to experience thrilling river rafting as the rivers swell from the snowmelt.
Summer
Niseko is the ultimate outdoor lifestyle resort, and there’s no better time than summer to take in the sights and sounds of Asia’s premier lifestyle destination.
Hike the many peaks of Niseko or play a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the area.
Autumn
Autumn is harvest season and is the best time to enjoy Niseko’s famous produce. The leaves on the trees start to turn yellow and the forests become a sea of color.
The popular Niseko Autumn Food Festival runs each year in Autumn featuring dishes from many local restaurants.
Winter
Experience Niseko’s world-famous powder snow! Walk through snow-covered streets, build a snowman, or ski & snowboard bottomless powder.
Peak winter period is from mid-December till the end of February, with milder conditions from mid-March to April.
Where to Stay
There are four resorts around the base of Mt. Annupuri – Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono. Each resort area has a number of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and activities to enjoy. Visitors can also stay in the nearby towns of Kutchan, Niseko, and Rankoshi.
Backpackers & Pensions
If you’re on a budget or just wanting to make new friends, Niseko’s backpackers and pensions will offer a fun and affordable stay.
Ryokan
Get an authentic Japanese experience by staying at one of Niseko’s Ryokans during a visit to Niseko. Enjoy an authentic experience.
Private Houses & Lodges
Modern homes and cosy lodges with plenty of space to relax and unwind. Make yourself at home in Niseko!
What to do
Niseko is a paradise full of adventure and there’s something for everyone! Explore everything there is on offer and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world.
How to Get to Niseko
Typically, the best way to get to Niseko is to fly to New Chitose Airport, then take a coach directly to “Hirafu Welcome Center”. Most accommodation providers will meet visitors at Hirafu Welcome Center and provide transport to the accommodation.
Flights
2hrs from Tokyo
The closest major airport to Niseko is New Chitose Airport. Flights run daily from almost every major airport in Japan. New Chitose Airport also has an international terminal, so visitors can fly directly making international travel easy.
Trains
2.5hrs from Sapporo
Multiple services run each day from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo. Most services terminate at Kutchan station, which is the easiest place to catch a taxi or local bus to the resorts. Additionally, some services also go to Niseko station, which has fewer transport services.
Drive
2hrs from Sapporo
Driving to Niseko is quick and convenient – especially since getting around Niseko is made much easier with your own car. There are two routes from Sapporo to Niseko – going by highway or using the Nakayamatoge route through the mountains.
Bus
2.5hrs from New Chitose Airport
The most popular way to get to Niseko is to fly to New Chitose Airport and then get a bus/coach to Niseko. Buses run regularly throughout winter, as well as fairly frequently during summer. In winter it is recommended to book bus transport in advance.
