Niseko

Overview

Niseko has become a mecca for overseas travellers coming to experience Japan Powder, in fact it’s so dry and sparkly the locals call it Diamond Dust, it literally blows off the palm of your hand sparkling as the sunlight reflects off the falling crystals, it’s truly magical and with an average of 15 metres of snow every winter there is plenty of magic every season in Niseko.

The resort has 4 ski areas, Annupuri, Village, Hirafu and Hanazono; most of the accommodation is located in either the Hirafu village or the Niseko Village; HIrafu has a wide variety of self-contained, hotel, pension as well as hostel style accommodation, while Niseko village contains hotels such as Niseko Hilton and Greenleaf as well as some self-contained options, the other two areas are now becoming more popular for accommodation as well with Hanazono home to the magnificent Park Hyatt and Annupuri hosting Northern resort Annupuri as well as pensions and self-contained options.

The resorts are linked by ski runs across the top of each mountain and the Niseko United bus network which links the base stations and is part of the United lift pass. The resorts have terrain suitable for all abilities, featuring on and off-piste skiing both within the resort and backcountry which is permitted throughout the 4 resorts and can be accessed through the gates, which can be closed if conditions make it unsuitable or unsafe.

Niseko by far has the best nightlife and selection of restaurants of all the ski resorts in Hokkaido. Hirafu is the best place to stay if après is important for you, while Niseko Village has enough variety to enjoy while being away from the main hustle and bustle of Hirafu and the many foreigners that pack the restaurants and bars each night.