Niseko Resort

Niseko

“St. Moritz” of the Orient — where premium powder snow falls

Niseko means “sheer cliff” in the Ainu language of Hokkaido’s indigenous people. Over the years, Niseko has become the name of the entire region — including Mount Yotei and Niseko Annupuri connecting the northern slopes of the mountain with a high plateau, overlooked by peaks on three sides including Mount Konbudake. As Hokkaido’s premier ski resort area, Niseko attracts ski enthusiasts from around the world with its superfine-quality powder snow. Since water content is as low as 8% and this powder easily sprays out into the air, it is sometimes called “champagne snow.”

Winter resort friendly to international travelers

In search of rare superfine powder snow around the globe, skiers and snowboarders flock to Niseko from Australia, Europe, and recently from Asian countries as well. Because of this, there are many signboards and notices in English throughout the Niseko area, and English information is found all over ski slopes and in restaurants. What’s more, the Niseko Resort Tourist Association website supports eight languages. No wonder the Niseko resort area receives high marks from fans around the world!

Rafting, canoeing, trekking, and more for outdoor fun from spring through fall

The magic of Niseko doesn’t end with winter. The sparkling clear Shiribetsu River runs through the middle of the area, for rafting excitement from April to May when snow meltwater adds to the flow and relaxed canoeing enjoyment in the summer and fall seasons. In addition, trekking along the 1,000-1,300-meter-high Niseko Mountain Range is very popular among beginner trekkers. Niseko is an all-season outdoor paradise with many other entertaining activities like golf, horseback riding, balloon ascensions, and more.

For reference

Address

Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone

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Open

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Service holiday

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Price

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Recommended seasons

December to March for winter sports
Web Sites

http://www.niseko-ta.jp/en/

Access

Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes by “Airport” express train from New Chitose Airport to Otaru Station.

1 hour and 10 minutes from Otaru Station to Niseko Station.

Access to the nearest airport (New Chitose Airport)

From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 1 hour and 30 minutes
From Chūbu Centrair International Airport- 1 hour and 40 minutes
From Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) - 1 hour and 50 minutes
From New Kansai International Airport - 1 hour and 45 minutes
From Kobe Airport Terminal- 1 hour and 50 minutes
From Fukuoka Airport via Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)- 3 hours and 35 minutes
* As of September 2014