Where to Stay When Visiting Niseko Japan
If you are considering skiing in Japan for the first time this coming northern winter you can't go past Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan's north island.
Niseko is located approximately 2.
5 hours drive from Sapporo's New-Chitose airport.
Access to Sapporo airport is commonly via a domestic flight from Haneda airport in Tokyo.
The only draw-back about access to Niseko is all international flights into Tokyo actually come in to Narita International airport which is a 1 hour bus ride across Tokyo from Haneda (the transfer between airports can add several hours to your journey particularly if your domestic flight doesn't align with your international flight and bus transfer).
If you have the option of flying via Hong Kong, there are a limited number of direct international flights into Sapporo New-Chitose airport.
The bus ride from Sapporo to Niseko is relatively painless.
The roads are pretty straight and there are very few hills to climb and descend as Niseko base camp is about the same altitude as the airport.
There is a diverse range of accommodations in Niseko and the first decision you will need to make is which village to stay in.
There are four distinct areas; Hirafu Village, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama), Annupuri and Hanazono.
If you are not big on nightlife and want access to some of the best powder Niseko has to offer, Annupuri is a great option.
Often during a storm the link between the other ski areas and Annupuri are closed keeping the crowds away from this little powder paradise.
It also has some of the best onsens (Japanese hot springs) in the area.
Hirafu is the main village where you will find the parties with dozens of restaurants and bars.
It also has the greatest range of accommodation in Niseko.
This is by far the most popular area to stay for international guests.
Niseko Village is located between Hirafu and Annupuri and most trails in this area are suited to beginners.
Accommodation is limited to one large 4-star hotel; the Niseko Village Hilton.
Lastly, and up-and-coming hub for Niseko is the Hanazono village.
This area was purchased several years ago by an Australian consortium and at the time consisted of little more than a day centre.
Today it is a hub of activity with restaurants, bars and a variety of accommodations.
Wherever you decide to stay, you will be able to easily access Nisekos world famous deep, deep powder!
Niseko is located approximately 2.
5 hours drive from Sapporo's New-Chitose airport.
Access to Sapporo airport is commonly via a domestic flight from Haneda airport in Tokyo.
The only draw-back about access to Niseko is all international flights into Tokyo actually come in to Narita International airport which is a 1 hour bus ride across Tokyo from Haneda (the transfer between airports can add several hours to your journey particularly if your domestic flight doesn't align with your international flight and bus transfer).
If you have the option of flying via Hong Kong, there are a limited number of direct international flights into Sapporo New-Chitose airport.
The bus ride from Sapporo to Niseko is relatively painless.
The roads are pretty straight and there are very few hills to climb and descend as Niseko base camp is about the same altitude as the airport.
There is a diverse range of accommodations in Niseko and the first decision you will need to make is which village to stay in.
There are four distinct areas; Hirafu Village, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama), Annupuri and Hanazono.
If you are not big on nightlife and want access to some of the best powder Niseko has to offer, Annupuri is a great option.
Often during a storm the link between the other ski areas and Annupuri are closed keeping the crowds away from this little powder paradise.
It also has some of the best onsens (Japanese hot springs) in the area.
Hirafu is the main village where you will find the parties with dozens of restaurants and bars.
It also has the greatest range of accommodation in Niseko.
This is by far the most popular area to stay for international guests.
Niseko Village is located between Hirafu and Annupuri and most trails in this area are suited to beginners.
Accommodation is limited to one large 4-star hotel; the Niseko Village Hilton.
Lastly, and up-and-coming hub for Niseko is the Hanazono village.
This area was purchased several years ago by an Australian consortium and at the time consisted of little more than a day centre.
Today it is a hub of activity with restaurants, bars and a variety of accommodations.
Wherever you decide to stay, you will be able to easily access Nisekos world famous deep, deep powder!