You may wonder why we are introducing a ski resort. Well actually, Niseko is the name of a town located in Hokkaido, not just the ski resort. There are many other ski resorts there as well as other non-snow related activities so read on to find out more about Niseko!
Table of Contents
About Niseko
Although famous for its skiing, it was only around 100 years ago in 1912 that the town of Niseko was first introduced to the foreign sport when visiting Austria-Hungarian Lieutenant Colonel Theodor von Lerch skied Mount Yotei. Impressed, the Japanese requested the lieutenant colonel who was a brilliant skier to teach their army. Starting with Kutchan, locals started picking up the sport and eventually with the addition of ski lodges, ski lifts, restaurants, hotels, and other facilities, Niseko has become one of the best skiing spots in the world.
“What was Niseko doing before skiing then?” you may ask.
Well, from the early 1800s until 1937, Niseko was involved in sulphur mining. Other than that, after the first hot spring was found in 1885 and subsequent discoveries of others, the area developed into a successful hot spring town. The hot springs complement skiing in bringing the snowland of Niseko to greater heights in the tourism industry.
※ Niseko Tourism, "About Niseko" ※ Experience Niseko, "A History of Powder Skiing in Niseko"
Average Snowfall in Niseko
On average, Niseko has a snowfall of around 13 to 15 meters. From 2013/14 to 2019/20, the average snowfall spanning 7 winter seasons was 13.3 meters. The winter of 2017/18 had the highest snowfall at 16.65 meters, while the 2019/20 season had the lowest snowfall at 10.7 meters.
The winter season of 2020/21 has recorded a great increase in snowfall compared to the previous year, settling the people’s worries of a repeating dry season.
※ Niseko United, "Niseko’s “very average” season was pretty good!" ※ SnowJapan, "Niseko Now daily snow and weather - snowfall analysis"
Average Temperature
Niseko has an average temperature of 6.3°C (43°F). The hottest month is August when maximum temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F), the coldest months are January and February when temperatures can drop as low as -11°C (12°F).
The best time to visit Niseko depends entirely on what you want to do. If it's skiing, the ski season starts at the end of November and ends early May. The busiest time is right before Christmas till mid February when the snow is in peak condition and people are usually off work.
※ Hokkaido Niseko Town, "Town Logo, Geography, History, Progress"
Writer's Pick
Welcome to Winterland, Niseko Village
Blessed with powdery snow, Niseko Village with its many ski resorts provides a winter wonderland of snow activities and fun. Below are just a few!
Snow Activities
Snowboarding/Skiing/Powder Surfing
From bunny slopes to steep hills, there is an abundance of snowland to hone your skills. With Japan’s famous powder snow, enjoy the sights of mountainlands as you course through this snowy sanctuary. Look forward to a hot soak in the onsen, or a boiling nabe after your adventures.
Snowmobiling
Want to kick it up another notch? Rent a snowmobile at Niseko Village or join a snowmobiling tour with Hanazono Niseko. Drive through the mountain forest and across snowy landscapes effortlessly accompanied with the rumbling of your motor. Cover more ground than you ever could with skiing and fully experience the wilderness!
Snow Rafting
Think sledding, but bigger! Take a sweeping view of the snow fields as you slide down snowy embankments aboard a raft. Just lay back and enjoy the ride as you are dragged along by a snowmobile. It’s suitable for all ages so bring your family along! This will definitely make some fond memories to look back at together!
Snowshoeing
Prefer to traverse the snowfields and conquer Niseko on your own two feet? You can rent snowshoes or join a snowshoeing tour! Enjoy the winter ambiance as you hike across Hanazono forest; if you’re lucky you may even spot some wildlife! Even without the thrills of snowboards and snowmobiles, there’s still tons of fun to be had by the less adventurous or those who prefer calm to thrill.
Ski Resorts
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
First opened a hundred years ago in 1919, Moiwa is one of the earliest ski resorts in Niseko. Back then ski lifts had yet to be built so before any skiing could be done, skiers had to hike up the mountain which was a time-consuming arduous task.
In 1966, Moiwa re-opened as Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort. With an excellent view of Mount Yotei, and quality snow unchanged from a century ago, Niseko Moiwa is truly heaven on earth for ski lovers.
For families with young children, the Niseko Moiwa Ski School offers various lesson plans including family lesson plans and parent-child plans.
Niseko Moiwa offers a unique accommodation experience in the form of Lodge Moiwa834, a high-class capsule resort.
※ Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort, "Lift Pass"
Niseko Village
World famous Niseko Village is what most people would think of first when hearing the word “Niseko”. As its name implies, Niseko Village is an entire village with 5 accommodation options, a wide selection of snow activities, various dining options, boutiques, hot springs, spa facilities, ski school, and a kids playground.
Their accommodation options include:
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Higashiyama
Japan’s first ever Ritz-Carlton Reserve property. Facilities include an onsen (hot springs) with water sourced from Niseko underwater springs, and a spa. In summer times, the snow lands transform into a golf course. -
Hinode Hills
An apartment-style residential hotel with spacious bedroom suites and a beautiful view of mountains. -
Kasara Townhouses
Eight traditional Japanese townhouses with an outer appearance that embodies Edo period dwellings. The interior is elegant and charming with a modern western and Japanese traditional fusion design. -
Hilton
Won the World Ski Awards title of Japan’s Best Ski Hotel 4 times continuously from 2013 to 2016. Home to outdoor and indoor onsen, spas, and traditional Hinoki baths. -
The Green Leaf
Beautifully designed resort with hand-drawn murals by famous Sapporo artist, Emi Shiratori throughout. This resort also has outdoor onsens, spas, and thermal hot springs.
※ Niseko Village
Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Grand Hirafu is also a village in and of itself. Its land area is even bigger than Niseko Village making it the largest area amongst the Niseko United (the 4 resorts on Mount Niseko Annupuri).
It has 9 restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Western and Japanese cuisine, 3 shops offering winter goods and souvenirs, and 2 hotels - one of which is located right next to the ski lifts for quick ski access. With 30 ski trails and more than 10 ski lifts, it is an excellent ski destination that does not lose out to Niseko Village.
Aside from the usual snow activities like skiing and snowboarding, they also offer snowshoeing tours for 6,000 yen per person which includes gear rental and a hot drink.
※ Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, "Lift Ticket Prices (Niseko Grand HIRAFU / HANAZONO)"
What Else Is There To Do
Hot Springs Relaxation
Tired from tumbling through the snow, or just not fond of the cold? Soak in a nice hot onsen to rest, relax, and wash the cold away. Here are some other onsen spots you can visit in Niseko.
Niseko Annupuri Onsen Yugokorotei
100% pure natural unaltered spring waters that are naturally heated till 54°C.
Rich in natural minerals, it is revitalizing and excellent for one’s health. Yugokorotei is also a popular onsen amongst the locals. The onsen is open to day visitors as well.
TIP: Order the Tonkatsu Teishoku at Restaurant Konayuki Ton Ton (1,628 yen), and you can enter the onsen for an additional 100 yen only.
Hotel Kanronomori
Hotel Kanronomori offers an array of onsen. It has 2 bathing areas, each with its own indoor and outdoor pool that are gender-swapped every night so guests can enjoy the benefits of both pools. One bath is located right alongside the forest so you can enjoy the sights of nature as you soak, the other bath filled with nitrate and containing small traces of sulphur is a beauty bath good for the skin. The baths are open to day visitors at 900 yen per adult. Day visitors are also allowed to book private onsen for a 50-min period.
Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei
The highlight of Prince Hotel Hirafutei is the ski-slope and mountain views from the onsen. The ladies bath has a beautiful view of Mount Yotei, whilst the gents enjoy the splendor of the ski slopes belonging to Mount Niseko Annupuri. Its sodium hydrogen carbonate rich waters are good for heating up the body and improving blood circulation. The onsen is open to day visitors at 1,200 yen per adult.
Summer in Niseko
Hiking Shiribetsu Dake
Shiribetsu Dake (尻別岳) or Mount Shiribetsu is a dormant volcano that last erupted hundred thousand years ago. In winters, it is a popular backcountry skiing destination. When the weather turns warmer and the snow melts, it becomes a land of greenery perfect for regular hiking.
A hike to the top of the conical mountain for a view of the other mountains and Lake Toya on a clear day takes 2-hours.
Other recommended hiking destinations include Mount Yotei, Mount Niseko Annupuri, and Mount Tarumae.
Golfing
The snowy pastures have now transformed into grassy golf courses. There are several world-class courses in Niseko including Niseko Village Golf Course that won Japan’s Best Golf Course in 2014, and Hilton Niseko Village winning Japan’s Best Golf Hotel in the same year.
Other Activities
There are plenty of other things to do in Niseko during the warmer seasons. Try river rafting or kayaking in Shiribetsu River to cool down in summers, or even canyoning around Niseko. Around June, you can go fishing in Shiribetsu River for salmon and trout.
Not keen to get wet? Niseko Village has horse riding for animal lovers, zip-lining, biking tours, bungee jumping and more. They even have hot air balloon rides!
Hokkaido Ramen
Famous and available all over Japan, there is nowhere better to sample this dish than its founding land. Here are some ramen shops in Niseko to get a taste.
Sapporo Ramen Daishin Niseko Branch
A famous Sapporo restaurant that opened a branch in Kutchan Town with signature dish Misobara Pork ramen. Expect a long queue as the store is homey but small with limited seating, the ramen is well worth the wait though at reasonable prices starting at 700 yen for the most simple shoyu ramen.
Famous for their signature dish Niseko Ramen - a unique creation featuring miso ramen topped with rich creamy potato foam. They also have Habanero Ramen (Spicy Miso Ramen) if you love a little spice in your meal.
NOTE: Niseko Ramen Kazahana has moved to Makkari Onsen about 25 mins drive away from their original shop.
A famous ramen shop that serves soy sauce ramen, salt ramen, and miso ramen. Classic but delicious. Unfortunately, they are only open in winters coupled with their reputation as serving the best ramen around the area, expect a long, long queue (30~40-minutes).
Access to Niseko
From Sapporo Station
There is no direct route to Kutchan Station.
From Sapporo Station
Take a train to Otaru Station. Then, transfer to the Hakodate Line and head to Kutchan Station.
Total Cost: 2,630 yen
From New Chitose Airport
Take a train to Sapporo Station and continue as above.
Total Cost: 3,410 yen
Winter TIP
Niseko Ski Express, a limited express train from Sapporo Station that can take you directly to Kutchan Station. Only in winters and only a few times a day.
※ Niseko.com, "Getting from Sapporo to Niseko" ※ SnowJapan, "Niseko Travel Guide - By public transport"
Summary
Niseko is a land of fun and wonder. With excitement and adventure all year round, don’t forget to take a break in the hot springs and slurp on some delicious noodles. Now that you know what’s awaiting you in Niseko, it’s time to book that vacation you’ve been waiting for!
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