Your Guide to Snowboarding in Niseko, Japan
If you are a snowboard enthusiast like me, a visit to Niseko, Japan for what is known as the “world’s best powder” is an absolute must and needs to be on your Immediate “To-Do” list. Niseko has been featured in Movies like the “Fourth Phase” with pro snowboarder Travis Rice. Niseko receives an average of 46 feet of fresh powder a year, and has 4 different snow resorts located within the Niseko area that are all connected and known as “Niseko United.”
In this post I will address…
- Niseko United Resort (Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono)
- Getting There and Transportation options
- Lodging and Accommodations
- Gear Rentals
- Dinning, Bars, and Nightlife
- Local Onsens
- Using The IKON Pass
Niseko United
What you should know about Niseko United
Located on the Northern Island of Hokkaido in Japan, Niseko resorts are located right in the path of storms that blow out of Siberia which gives the snow that dry fluffiness that makes some of the most amazing powder runs you will ever experience. The season here lasts typically from December – April of each year depending on the season. The end of January and all throughout February are usually the best times to catch the season. These are also popular times of the season for Skiers and Boarders alike.
Niseko United is actually comprised of four different resorts on one mountain that all can be accessed by connecting lifts and runs, and by shuttles at the bases or each resort. (It’s fastest to just take the lifts by the way) The four Niseko resorts are Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Grand Hirafu Ski Resort and Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort. Each of these resorts has a Gondola to get you to the upper runs that connect the resorts.
Purchasing Lift Tickets
You are able to purchase lift tickets at any of the Niseko United ticket offices located at the bases of each resort. The ticket prices are all in Japanese Yen and you can use your credit card. Always use a card with zero foreign transaction fees. The price for a one day all mountain pass will be 8,000 Yen which is about $73 USD. When you buy multiple day passes the price per day goes down. You will be given a Lift Card and will be required to pay 1,000 yen for a deposit. When yo are finished using the card, simply find a card return kiosk and insert the card to get your 1,000 yen deposit back. You can also use the IKON Pass to get your lift tickets with no charge as Niseko is included in its resort collective as I will explain later in this post.
Annupuri International Ski Area
Annupuri has long runs and a lot of tree runs as well. The gondola here will take you all the way to the top. Hang left after the first lift that you follow down the run from the gondola to find a way into some epic tree runs and powder exploration.
For lunch, stop at the Nuuk. Its a restaurant with a rental shop just below it. Grab yourself some of the Ramen to warm up and fill up on. It’s really good!
Niseko Village Ski Resort
I used this as my main launch point for almost all of my days of snowboarding in Niseko. You hop on the gondola that is literally right outside of the Hilton which happens to also be a shuttle stop. Get yourself up the mountain using the gondola, and enjoy some epic runs. This area also has long runs that are groomed but also a lot of runs through trees and other off-course obstacles that will get you shredding through that fresh JAPOW.
You can stop at the hilton for lunch, there is an ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI restaurant inside. Also they have a convenient store inside to purchase beer or snacks. If you end your day at this location, hit up the onsen that the hotel has built.
Grand Hirafu Resort
The resort is attached to the town of Grand Hirafu. There are many options for snowboarding here, you can stay on the groomed runs, hit the small snowboard park, or get off the main runs to fin the powder runs through trees and other fun obstacles all the way down to the main lift that places you right in front of the Hotel Niseko Alpen where you can grab some lunch and a couple of Cold ones.
If you get too far down the chutes riding through the trees, you may find yourself in a culvert as myself and my two buddies did and have to hike out through that powder.
Niseko Hanazono Resort
The Hanazono resort was a part of the mountain I didn’t bother visiting. It is a great place for beginners and novice boarders or skiers as it has mainly easy runs to take. It still offers some open powder bowls and tree runs but mainly is meant for the ski schools.
Getting to Niseko… Chitose Airport to Niseko Village
New Chitose Airport
There are no direct flights from the USA to New Chitose Airport (CTS). Japan Airlines and ANA both have connecting flights from Narita, Haneda and Osaka. Book flights using your Citi Prestige to earn 5x the ThankYou Points, Or Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3x the points(which also includes built in Travel protections). With that said, you will absolutely have a connecting flight which can be worrisome if you checked bags or your gear. The Chase Sapphire cards offer you lost baggage protection and will cover costs if your bags get lost, or flights get cancelled. So fear not if you have either the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve as you will be able to rent gear and get what you need to still continue your epic quest for snowboarding in Niseko’s JAPOW.
The Airport terminal itself, boasts it’s food and dinning establishments as well as gift shops. You will not go hungry here. It also has hotel right across from the terminal that you can stay in if you get in late and miss your bus or transportation bookings. The airport is located about 20 some miles south of Sapporo, which is only 30 minutes away (if that) by way of the Airport Express train.
In the baggage area, you can get buses, tours or find the train station and get yourself a SIM card if you need data while you roam around the country.
Transportation Options
You have multiple options for getting to Niseko Village. It all depends on what you are willing to pay and if you want freedom to explore the area. I tested out three options. I used a bus to get there, a rental car to get around the area, and a train to get back to the airport. Out of the three I would choose the rental car. It saves you so much time, money and effort and gives you the freedom to get around everywhere as the Niseko area is very much spread out and shuttles and buses are slow and inefficient.
Grand Hirafu Bus
The Grand Hirafu bus only costs about $40 and takes about 2 hours to get to Niseko and it drops you off at the Grand Hirafu Welcome center. It’s all down hill from here. Literally! It’s at the top of the village and everything in the town is a down hill walk. The Bus is great as you stop along the way for a quick break for the bathroom and food, you also get to enjoy views of Hokkaido region. You can pay ahead of time, which I recommend doing or book something at the airport.
JR Train
The train is another great way to get to Niseko and back, it takes about the same time as the bus. You will have to transfer in Sapporo however, and it only has specific times. The train will cost you between $17-$30 and you will get off at Kutchan station, or Niseko Village Station. Your best bet is to get to Kutchan and have your host or the company handling your accommodations pick you up. So will need to pre-arrange something in advanced. It gets a bit complicated. I actually loved riding the train back to Sapporo, the experience was great. Getting out to Niseko however, I doubt I would have the same experience.
If you have a JR Rail Pass, you can use this in lieu of purchasing a ticket. I would recommend you invest in one if you plan to go and explore more prefectures of Japan. It is worth it’s weight in gold. You can use a JR Rail Pass for any JR operated line, including the Shinkansen (bullet train).
Private Taxi
A private taxi is expensive. Japan doesn’t have Uber or Lyft. a Taxi or private shuttle will cost you a couple hundred dollars. Might want to skip that. It is an option however. Even when you are out in the Niseko area, getting a Taxi is extremely expensive and takes a lot of time. A small trip would cost you at least $50-$80 a trip. You have to call a taxi company and you are charged for a service pick-up and then you have to pay for a fare on top of that.
Rental Car
A rental car is by far one of the best options. Rental cars are available at the airport, or you can get one at Hotel Niseko Alpen where there is a Nippon Rental car. Your price per day will be around $55 – $80 a day for a compact or an economy size car. They are small and with gear, get cramped. You do have the freedom though to go out to eat, explore local onsens, surrounding towns, and just to get to and from the ski lifts if you aren’t at a walkable distance.
Chase Sapphire Cards have built in rental car protections, so you can use that instead of buying the insurance from the rental company. You will also need to get yourself and International drivers license.
Lodging Accommodations
The key here, BOOK SOONER THAN LATER! During the high season like January and February, the cheaper options will be booked up. Your best bet would be to stay at an Airbnb.com or find something using Booking.com. I would start looking at least 7-8 months from your trip. I booked 2 months out and was extremely lucky to find somewhat reasonable prices, $375-400. The costs were split between each person.
Grand Hirafu is a great place to look as everything is within walking distance. You will find higher prices here though, So look and book early for deals when you have options. You can earn 3x the ThankYou points with the Citi Prestige Card if booking a hotel, Or 3x Ultimate Rewards points on any lodging using a Chase Sapphire Reserve, or 2x UR points with the Chase Preferred.
Gear Rentals
There are places you can rent gear from all over the place. Making sure you have the right gear for snowboarding in Niseko is important. The place I found to have the best service and gear was “Rhythm” which has two Shops in Grand Hirafu. They have everything you need, and you can demo some really awesome gear.
Most of the folks working here were Aussies and they were fun folk. While you get your gear, you can grab a coffee from their onsite barista and have a fresh cup ‘o’ joe and even get a shot of liquor if thats your thing. They also do repairs on your gear as well. I got a full tune up and my board was ready to shred!
Dining Options and Bars
Hokkaido is a region well known for its dairy and ramen (it can’t just all be about snowboarding in Niseko’s JAPOW) So you will find a lot of soft serve ice cream everywhere and very affordable ramen. There are however a different array of food places and bars to choose from and I visited a bunch. With that said, I will recommend a few options.
Dining
Tozanken– Ramen that will satisfy anyone. This was by far one of the best places to eat ramen. Be Prepared for a line. Located in Hirafu Village.
Soup and Curry– Make a reservation for this place. Located on just outside the main area of Hirafu, You will have some amazing Japanese curries and other delicious food.
Torimatsu- Izakaya is a Japanese BBQ. This place is located in Kutchan. YOU NEED TO MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE. The Late Anthony Bourdain featured this in the show “No Reservations.” It was an absolutely incredible gastronomy experience. EAT HERE and you will not be disappointed.
Sencho 2nd- Come grab a beer and get some fresh sushi and Sashimi bowls. The fish will melt in your mouth. Located in Hirafu on the main drag.
Food Trucks- There is a little cul-de-sac of food trucks located in Hirafu near the main part of the village. The options are all very pleasing and a little more affordable.
Bars
Musu- Cocktails and a nightly DJ spinning house music. The cocktails were fresh and delicious. Located in Hirafu.
Powder Room- A bar/lounge that is high-end but spins some great music nightly and serves some good drinks. Stick with beer. It’s less expensive. Located in Hirafu. Dress to Impress.
The Bar- A lounge setting that makes incredibly well made cocktails. The bartenders are great and love to get creative. Located in Hirafu at the main intersection of town.
Utaya Karaoke– Utaya Karaoke is located in Kutchan about 10 minutes from Hirafu. Make reservations if you can and get here after dinner. Theses are private rooms with options or food or “all you can drink.”
Onsens
After snowboarding in Niseko all day, visiting an Onsen is the way to go. Onsens, are Japanese natural hot-springs that a spa or resort has developed around in which you can bathe in. If you haven’t had the chance to experience a Japanese onsen, you definitely need to. They are usually about 800-1000 yen which is only about $8-$10. you can rent a fresh towel for 250 yen. Some onsens are open late as well. There is etiquette to be followed when entering an onsen…
I would recommend three onsens to visit.
Yugokoro-Tei- Located close by to Annupuri resort, this onsen has deep water pools that are located outside. There are also free massage chairs. This is a must. 1,250 yen will get you a towel and entry. Open until 11pm.
Hotel Niseko Alpen– This is located in Hirafu right by the ski resort of Grand Hirafu. It has both an inside and an outside hot spring. Cost 1,000 yen and 250 yen for a towel. Open until 10pm
IKOINO YUYADO IROHA– This onsen is located at the base of Annupuri Ski Resort and uses free flowing natural spring water that is rich in metasilicate which is supposed to be really good for the skin, so go and take a soak. It’s open until 10pm and is 800 yen for entry and 320 yen for towel rental.
IKON Pass
The IKON Pass is a mountain collective pass that gets you Unlimited to access to certain resorts within the states and can be used to access other resorts for a number of days. There is a difference in the number of days you get depending on if you purchased a base pass or have the IKON Pass. With The IKON pass you have Unlimited blackout dates and up to 7 days for snowboarding in Niseko United. With the IKON BASE Pass you have certain blackout dates and up to 5 days at Niseko United.
To use your pass, simply go to a ticket sales office at one of the resorts and follow the signs to the proper window. Show your IKON pass and pay the 1,000 yen deposit for the lift pass. Do not lose this. when you are done, simply return the lift pass to a “lift pass deposit kiosk to get your 1,000 yen deposit back.
Your IKON pass also gets you 25% off lift tickets for up to 8 friends or family members.
