Resort
Resorts
Super snowy and justly popular, Niseko has the widest appeal of any of the Japanese ski resorts.
Swaddled in the shadow of Mount Yotei and blessed with perpetual snow – dry, deep and glorious – is Niseko. This is Japan's show-stopper; their internationally-celebrated ski Mecca. It should be compulsory for all skiers and boarders to ride here at least once in their life, but very few do...because if you come one time, we know for a fact you'll be back again. The on- and off-piste bounty demands it.
Bustling Hirafu village is at the centre of the action off the slopes with its inviting après-scene of fantastic restaurants and buzzy bars. Because the international ski fraternity discovered Niseko in the 00's you'll benefit from a great selection of accommodation and an accessible, English-speaking culture.
Dinner can be a different affair every night, from mouth-watering local noodles joints, izakayas offering boozy snacks to the more familiar pizza, curry or Thai options; the vast majority is that of characteristically high standards, even a handful of Michelin stars thrown in to the mix.As far as drinking holes go, they are uniformly atmospheric but pleasingly varied – rustic and traditional, sleek and sophisticated, or some just downright quirky.
Resort Card
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Our Opinion
"Japan’s most sophisticated and complete ski resort, both on and off the mountain. Similar to Whistler, Val d'Isere or Verbier, this is a ski resort you need to put a tick beside and Niseko simply doesn't ever underwhelm or disappoint, even in such esteemed company. Impossible. But there are a few things you should know before focussing exclusively on Niseko for your ski holiday. More so than anywhere else in Japan, Niseko gets very busy over peak dates (Christmas, Chinese New Year, January in general), and this is the only place in Japan where there can be lift queues of any real substance. Consequently, finding fresh tracks is becoming harder and harder, usually meaning we need to venture beyond the tracked-out inbounds territory. And the village, whilst great and enjoying a real buzz, is developing at such a heck of a pace that any sense of being in Japan is being slowly, though increasingly, erased."
Nick Coates Founder
Accommodation
Niseko's range of accommodation sets it apart, with some particularly enticing high-end options. That said, there really is something to suit everyone, from cheap and cheerful lodges to characterful boutique hotels, snug townhouses and chalets, a couple of luxury ryokans and plenty of apartments.
Hirafu Village is where most choose to stay, for the convenience and a buzzy village atmosphere. However, there are also options out at Niseko Village and Hanazono, two quieter bases. Truth be told, there are so many options in Niseko - the following is merely a hand-picked selection of our trusted favourites.
Ski Guiding & Activities in Niseko
Want to know where the secret powder stashes are on Niseko mountain? Want to find those perfectly-spaced trees you saw on that YouTube clip? Hiring an off-piste guide in Niseko is de rigueur and no-one ever regrets it. And why limit yourself to Niseko? The resorts of Moiwa, Rusutsu and Kiroro are all within easy reach and each offers something very different.
Close to Niseko are several of Japan's best cat ski operations - and we've skied them all. Some are better suited to strong-intermediates, others for the more experienced powder monkey. Let us advise which may be ideally suited to you. We can also include snow mobile and snow-shoe activities, as well as authentic Japanese experiences to try offer you a sense of place.
Suggested itineraries featuring Niseko
These suggested itineraries will give you a starting point for what your ski holiday to Niseko could potentially entail. Sometimes we combine ski resorts and we often cherish the opportunity to explore and experience Japan beyond the ski slopes.
We hope these itineraries will inspire, excite and inform you as we begin the planning process. But note: they’re not set departures or tours, as every holiday we plan is completely tailor-made for you - consider these itineraries as inspiration only.
The Japan Itinerary
Our variation of the ‘classic’ Japan itinerary – upgraded, enriched, and avoiding the clichéd.
Bygone Japan
Focussing on traditional Japan – geisha districts, shrines, ryokans & ancient pilgrimage route...