Where to Stay in Niseko: Choosing the Right Area

The area spreading out at the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu, packed with hotels, condominiums, pensions and restaurants. Direct buses from New Chitose Airport arrive at the Hirafu Welcome Center.

Best for

• ✓First trips to Niseko
• ✓Those who want to eat out in the evening
• ✓Anyone who wants to walk to the slopes

Keep in mind

Accommodations fill up especially fast in winter, and airport buses also need to be booked in advance.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus or taxi from JR Kutchan Station (Hirafu Welcome Center)

The area at the base of Niseko Village Ski Resort, home to the Hilton Niseko Village and other hotels. Restaurants and access to the slopes are all within the hotels, so you can spend your stay without moving around much.

Best for

• ✓Families who want to eat and soak in hot springs without leaving the hotel
• ✓Trips centered on skiing and hotel time

Keep in mind

Getting to Hirafu's restaurant area requires a bus or taxi.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus or taxi from JR Kutchan Station or JR Niseko Station

The area at the base of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, where most accommodations are pensions and small inns. It is away from busy Hirafu and suits those who want a quiet stay.

Best for

• ✓Those who want a quiet setting
• ✓Longer stays for skiing or hiking

Keep in mind

There are few restaurants nearby, so either eat at your accommodation or plan how you will get around for dinner.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus or taxi from JR Niseko Station

The area at the base of Niseko HANAZONO Resort, developed with luxury hotels and resort facilities. It lies northeast of Hirafu, with views toward Mt. Yotei.

Best for

• ✓Families who want a resort stay
• ✓Those who want to use ski schools and similar services

Keep in mind

There are few places to stay, and getting to other areas requires a bus or taxi.

Nearest stations

🚉 Bus or taxi from JR Kutchan Station

The center of Kutchan town, home to Kutchan Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line, with supermarkets, restaurants and some business hotels. Trains arrive here from Sapporo and Otaru, and you get to the ski areas by bus or taxi.

Best for

• ✓Travelers going back and forth to Sapporo or Otaru by train
• ✓Those who want to cook for themselves and shop locally

Keep in mind

It is away from the ski resorts, so you will need a bus or taxi every day.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Kutchan Station