FUYU CONCIERGE
DISCOVER NISEKO · HOKKAIDO
One mountain, four personalities, a hundred ways to enjoy winter.
Niseko’s four resorts spread across the mountain, from green runs for beginners to a powder paradise for advanced riders. Everyone can find the kind of winter they love.
There is plenty to enjoy after skiing too, with everything from classic Japanese dishes to international cuisine, and hotels you will never want to check out of. From cosy lodges and apartment hotels to luxury resorts, the accommodation choices are dazzling. Play to your heart’s content and stay in comfort — roughing it is hardly an option here.
Start with the one that feels like you. Get to know the others along the way.
HIRAFU
Starting with the most popular, Grand Hirafu: a Tokyu ski resort that keeps growing as though spring never comes. The scenery looks different every year. Whether it is a new shop, a new restaurant or a new hotel, there is always something new to discover. It is also the least wind-exposed area on the mountain. When the neighbouring resorts cannot open because of strong winds, Hirafu can usually still operate.
Meet Grand HirafuHANAZONO
The newest and most luxurious, Hanazono: home to everyone’s favourite trees and the best Gate 5 spot, with Park Hyatt standing at the foot of the slopes. For the most luxurious experience and the highest level of service, Hanazono is definitely the one.
Meet HanazonoANNUPURI
Annupuri: the whole mountain is called Annupuri. Of the four resorts, this is the one that feels the most Japanese. Cruise along wide slopes with J-pop playing over the speakers, and explore the many gate entrances to backcountry terrain until you forget your own name. It is also the best area for hot springs.
Meet AnnupuriNISEKO VILLAGE
Niseko Village: well, this is the resort hiding the entrance to heaven and hell (Gate 11), with a bottom section so flat that it is snowboarder hell.
Meet Niseko VillageFROM ARRIVALS TO HOLIDAY MODE
Three popular ways to travel from New Chitose Airport (CTS). Pick your pace, then make sure the last leg to your hotel is arranged too.
Bags in. Holiday on.
A comfortable choice for ski bags, families and fewer luggage manoeuvres. Book ahead; timing depends on your hotel and winter road conditions.
Reserve a seat. Watch winter go by.
This example is for Hirafu. Some buses serve other areas or hotels. If your hotel does not offer a pickup, arrange a taxi for the final leg.
A little Hokkaido through the window
Take the train to Kutchan yourself; we can help arrange a taxi. Connections are limited: allow roughly 3–4 hours for the rail journey. Hotels in other areas may require a longer drive.
These are planning estimates, excluding immigration, baggage collection and waiting for buses. Snow, roads and timetable changes can add time. Confirm details for your travel date and hotel with the operator.
Ski buses need advance reservations. Check the operating dates too. Christmas, New Year and holiday weekends fill up, so secure your seat before settling into holiday dreams.
Trains from Otaru to Kutchan are less frequent than city services. Allow for the connection, not just time on the trains. Arrange the taxi too, so your ski bags do not have to linger at the station.
For international arrivals in winter, initially allow at least an hour for immigration and baggage, but that alone is not enough for every bus connection. Hokkaido Resort Liner requires at least 90 minutes after an international arrival. Add more time over Christmas, New Year and other busy periods.
Dinner around the corner, or a quiet onsen after skiing? Tell FUYU what your holiday looks like. We can help find a stay that fits, and work out the journey to get you there.
