2025 Niseko Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

A gelato shop in Niseko, Hokkaido It's not like you just pass by it, but you have to go there to find it. It's my favorite shop to stop by when I go to Niseko. The fruit flavors are especially delicious and highly recommended. Address 34-62 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081 #Secret summer resort #Hokkaido #Summer trip

In Hokkaido, Japan, there's a place that resembles a fairy tale—Niseko. Home to unique powder snow, stepping onto this land is like entering a pure and wondrous winter kingdom. Niseko's powder snow is truly exceptional. Its fine and soft texture, as light and fluffy as flour, sets it apart from other ski resorts. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a complete beginner, you'll find your own joy here. Put on professional ski gear, glide down the slopes, feel the wind whistling past your ears, and the powder snow splashing beneath your feet—it's an unparalleled exhilarating experience. Alongside the ski trails are dense forests, allowing you to admire the interplay of forest and snow while skiing, as if immersed in a breathtaking painting. Besides skiing, Niseko's rime scenery is also spectacular. When winter temperatures plummet, water vapor condenses on branches, forming crystal-clear ice crystals and creating a dreamlike rime landscape. In the early morning, stroll through the forest as sunlight filters through the branches, scattering colorful rays on the rime. Each branch resembles a meticulously sculpted work of art, captivatingly beautiful. Take out your camera, and every shot will be a masterpiece worthy of sharing on social media. The accommodation experience in Niseko is also unique. You can choose to stay in a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan (hot spring inn). After a tiring day of skiing, immerse yourself in a warm onsen, allowing your body and mind to completely relax. Enjoy the snow scene outside the window while soaking in the onsen, experiencing Japan's unique hot spring culture. Alternatively, you can opt for a modern ski resort with comprehensive facilities and attentive service, offering convenient access to various ski areas. Food is another essential part of your Niseko trip. Savor local specialties such as tender and juicy Hokkaido beef, plump seafood, and sweet dairy products. Each bite will tantalize your taste buds. Especially on a cold winter day, a bowl of steaming ramen will instantly warm you up. Travel tips: 1. Before heading to Niseko, check the weather forecast and ski resort opening status in advance to plan your itinerary accordingly. 2. Always prioritize safety while skiing. Wear protective gear, and beginners should consider hiring a professional instructor. 3. For optimal rime viewing and photography, choose early morning or evening hours when the light is best. 4. Respect local culture and customs, protect the environment, and keep the scenic area clean. If you long for a romantic encounter with snow and ice, yearn to frolic freely in a powder snow forest, and experience the magic of nature in a rime wonderland, then Niseko is an absolute must-visit destination. Come and embark on your own dreamy Niseko adventure!

Hey guys, if you're a ski enthusiast, Niseko in Hokkaido is an absolute must-visit dream destination! I just got back, and I'm still reminiscing about the amazing time I had skiing there. I just have to share this joy with everyone. Niseko is located in Hokkaido, and the most stunning feature here is the incredibly beautiful Mount Yōtei. From afar, Mount Yōtei resembles a massive ice castle, its peak perpetually covered in snow. Bathed in sunlight, it exudes a sacred and captivating glow. Every photo you take here is worthy of sharing on social media. Of course, the biggest draw of Niseko is its four unique ski resorts: Rusutsu Resort, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Hanazono Resort, and Niseko Village (formerly known as Hirafu). Each resort offers slopes of varying difficulty, so whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find something to enjoy. Rusutsu Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido, boasting a wide variety of slopes and thrilling cable car sightseeing, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking mountain views alongside skiing. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area is renowned for its high-quality powder snow, so fine and comfortable that it feels like stepping on clouds. Niseko Hanazono Resort features thoughtfully designed slopes, with gentle and wide beginner slopes perfect for practice, while the advanced slopes offer plenty of challenges for experts to unleash their passion. Niseko Village has excellent facilities, and after a tiring day of skiing, you can relax and unwind in the nearby hot springs. I spent a whole week skiing at these four resorts, and it still wasn't enough! Every morning, skiing down the slopes as the sun rises, feeling the wind whistling past my ears, the sense of freedom and exhilaration is truly indescribable. Moreover, Niseko has a long ski season, lasting from November to April, giving you ample time to plan a perfect ski trip. Besides skiing, the food around Niseko is not to be missed. Fresh seafood sashimi, steaming hot ramen, sweet Hokkaido milk ice cream… every bite is a treat for your taste buds. There are also charming and cozy local cabins where you can stay overnight, listening to the snow falling outside your window, feeling like you're in a fairy tale. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind when skiing in Niseko. First, be sure to book your accommodation in advance, as rooms are in high demand during the ski season. Second, pack enough warm clothing, as Hokkaido winters are very cold. Finally, remember to purchase ski insurance, just in case. Hey guys, I can't wait to go back to Niseko next ski season. If you're looking for the ultimate ski trip, add Niseko to your travel list! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Let's have some fun on the snowy mountains of Hokkaido! Are you excited about a ski trip to Niseko? Or do you have any other questions about ski trips? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Hey friends! Still struggling to find the perfect ski resort? Niseko, Hokkaido, is your ultimate destination! Composed of four major ski areas, it boasts soft powder snow, diverse slopes, and breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Yōtei. Plus, the facilities are top-notch. Without further ado, let's dive into this comprehensive guide! Four Unique Ski Areas 1. Hirafu Ski Resort: As Niseko's most famous and largest ski area, Hirafu caters to skiers of all levels. The snow quality is superb, and the rental equipment is excellent. We highly recommend booking lift tickets and equipment online in advance to enjoy discounts. The area offers a wide variety of dining options, although the cable cars are a bit basic, but that doesn't detract from the skiing experience. 2. Niseko Village Ski Resort: A hidden gem! Located near Mount Yōtei, the scenery is simply breathtaking. There are plenty of beginner-friendly tree runs, and the slopes are less crowded, making for a fantastic skiing experience. The ski resort lobby is located within the Hilton hotel, adding a touch of luxury. The cable cars are large and spacious, and you can relax at the hotel after a day on the slopes. 3. Annupuri Ski Resort: This resort is perfect for beginners, with numerous wide, beginner and intermediate slopes, often referred to as "big white slopes." However, it can get a bit crowded, and the rental equipment is somewhat clunky. The food here is quite good, offering a delightful culinary experience alongside the skiing. 4. Hanazono Resort: Although I haven't personally skied here, you can access it with a Hirafu lift ticket. It's said that the cable cars and yurts here are LV-branded, making it a great challenge for intermediate and advanced skiers. Lift Tickets and Ski Area Access You can purchase individual lift tickets for each ski area, or opt for an all-mountain pass or a combined ticket (including day passes, hourly passes, and point cards) based on your needs. Single-day lift tickets cost around RMB 300+, and ski rentals are also around RMB 300+. The ski areas generally operate until around 7:30 pm. You can ski from one peak to another or take the shuttle bus between ski areas, but you might need to carry your skis for a short distance. Therefore, we recommend focusing on one ski area per day to fully enjoy the experience. Three-Day Itinerary Suggestion DAY 1: Depart from Sapporo for Hirafu Ski Resort and experience the powder snow. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. DAY 2: Spend the morning at Annupuri Ski Resort on the beginner-friendly slopes, and then head to Niseko Village in the afternoon to admire the stunning views of Mount Yōtei. DAY 3: Depart from Kutchan for Otaru to soak in the romantic atmosphere, and then return to Sapporo, concluding your delightful ski trip. Transportation and Accommodation The journey from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station and then to Kutchan Station takes approximately 3 hours. From Kutchan, you can transfer to a bus to reach the ski resorts. Some hotels also offer shuttle services. Trains from Otaru to Kutchan are infrequent and crowded, so you might have to stand for the entire journey. We highly recommend Niseko Grand Hotel for accommodation. Even during the peak Lunar New Year period, when hotels are expensive and hard to book, this hotel offers rooms for just RMB 1200+. The rooms are newly renovated, the environment is fantastic, and there's an open-air onsen (even a mixed-gender one!). The hotel provides free shuttle service to and from the station, a bus to the ski resorts, and a delicious breakfast, offering exceptional value for money! The nearby Dwarf Restaurant is a popular spot with a unique atmosphere, definitely worth checking out. So, are you ready to embark on your ski adventure in Niseko? Start planning now!

snowy weather

Beautiful onsen scenery whilst backcountry skiing in Niseko! We travelled to Niseko this January and skied probably the best powder this world has to offer. Restaurants were amazing and the locals were friendly. Hokkaido has much to see and do even for those who don’t do snowsports. Niseko/Sapporo/Hokkaido is highly recommended for those who love the snow and we will be coming back next year!

#2024wish It was snowing in Niseko Hokkaido in Japan 🇯🇵 and we were craving for something hot and soupy! We dropped into this ramen place that served really rich and heart bowl of ramen 🍜. It was very much needed as the broth really warmed me up and coupled with the noodles that were cooked to perfection. Grilled fish was great and we could tats Ethel freshness! It’s so so enjoyable to indulge in our meal while do some snow ❄️ watching ! I would love to ya back again!