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Enjoy Niseko in Hokkaido to the fullest! Sightseeing Information & Access

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Niseko's Powder Snow Scenery

Located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, Niseko is known as a resort town loved by people from all over the world. The town, which attracts many tourists from overseas, offers skiing, golfing, rafting, and other activities that allow visitors to enjoy nature all year round.

Yotei, hot springs, and delicious gourmet food. Yotei, hot springs, delicious food, and much more.

In this article, we will provide you with easy-to-understand information on sightseeing in Niseko and how to access Niseko. We hope you will find it useful in planning your trip to Niseko.

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Attractions of Niseko, Hokkaido

Niseko in Hokkaido is a resort area loved by people from all over the world. It is located approximately 2 hours by car from Sapporo and 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport. Yotei. In winter, the town is famous as a ski resort boasting world-class powder snow, while in summer, the clear air and cool, pleasant climate welcome the tourist season.

Niseko offers a wealth of activities to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the year. Skiing, snowboarding, golf, rafting, trekking, and cycling are just a few of the activities available. There are also hot springs scattered throughout the area, and the view of the magnificent scenery while enjoying a hot spring bath is exceptional.

The combination of this natural environment and the cosmopolitan and vibrant townscape has attracted an increasing number of newcomers to Niseko.

5 Sightseeing Spots in Niseko, Hokkaido

Niseko has a lot to offer. Here we pick up five of the most highly recommended sightseeing spots.

Yotei Fukidashi Park

Yotei is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and a representative of Hokkaido. This 1,898-meter-high mountain is also known as "Ezo Fuji" because of its beautiful shape.

At Fukidashi Park, located at the foot of the mountain, you can see the Fukidashi Spring of Yotei, which has been selected as one of the 100 best waters and a Hokkaido Heritage Site. This mineral-rich spring water is a favorite of many chefs. It is also said that drinking the spring water brings luck in love, making it a popular love power spot.

  • Address: 45 Aza Kawanishi, Kyogoku-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 1.5 hours by bus or 30 minutes by car from Niseko Station
  • Hours of operation: 24 hours

Reference:Fukidashi Park | Kyogoku Town, Hokkaido, Japan Official WEBSite

Niseko Oyunuma

Along the Niseko Panorama Line is a swamp with a hot spring called Niseko Oyunuma. This swamp, 200 meters in circumference, gushes 1,000 liters of hot spring water per minute, and you can see the powerful gush up close.

The center of the swamp is over 80 degrees Celsius and is sent to the nearby hot springs. It is quite a rare experience to watch the hot springs gush forth in the midst of magnificent nature.

  • Address: 680-2 Yuri, Rangetsu, Isoya-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 20 minutes by car from Niseko Station
  • Hours of operation: 24 hours

Reference:Oyunuma｜Sightseeing Spots

Niseko Famous Nectar Water

Niseko is also famous for a spring named "nectar water. The name comes from the Emperor Showa who visited the area after the Pacific War, and who said after drinking the cold spring water, "It is sweet dew.

Since then, nectar water has become a well-known water that is loved by many people, and even today, people continue to visit Niseko to draw water. Drinking a glass of the crisp, cool nectar water is one of the pleasures of sightseeing in Niseko.

  • Address: 413 Niseko, Niseko Town, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 40 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by car from Niseko Station
  • Hours of operation: 24 hours

Reference:Niseko Famous Water "Niseko Nandosui" Word-of-mouth, Access, Hours of Operation｜Niseko 【 Fortravel 】

4. Niseko Annupuri

Niseko Annupuri, the highest peak in the Niseko mountain range at 1,308 meters above sea level, is the highlight of Niseko tourism. During the winter ski season, the slopes are visited by many skiers from Japan and abroad.

Annupuri" means "mountain leaning over a gorge" in the Ainu language. The dynamic view of the mountain spread out before you is unforgettable. To reach the summit, visitors can take the ropeway and gondola.

Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy mountain climbing and trekking from spring to fall. In particular, the fall foliage season from late September to early October is not to be missed. The colorful foliage that adorns the mountain surface is an art form created by Niseko's natural beauty. In summer, you can take the gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy the great nature. Be sure to visit Niseko Annupuri to enjoy the spectacular view that is only available during this season.

  • Address: 485 Niseko, Niseko Town, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 10 minutes from Niseko Station by bus or car
  • Hours of Operation:
    Ropeway/Gondola
    (Winter) 8:30-16:30
    (Summer) 9:00-16:30 *Varies according to the season.

Reference:Niseko Annupuri Official Site

5. silo observatory

The Silo Observatory is located on the west shore of Lake Toya. Known as the best view spot in the area, it offers a panoramic view of not only Lake Toya, but also Nakajima, Usuyama, and Showa Shinzan.

The view from the 170-meter-high hill is truly spectacular. The view of Lake Toya, which shows its different faces in spring, summer, fall, and winter, is sure to captivate visitors. Activities are available depending on the season, and helicopter tours of Lake Toya and snowmobiling are also popular.

The observatory facilities include restaurants and souvenir stores, and there is much more to see than just the scenery. Please visit the observatory when you are sightseeing in Lake Toya.

  • Address: 3-5 Naruka, Toyako Town, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 2 hours by bus from Niseko Station, 40 minutes by car
  • Hours of Operation:
    Silo observation deck and store 8:30-18:00
    Restaurant 11:30-13:30 *Closes at 17:00 in winter

Reference:Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Secrets of the Popularity of Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido

Winter in Niseko is all about skiing and snowboarding. What is it about Niseko's ski resorts that attracts winter sports fans from all over the world? Here, we will look into the secrets behind the popularity of Niseko ski resorts.

What is Niseko Ski Resort like?

Niseko Ski Resort is a highly popular ski resort both domestically and internationally. It consists of four ski resorts, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu, and Niseko HANAZONO Resort, each with its own unique characteristics.

Niseko's main attraction is the quality of its powder snow, which falls between December and March, averaging 15 to 18 meters of snow. Skiers from all over the world come to Niseko to enjoy the abundant snowfall and the smoothness of the snow.

The ski slopes are laid out in a variety of terrain that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. The environment is designed to allow you to ski the vast slopes to your heart's content, providing you with the best possible skiing experience.

Niseko Ski Resort is Foreigner Friendly

One of the main features of Niseko ski resort is that it has a very friendly environment for foreigners. Many of the staff members are able to speak English, allowing foreign guests to communicate with them without stress.

In addition, services for foreign families are also well-developed. A children's school and babysitting services are available for families with children, creating an environment where the whole family can enjoy skiing in comfort.

Such a generous support system is a factor in increasing the number of repeat visitors from abroad.

Are there any drawbacks to Niseko ski resorts?

However, Niseko ski resorts are not without their drawbacks. One is the crowding that comes with its popularity. In high season, skiers come from all over the world, and it is not uncommon to see long lines waiting for lifts.

In addition, because Niseko is well known as a ski resort, the prices of the surrounding facilities are also a bit high. Hotels, restaurants, ski rentals, etc. are more expensive than other ski resorts.

However, the quality of service is well worth the price you pay. The solid level of satisfaction is proof of Niseko's world-renowned popularity.

Recommended Gourmet in Niseko, Hokkaido

Blessed with magnificent natural beauty, Niseko is also a treasure trove of delicious food. Fresh seafood, vegetables, dairy products, and other local delicacies are all available. Here are some recommended gourmet spots in Niseko that you should not miss.

Niseko Takahashi Farm

Niseko Takahashi Farm is centered around the Milk Kobo, a complex directly operated by the farm, and includes the vegetable buffet restaurant Plativo, the pizza restaurant Mandriano, and the chocolate specialty store Cacao Crown. It is a popular spot for visitors to spend time and relax, focusing on the production of products using milk from cows raised in the great outdoors.

At Milk Kobo, you can taste sweets filled with fresh milk from the farm. The signature item is the cream puff. The cream puffs are filled with a direct taste of milk. The yogurt is a unique product with a soft and delicate taste that is both thick and fine.

In addition to dairy products, Niseko Takahashi Farm also produces vegetables and chocolates, all of which are safe and secure with minimal additives. The pizza using the farm's cheese, available at Mandriano, is especially excellent, and the authentic "four-cheese pizza" with its crispy thin crust and generous amount of melted cheese is one of the best examples of Niseko's gourmet products.

  • Address: 888-1 Soga, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 10 minutes by car from Niseko Station
  • Hours of Operation:
    【 Milk Workshop 】9:30-18:00 (10:00-17:30 in winter)
    ▶︎ for more informationclick here!
    【 Plativo 】11:00-15:00 (L.O.)/ 18:00-19:30 (L.O.) *Dinner reservations only
    ▶︎ for more informationclick here!
    【 Mandriano 】11:00-17:30 (L.O.)
    ▶︎ for more informationclick here!
    【 Cacao Crown 】9:30-18:00
    ▶︎ for more informationclick here!

Reference:Niseko Takahashi Farm

2. SEED Bagel & Coffee Company

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Niseko, SEED Bagel & Coffee Company offers bagels and coffee made with local ingredients. The store's signature item is a sticky bagel made with Hokkaido wheat, spring water from Mt.

We offer a wide variety of bagel sandwiches, from healthy to hearty. Pair a hot bagel with a cup of aromatic coffee made from carefully selected beans, and you are sure to have a blissful time.

The interior of the restaurant is open and comfortable. The large windows offer a view of Niseko's natural beauty. Enjoy the taste of Niseko in a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Address: 61-5 Arishima, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
  • Access: 4 minutes by car from Niseko Station
  • Business hours: 8:30-12:00 (close when sold out), 11:00-18:00 (winter hours)

Reference:SEED BAGEL and COFFEE COMPANY

3 specially selected hotels in Niseko, Hokkaido

Accommodations in Niseko are the base for activities that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. We have carefully selected hotels in Niseko that boast a comfortable stay and high quality service. We have selected three hotels that are full of attractions, such as rooms with hot spring baths with spectacular views and restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.

1. sky Niseko

Sky Niseko has garnered national and international attention by being named one of the Top 3 Best New Ski Hotels of 2019 after only one year in business. This award is a very prestigious honor in the tourism industry and has led to the hotel gaining worldwide acclaim.

The biggest attraction of Sky Niseko is its easy access to the ski slopes. Skiers will love the direct access from the hotel to the slopes of the Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort. In addition, the hotel is equipped with a natural hot spring, which can be reserved for private use. After skiing, it is a great point to be able to relieve your fatigue in the hot spring.

It also has a gym available 24 hours a day for those who want to exercise. It is the perfect environment for those who want to spend their time actively.

Rooms are decorated in a modern Japanese style, offering a simple yet sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel offers a high quality stay with a close proximity to Niseko's natural beauty.

For more information and reservations at Sky Nisekoclick here!

2. wood Niseko

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Niseko Annupuri, Ki Niseko is a hotel that, as its name suggests, exudes the warmth of wood. The natural modern guest rooms with wood as their base color are impressive for their warm yet sophisticated design. Large windows offer panoramic views of majestic Mt. Yotei and the Niseko cityscape.

The building is also equipped with hot spring baths. You can relax and unwind from your daily fatigue. After an active day of play, we recommend relaxing in KiNISEKO's high-quality space.

For dining, the restaurant boasts a dining room where you can enjoy the bounty of Hokkaido to the fullest. Our chefs are well versed in Hokkaido's ingredients and offer a variety of seasonal dishes that can only be enjoyed at that particular time of the year. The sumptuous cuisine using local ingredients is a unique attraction of Ki Niseko.

There are also plenty of activities in the vicinity of the hotel to enjoy Niseko's natural beauty. Not only skiing, but also golf courses, rafting, and hiking can be enjoyed, so you can spend your time as you wish.

For more information and reservations at Ki Nisekoclick hereFrom!

3. raku, Suishan

Raku Suizan is a luxury hotel in Niseko where you can enjoy a particularly luxurious time. All rooms are equipped with hot spring water from the source, and the best feature of the hotel is that you can enjoy the hot spring in your own private space. In addition, guests can enjoy a spectacular view of Mt.

The hotel also has a sunken hearth room with the atmosphere of a Japanese-style house, where you can relax and enjoy a special moment. There is also a gallery that displays and sells a selection of local crafts from Hokkaido and other parts of Japan, allowing guests to experience local culture.

In addition, there is a relaxation room and a fitness room. In a space nestled in the mountains of Goshi, you can experience the peace of mind and body that comes from surrendering to comfort. These facilities are ideal for relaxing your mind, body, and spirit and relieving the fatigue of travel.

Raku Suisan is a superb accommodation for an elegant stay. It is the perfect place to spend your special time in Niseko.

For more information and reservations, please contactclick hereFrom!

Access to Niseko｜How to get to Niseko from major cities such as Sapporo and other parts of Japan?

Niseko is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, approximately 2 hours by car from Sapporo and 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport. When using public transportation, Niseko Station is the nearest station. Here is a detailed look at how to get to Niseko from major cities and other parts of Japan.

1. how to get to hokkaido by plane

New Chitose Airport is the gateway to Hokkaido when flying in from other parts of Japan. A direct resort bus service from New Chitose Airport to Niseko is convenient. Three companies, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, White Liner, and Hokkaido Resort Liner, operate approximately eight daily services departing from New Chitose during the winter on-season.

Advance reservations via the web or telephone are required, but since both boarding locations are located at New Chitose Airport's international and domestic flights, there is little need to carry luggage and it is easy to get to and from the airport. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs about 5,000 yen one way.

It is also accessible by JR. It takes about 75 minutes from New Chitose Airport Station to Otaru Station by rapid airport train, and about 90 minutes from Otaru Station to Niseko Station by local train, which costs about 4,000 yen each way. However, since the number of trains is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.

2. How to get to Hokkaido by ferry

Tomakomai Port is the nearest port for crossing from Honshu to Hokkaido by ferry. From Tomakomai Port to Niseko takes less than two hours by car.

Alternatively, if you take a bus from Tomakomai Port, you can take the Donan Bus from Tomakomai to Rusutsu, a 100-minute ride, and then transfer to a bus bound for Niseko, another 100 minutes away.

Reference:DONAN BUS COMPANY｜Official Web Site

3. Access by train from major cities such as Sapporo and Otaru

Niseko is accessible by JR from major cities such as Sapporo and Otaru.

From Sapporo Station to Niseko Station, take the Rapid Airport or a local train and change trains at Otaru Station. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs about 3,200 yen one way. Please note that the number of trains from Otaru Station is limited, so be careful of connections.

From Otaru Station to Niseko takes about 90 minutes by regular train and costs about 1,600 yen.

The route from Hakodate to Niseko is via Hakodate Station and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Niseko Station via Choumangu Station. The journey time from Hakodate/Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station to Niseko Station is approximately 85-70 minutes by limited express train, and from Niseko Station to Hakodate/Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station is approximately 100 minutes by local train, at a cost of approximately 6,000 yen.

However, since the JR train service is infrequent, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.

4. Access by bus from major cities such as Sapporo and Otaru

Highway bus "Kosoku Niseko-go" runs from Sapporo Station to Niseko. This is a direct bus to Niseko Station. The trip from Sapporo takes about 3 hours and costs 2,350 yen one way.

Direct local buses are available from Otaru Station to Niseko Station, taking approximately 2 hours and costing approximately 1,500 yen one way.

When traveling from Hakodate to Niseko, JR access is recommended, as traveling by bus requires many transfers and takes a considerable amount of time.

Reference: Access to Niseko｜Niseko Resort & Tourism Association,Access to Niseko Town | About Niseko Town | Niseko Town, Hokkaido, Japan

summary

How was it? We have introduced the charms of Niseko, a popular resort area in Hokkaido. Surrounded by magnificent nature, Niseko is a heavenly place where skiing and other activities can be enjoyed all year round.

From spectacular sightseeing spots to local cuisine and onsen (hot spring) accommodations, Niseko has a lot to offer. Enjoy the delicious food unique to Hokkaido, or simply relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Enjoy your time in Niseko the way you want to enjoy it.

There is a wide variety of access methods, including airplanes, ferries, trains, and buses. There are also direct flights from all over Japan, so access to Niseko is surprisingly smooth. Why not visit Niseko, a resort that the world is in love with?

In this article, we have provided information on Niseko's tourist attractions, dining, accommodations, and accessibility to help you plan your trip.

Some people may be attracted to the charms of Niseko and consider moving to Hokkaido. There are share houses for foreigners in Sapporo and Niseko, providing a comfortable living environment. For more information, please check the following article.
▶︎ 5 share houses for foreigners in Sapporo, Hokkaido! Explanation of rent rates and characteristics of the area.

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