JapanFebruary 10, 2025, by Isa de Laat

Guide for the winter sports area Niseko, Japan: slopes, food, drinks & sleeping

Winter sports
Japan, February 10, 2025, by Isa de Laat

Guide for the winter sports area Niseko, Japan: slopes, food, drinks & sleeping

Champagne Powder! Niseko is known as the epicenter of powder and remote backcountry opportunities. Skiing in Japan is one bucketlist. thing and for that you have to be in Niseko, on the top island of Japan (Hokkaido). With a good connection from the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, you can get there in no time by train. Once in Niseko you have access to the Hanazono, Grand Hiram, Niseko Village and Annapuri resorts.

Niseko is full of Australians and much more western (and expensive) than the other famous ski resort in Japan, Hakuba. But hey, there is also more going on and that is also worth something. This is the for the winter sports area Niseko, Japan: slopes, food, drinks & sleeping.

General Niseko United

General Niseko United

powder snow, backcountry and beautiful scenery: Niseko is Japan's most famous ski resort and one of the best ski destinations in the world. The four main resorts, Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri form what is known as Niseko United and can be skied with one lift ticket. With over 47 km of groomed slopes, Niseko United is perfect for beginners, families and very experienced skiers.

For the finest powder it is best to go in January/February.

How do you even get to Niseko? Niseko is 115 kilometers from New Chitose Airport and about a two-hour bus ride from Sapporo Station. The easiest option in both cases is by train or express buses that go directly to the resort or by driving yourself. Please note that the buses only run in high season.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Do you want to stay in the hustle and bustle? Hirafu has the most restaurants and best nightlife. In Hirafu it is Midtown Niseko an excellent option with a good shuttle service, ski locker, nice rooms, large common areas and, in addition to a restaurant, a kitchen on every floor for self-catering.

It is an affordable favorite Green Leaf Hotel in Niseko Village with ski-in, ski-out and an onsen. And the Niseko Landmark View has one of the most beautiful views.

Crème de la crème as far as we are concerned  Forgotten, andand Japanese boutique inn within walking distance of incredible lunch spot Somoza; a beautiful art gallery, cafe and excellent dining experience. Also AYA Nisekos is a more luxurious option and delicious.

Lunch during the day

Lunch during the day

We suggest lunch around/on the slopes Bo-Yo-So: a small family restaurant with a hardworking team. It is the cheapest place to eat on the mountain and accessible via a challenging slope down (or a short walk from the lift). Ordering is done via a machine (make sure you have cash). Also Hanazon EDGE Restaurant Bar is a favorite around the slopes. The restaurant at the bottom of the slopes is a little more expensive, but the snow crab ramen is worth the money and comparable to other restaurants where you can try this. 

Koko Niseko is you go-to for coffee and snacks while shopping in Hirafu.

 

Diner

Diner

Ramen, noodles and soup go hand in hand with winter sports if you ask us. Secretly, a winter sports trip to Japan was already high on the bucket list for that reason alone. Bee Rakuichi Soba the chef makes different types of sticks to roll the dough and that is partly why this place is all the rage popular for buckwheat noodles. Also Afuri is a hit for unique ramen that you must try (be sure to order the yuzu broth). 

Prefer something affordable? Kuttei Niseko is an affordable, low key Izakaya restaurant with good sushi. And just fancy a good drink? You then drink the best cocktails Bar Gyu+, an speakeasys bar with a secret entrance through a refrigerator.

at Shabu Shabu Mori we were positively surprised with the best Shabu Shabu we ate in Japan (read the article here). 

After the feet have done their work, you will want to make a reservation for dinner at Kamimura: the most famous restaurant in Niseko and Chef's Degustation is an experience. And despite the fact that it is described as a French restaurant, you will definitely see Japanese cuisine. 

Also high-end restaurant The Barn by Odin is a favorite. Again French and touristy (which is mainly reflected in the prices here). Nothing super creative in the dishes, but the intimate setting of this barn is what you want after a day of slogging.

Ok, a more luxurious one then. Kitchen Niseko is an intimate, living room atmosphere restaurant with a fantastic open kitchen. Tempura Araki is an authentic and intimate omakase experience from a Michelin-starred chef.

 

 

 

To do

To do

Of course you want to go into the powder snow with a guide Hanazono Powder Guides. Because if you go outside the slopes, you will of course do so with supervision.

Even more extreme? Weiss Powder Cat Skiing! On their own 'private mountain' you go with a Cat and eand a maximum of twelve guests per day are guaranteed to leave fresh tracks in the snow.

Apres ski? Mwa. We've seen better. More from here is to go to the onsen after skiing. Goshiki Onsen or Yukichichibu Onsen are excellent onsen in Niseko.

More tips