Niseko is home to ski resorts including “Niseko Hirafu,” “Annupuri International Ski Area,” “Niseko Village,” and “Hanazono Ski Resort,” each connected to the others, so a single lift pass lets you ski across multiple resorts. Even outside winter, you can enjoy the area’s rich natural surroundings, highlighted by the beautiful scenery of Mt. Yotei (often called “Ezo Fuji”).
Niseko is a popular destination in Hokkaido, best known as a ski resort area in winter. The region is famous worldwide for its high-quality powder snow, often nicknamed “JaPow,” drawing large numbers of visitors from overseas. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy hot springs, hiking, rafting, golf, and many other activities throughout the year.
Niseko is also home to many foreign residents and visitors, giving the area a distinctly international atmosphere. With high-quality restaurants and accommodations, it’s a resort area well regarded for its food and culture as much as its slopes.
NISEKO
A World-Renowned Powder Snow Town
Enjoy Every Season in Niseko
In winter, skiers travel from around the world for the finest snow quality; in summer, rafting, golf, and hot springs take over. Discover the charm of Niseko, set beneath Mt. Yotei, and how to enjoy it in every season.
Niseko is a resort area in the Shiribeshi region of southwestern Hokkaido. Centered on Mt. Niseko Annupuri, “Niseko United” links together four ski areas—Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri International, and Hanazono—and boasts some of the finest snow quality in the world, drawing skiers and snowboarders from Australia and beyond. In summer, the area transforms into an outdoor resort for rafting, golf, and cycling. Being enjoyable in every season is one of Niseko’s biggest draws.
Niseko Hirafu & Niseko Village
ClassicThe heart of the Niseko area. Niseko Hirafu is the largest hub, packed with hotels, restaurants, and shops, and carries a distinctly international atmosphere thanks to its large number of overseas visitors. Niseko Village is a quieter area centered around large-scale hotels, and is especially popular with families.
📍 About a 15-minute bus or car ride from JR Kutchan Station
Mt. Yotei (Ezo Fuji)
Scenic ViewA standalone peak that serves as Niseko’s symbol. Known as “Ezo Fuji” for its beautifully symmetrical cone shape, it’s visible from almost anywhere in town. In summer, climbing, hiking, and visiting the natural springs at its base are also popular.
📍 Visible year-round from across the Niseko area
Niseko Annupuri
ActivitiesThe core mountain of Niseko United. In winter, it draws many backcountry skiers in search of premium powder snow. In summer, a gondola takes you near the summit, where you can enjoy trekking and sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
📍 About a 10-minute drive from the Niseko Hirafu area
Shiribetsu River Rafting
Summer ActivityRafting on the Shiribetsu River—once named “Japan’s clearest river”—is a quintessential Niseko summer activity. Choose from gentle, beginner-friendly courses to thrilling rapids. Canoe and SUP tours are also well developed here.
📍 Tour operators provide pickup around the Niseko Hirafu area
Niseko Konbu Onsen & Goshiki Onsen
Hot SpringHot springs scattered at the base of Niseko Annupuri. Goshiki Onsen is known for its milky white waters, while Niseko Konbu Onsen sits along a mountain stream—both offering secluded hot-spring escapes to soothe muscles tired from skiing or other activities. Many facilities also offer day-use bathing.
📍 About a 20–30 minute drive from the Niseko Hirafu area
Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station
GourmetA roadside station with a view of Mt. Yotei, and a great souvenir stop for Niseko-grown potatoes, fresh vegetables, dairy products, wine, and other local specialties. Its soft-serve ice cream and bakery are also popular, making it a great place to stop while driving.
📍 Along Route 5, about a 10-minute drive from the Niseko Hirafu area
A Private Charter Taxi Is the Easy Way to See Niseko
Niseko’s key spots—Hirafu, Village, Annupuri, and the hot-spring areas—are spread across a wide region, and bus service is limited.
Beyond transfers from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo, a private charter taxi with a local driver who knows the winter roads and mountain routes lets you get around with peace of mind, even if you’re not confident driving in snow.