The Niseko United Resort is made up of four individual ski resorts, all with their own base areas, and linked with the “All-Mountain Pass”. Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri are all connected via lifts at the top of the mountain and provide over 40km of ski runs.
Grand Hirafu is the unofficial heart and soul of the resort, housing the majority of infrastructure including private chalets and casual lodges as well as ski-in ski-out hotels. Free buses operate between the resorts during the winter season, so even those guests choosing to stay further afield have easy access to the slopes.
Most accommodations are easily accessible to the ski lifts, with a range of options from ski-in/ski out to a shuttle bus ride away. The best thing about the Niseko area? Once you’re done skiing, there are still plenty of bars and restaurants to discover. After a well-deserved, restorative soak in one of Niseko’s many onsen , you’re ready to hit the town. Located in Hirafu, Musu and Tamashii are recommended options for people looking for a good apres-ski atmosphere.
- Niseko Green Leaf is at the base Annupuri in the center of Niseko Village.
- The good news was a bad snow year in Niseko means a 6 foot base instead of a 6 meter base, this still makes for plenty of great skiing.
- You can try a different approach: go out before breakfast, return when the post-breakfast crowd descends and then go out again when they disperse to eat lunch.
worth noting that those after an authentic Japanese experience won’t get it in Niseko. I like to say this is an international ski resort located in Japan, not a Japanese ski resort in Japan. While there are definitely Japanese restaurants I found the town to have much more of an international flair going on and few Japanese owned establishments. Many young Australians have also come over on a working holiday visa to enjoy an epic ski season of a lifetime – and who can blame them?
It’s one of a few places in Hirafu that offers true ski-in/ski-out accommodation, so if the convenience is worth it, book a room here! Niseko Grandpapa Lodge is located in the town, just a short distance from the ski lifts. Although it is smaller and less luxurious, it still offers a comfortable stay. One great thing about this place is that it’s just a couple minutes’ walk from Yukoro Onsen, where you can soak in some rejuvenating hot spring mineral water. Niseko is a hidden gem, if you’re into powder skiing and travel, Japan is a great spot to enjoy both. Although Niseko is only a small area with four resorts, the unique weather phenomenon that dumps incredible amounts of snow into the mountains makes it one the most memorable ski experiences I have ever had. Of course it helps if you don’t mind skiing on snowy days and enjoy the deep stuff!
She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Her advice on international travel, outdoor sports and safari in Africa has been featured on Lonely Planet and Business Insider. Niseko Green Leaf is at the base Annupuri in the center of Niseko Village. Niseko Green Leaf offers 200 rooms, a full service equipment rental section, onsen and a restaurant, bar and a ski school.