Niseko, Japan: The Best Things to See and Do for Two Days

(SPOT.ph) Having been born in the tropics, most Filipinos long for that polar opposite of the intense heat we’re experiencing this summer. And often, we associate the cold, white winter season with Western countries—but there's no need to look further than our own neighbors if you want to experience snow: Niseko in Japan should be your top of mind area for this adventure in Asia. Its powder-light snow makes not just for gorgeous breathtaking scenery, but also makes it one of the most sought after travel and ski destinations in the world. Yes, even for beginners, so it's perfect for your first snow trip. 

Also read: The Best Things to See and Do in Sapporo, Japan for Two Days

What to Know about Niseko, Japan's Ski Town

Niseko is a premier year-round resort in Hokkaido, only two hours away from Sapporo. This snowy town was first inhabited by people from Honshu, which was Japan’s most populated island in 1891. Today, there is still a stone circle close to the Niseko Village ski area as a physical reminder of how long Niseko has been on the map. The earliest recorded visit of a foreigner to this northern town was when the Austrian soldier, Theodor van Lerch Edora, climbed and skied Mount Yotei in 1912. There are several statues built around the area in his memory.

In terms of natural scenery, its notable summits include Mt. Yotei, the stratovolcano that is the symbol of the place, and Niseko Mountain Range, with its range composing of 11 mountains. The highest peak of the Niseko Mountain Range is Niseko Annupuri, home to the largest ski resorts of the area. The fauna found here are the Brown bear, the Ezo red fox, the Raccoon dog, the Japanese marten, the Eurasian red squirrel, the flying squirrel and the stoat. Its flora distinctly includes rare alpine plants, which resulted to the area being designated as a national natural monument.

Here's a two-day guide for your first snow trip in Niseko, Japan's ski town

Day 1: Settle in your resort and try out your first snow activities

Fondly known as a winter wonderland with the best powder snow in the globe, Niseko has its winter seasons during the months November through March. It has a total of four interlinked ski resorts: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Niseko Village and Hanazono, collectively known as “Niseko United”. There are a lot of activities that you can do to fully maximize the winter season including skiing, snowboarding, snow rafting, snow tubing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and bathing in an onsen.

Niseko Resorts

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu

Grand Hirafu, found at the southeastern side of the mountain, is the largest resort in the ski area with access to extensive terrain and well-lit for night skiing. This resort is perfect if you are traveling with family or if you want to be at the center of ski action. It also has a wide range of options for restaurants, shops, cafes and bars. Hirafu’s food scene features cuisines from all around the world. In terms of accommodation, both upper Hirafu and lower Hirafu house different types of travelers. Upper Hirafu consists mostly of ski-in, ski out hotels, serviced apartments and lodges. Lower Hirafu, meanwhile, has huge townhouses and luxury condos perfect for families. To cap off the winter holiday, you can take the Grand Hirafu Gondola to see the snow-covered Niseko from the top.

Annupuri

Located at the western edge of Niseko United is Annupuri, which is popular for its great mix of terrain and four gates for backcountry access. This is the more laid back portion of the ski area and is also great for families. Annupuri has retained its quiet Japanese mountain village vibe, with a variety accommodation at its base and easy access to hot springs. The restaurants here include a pizza restaurant owned by a chef who trained in Italy, a soba noodle place, izakayas and a BBQ house.

Niseko Village

Niseko Village is found between Grand Hirafu and Annupuri and is perfect for both beginner with its gentle terrains and experienced skiers with its longest and steepest runs. The village features a relaxed ski vacation ambience for the tourists where they can enjoy dining in a few shops, restaurants and bars at the base of the ski area. The well-known Milk Kobo, a dairy farm, is a must-visit! They serve Hokkaido-style cheesecake, soft-serve ice cream and cheese tarts. The village is home to some internationally-known hotels such as Hilton Niseko Village and Higashiyama Niseko Village of Ritz Carlton.

Hanazono

On the northeasternmost side of the mountains is Hanazono, with a terrain that is most suited to intermediate skiers and borders. This is where you will find “Silver Dream”, the longest green run on the mountain with a challenging drop at the middle. In terms of accommodation, you can never go wrong with Park Hyatt or Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono.

Winter activities in Niseko, Japan

Skiing

Skiing is considered a recreational activity, sport or a mode of transportation. This involves the use of a pair of long, flat runners attached to shoes or boots to move through snow. For competitive skiing, there are three types: Alpine, Nordic and freestyle.

Snowboarding

Originating as a combination of skiing, surfing and skateboarding, snowboarding entails riding down the a snow-covered surface while standing on a snowboard without any poles to help. Because of this, participants wear soft- to mid-flexing boots for support.

Snow Rafting

Snow rafting will have you gliding across the snow by getting into a rubber boat that is towed by a powerful snowmobile. The expert driver will give you a fun and wild ride in the snow.

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is riding an inflatable inner tube that starts at the top of a snowy hill and slides downhill.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is traveling through the snow with snowshoes, similar to hiking in the summer. Snowshoes have a design that features a wide frame to distribute the weight of a person so that they prevent the feet from sinking into the snow.

Snowmobiling

A snowmobile is a passenger motorized vehicle with one or two skis in front and an engine to propel it. It is steered by handlebars and its acceleration is controlled by hand-squeeze throttle and brake controls on the handlebars.

Onsen

Winter season can be freezing cold and you’ll need some heat to keep yourself in check. You might also need to relax after a full day of winter and hiking activities. This is why there is a great selection of onsens around Niseko, many of which are found in the Annupuri Area. Onsens form an important part of Japan’s culture and this custom dates back to the ancient time. Tourists can also experience “Toji”, therapy in the geothermally-heated and mineral-rich water. Some of the well-known onsens are Goshiki Onsen, Hilton Niseko Village, Hirafutei Onsen, Ikoino Yuyado Iroha and Kanronomori.

Day 2: Sightseeing around Niseko

Aside from all the winter action, there is also so much to appreciate about the scenery in Niseko. Imagine looking at snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. Its land and water forms make this part of Japan definitely a sight to behold.

Mount Yotei

Mount Yotei, which resembles Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, is located at the south of Hokkaido. The mountain is part of the Shikotsu-Toya Park situated between two beautiful lakes. If you want to have quite a bit of an adventure, the trail is accessible and here, you will come across different landscapes including the primary forest, a birch forest and alpine plants. You will see species endemic to Hokkaido that live here such as the kitakitsune or northern fox, the rabbit of Ezo and the flying squirrel of Ezo. The four paths to the mountain’s peak include the Kutchan path, the Makkari path, the Kyogoku path and the Kimobetsu path.

The mountain is located at Kawanishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0131.

Half Moon Lake

Hangetsu-ko, which looks like a half moon from the top, is a volcanic lake located at the base of Mount Yotei. The tour around the lake is the perfect introductory hike especially if you’re with family. The trail is 3.1 kilometers on a loop and there is a footpath that leads to the lakeshore. It takes 55 minutes to complete the loop and another 20 minutes to reach the shore. It is surrounded by grand oak trees, wild flora and local fauna such as woodpeckers and chipmunks.

The lake is found at Kutchan, Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido, 044-0077 and is accessible whole year round, by self tour in the summer and by guided tour in the winter.

Shiribetsu River

Considered to be one of Japan’s cleanest rivers, Shiribetsu River spans 126 kilometers in length. Its unpolluted state is mainly due to its natural purification process where its narrow streams produces a fast current as it passes through mountainous areas and hot springs. With agricultural and domestic waste being very minimal, the river is home to different types of fish including the rainbow trout, the red-spotted mass salmon, the Japanese char and rare Japanese hunches. There are a lot of activities that you can do around here such as fishing, rafting, kayaking and swimming.

The river is at 241-48 Rankoshi, Isoya District, Hokkaido 048-1301.

Lanlan Park

Right beside the Shiribetsu River is Lanlan Park in Rankoshi Town. During spring, it’s one of the best spots to see the budding Cherry Blossoms. The landscape also offers a great photo opportunity and allows people to have picnics, go for a bicycle ride or take a walk.
The park is located at 241-48 Rankoshi, Isoya District, Hokkaido 048-1301 and is only open during spring to autumn.

Kagami-Numa

Kagami-Numa is a natural pond formed in the middle of a wetland marsh at the northeast part of Mount Annupuri. The marsh appears through the trees and the mountain behind it adds to the amazing view of the landscape. The word kagami, which translates to mirror, is mainly because its water is crystal clear and tourists are able to see the Japanese maple trees, silver birches and Mount Annupuri reflected on the surface of the pond. The pond is found at Iwaobetsu, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0082 and is only accessible during summer to autumn.

How to Get Around Niseko

The best way to go around Niseko is via shuttle or bus. During the winter period, there is the Niseko United Shuttle that connects all four resorts. The shuttle is free for “All Mountain Pass” holders and requires a fee for non-pass holders. There are also public buses as the other option, with Niseko Bus and Donna Bus lines as the go-to by tourists. They operate around Niseko area connecting Kuchan Town, Hirafu and Niseko Town.

How to Get to Niseko

Setting foot in Niseko will take commitment because there are no direct flights to this winter wonderland. From the Philippines, the optimal route is to have a layover in Tokyo and land at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport. Niseko is located 80 kilometers west of Hokkaido’s international airport but do not fret because the integrated bus, train and road systems will get you to the area.

The recommended transportation modes are via resort bus or train. Riding the resort bus is popular because it is reasonably priced and these buses travel everyday during the peak winter season. There are three liners available: Hokkaido Chuo Bus, the White Liner and the Hokkaido Resort Liner, with buses departing every one to two hours. It takes about three hours to get to Niseko at a price of 5,000 yen per way. If you want to take the scenic route, you can opt for the train. Take the JR Chitose Line Express for 40 minutes from the New Chitose Airport to the Otaru Station then interchange at the JR Hakodate Main Line for two hours and 45 minutes from Otaru Station to Kutchan Station. At Kuchan Station, a bus will take you to the ski slopes in 20 minutes. The train rides in total cost 2,880 yen but you need to check the train schedules due of its limited frequency.