Ultimate Niseko Travel Guide 2025: Skiing, Onsens & Year-Round Adventures in Hokkaido
Sapporo, the central hub of Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. Known as a gourmet city, many visitors come to enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Sapporo and its surrounding areas offer various snow activities, with Niseko being particularly popular. Skiers from around the world visit seeking Niseko's high-quality snow.
This comprehensive Niseko Guide will provide you with 100% of the information you need to fully enjoy this nationally renowned tourist destination. We'll explain everything in guide format, so please use it as your reference!
Niseko: Hokkaido's Premier Tourist Destination Famous for Its Ski Resorts
Niseko is a popular tourist destination that attracts attention from skiers worldwide. The soft, fluffy, high-quality powder snow is world-famous and called "Japow (Japan + Powder snow)." The dry and smooth snow quality offers minimal resistance while skiing, providing the ultimate sensation of speed.
Niseko's numerous ski resorts receive the second-highest snowfall in the world, and the location where you can ski while viewing magnificent nature is also popular. Being a heavy snow region, the ability to always secure sufficient snow volume is another attractive point.
Beyond Ski Resorts: Enjoy Various Seasonal Activities
In nature-rich Niseko, you can enjoy various activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. River rafting and horseback riding experiences at farms offer seasonal enjoyment throughout the four seasons, which is another reason for Niseko's popularity. There are also many golf courses that take advantage of Hokkaido's vast landscape.
As it's also famous as a hot spring destination, you can leisurely heal your body after activities.
We'll introduce the activities you can experience each season in detail later in this Niseko Guide, so please check them out!
How to Get There (Access Information)
The distance from Sapporo to Niseko is approximately 100km. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by car, making day trips possible, but buses and trains take longer with fewer services, so staying overnight is recommended.
Transportation from Sapporo to Niseko - Travel Time - Fare (One Way)
- Express Bus "Express Niseko": 3 hours to 3 hours 40 minutes / ¥2,100-2,500
- Train (Sapporo-Otaru-Niseko Area): 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours / ¥2,300-3,000
- Taxi: About 2 hours / ¥23,000-25,000
For public transportation, the express bus is recommended. While it has the disadvantage of being affected by traffic conditions like congestion, the benefits include low fares and no transfers required. It's also convenient for loading large luggage like ski and snowboard equipment.
From New Chitose Airport, there's a bus service called "Niseko Direct Shuttle." Depending on the drop-off location in the Niseko area, travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours, with one-way fares of ¥5,000-7,000.
Niseko's Seasonal Attractions
The attractive point of Niseko is that you can enjoy it regardless of which season you visit. This Niseko Guide will introduce the characteristics and recommended ways to spend time in each season.
If you're unsure about which season to travel, please use this as reference!
Winter in Niseko
Winter is definitely Niseko's main season. December through February is when snow falls most, with an average temperature of -8°C. January is typically the coldest month, with minimum temperatures sometimes reaching around -20°C.
Niseko is the world's second-highest snowfall ski resort. Many skiers and snowboarders visit seeking the highest quality powder snow.
Winter Niseko not only has heavy snow but also frozen ground, making snow boots essential. Prepare proper cold weather gear like down coats or ski wear, along with gloves, scarves, and hats.
Niseko is also known as a hot spring village, and you can enjoy hot springs with high skin-beautifying effects and outdoor baths, which is another attractive point.
Recommended Winter Activities
In winter Niseko, you can enjoy various snow activities beyond skiing and snowboarding.
Winter Activities in Niseko:
- Snowmobile
- Snow Rafting
- Snowshoe
- Cross-country Skiing
My recommendation is "Snow Rafting," where you ride in a rubber boat used for river rafting and get pulled by a snowmobile over the snow. The sensation of racing through sparkling snow fields in a boat creates unforgettable memories. It's often available from age 3, making it attractive for families to enjoy together.
We'll introduce skiing along with each ski resort later in this Niseko Guide, so please check that section too!
Spring in Niseko
Spring in Niseko is characterized by gradually melting snow and increasing sunny days. While March still has days with sub-zero minimum temperatures, by May the average temperature becomes a comfortable 15°C.
Snow remains on the mountains while greenery spreads at the base, making spring skiing under blue skies recommended. Rivers gain momentum from massive snowmelt, making water activities enjoyable. Spring rafting offers more thrilling speed sensations compared to other seasons, which is an attractive point.
Spring Niseko has many clear days, making leisurely walks through parks feel wonderful. Cherry blossoms reach their peak viewing period from late April to May. Listen to wild birds singing while bathing in negative ions.
Recommended Spring Activities
From March to May, Niseko offers many activities perfect for Hokkaido's refreshing spring climate.
Spring Activities in Niseko:
- Spring Skiing
- Tree Trekking
- Golf
- Rafting
- Trekking
- Hiking
Niseko has many golf courses suited to various skill levels. Playing golf surrounded by magnificent nature is exhilarating.
When I visited Niseko in April, I enjoyed tree trekking. Tree trekking, where you wear a harness and navigate various courses set up in the trees, offers an experience like walking in the air!
Autumn in Niseko
Autumn in Niseko is characterized by large temperature differences throughout the day. September days are warm and comfortable at around 20°C, but mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. By November, there are more days when the minimum temperature drops below freezing.
From late September to early October, the autumn foliage reaches its peak viewing season. The spectacular beauty of Niseko's nature painted in red and yellow is truly breathtaking. Along with the autumn colors, please enjoy hiking and mountain climbing as well. There are many other activities you can enjoy in autumn's refreshing climate.
This is also the delicious season for various Hokkaido delicacies such as mushrooms, autumn salmon, and new rice. You can also enjoy fruit picking for grapes and apples. The attractive point of autumn in Niseko is that people of all ages can enjoy it in their own way.
Recommended Autumn Activities
When you visit Niseko in autumn, why not try these activities where you can feel the pleasant breeze?
Activities to enjoy in autumn Niseko:
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Autumn leaf viewing
- Paragliding
Horseback riding is a highly popular activity in autumn Niseko. Various farms and hotels offer horseback riding experience tours, where they carefully teach you the basics of riding.
What I remember most is paragliding. With tandem flights where an instructor controls a two-person paraglider, even beginners can safely enjoy their journey through the sky.
Summer in Niseko
The characteristic of Niseko's summer is that it's refreshing with low humidity. The average temperature is around 25°C, and even in midsummer, it rarely exceeds 30°C like in mainland Japan. Therefore, it's popular as a summer retreat and can be called the best season with a different appeal from winter.
The contrast between blue skies and greenery is beautiful, making it a season when the natural scenery looks even more stunning. Some off-season ski slopes become mountain bike courses, and activities where you can enjoy the scenery while participating have become popular.
Unlike the winter bustle when ski customers rush in, the attractive point of summer Niseko is the calm and relaxed time that flows.
There are also plenty of summer-specific events such as BBQs, blueberry picking, music festivals, and fireworks displays.
Recommended Summer Activities
In summer Niseko, waterside activities where you can feel coolness are popular.
Activities to enjoy in summer Niseko:
- Rafting
- Zip lining
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- SUP (Stand-up Paddleboarding)
- Camping
Summer rafting, with calmer water flow compared to spring, is recommended even for beginners. If you leisurely tour by canoe, you can experience the natural scenery and bird songs with all five senses.
My favorite is the SUP (Stand-up Paddle) river touring. While I usually enjoy SUP on the ocean as a hobby, SUP in Niseko navigating through tree-surrounded rivers gave me an adventurous feeling that I couldn't get at sea.
If You're Coming to Niseko, Also Visit Sapporo, Hokkaido's Largest Tourist Destination
When you go to Hokkaido, Sapporo sightseeing is also unmissable. Sapporo has classic popular tourist spots and gathers cuisine from various Hokkaido cities. There's also Susukino, considered one of "Japan's three major entertainment districts," and the attractive point is that you can enjoy it 24 hours a day.
If you're having trouble choosing restaurants in Sapporo where various dining establishments compete, why not participate in a guided tour? This tour takes you to three carefully selected establishments by local guides who know Sapporo inside and out.
Please try not only popular standard foods like fresh seafood, sushi, tempura, and yakitori, but also Japanese foods you're seeing for the first time. Even if you don't know how to eat or the manners, you can feel at ease with a guide.
For those who want to enjoy exquisite Hokkaido cuisine at local establishments that don't appear in guidebooks, please consider participating!
Meeting point: Susukino Station
Tour area: Izakaya around Susukino
Start time: 18:00
Niseko's Four World-Class Ski Areas
Niseko has four ski areas collectively called "Niseko United." These four ski areas located at the foot of Mount Annupuri are each connected by lifts, and the pleasant point is that you can move between them with a common lift ticket.
Here we introduce the characteristics and attractions of each.
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
"Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area" is a historic ski area established in 1972. The slopes with supreme powder snow have various courses set up.
Recommended Points:
- Many gentle slopes, so beginners and families can feel safe
- Wide course widths make it recommended for snowboarding too
- Well-equipped with advanced courses including ungroomed courses and deep snow forest courses
- Calm and relaxed atmosphere
My favorite point is that it has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the other three ski areas. You can leisurely enjoy skiing while viewing the magnificent scenery.
Address: 485 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-58-2080
Official Website: https://annupuri.info/en/
Niseko Hanazono Resort
"Niseko Hanazono Resort" is particularly popular with foreign tourists among the four ski areas.
Recommended Points:
- Variety-rich courses including tree runs
- Night skiing with illumination
- Special tours with dedicated English-speaking guides
- Luxury gondolas and lifts with genuine leather seats and heaters
In tours with English-speaking guides, they take you to high-quality powder snow locations that amateurs would find difficult to locate, and to safe backcountry areas.
My favorite point is that you can enjoy it all season since summer activities are also popular, not just skiing.
Address: 328-36 Aza-Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-23-0103
Official Website: https://hanazononiseko.com/en
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
"Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu" is the largest ski resort in Niseko United.
Recommended Points:
- Niseko's largest slope area covering 135 hectares
- 22 different courses - the most in Niseko United
- One of Japan's largest night skiing areas
- Restaurant area renovated in 2025
The night skiing area, one of the largest in Japan, allows you to experience the finest powder snow that has just fallen. My personal recommendation in this Niseko Guide is the restaurant area with open kitchens and bar counters. You can enjoy authentic meals like steaks while gazing at the scenery through large windows.
This is recommended for those who prefer lively, large-scale ski resorts.
Address: 1-2-9-1 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-22-0109
Official Website: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/
Niseko Village Ski Resort
"Niseko Village Ski Resort" is located in the center of Niseko United.
Recommended Points:
- Distinctive vertical course layout
- Abundant technical courses for advanced skiers
- Guided snowshoe tours
- Well-equipped complex facilities including hot springs and shopping areas
- Two golf courses on the premises
The attractive point of this ski resort is that advanced skiers can fully enjoy courses with 32-degree slopes and technical courses. Please also enjoy activities other than skiing, such as guided tours where you can explore snowy fields wearing snowshoes!
Address: Niseko Higashiyama Onsen, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-44-2211
Official Website: https://www.niseko-village.com/
5 Must-See Tourist Spots in the World-Famous Resort "Niseko"
Niseko, known as a resort destination, has many attractions beyond ski resorts. This Niseko Guide features 5 spots I particularly recommend. This is essential reading for anyone planning to visit Niseko!
Mt. Yotei
Mt. Yotei, selected as one of "Japan's 100 Famous Mountains," is the symbol of Niseko. This 1,898-meter mountain is also called "Ezo Fuji" due to its conical shape resembling Mt. Fuji. "Ezo" is an old name for Hokkaido.
There are four hiking courses, with even the shortest round trip taking about 8 hours. Some sections have steep slopes, so prepare thoroughly when climbing. In summer, you can observe wild birds and over 100 species of alpine plants. From the summit, you can see spectacular views overlooking the entire Niseko area.
You can enjoy various appearances depending on the season and time of day, and the sight of the mountain dyed in sunset colors from the western side is breathtakingly beautiful. Please take time to observe it carefully from various angles.
Location: Kutchan-cho, Kyogoku-cho, Kimobetsu-cho, Makkari-mura, Niseko-cho, Hokkaido
Phone (Kutchan Town Office): 0136-22-1122
Official Website: https://www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp/tourism/yoteizan/
Shinsen-Numa
"Shinsen-numa Marsh" is said to be the most beautiful among the ponds and lakes in the Niseko area. The name of the marsh means "a pond where gods and hermits live," and its mystical atmosphere seems to cleanse the soul.
My recommended point in this Niseko Guide is the natural scenery you can enjoy each season. From spring to summer, colorful alpine plants bloom in abundance, and in autumn, vivid autumn colors reflect in the water.
A well-maintained wooden boardwalk continues to the marsh, and the attractive point is that you can feel like you're adventuring through a picture book world. When walking on the boardwalk, trekking shoes with good grip are recommended.
Please enjoy the nature of all four seasons at this representative tourist spot of Niseko.
Location: Kyowa-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
Phone (Kyowa Town Industry Division): 0135-73-2011
Official Website: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/spot/detail_10169.html
Fukidashi Park
"Fukidashi Park" is a park where abundant "underground water" springs forth - water from Mt. Yotei's snowmelt that has been filtered over a long period. Also called "Yotei's Fukidashi Spring Water," it has been certified as one of "Japan's 100 Famous Waters" and as Hokkaido Heritage. The spring water is refreshingly cold even in summer, clear without cloudiness, and has a mellow taste containing minerals.
The green-rich park is surrounded by various plants, and it's also recommended to spend time leisurely while viewing the scenery. There are hot spring facilities and playground equipment for children, making it attractive for a wide range of generations.
At the adjacent rest facility, you can enjoy coffee, ramen, soba, and other items made with the spring water. Please taste the delicious water blessed by the mountains!
Address: 45 Kawanishi, Kyogoku-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone (Kyogoku Town Office): 0136-42-2111
Official Website: https://kyogoku-kanko.jp/park.html
Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm MILK KOBO
Source:Official website
"Takahashi Dairy Farm MILK KOBO" is a popular milk workshop attached to the ranch. At the workshop, you can enjoy dairy products and sweets made with freshly squeezed milk.
This ranch's commitment is also caring about the process of raising cattle for good-tasting milk. The cows are carefully raised by being fed delicious pasture grass grown in quality soil, and contact with general visitors is prohibited to prevent disease infection.
Exquisite sweets like soft-serve ice cream and roll cakes are popular for their simple flavors that bring out the deliciousness of milk. My recommendation in this Niseko Guide is the drinking yogurt you can taste at the yogurt workshop. They also offer hands-on ice cream making experiences, so please enjoy the freshly made taste!
Address: 888-1 Soga, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 9:30-18:00 (Milk Workshop)
Phone: 0136-44-3734
Closed: Irregular holidays
Official Website: https://niseko-takahashi.jp/
Ostrich Arishima 2nd farm Niseko
Source:HOKKAIDO LOVE!
"Ostrich Arishima 2nd farm Niseko" is where you can observe ostriches grazing freely across vast grounds. Ostriches are known as Japan's largest birds and are said to be the creatures closest to dinosaurs.
They also offer feeding experiences, and watching the ostriches rush at full speed toward food scattered on the ground is absolutely thrilling. You'll surely be charmed by their comical movements and adorable expressions. Since they graze from summer to early winter, you can thoroughly observe them living freely.
My recommendation is the sweets made with ostrich eggs produced in their workshop. The "Ostrich Dorayaki Sandwich," which features sweet red bean paste sandwiched between castella cake, has become a Niseko specialty sweet, so please give it a try.
Address: 239-2 Toyosato, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 10:00~16:00
Phone Number: 090-8273-8324
Closed: Mid-November to April
Official Website: https://ostrichfarm.mystrikingly.com/#about-farm
Recommended for Niseko Visitors! 3 Attractive Hotels Offering Fascinating Experiences
Niseko, which attracts tourists from around the world, offers many attractive hotels. This Niseko Guide has selected three popular hotels. I'll introduce the characteristics of each hotel and the recommended points I personally felt during my stays.
Ki Niseko
Source:Official website
"Ki Niseko," located at the foot of Mt. Annupuri, is a condominium hotel nestled in pristine nature. The modern interior allows you to feel the warmth of wood and an atmosphere harmonized with nature.
Since it's directly connected to Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, it's also recommended for those who want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding all day long. You can also savor the spectacular location overlooking Mt. Yotei bathed in morning light and Niseko's townscape.
My recommended point is the exclusive "Ki Niseko Onsen" that you can only experience here. The hotel's private hot spring source, which bubbles up from the mountain's foot, contains abundant minerals and is known for its high beauty-enhancing components.
This hotel is recommended for those who want to leisurely enjoy hot springs in a quiet space surrounded by nature.
Address: 3-8-5 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone Number: 0136-21-2565
Official Website: https://www.kiniseko.com/
Setsu Niseko
Source:Tripadvisor
"Setsu Niseko" is a hotel where Japanese charm and stylish design merge. With the concept of being "a destination for travel," it has been recognized as one of Asia's representative luxury hotels.
With various room types including suites and penthouses, all rooms are equipped with kitchens, dryers, and washing machines, making it recommended for long-term stays as well.
The interior decorated with art pieces gives you the feeling of being in an art museum. My favorite points include being able to spend fulfilling time within the hotel through spas using Hokkaido herbs and Eastern medicine, and yoga lessons incorporating "zen," a Buddhist philosophy.
For those who want to indulge in a luxurious world, please consider staying here.
Address: 2-6-9 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone Number: 0136-55-5131
Official Website: https://setsuniseko.com/en/
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
Source:Official website
"Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono" is a luxury hotel that opened in 2020. With a 24-hour fitness room, indoor pool, and personalized spa menus, you can enjoy the ultimate resort experience just by staying at the hotel.
One of this hotel's attractions is its wine cellar stocking wines from around the world. With reservations, you can enjoy wine tasting and food pairing.
My recommended point is being able to savor food from Pierre Hermé, the world-renowned French pastry chef. At the hotel's deli and breakfast buffet, you can taste freshly baked pastries and desserts.
Please spend luxurious moments at this hotel representing Niseko.
Address: 328-47 Iwanai-betsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Phone Number: 0136-27-1234
Official Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-niseko-hanazono/ctsph
After Enjoying Activities in Niseko, Heal Your Fatigue at the Famous Onsen!
In Niseko, where many active volcanoes create abundant hot springs, you can enjoy seven different types of hot spring components. Niseko's hot springs, which offer various benefits such as beautiful skin effects and fatigue recovery, are also recommended after enjoying activities.
It's also a delightful point that you can choose according to your preferences and mood from open-air baths surrounded by forests, rock baths overlooking majestic mountains, and stylish hot springs at resort hotels.
At "Niseko Goshiki Onsen Spa," a long-established inn that opened in 1930, you can enjoy unique hot springs containing various components. The "Goshiki Onsen," whose color appearance changes depending on weather and time of day, is also charming for its retro appearance that retains old-fashioned charm. Please visit this gem featured in our Niseko Guide!
Address: 673 Yusato, Isoya-Gun, Rankoshi-Cho, Hokkaido
Phone Number: 0136-58-2707
Official Website: https://goshikionsen.com
