Village Info in Niseko
Niseko Getting Around
TAXI
Taxis can be arranged by your accomodation, see the approximate cost from most properties in Hirafu below:
- Within the village: ¥1,000
- Izumikyo area: ¥1,500
- Hanazono: ¥3,200
- Kutchan: ¥2,500
- Niseko Village: ¥2,500
- Annupuri: ¥3,800
SHUTTLE BUSES
Niseko United Shuttle: When the legs are about to give up, the Niseko United Shuttle bus is your predominant form of transport. Holders of the Niseko All Mountain Ski Pass can ride the bus for free, whilst those without the pass can buy a ticket from 300yen per ride. 12-Points pass holders can ride the bus for 1 point. The shuttle connects Hirafu to JR Kutchan Station, Hilton Niseko Village, and Annupuri Ski Ground.
Hanazono Shuttle: A free shuttle connecting Hirafu Welcome Centre and Hanazono Ski Area.
Niseko Local Bus: Connects JR Kutchan Station to the Hilton Niseko Village via Hirafu Welcome Centre.
Donan Local Bus: Also connects JR Kutchan Station to the Hilton Niseko Village via Hirafu Welcome Centre.
Niseko Area Circuit Bus: Connects JR Niseko Station to the Hilton Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri Ski Area, Moiwa Ski Area, and Konbu Onsen.
Niseko ATMs, Bank & Cash
For the amount of foreign visitors to Niseko, the Hirafu village surprisingly only has one ATM servicing foreign cards, inside gourmet deli at Shiki Niseko (open from 07:00-23:00). Whilst a number of cafes and restaurants accept credit cards, there are still many establishments that rely solely on cash, so it is recommended to hold sufficient Japanese yen.
Generally Japan Post Offices and 7-eleven are the most reliable ATMs for withdrawing cash from your foreign bank card. There are two 7-eleven stores near Kutchan station, and one near Niseko train station. Japan Post Offices are also close by these train stations. Both areas can be reached by taxi or Niseko United shuttle bus, free with the all mountain lift pass or a small fee for non-holders. Niseko Hilton Village has a ATM that is 24hrs, as is the 7-eleven stores mentioned above. Post office hours vary by location and are generally open 09:00 to 17:00
Foreign Currency and Traveler’s Cheques can be exchanged in IKEUCHI Niseko (ATM) in Hirafu, HT Holidays office, and the NGS office. In Kutchan the main post office, Hokuyo Bank (on the corner of Eki-mae Dori and Route 5) and the supermarket LUCKY Kutchan offer currency and Traveler’s Cheque exchange services.
Niseko Shopping
Niseko offers arguably the best ski resort shopping experience in Japan. Enjoy a wide variety of ski gear shops, après boot shops, fashion, souvenirs and accessories. Whilst many resorts in Japan have shops dating back to the economic bubble of the 80’s, Niseko is ahead of the lot with chic and modern stores offering the latest models of all items you need to make your ski holiday complete.
The best ski stores are located along the main street of Hirafu-zaka, you will also find a stunning range of up-market ski wear, fashion and glasswares at the Niseko Village shops next to the Hilton Hotel.
There are two main convenience stores in Hirafu – Seico mart and Lawson, and a gourmet deli inside Shiki Niseko. Amongst these three you can acquire a good selection of food for your breakfasts, snacks and post ski drinks. If you require a more comprehensive shop for lunch and dinner meals and larger volumes of alcohol, the closest supermarket is down in Kutchan town, and holders of the All Mountain lift Pass can enjoy a free ride on the shuttle to the supermarket.
Niseko Village Map
Niseko can be roughly broken up into two main areas - the Hirafu village area and the Niseko Village area.
Niseko Village is home to the luxury hotels Hilton Niseko Village and The Greenleaf Hotel, along with some other great pensions and self-contained accommodation.
Check out Niseko Village the PDF map at the button below.
Niseko Hirafu Area Map
Niseko can be roughly broken up into two main areas - the Hirafu village area and the Niseko Village area.
The Hirafu area lies at the bottom of the Grand Hirafu resort, and is where the majority of hotels and self-contained accommodations are located, along with a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants and bars.
Check out the Hirafu area PDF map at the button below. This map shows a detailed description of not only the main irate area, but also Hirafu West Village, Hirafu East Village, Izumikyo and Hanazono.
Niseko Onsen Guide
Niseko is rich in natural onsen waters, high in mineral content, said to cure sore muscles and remove dead skin cells revealing smooth silky skin. Visitors to Niseko are spoilt with choice - fifteen local natural onsens to decide between, enjoy a long soak in the healing waters after a long day on the slopes.
Indoor baths and outdoor baths are equally relaxing and peaceful, and the outdoor baths are generally surrounded by natural rocks and vegetation as well as copious amounts of fresh white snow.
Niseko In-House Services
The team at Niseko Gourmet serve up a number of fantastic culinary services.
Private Chef Feast in the comfort of your apartment with your own private chef for a night.
Delivery Enjoy a healthy hamper package, with local produce and ingredients and instructions for nutritious home-cooked meals.
Cooking School Learn from long time Niseko resident and author of Harvest Niseko cookbook, easy and healthy Japanese recipes that you can take home with you.
Check out the Niseko Gourmet Website.