
Rusutsu
Much beloved by the Japanese, Rusutsu Resort is a hidden gem. Located near enough to Sapporo for day trips, it nonetheless offers spectacular scenery and the rustic beauty of rural Hokkaido.
Register your interest in 2023/24 and earn an additional 5% off!* Register now
The Niseko resort area is composed of four communities: Annupuri, Niseko, Hirafu, and Hanazono. Each community has a ski resort making up the Niseko United system and offering unique access to the legendary ski slopes of Mt. Annupuri. All four resorts use the same lift pass system, and have easily accessible backcountry terrain, making the Niseko resort area irresistible to skiers and snowboarders. Consistent fluffy powder snow year after year has given Niseko the reputation of world-class ski resort.
And skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning! Guests can also snowshoe, snowmobile, and snowbike through the frosty wonderland. With a charming village vibe and a world-class dining scene, Niseko has something to offer everyone.
While Niseko is world-famous for its snow, its summer splendor is just as marvelous. From mountain biking to berry-picking, hot air ballooning to golfing, summer in Niseko is just as action-packed as the winter. Nestled amongst rolling acres of farmland, scenic hiking trails and crystal-clear lakes, it is hard to match the Niseko area for year-round allure.
Niseko is readily accessible to travelers from inside and outside Japan. The nearest international airport is New Chitose International Airport in Sapporo. While most travelers arrive by plane, the nearest bullet train station is Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station in Hakodate. From these access points, travelers can drive, take a private car, a reservations-only public bus, or train to the Niseko resort area.
By car, the trip from Sapporo or Hakodate takes about 2 hours. In winter, the trip may take up to 4 hours. The train takes about 3 hours.
Our Guest Services Team is delighted to assist guests in booking private transfers or seats on the public bus. However, we are unable to assist in booking seats on the train.
Private Transfer
For guests who want to avoid the icy roads, are traveling in a group, with extra luggage, or who just need a little extra space, NISADE’s trusted private transfer providers can provide a seamless pick-up from the airport all the way to your accommodation.
From sedan taxis to luxury limousines, a range of vehicles, customization options, and schedules are available to suit any party.
Public Bus
Several reliable bus services run between New Chitose International Airport and the Niseko resort area. Buses are generally scheduled around major international or connecting flights, and there are multiple runs daily. All Niseko-bound buses deliver guests to the Hirafu Welcome Center where a NISADE representative will be waiting to take you to your accommodation.
Please note that all buses are reservation-only, and that bus timetables are usually issued in late September. A limited number of highway buses are available in the summer.
Train
New Chitose International Airport has a train station on the ground floor of the airport complex with a multi-lingual help desk and ticket machines in English and Japanese. The train is also easily accessible from the Sapporo and Hakodate areas, and the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass can be used on nearly all trains.
From Sapporo, guests may need to transfer trains at Otaru Station. All guests must travel to Kutchan Station and take a taxi to the Niseko resort area. Hirafu Station, while technically closer to the resort, is remote and unmanned, and no pick-ups can be arranged.
Taxis are available outside the front entrance of Kutchan Station, with the main office directly across the road.
Hirafu is a small resort town, so the main shopping, dining, and nightlife precincts are within easy strolling distance of nearly all of NISADE’s properties! For guests who will travel to neighboring towns or to restaurants outside of central Hirafu, we recommend taking a taxi or a local bus.
Taxi
Please note that taxi quantities are limited, and large parties are recommended to book in advance. Please inquire with Front Desk for assistance in booking a taxi.
Local Taxi Companies:
Bus
For guests who would like to travel between resort areas between resort areas or go to town to purchase some groceries in Kutchan, there are a number of buses in the Niseko resort area. We recommend consulting with Front Desk for the latest timetable and bus stop information.
Niseko United Shuttle
Resort-run service that connects all four Niseko area resorts and Kutchan. Service is free for guests with an All Mountain Lift Pass.
Grand Hirafu Village Shuttle
A free service that runs every 15 minutes through Hirafu Village.
Hanazono Shuttle Bus
A free service that runs every 30 minutes from stops around Hirafu Village to Hanazono Resort.
Always Niseko Shuttle Bus
A free shuttle service for Always Niseko guests circulating every 30 minutes between Always Niseko, the Hirafu Welcome Centre, and the Grand Hirafu ski lifts.
Timetable: This service is available in winter, view 2020/21 timetable here. Details to be updated closer to the winter season.