Supermarkets and grocery shopping in Niseko Hirafu

Regardless of your situation we know that the question "Is there a supermarket nearby?" gets asked a lot at ski resorts around the world. While many resorts lack decent (and affordable) grocery options - Niseko and Japan in general are spoilt for choice.

Here is our guide to the best grocery and supermarket options for you in Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Hanazono or the nearby Kutchan town.

Option 1: Sapporo Drug Store at Hirafu188

Located halfway up the road to the ski lifts across from The Maples Niseko many people pass this option by due to the name and design that make it look like a pharmacy. But this "Drug store" is much more than a place to get some headache tablets... a cross between a conbini, grocery store and pharmacy we were surprised with the range and reasonable prices given its prime location. The store stocks a solid range of fruit, vegetables, meal ingredients, phone cables, wine, whiskey and souvenirs. If you can't leave Hirafu (or don't want to) this is certainly your best bet for groceries and shopping.

Get to Sapporo Drug Hirafu: 〒044-0080 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, ニセコひらふ1条3丁目6番24号 Hirafu188 1階

Closest to: The Maples Niseko (150m) Setsumon (150m)

Option 2: Seicomart Convenience store

That's right... number two on our list is Seicomart - a convenience store only found in Hokkaido. Specifically, this Seicomart located in the centre of Hirafu Village opposite Sekka Sekka house, is a great candidate for groceries and ranked number 2 due to its convenience. Beyond the normal conbini offerings like snacks, quick meals (try the Katsudon!) and alchohol - this particular Seicomart actually stocks a decent number of grocery items in winter. Large western style bread loaves, fruit, high end wine and cooking ingredients, for example.

Yes - the range isn't going to be as big as s supermarket - but this really is the best option if you need something quick, want to plan breakfast or if you're missing a few items for dinner.

Get to Seicomart: 〒044-0080 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, ニセコひらふ1条3丁目3番8号

Closest to: The Vale Niseko (150m), Sekka Sekka (50m), Freshwater (210m)

Protip: Avoid peak times at the end of the day / lift closure as the place gets busy with lines that loop back on themself

Option 3: MaxValu Supermarket

As the closest supermarket to Hirafu this is certainly the most popular in the Niseko, Hirafu and Kutchan areas. Recently refreshed in 2023 this chain giant offers supermarket items at the standard Japanese price. It stocks a large range of meat, frozen items, alchohol and western foods. Owing to the number of tourists it also stocks foreign cheese, craft beers and items like prosciutto (although being in Japan expect to pay a premium). Next door is a Daiso great for random space saving gifts like "kawaii chair socks", cheap snacks or iPhone cables and a drug store. Max Valu has new auto checkouts with English.

If you're based in Niseko Hanazono or staying at Hanaridge this supermarket is your closest option.

Get to Max Valu: 1 Chome-30 Minami 11 Jonishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0045

Closest to: Tsubasa at Hanaridge (3.2km), Jade Rabbit (5km)

Protip: Once again - avoid peak times around 5-6pm when locals and tourists are finish work and play.

Option 4: Coop Sapporo and Lucky Supermarket

Yes - this is two supermarkets. Maybe some locals would call me crazy but I've put these together to save you a bit of time. Both of these are full-service supermarkets offering basically the same things as Max Value. The downside? They are a little further from Hirafu - with Coop being near Kutchan station and Lucky on the main road. Prices are generally the same but you'll find slightly less tourists and more locals here.

Personally I really don't think there is much difference (tomato/potato, you know) so assuming you're staying with us in Hirafu or Hanazono it really depends on your personal preferences. I've heard whispers that Lucky is the place to go if you want to be a little bit fancier.

Get to Coop: 4 Chome-3-2 Kita 3 Jonishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0053
Get Lucky: 1 Chome-1-11 Minami 2 Jonishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0032

Closest to: As above but add 2km

Option 5: M Pocket (Mポケット).

A "hidden" option we really shouldn't be sharing. M Pocket is a "mini-Costco" in Kutchan that looks more like one of those stores where people go to exchange their hard earned pachinko points than buy blocks of imported gorgonzola cheese. Popular with local foreign residents seeking their homeland fix M Pocket stock a range of Japanese and foreign goods as well as some very expensive ($1000 a bottle plus) wines.

As far as we know they don't speak English so please be on your best behaviour as a representative of all foreigners.

Protip: If you go here, please make sure you leave at least one of the frozen Four n' Twenty pies. I will be sad if they run out when I need an "Aussie" fix and would appreciate it if you could return the favor after I just shared this one.

Discover M-Pocket: 1 Chome-13 Kita 3 Jonishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0053

Closest to: As above

For these staying elsewhere like Rusutsu or Furano - stay tuned for our grocery guide for those destinations but for now here's a quick rundown:

• FURANO: Our hotels Fenix West and Fenix Furano are located at the Kitanomine Zone the closest to Furano's town centre. There are a ton of Restaurant and supermarket options (a McDonald's, for example) in the nearby town a short drive away.
• RUSUTSU: Rusutsu Resort is located close to much smaller villages and and so most locals do their "weekly shop" at supermarkets above in Kutchan. Ask our team at The Vale Rusutsu about our grocery delivery options* to your room are available.
  

*Check availability of services before booking.