Niseko Travel Guide: Flight Options for Your Next Adventure

Ready to hit the slopes in Hokkaido? Getting to Japan’s top ski resorts—Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu— is more straightforward than ever, with New Chitose Airport (CTS) offering a range of flight options for international and domestic travellers. Here’s a look at the best ways to fly in, so you can start your snowy adventure as soon as possible.

For international visitors, CTS serves as the main gateway to Hokkaido, with direct flights available from major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei. Key airlines like Thai Airways, Air Asia X, and Japan Airlines make it easy to fly directly to CTS, located about 110 kilometers from Niseko. From here, you can easily connect to each resort by various transfer options.

If you’re coming from outside Asia or prefer a city stopover, Tokyo is a popular connection point with over 160 flights daily to New Chitose.　

If you're traveling to Hokkaido and prefer a stopover in Tokyo, connecting to New Chitose Airport (CTS) is a convenient choice. Tokyo offers over 160 daily flights to CTS, with both Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports providing frequent departures. The flight time from Tokyo to CTS is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Many travellers enjoy spending a few days exploring Tokyo’s vibrant culture and attractions before continuing their journey.

Trains

• Niseko: Take a scenic 3-hour journey via train from CTS to Kutchan Station, the nearest station to Niseko. You’ll need to transfer at Sapporo and Otaru stations along the way.
• Furano: For Furano, board a train from CTS and transfer at Sapporo Station. The total travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Rusutsu: While there is no direct train to Rusutsu, you can travel by train from CTS to either Kutchan or Toya Station and then take a bus or taxi for the last leg, making it about a 3-hour journey.

Buses

• Direct buses run frequently from CTS to Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. Expect a transfer time of 3-3.5 hours depending on road conditions, with pick-up directly from the airport terminals.

Private Transfers

• For the ultimate comfort, our guest experience team can arrange private transfers to your accommodation in Niseko, Furano, or Rusutsu. This service provides a convenient door-to-door experience, ideal for groups or families with ski equipment.

To make your journey even smoother, Nisade’s Guest Experience Team is here to help coordinate your airport transfers, no matter where you’re staying. Whether you prefer a private transfer or a shared shuttle, our team can arrange the details so you can relax and enjoy your trip from start to finish.

With so many convenient ways to reach Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu, now is the perfect time to book your winter holiday. Start planning your ski adventure with us at Nisade | The Luxe Nomad, and get ready for an unforgettable season on the slopes!