Niseko
Cost
Attractions > Other Cities and Areas > Other Attractions > Sapporo
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Niseko Ski Resort in Hokkaido Japan
About
A short history, Niseko is a town in Hokkaido Japan which has become famous because of the "Niseko United Ski Area." In 1961 some ski lifts were opened in the area by the Niseko Kogen Kanko Co Ltd and it was called "Grand Haifu." The Grand Haifu ski area remained a small, out-of-the-way destination for locals but after the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, skiing became quite popular in Japan and the Niseko area saw an influx of investment. Through the 1980s, the Niseko area boomed with the Japanese population and saw state-of-the-art high speed quad lifts and gondolas were built. Niseko town swelled with new restaurants and lodges. However, when Japan's economic bubble burst from late 1989, equity values plunged by as much as 60% to August 1992. Land values also dropped throughout the 1990s, falling an incredible 70% by 2001. The Niseko area struggled greatly throughout this period.
Strangely enough, in the mid-1990s, three Australian skiers saw great potential for the area and started bringing tour groups to the area. By the early 2000s, Niseko was starting to see life again. By the 2010s, Niseko had become a "famous" destination for being once of the best places to ski in the Asian region. It is particularly popular with the Chinese and Australians as they can fly to Japan without much of a time-change (i.e. no jet lag). Niseko is famous for it's powder snow, amount of snow and long season. Note that "Powder Snow" equals COLD so make sure to bring your warmest gear.
Access
Closest Train Station: Niseko Station
485 Niseko
Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511 Japan
By Train: It's a bit confusing getting to your exact destination in Niseko by train. If you are staying in Niseko Village or An’nupuri, you should get off a "Niseko Station". If you are staying in Grand hirafu and Izumikyo should get off at "Kutchan". From both stations you'll need to take a bus or taxi to your hotel/accommodation.
Hotels & Lodging
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Niseko.
Hours & Fees
Hours: Generally 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (depending on lift)
Closed: No closing days during season. See official website (below) for Open/Close season dates.
Cost: 1-Day - 16+: 6,700 yen | 4-12: 4,000 | 13-15: 5,400 | 65+: 5,400
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Niseko Homepage
