getting to Niseko
Hirafu, Niseko is a 2.5 hour drive from New Chitose airport (CTS), Sapporo's Domestic and International airport.
The closest town to Niseko Resort is Kutchan, a small agricultural town. From the airport most people take the Bus to Niseko as it is direct and the cheapest option. There is also a train service, which heads to Niseko via Sapporo and usually requires a transfer at Sapporo or Otaru.
Flights - Chitose Airport
Sapporo New Chitose Airport terminal is Hokkaido's main port, connecting the Northern Island of Japan to the rest of the world. Flights from International destinations in Asia, and direct flights from Tokyo and Osaka are available daily. You can view the New Chitose International Airport website for additional information.
Domestic Airlines - You can book domestic flights online from about ¥10,000 oneway, depending on the airline and when you book. These websites are available in both Japanese and English:
**Please be aware that prices are displayed 2 months before your departure date.
If you are with a Milage company (OneWorld, Star Alliance), then call them about the airpass. This is a special pass in conjunction with their partner airlines. The Airpass allows you up to 5 domestic flights in Japan, from about ¥10,000 each flight.
Shuttles/Bus
We offer a Door to Door Shared Shuttle Service that operates between New Chitose Airport/Sapporo City and Niseko. We thoroughly recommend booking a seat to avoid disappointment. This service is great, as it means:
* No detours via other resorts
* No double handling of bags
* No drop off at bus stations
* Direct from Airport to your Accommodation
For timetables and booking form please click the below buttons.
Private Transfer
The benefit of this service, is that you can choose the time you want the transfer, whereas the other transfers are at scheduled times, with 1 - 2 hour gaps. This is very useful if you are yet to book your flights, as some flights are either too early or too late to catch the train or order standard but transfers.
For timetables and booking form please click the below buttons.
Train
Trains and buses depart daily from the airport for Kutchan (the closest train station to Niseko-Hirafu Alpine Resort). The train is slower than the bus, except for the daily express service. The normal train service requires a change at Otaru and takes just over 3 hours. Kutchan train station is a scenic 10 minute drive to the Niseko Resort village of Hirafu.
You can visit the JR website for train timetable information.
Because of often requiring a transfer at Sapporo or Otaru and not being guaranteed a seat we don’t recommend taking the train to Niseko from the airport. However if you plan on checking-out Sapporo before you come to Niseko then the train is the best option. They have JR (Japan Rail) trains leaving from directly below the airport to Sapporo every 15 minutes. The train ride is 40 minutes, has announcements in English and is only 1040yen. Bookings are not necessary. They have coin lockers at the north side of Sapporo Station which fit skis, snowboards and large suitcases. If you wish to stay in Sapporo overnight we would like to recommend Sapporo Station Hotel, located 50 meters from the station. For more details on Sapporo Station hotel, hotel rates in Sapporo.
Driving to Niseko
Driving is a great way to see the beautiful Hokkaido landscape. We can arrange car rental for you, and offer a discount to all NPH customers. All the cars are supplied with GPS car navigation, 4WD, snow tyres, automatic transmission, and CD player. You can pick up the vehicle from the airport, or if you would prefer, we can arrange pick up from Niseko.
GPS Navigation: If you want to set your navigation system for Niseko, enter this phone number +81 0136 23 2239.
Basic Directions: From the airport you take route 276 all the way via Lake Shikotsuko and Bifue pass to get to Kutchan. From Sapporo you take route 230 via Nakayama pass and Kimobetsu town. After Kimobetsu turn right at the crossing of route 276 toward Kutchan.
Please contact us if you would like us to arrange your Car Rental for you.
