NISEKO RESORT INFO
Niseko is widely regarded as the best ski resort in Japan for three main reasons, it's weather, size and more recently nightlife.
Hokkaido being the northernmost island in Japan (Longitude 141 )
is exposed to weather streams that come from the Siberia plains,
pick up precipitation from the Japan sea then offloads it onto the
island but it is localized more consistently on the greater area of
Niseko than anywhere else. Niseko is blessed with consistent falls
of light and dry powder, on average 16 meters per-season. Putting
Niseko in the top three powder destinations in the world. Mid-winter
temperatures in Niseko range from
-25C to 0C, averaging around -5C
at the bottom of the mountain and -15C up top.
Niseko is essentially one mountain, although it is divided up into four linked areas, Annepuri, Higashiyama, Hanazono and Grand Hirafu making it the biggest ski resort in Hokkaido. Skiers are able to buy all-mountain passes giving them access to 38 lifts and gondolas, over 47km's of regularly groomed runs, several terrain parks and a halfpipe. Terrain is divided into 30% beginner 43% intermediate and 27% advanced. More importantly there is roughly 37 square km's of variable off piste terrain ensuring full days of bottomless turns for all. . The bottom lift starts at 280 meters , the top lift goes to 1200 meters giving 920 vertical meters of lift accessed terrain. The summit is 1308 meters, takes 15 minutes to hike from the top lift and has an amazing panoramic view of the Japan Sea, and the Niseko area including the ever present volcanic cone of Mt Yotei Hokkaido’s MT. Fuji.
A major bonus is Hirafu's nightskiing, which runs 7 nights a week until 9pm and is included in all multi day passes. Grand Hirafu has the best and largest total area of night skiing in the world. Light is reflected from groomed runs onto pristine virgin powder bowls and tree runs creating the surreal feeling of skiing/riding champagne powder in moonlight. Truly an unforgettable unique sensation. The best nights are when the resort is closed during the day due to blizzard conditions then opens at night once the storm has passed, leaving huge deposits of fresh snow for the night session.
Because of Niseko's rapidly growing popularity over the last few years, many new colorful, unique bars and restaurants have been popping up in Hirafu Village.
Creating a real nightlife buzz with hundreds of people scouring the village streets frequenting several establishments in one night. Check-out our Wine&Dine section for detailed info on Niseko's nightlife.
Most of Niseko's accommodation is in Hirafu Village ranging from luxury condominium to budget share facilities. Some types of accomodation are ski-in, ski-out many are within short walking distance to lifts.
The village and nearby areas are serviced by free ski shuttle buses running frequently from 9am to 9pm. Look forward to seeing you here on your next powder holiday….
7300 yen (200balls)
Have you ever felt like shooting an irritating friend or maybe your partner, husband or wife. Well here is your chance. Yoshi san, a good guy who has lived locally for a long time can take you deep into the bush where you can fulfill that urge. And the best part about it is, no one gets hurt. PAINTBALL.
If you haven’t tried it before it’s, definitely worth a go. Yoshi runs a great set up. The latest and the baddest guns, overalls, goggles and snowshoes. Two ‘tours of duty’ a day. 10.00 am with pickups starting at 9.00 am from your accommodation and the afternoon shootout is at 1.30 pm, pickups starting from 1.00 pm. 13 years and over, maximum of 16 people per tour, minimum 6, singles welcome. Yoshi speaks good English, good for a yarn and can probably fill you in on other good stuff to do around the place. Check him out at http://paintball.nadare.net. Phone 0136 - 23 2111
Onsen Hot Springs
600 to 800 yen
Japan is situated on the convergence of various tectonic plates which create all sorts of problems relating to earth tremors and even earthquakes. While earthquakes are rare in Hokkaido we do enjoy one of the benefits of such geographical positioning. ONSENS. You’ve got to luv em. They can cure all sorts of ailments ranging from tired and overused bodies right through to various skin conditions and rheumatism. Surprisingly the water in any given onsen will range from slightly to very different to it’s next door neighbour. While one may be the be all and end all for a particular condition, another may have exactly the opposite effect. There is probably no better way however to help overcome a weary overused body after a hard day on the slopes. Highly recommended.
Onsens areas aren’t to be found just anywhere and in fact people from Sapporo and Honshu have been coming to Niseko much longer to enjoy the local onsens than for the quality of the dry fluffy white stuff.
While the onsen water in the Niseko area is renowned throughout Japan it has only been recently that so many onsens have been available in Hirafu. It is quite an extensive and expensive job to drill the required 100 to 300 meters(depending how lucky you are) to reach the medicinal waters.
Currently there are 5 onsens in Hirafu. The price for a visit varies between 600 yen and 800 yen. Please find below a bit of a rundown on the three recommended onsens in Hirafu.
Yukoro OnsenHas a real authentic Japanese feel with quite a large indoor and outdoor bath.
600yenHours: 2pm-10pm
Hirafu-TeiA larger building with both indoor and outdoor baths 800yen
Hours: 7am-11pm
J-First
Awesome views of Yotei and located right by the lifts, perfect after a tough day on the slopes.
800yenHours: 7am-10pm
