Photo: Marek Okon / Unsplash ()
Niseko in Hokkaido has emerged as one of the world's most popular travel destinations in recent years, particularly among winter sports enthusiasts. The region's stunning landscapes, exceptional powder snow, and vibrant cultural experiences have contributed to its widespread appeal, and this was further reinforced by the results of American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations list.
A big part of the draw to this region is the world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and there are numerous resorts in the area including the likes of Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Hanazono, and Niseko Village. You'll find slopes suitable for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking challenging terrain, right through to ones for beginners looking for a forgiving and enjoyable learning environment.
Although it's perhaps best known as a winter destination, that doesn't mean that it's only a great travel destination during the colder months. There are numerous summer festivals to enjoy during green season, plus plenty of outdoor activities like mountain biking, golfing, hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting to name just a handful. Niseko is also known for its onsen culture, which is all the more appealing after a day packed full of physical activity!
You can learn more about the Niseko region via the following articles on our website:
GETTING THERE
Niseko can be accessed via bus from both JR Sapporo Station and Sapporo's New Chitose Airport (CTS), with the drive taking around two-and-a-half to three hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. At the time of writing, the round trip bus fare is 5200 JPY for adults and 2500 JPY for children, or one-way fares priced at 3000 JPY for adults and 1500 JPY for children. Timetable information can be found online here.
The flight time from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport is approximately 90 minutes, with multiple airlines making the journey daily.
