Niseko has long since established itself as the ultimate ski destination in Asia. But what many first-time visitors don’t realise is that instead of a single, standalone ski resort, “Niseko” is actually an umbrella term which covers four distinct resorts. Each resort has its own unique flavour. They’re all within a short drive of each other, so doing some resort hopping is definitely an option, too.
But which Niseko ski resorts should you include in your itinerary – and which one should choose as your home base? Here’s our guide to the Niseko ski resorts!
Grand Hirafu
Grand Hirafu is arguably the most well-known and most popular of the four Niseko ski resorts. This charming village is the centre of all the action in Niseko and offers the most variety when it comes to accommodation, dining and nightlife. Hirafu Village is walkable (provided you’re ok with walking in the snow and ice) and serviced by a free ski shuttle. The village is divided in to three sections: Middle Hirafu is where you’ll find most of the restaurants and shops; Upper Hirafu is where you find the lifts; while Lower Hirafu is more residential and laid back.
Ski
Grand Hirafu offers great skiing for all levels, from kids to beginners and more advanced powder hounds. The main ski lifts are the Ace Family quads down in Middle Hirafu and the Hirafu Gondola in Upper Hirafu. As an added treat, Grand Hirafu is also famed for its night skiing.
Dine
Foodies welcome! When it comes to dining out, Grand Hirafu runs the gamut. The village is dotted with cosy izakaya pubs, Indian restaurants, pizza parlours… and the list goes on. The highlight, of course, are the five-star dining establishment – including the Michelin-starred Kamimura. To secure a table at the most popular venues during peak dates, reservations are a must.
Sleep
When it comes to choosing your accommodation in Grand Hirafu, where to start! The village offers so many options, ranging from cheap and cheerful to jaw-dropping six-star luxury. If you’re looking to stay in the centre of action, look for options in Middle Hirafu. Easy access to dining and the slopes will cost you in the way of views – also prepared for some noise from all that apres-ski merry making. For the best of the best, explore the luxury digs built in Lower Hirafu, offering serene privacy and unobstructed views of the mighty Mount Yotei.
Hanazono
The Hanazono ski resort is definitely one to watch. While the resort has long been known as a family friendly spot that offers a great variety of ski lessons and activities like snowmobiling, it’s now upping the ante on the luxury front as well. Exhibit A: the newly built Park Hyatt resort. Want to see the situation on the ground? Check out the Hanazono live camera! To reach Hanazono from the other resorts, simply hop on the free shuttle bus baring the Hanazono logo.
Ski
Hanazono is a perfect pick for families and first-time skiers, as this resort offers a huge range of ski and snowboarding lessons. There’s also a whole plethora of other winter activities to choose from in Hanazono, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing… and more.
Dine
Hanazono isn’t exactly the restaurant hub of Niseko and doesn’t offer all that many dining options. That being said, you won’t go hungry in Hanazono. Café Hanazono 308 offers no-nonensen meals at the main resort building, with huge windows looking out to the ski hill while you fuel up. Both Hanazono Edge and Hana1 Café are both located right at the base of Hanazono Quad lift – great for a bite in between skiing.
Sleep
Traditionally, Hanazono has not been the place to stay for most skiers – most would choose to stay in Hirafu and commute over to Hanazono using the free shuttle. More recently, the tides have begun to turn, with the newly built Park Hyatt offering a first taste of the Hanazono’s luxe new swing. Another option is to book one of the stunning luxury chalets which have been built on the periphery of the ski resort, offering a stunning setting surrounded by pristine Hokkaido landscape just moments from the slopes.
Niseko Village
Niseko Village offers an ambiance all its own. This resort is owned by a single company which lends the resort the feel of an exclusive, private resort. This is a high-end option offering exceptional skiing (as do all four resorts, to be fair) along with premium dining options and accommodation to choose from.
Ski
When it comes to hitting the slopes, Niseko Village offers the full package. The slopes cater to all levels of skiers as do the services and tours offered. There is an excellent ski school for kids and beginners and for die-hard powder hounds, there’s everything from back country guided tours to cat skiing!
Dine
The heart of the village is dominated by upscale restaurants, both at the hotels and at the charming little village built at the base of the ski hill. For more affordable options, head outside the immediate resort area and discover local hidden gems, including Milk Kobo (the best ice cream in Niseko!) and Niseko Sanroku Parlor.
Sleep
Niseko Village offers a growing selection of accommodation options to choose from. The most obvious choice are the hotels located right at the heart of the ski resort – but there is also an ever growing number of private, standalone chalets in the area, offering an added level privacy and exclusivity. As if to underline its five-star status, the resort also just welcomed Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the village.
Annupuri
Annupuri (officially called Niseko Annupuri Kokusai) is arguably the most low key of the four Niseko ski resorts, offering a winter wonderland with a relaxed vibe and hidden powder runs. Annupuri is hardly a snoozeville, but it does offer a more relaxed option to the hectic buzz of Hirafu and the ritzy sheen of Niseko Village. Due to its more under-the-radar stature, Annupuri also offers more affordable accommodation options.
Ski
Annupuri is great for skiers and snowboarders looking to escape the hectic crowds and ski schools of Hirafu. Though it must be said, Annupuri is popular in its own right and it’s unlikely that you’ll have the slopes all to yourself. If you’re a beginner, it’s worth noting that ski lessons might not be available in English in Annupuri.
Dine
Annupuri offers a decent spread of restaurants dotted across the area, rather than a central main street lined with restaurants. A definite highlight is Rakuichi Soba – an atmospheric, 12-seater soba restaurant which shot to world fame after it was reviewed by the late, great Anthony Bourdain.
Sleep
Accommodation in Annupuri tends to come in the form of a standalone chalet rather than sprawling resorts. Generally speaking, the accommodation options tend to be more affordable compared to those in Hirafu or Niseko Village. Breaking the mould is a new breed of jaw-droppingly luxurious chalets hidden inside private gated compounds amidst the snow. After all, privacy and exclusivity are the ultimate luxury.
To dive deeper into all things Niseko, explore our Niseko travel guide and take a look at our hand-selected chalets in Niseko.
