Japan is not just the best ski destination in Asia; it’s actually one of the best places to ski on the planet. Everyone from Forbes to Vogue has ranked Niseko among the best ski resorts in the world, while Snow Magazine has chosen Hakuba as one of the best places to ski in 2024. So which one should you choose – Niseko or Hakuba? Let’s discuss!
Skiing
First thing’s first: both Niseko and Hakuba offer epic skiing so you really can’t go wrong either way. Both resorts offer that beautiful powder snow Japan has become so well known for and a variety of runs that suit beginners and seasoned skiers alike. That said, there are some differences that might tip the scales, especially if you are a more experienced skier. If you are a first-time skier, both resorts offer a fantastic setting for trying out the sport, with mellow runs and international ski schools available at both locations.
Niseko has become practically synonymous with its powder. The resort receives an average of 15 metres of snow every year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in the world. And it’s not just about quantity. While some resorts in North America might receive a bit more snow, the snow there tends to be wetter and heavier. Niseko’s unique location results in mountains of beautiful dry snow that has been aptly described as champagne powder – the finest snow on the planet.
Hakuba, on the other hand, is positioned in the Japanese Alps, a 200-kilometre mountain range located on the main island of Honshu. Just like their namesake in Europe, these majestic mountains offer steep runs and a variety of terrain that’s sure to impress even the snobbiest of skiers.
Simply put: choose Niseko for the powder and Hakuba for the terrain.
Variety
Both Niseko and Hakuba are umbrella terms that cover a whole slew of ski resorts, so you’ll definitely won’t get bored at either location.
Niseko has four ski resorts: Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and Hanazono. You can access all four with the Niseko United All Mountain Pass. Overall, there are more than 100(!) ski resorts in Hokkaido. If Niseko is your homebase, Moiwa and Rusutsu are both within a 45-minute drive.
The Hakuba ski valley is home to 10 ski resorts which you can access with the Hakuba Valley Lift Pass. Happo One is the most popular resort, both for skiing and socialising, closely followed by Goryu and Hakuba 47. If you’re looking for the best powder though, head to Cortina which can receive double the amount of snow compared to other resorts in Hakuba.
Culture
A ski holiday in Japan is a truly unique experience. Nothing beats a relaxing soak in an onsen bath after a day of skiing or a hearty meal in a cozy izakaya hidden amid the snow. So which resort is better for soaking up that unique Japanese ambiance?
Of the two resorts, Hakuba has been less “Westernised” compared to Niseko. This means that it’s easier to get a feel of the local culture without having to venture far from the slopes. The area is also steeped in history and the Hakuba valley offers great opportunity for fascinating sightseeing, from ancient Shinto shrines to snow monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs.
While Niseko can’t compete with Hakuba’s centuries old temples, the area does have its own unique appeal. Since the first ski lifts were installed in the 1960s, Niseko has been in a balancing act between the old and the new, between East and West. These juxtapositions have resulted in some incredibly impressive architecture. Once you move beyond the Niseko “bubble”, you’ll be greeted by the real Hokkaido: sleepy rural areas (Hokkaido is Japan’s leading area in agriculture) followed by the big city buzz of Sapporo and the untamed beauty of Hokkaido’s nature.
Dining and Nightlife
Japan is obviously a foodie’s paradise so it’s hardly surprising that both Niseko and Hakuba boast excellent restaurants. In fact, some skiers credit the amazing dining options as a key factor for choosing Japan over North American ski resorts.
When comparing Niseko and Hakuba, the dining scene in Niseko is more varied, vibrant and sophisticated. Niseko Village and the Park Hyatt offer flawless fine dining, while Rakuichi Soba was praised to high heavens by Anthony Bourdain himself. But Niseko is not just about haute cuisine – the resort also offers fabulous options for more relaxed dining. You’ll find great izakayas, pizza parlours, teppanyaki joints, ramen restaurants and apres ski pubs dotted throughout the area, though Grand Hirafu is definitely the main dining hub.
While equally delicious, the dining scene in Hakuba is more lowkey and relaxed – think cozy izakayas, pubs, cafes and reggae bars. Soba noodles are a local speciality and Nagano has even been hailed as the birthplace of soba. Hakuba is home to 10 ski resorts, so venues tend to be quite spread apart. The main street in Echoland has the highest concentration of restaurants and pubs in the area.
Accessibility
Japan is famed for its efficient transport system, so reaching both Niseko and Hakuba is easy. For even smoother travels, our concierge can take care of the logistics for you, whichever location you choose.
If you’re travelling from overseas, Tokyo will likely be your entry point to Japan. From the capital, Hakuba is an efficient bullet train ride away. Read more about how to reach Hakuba.
To reach Niseko, you need to catch a connecting flight from Tokyo to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. Alternatively, you can also fly direct to Sapporo from Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. From Sapporo, you can reach Niseko by bus or private transfers. Read more about how to reach Niseko.
Bonus Round: Fabulous Night Skiing vs Perfect Bluebird Days
Night skiing in Niseko is fantastic. Night skiing is now available at all four resorts with lifts operating until 7pm (the operating hours might vary from season to season). The floodlit slopes offer a whole new way to enjoy Niseko’s famous powder, minus the crowds. In North America, the temperature tends to drop too low to really enjoy night skiing, but in Niseko, it usually stays around -10°c even at night. As long as you dress warmly, you can shred to your heart’s content.
Then again, Hakuba excels when it comes to blue skies. Because it snows so much in Niseko, the skies there tend to be overcast. In Hakuba, you are more likely to enjoy those perfect bluebird days that make riding japow all the more epic.
What Are You Waiting For?
So which one will it be – Niseko or Hakuba? If you’d like more help deciding (or perhaps some expert advice on finding the perfect accommodation), talk to our team or dive deeper with our comprehensive travel guides:
