Niseko is very well-organised for visitors, with convenient shuttle bus systems to get around and between the different villages. A map – in English – that outlines the various shuttle bus routes and timetables is readily available throughout Niseko.
Be aware that the top of the four Niseko ski areas are very close together, but the villages at the base of each area fan apart so there is some distance between them.
Road distances from Hirafu Niseko (the main village):
- Hanazono is 10km to the north (10-15 mins)
- Niseko Village (Higashiyama) is 9km southwest (10-20 minute drive from Hirafu)
- Annupuri is 12km southwest (20-30 mins)
- Town of Kutchan is 8km northeast
- Town of Niseko is 10km south
Resort Shuttles
Niseko United Shuttle
The Niseko United shuttle buses link the bases of Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. This bus is free if you have a Niseko United lift ticket. Otherwise it costs about JPY 200 – 500 depending on the distance travelled. You may pay the fee to your driver when you alight. Night operating hours for each resort are as follows:
- Niseko Annupuri- until 8:30pm
- Niseko Village – until 8:00pm
- Grand Hirafu – until 8:30pm
- Hanazono – until 4:00pm
Hilton Niseko Village Bus
This is a handy shuttle bus for those staying in Green Leaf and Hilton Niseko Village. The free hotel bus goes from 9am to the wee hours of the morning and travels between the Hilton, a few locations within Niseko Village, the Hirafu Crossing, Hirafu Welcome Centre, and Kutchan Station. Timetables are available at the Hilton or Niseko Village accommodations.
Grand Hirafu Shuttle Bus
The Hirafu village bus has a few different routes and offers a very frequent service. The bus operates from 8:30am to 4.30pm (or until 8.30pm during the night skiing period) and is useful for getting around the Hirafu village.
Other Buses
You might want to venture to the nearby town of Kutchan for a change of scenery or for groceries, ski shops, or restaurants. There are various buses that go to Kutchan including the Niseko Bus, Chuo Bus and Donan Bus. See the tourist maps for more information. Similarly there are various buses that travel around to some of the onsens including those in the Annupuri and Konbu Onsen area.
Some of the upscale Niseko hotels offer shuttle services around Niseko. Please reach out to [email protected] for enquiries.
Accommodation Transfers
Some accommodation providers offer complimentary transfers from and to the Hirafu Welcome Centre. These are booked to coincide with the local bus transfers that connect to New Chitose Airport.
Once arranged, a driver waits at the Hirafu Welcome Centre to transport guests to their accommodation for check-in. Upon departure, a driver waits at the accommodation 30 minutes prior to the scheduled bus departure time, to ensure a timely arrival at the Hirafu Welcome Centre.
Some accommodation shuttles are also able to take guests to and from the Kutchan train station.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available, particularly in Hirafu, and can be hailed on major streets. Many taxis have roof racks but they may have difficulty fitting in large ski or board bags. Prices are more expensive than many other parts of Japan. As an example, a taxi from Hirafu to Niseko Village costs approximately ¥2,500 per 10 minutes.
- Sapporo MK Taxi +81118604141
- SPRINT Taxi & Hire +81136555400
- Hachiriki Taxi: +81 (0) 136-21-2508
- Misora Hire: +81 (0) 136-221-171
- Kutchan Hire: +81 (0) 136-221-212
- Niseko Hire: +81 (0) 136-442-635
- NGS Taxi: +81 (0) 136-55-7007
Please be reminded that due to the limited supply of taxi providers, getting a taxi may get up to 30 minutes prior to the time of your desired pick-up. Taxi drivers are usually reluctant to transport guests short distances so be prepared to get turned down if you’re not going far. In those instances, guests should use complimentary shuttle service, or paid buses instead.
Drivers don’t always speak English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written down to show them, along with a map, ideally in Japanese. If you have troubles with language, the front desk or information kiosk attendees would be able to assist in securing a ride.
Uber is not available in the resort.