Niseko is well-connected with access via air, road and tracks. Most visitors choose to arrive at New Chitose Airport near Hokkaido’s capital city, Sapporo, before making their way to the resorts.
The resort can be easily accessed by trains, local buses, private transfers, trains, and rented cars.
Please take note that the rates displayed on this page are based on 2018/19 figures; and may be subject to change for the upcoming 2019/20 seasons in conjunction with the increase of the Japanese consumption tax.
Flights
Domestic Airlines
- Japan Airlines (JL/JAL)
- All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA)
- Air Do (HD/ADO)
- Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY)
- Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA)
- Peach Aviation (MM/APJ)
- Jetstar Airways (GK/JJP)
- Vanilla Air (JW/VNL)
- Spring Japan (IJ/SJO)
International Airlines
- Japan Airlines (JL/JAL)
- All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA)
- Korean Airlines (KE/KAL)
- United Airlines (UA/UAL)
- Aurora Airlines (HZ/SHU)
- China Eastern Airlines (MU/CES)
- Cathay Pacific Airways (CX/CPA)
- EVA Airways (BR/EVA)
- China Airlines (CI/CAL)
- Air China (CA/CCA)
- JIN AIR (LJ/JNA)
- Hawaiian Airlines (HA/HAL)
- Thai Airways (TG/THA)
- T’Way Airlines (TW/TWB)
- Philippine Airlines (PR/PAL)
- Spring Airlines (9C/CQH)
- Hongkong Airlines (HX/CRK)
- Air Asia X (D7/AAX)
- Tianjin Airlines (GS/ GCR)
- AIR BUSAN (BX/ABL)
- Jeju Air(7C/JJA)
- Asiana Airlines (OZ/AAR)
- Scoot (TZ/SCO)
- Hainan Airlines (HU/CHH)
Train
The closest train station to Niseko is Kutchan Station. The Hirafu train station is no longer in operation, and despite its name, is not the closest stop to the ski resorts.
If you’re travelling by JR Trains, make sure you take the Hakodate line towards Oshamambe to Kutchan Station.
From Sapporo Station, the journey to Kutchan Station is approximately 93 km, and often requires a stop in Otaru. The journey can take as little as 100 minutes, but often approximately 2 hours.
Sapporo To Niseko
First Train: Sapporo at 07:14 – Kutchan 09:18
Last Train: Sapporo at 21:38 – Kutchan 23:42
Niseko to Sapporo
First Train: Kutchan at 05:20 – Sapporo 07:25
Last Train: Kutchan at 21:40 – Sapporo 23:54
From New Chitose Airport, the journey to Kutchan Station is approximately 140 km, via Otaru. The first leg of the journey is on the JR Rapid Airport line, followed by the Hokadate Honsen line from Otaru, and it takes 2.5-3 hours.
New Chitose Airport to Niseko
First Train: CTS at 09:30 – Kutchan at 12:10
Last Train: CTS at 20:00 – Kutchan at 22:47
Niseko to New Chitose Airport
First Train: Kutchan at 05:20 – CTS at 08:12
Last Train: Kutchan at 18:32 – CTS 21:23
Travel from Kutchan Station to Hirafu can be coordinated via taxi, complimentary shuttles (where available) and local buses, and takes approximately 15 minutes.
Local Buses
The most popular way to get to Niseko from the New Chitose Airport is via a local bus transfer that departs at scheduled times and arrives at the Hirafu Welcome Centre. The journey from New Chitose Airport to the Hirafu Welcome Centre is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours, with adult one-way tickets costing JPY 4,000- 4,400. A one-way ticket for a child (3-11 years old) costs JPY 3,000 – 3,500.
If you are travelling with an infant who does not need a seat, your infant may ride for free.
There are several bus companies that regularly service the New Chitose Airport-to-Niseko route, approximately once an hour, starting from 9:30am until 9:30pm.
It is strongly recommended to book bus transfers ahead of time to ensure availability. The Luxe Nomad Concierge Service will be able to coordinate these transfers for you.
- White Liner Ski Bus (self-booking)
- Hokkaido Resort Liner
- NGS Big Runs
In the case of delays, please note that tickets are non-refundable, but visitors may be able to catch the next available bus without penalty if there is available space.
From the Hirafu Welcome Centre, there are a few ways of getting to your accommodation.
- Some properties provide a complimentary pickup service
- Take a taxi
- If it’s close, walk.
Private transfers offer direct services to each accommodation and therefore do not use the Hirafu Welcome Centre as a base.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are a convenient way for families and groups that travel together to get to Hirafu. The journey from New Chitose Airport directly to the accommodation takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Costs vary depending on our service provider, number of people and type of vehicle. A rough guideline:
- Taxi/SUV/Hiace Van (1-8 passengers): Prices range from approximately JPY 35,000-42,000 per vehicle per way.
- Commuter/Minibus/Coach (9-35 passengers): Prices range from approximately JPY 42,000 – JPY 90,000 per vehicle per way.
Here are some of our highly esteemed partners:
- SkyExpress (formerly known as SkyBus)
- Long Prime
- Yohtei Taxi
- NGS Private Transfers
- Hokkaido Bounds
- MarkOne Style
- Cool Star
IMPORTANT NOTE : In case of delays, please note that bookings are non-refundable, and visitors should ensure adequate insurance cover and protect against losses due to unfortunate circumstances such as bad weather and other delays.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is straightforward in Niseko and a great way to explore. However, roads can be snowy and icy during winter, so it’s best if the driving is left to someone with experience in these conditions.
Car rental company counters are located on the first floor of the Domestic Terminal of New Chitose Airport. The area directly in front of the terminal building is a no-parking zone, and rental cars cannot be picked up nor dropped off there. Car rental companies offer complimentary shuttles between the terminal and their respective offices in Chitose.
The following companies provide rental car services:
Tips when driving:
- Japan recognises only international driving permits which are based on the Geneva Convention of 1949. Failure to produce international driver`s license at the time of rental will result in cancellation of rental with no refund. If you are unsure if you hold the correct license, please contact your authority for further information.
- The maximum size vehicle on an International license for Japan is 9 People including the driver.
- Please be careful while driving on the icy roads and request for a vehicle with snow tyres.
- Children under 6 are required by Japanese law to have a baby seat.
If you are driving in Niseko, please check whether your chosen accommodation comes with parking – some may be chargeable per day.