Winter in Niseko

If you want the best Japanese snow, we suggest you visit Niseko in Hokkaido.
Welcome to Niseko. This small town is located in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Niseko is the most famous ski resort in Japan. Niseko offers one of the best views on Mt Yotei, often called the “Mt Fuji of Hokkaido”. Niseko’s unspoiled natural settings offer great opportunities for a variety of outdoor sports, including skiing, mountain climbing, rafting, golfing, horseback riding or hot-air ballooning. The Niseko town has an estimated population of 4,667 persons, but more than 200,000 tourists visited the area during the winter season in 2009.

Because of its northern location, Niseko experiences weather fronts from Siberia. The resort is well known for its consistently good falls of the lightest powder snow.

Niseko was the world’s second snowiest resort in December 2007 with an annual average snowfall of 595 inches (15,11 m). First place went to Mt. Baker Ski Area in Washington State with 641 inches (16,28 m).

The Niseko resorts have plenty of long, wide runs in addition to backcountry skiing. The three main resorts are:

Niseko Grand Hirafu
A vast ski area that offers amazing views of Mt Yotei. The very first ski lift was installed in 1961. The lower part of the resort offers varied terrain and dynamic courses. The middle part offers a gentle run through Birch forest tracks. From 1,000 meters and above, beyond the tree line, you can enjoy wide-open runs free of obstacles.

Niseko Village
On the southern side of Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village utilities the protruding area of the mountain to offer a huge variety of options for the most adventurous of skiers. The middle part of the resort especially has a wealth of terrain changes, whilst the top part of the resort opens up with wide-open runs and a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
Niseko Annupuri
Niseko Annupuri offers long, gentle and wide-open runs. Enjoy a relaxed run down, overlooking the beautiful silver birch forests. Also located on the southern side of Niseko Annupuri, the soft, warming afternoon light brings out amazing views of the Niseko Mountain Range.

Hot Springs:

Hot springs of different qualities gush out in many parts of the Niseko town. From the downtown area to some “off-the-beaten-tracks” places deep in the mountains, hot springs allow visitors to enjoy a relaxing time while admiring the views of the surrounding area.

More Winter Activities:

Cross-Country Ski Course:
This season the Niseko Village created a 1km (0.6 mile) and a 2kms (1.2 mile) Cross-Country Ski Course beside the Hilton Niseko Village. Cross-Country Ski rentals and guide are also available.
Cross-Country Ski Course, opening hours: 9:30 am to 16:00 pm.

Snowmobile Adventure:
Experienced guides will train you before taking you on an exhilarating tour of the forest trails surrounding Niseko Village.
Operating hours: From 9:30 AM to 15:30 PM.
To participate guests must be able to reach all controls comfortably. It costs between 6,000 and 10,000 yen (depending on the machine) per hour per person.

Guided Snowshoe Tours:
Snowshoeing is a good way to experience the beauty of nature in the surroundings of Niseko Village while looking out for local wildlife and the traces they leave in the pure white snow. A minimum of 2 people is required per tour. Reservation required by 18:00 PM the previous day.

Snow Rafting:
Hop on a Snow Raft and enjoy the ride as a professional driver pulls you along a virtual, white river of snow. Rides are available until March 31, 2012; between 9:30 AM to 15:30 PM, departing every 10 minutes.

Winter in Niseko In Pictures

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Jeff Aasgaard

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Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

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Winter in Niseko Japan