How to Enjoy Niseko, Hokkaido: One of Japan’s Premier Ski Resorts
Category: Sightseeing
January has arrived, marking the start of the full-fledged winter season. When it comes to winter tourism in Japan, many people likely have skiing as their primary goal, right?
Ski resorts across Hokkaido are opening one after another. This time, we spotlight Niseko, one of Japan’s premier ski resorts boasting worldwide popularity!
We’ll cover everything from the history of Niseko’s development to recommended ski areas and spots, souvenirs, hotels, and more.
What is Niseko, Hokkaido?
Niseko is located in the western part of the central Hokkaido region, which includes cities like Sapporo and Otaru. Surrounded by numerous mountains, including Mount Yotei known as Ezo Fuji, and clear streams, the Niseko Tourism Area collectively refers to Kutchan Town, Niseko Town, and Rankoshi Town.
Many place names in Hokkaido originate from the language of the indigenous Ainu people, and “Niseko” is one such example. In the Ainu language, “Niseko (An)” means “steep cliffs (and the river below them).” It’s a fitting name for this hilly area surrounded by mountains.
Niseko is renowned as one of Japan’s premier ski resorts, attracting visitors from around the world. Of course, it’s not just for winter. This area offers year-round activities, including rafting and canoeing on the Shiribetsu River, trekking in the Niseko mountain range, golf, and horseback riding.
The History of Niseko
Niseko Development
The indigenous Ainu people have lived in Hokkaido since ancient times. In Niseko too, they are believed to have lived in harmony with nature, engaging in activities such as hunting and fishing.
In 1869 during the Meiji era, the government-administered Hokkaido Development Commission was established, marking the beginning of full-scale development of Hokkaido.
Around 1890, Japanese settlers (referred to as “Wajin” by the Ainu people) began moving into Ainu territories and starting their own settlements. Agriculture flourished, with potatoes and beans being the primary crops cultivated.
In 1904, the opening of the railway improved access, enabling the shipment of agricultural products and spurring economic development. Today, a variety of crops are still grown, including rice, potatoes, melons, and asparagus.
Developing into an international ski resort destination
Let us also share the journey of how Niseko became a world-renowned ski resort.
It is said that skiing first began in Niseko when a local doctor played with children using homemade skis. In 1912, Major Lerch of Austria visited Japan, introducing modern alpine skiing techniques, which led to skiing becoming popular as a sport in Japan. It began gaining recognition as a ski area in the 1930s.
When the All Japan Ski Championships were decided to be held here in 1962, development as a ski resort accelerated rapidly, boosting its domestic profile. During the ski boom after 1970, it became so popular that lift lines reportedly stretched to two or three hours.
Then, in the 1990s, Niseko’s high-quality powder snow began attracting attention from overseas skiers and snowboarders, particularly from Australia, leading to a surge in tourists.
From the 2000s onward, development progressed, including foreign-owned hotels, and Niseko gained worldwide fame as “Niseko United,” uniting its four ski areas.
Niseko, which has walked alongside the history of skiing in Japan, has risen to become a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders not only in Japan but around the world!
▼Niseko United Official Website
https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/
Ski Resorts You Should Visit in Niseko
The appeal of Niseko’s ski resorts lies in their high-quality powder snow, known as “JAPOW.” The light, fluffy powder snow that accumulates creates a unique gliding sensation—light and easy to ride, giving you a feeling of floating.
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
Here are the ski resorts you should visit in Niseko, the holy land of powder snow.
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Niseko’s largest ski resort boasts the most lifts and the most courses. It offers 22 varied courses suitable for everyone from beginners to experts, with the appeal of skiing while enjoying spectacular views of Mt. Yotei. Particularly notable is the abundance of ungroomed courses, including the Super Course with a maximum slope angle of 35 degrees, an average slope angle of 18 degrees, and a total length of 1,220 meters, where you can experience the unique feel of “JAPOW” powder snow.
It also holds historical significance as Niseko’s first ski resort with lifts and as the venue for the All Japan Ski Championships. Operated by the Tokyu Group since around 1985, it gained fame for introducing Japan’s first gondola night skiing operations. Visitors can enjoy night skiing on all 12 courses, making it one of Japan’s largest night skiing areas.
Beyond enjoying the snowy scenery via the sightseeing gondola, the resort boasts excellent hot springs, allowing non-skiers to fully enjoy sightseeing.
▼Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU Official Website
https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/en/
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
With a total of 30 courses, this is the ski resort with the most courses in Niseko United. It is operated by a subsidiary of Malaysia-based YTL Hotels. The lower slopes are for beginners and intermediate skiers, while the upper slopes offer a wide variety of courses for advanced skiers, including courses with steep elevation changes and steep, ungroomed slopes.
Its biggest feature is its direct connection to four resort hotels: The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Hinode Hills Niseko Village, Hilton Niseko Village, and Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. It truly lives up to its name as a ski resort. With skiing, lodging, hot springs, dining, and shopping all available, it’s perfect for family and group trips.
In addition to skiing, there are also a variety of winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow rafting.
▼Niseko Village Ski Resort Official Website
https://www.niseko-village.com/
Nearby Attractions
Mount Yotei (Ezo Fuji)
This stratovolcano, standing at 1,898 meters, is affectionately known as Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido’s Fuji) due to its beautiful conical shape resembling Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji.
Four hiking courses are available: Kutchan (Hirafu), Makkari, Kyogoku, and Kimobetsu. From the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and Lake Toya.
During the best hiking season in summer, you can admire over 80 types of alpine plants. Autumn brings spectacular autumn foliage, while winter’s snowy landscape offers a view worthy of its nickname, “Ezo Fuji.” Its appeal lies in offering distinct scenic wonders and activities for each season.
While primarily for advanced skiers, winter sees thriving backcountry skiing, offering the dynamic experience of gliding across the large, approximately 700-meter-diameter caldera terrain at the summit.
Recommended Souvenirs in Niseko
Cheese
*Image is for illustrative purposes only.
Niseko, rich in nature, is known for its thriving dairy farming, making milk and dairy products popular souvenirs. Among these, cheese is especially beloved. The Niseko Cheese Factory captivates with its distinctive cheeses, such as the Mimolette cheese “Niseko Momiji” and the blue cheese “Niseko Ku:”, both award-winning at international cheese competitions.
Niseko Takahashi Farm offers cheeses beloved by people of all ages, made from fresh, high-quality raw milk. Available not only at their own stores but also at roadside stations, cheese lovers should definitely give them a try.
▼Niseko Cheese Factory Website
https://www.niseko-cheese.co.jp/
▼Niseko Takahashi Farm Website
https://www.niseko-takahashi.jp/
Beauty Brand “ICOR”
ICOR (Reading: Iko) is a holistic beauty brand originating from Niseko. Its appeal lies in skincare cosmetics that actively utilize naturally derived ingredients, harnessing the meltwater from Mt. Yotei and the rich natural bounty of Hokkaido (such as sake lees, birch sap, and Rosa rugosa flower extract). Designed to be gender-neutral, it works for all genders, ages, and skin types, making it perfect as a treat for yourself or as a gift for friends and family.
At the headquarters and store/cafe facility “ICOR NISEKO” in Niseko Town, you can select skincare products while feeling the blessings of nature or enjoy the cafe.
Why not visit as a Niseko tourist spot?
▼ICOR Official Website
https://icor.jp/
Recommended Hotels in Niseko
Hinode Hills Niseko Village
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
This hotel boasts a prime location with direct access to Niseko Village Ski Resort. Enjoy a luxurious getaway in spacious rooms featuring kitchens and living areas. For those wanting to fully enjoy skiing in Niseko, extended stays are recommended.
▼Official Website
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ctshnqq-hinode-hills-niseko-village/
The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
A 200-room hotel directly connected to Niseko Village Ski Resort, nestled at the foot of Mount Annupuri. Its appeal lies in spaces that offer deep connections to nature, art, and Niseko’s culture.
Photo courtesy of Niseko Village
The 100% natural hot spring features indoor baths and open-air baths, along with a heated pool using the spring water. It’s sure to soothe your travel fatigue.
▼Official Website
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ctsglup-the-green-leaf-niseko-village/
Enjoy a winter resort stay in Niseko!
Niseko, a destination coveted by skiers and snowboarders worldwide. With the snow season in full swing, anyone wanting to ski, snowboard, or play in the snow in Japan should definitely visit. Numerous hotels and cottages offer excellent access, guaranteeing a luxurious winter resort stay!
