March, 29th 2024
Niseko is one of those places where one visit is never enough. Many people who come once end up coming back again and again.
We asked a couple from Hawaii, a Japanese professional snowboarder, and an Australian family based in Hong Kong why they keep coming back to Niseko and for some tips on getting the most out of this winter wonderland.
We’ve been coming to Niseko for the last six years, except for during Covid shutdowns. (Leah) I actually lived/worked in Japan (Tokyo/Osaka/Kobe) when I was younger and during college, but just started coming to Niseko for snowboarding six years ago. Each year our trip seems to get longer… this year we stayed for a whole month!
That’s an easy answer: the SNOW! We’ve been to other resorts around the US and the snow in Niseko is better and more dependable than anywhere else we’ve been. Sure, we also come for the food, the culture and the people…but the perfect snow keeps us coming back every year.
Every year when we arrive in Niseko we like to eat Japanese breakfast and go to the onsen. It takes a few days to get acclimated to the time change so we spend a few days relaxing and enjoying healthy food and onsen. There is a local bakery we like to go to with fresh bread as well, and then we start prepping all of our gear for snowboarding!
Ski Resort: We like Hanazono on a powder day!
Onsen: Setsu Niseko Onsen and Goshiki Onsen
Restaurants: NISEKO A-Nabeya, Guzu Guzu Bakery & Cafe, Karabina
I’ve been coming to Niseko since I was in junior high school. Initially, I came with my family, but later on, I started coming to Niseko by myself to ski, and as a result I’ve been coming here every winter for about 15 years.
Compared to mainland Japan, Niseko has a longer winter and powder season. The mountains here are more mellow compared to those in Hakuba, offering many spots that are safer. That’s why I believe many people find it easy to enjoy the powder in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
In the past, many of my friends would gather in Niseko, making it a fun destination where everyone was together. The current Niseko is very different from when there were a lot of Japanese people, but I feel it’s full of energy.
Being able to choose from various types of hot springs within a 15-minute drive is also very appealing. I love Mt Yotei for its beauty and how its expression changes every day. Additionally, the local ingredients, like water and rice, are delicious, making cooking in Niseko delightful.
I go to Takahashi Dairy Farm (Milk Kobo) for a soft serve ice cream. Its refreshing flavour is the best.
Rather than cramming various activities into a short period, I feel that the charm of Niseko is best experienced through a long-term stay. I want you to enjoy the changing expressions of Mt. Yotei and the other attractions of Niseko slowly and without rush, one by one.
Ski Resort: Niseko Village
Onsen: Goshiki Onsen
Restaurant: ICARO
Photo: Glen Claydon
This is our seventh trip to Niseko after we were introduced to the resort by friends of ours. We typically spend a minimum of two weeks up to a month each visit.
Our family’s love for snowboarding and the quality and consistency of the snow keeps us coming back to Niseko. Beyond that, Niseko is well developed and has a slew of dining options across different price points. Having this variety makes Niseko such a great place. Niseko is also easy to get to from Sapporo and its proximity to Kutchan only widens its appeal.
As a family, our first order of business is usually to take a drive to the local supermarkets (Hirafu188, MaxValu, Lucky, Seicomart) to load up on groceries, snacks and alcohol.
Niseko has a lot to offer beyond skiing and snowboarding. We would highly recommend renting a car if you want to visit neighbouring townships and sample produce from places like the Takahashi Dairy Farm. If you like whisky, the Yoichi distillery is around an hour’s drive and also accessible by train.
Ski Resorts: Hirafu and Annupuri
Onsen: Niseko Grand Hotel
Restaurant: Hirafu Area – Rin, Kobetei, Lava Lounge; Kutchan Area – Sapporo Ramen Daishin, Nokanosobaya Yoteizan, Patty Daddy
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