December, 27th 2019
The third installment of our “Where to stay in Niseko” series is the one-and-only Hirafu Village. Some call it “the beating heart of Niseko” as it is home to the most development, shopping, and restaurants in the Niseko resort area.
A combination of western and Japanese style at Hotel Niseko Alpen
The Hirafu Village was the first base area of the Niseko United resorts to see large developments, and it hasn’t slowed down since! This unique village offers accommodation for all types of visitors. Luxurious ski-in ski-out penthouses with private hot springs on an outdoor balcony, and backpacker lodges for budget ski travelers. You can find everything in the Hirafu Village within walking distance to the ski lifts. One of our favorite places to stay is Hotel Niseko Alpen. The closest hotel to the .Base Ski Center and Ace Quad Lift #2, Hotel Niseko Alpen offers a rejuvenating onsen and a hot stone spa, as well as a few restaurant choices that take advantage of Hokkaido’s seasonal food delights. Hotel Niseko Alpen boasts the best amenities in Hirafu at a great value.
The only perk of staying in Hirafu that can rival the accommodation is the food! A plethora of food choices within walking distance await guests who stay in the Hirafu Village. Again, the selection varies widely. Michelin Star restaurants with more courses than you can count, as well as several delicious food carts for travelers on a budget. Hirafu also sports convenience stores that are open 24 hours a day so you can pop in for a midnight snack. Don’t miss out on Grand Hirafu’s on-mountain restaurants either! Delicious and well-priced, the on-mountain restaurants are a perfect way to take a break from skiing and warm up.
The typical Japanese ski resort lacks entertainment after dinner hours. However, Niseko is breaking the mold on a traditional Japanese ski holiday by offering many bars, restaurants, and clubs open late! The highest concentration of nightlife can be found in the Hirafu Village. Boutique cocktail bars with talented mixologists. Smoky local establishments with darts, pool tables, and cheap drinks. Larger venues with DJs and dance floors for those who want to boogie the night away. No matter your style of nightlife, there is something that matches your style in the Hirafu Village.
One cannot speak about the benefits of staying in Hirafu without mentioning the marvelous skiing! Niseko Grand Hirafu is the largest ski resort of Niseko United, offering the most lifts and in-bounds terrain. Suitable for first-timers and advanced powder riders, Hirafu is a great place to start your day on the slopes. On top of that, Hirafu spins its lifts until 8:30 pm and lights up the slopes with giant floodlights. Fresh snow and well-lit slopes make for an unforgettable night skiing experience and many regard Hirafu’s after-dark operations as the best night skiing in the world!
A simple yet important reason to stay in Hirafu is convenience. If you need to pick up some new snow gear, there are numerous shops close by. Buses cycle through the Hirafu intersection often and can quickly take you to other areas around Niseko. Rental equipment, hot springs, ski lifts, and delicious food options are all close by, so you can relax on your holiday without the need to rent a car.
Why you should visit Niseko this winter
Living in Japan and stuck in the cities for the coming up Christmas and New Year holiday season this year?Turn this into a great opportunity to v...
10 December 2020
In the snow – Accommodations right down our slopes
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Niseko has such an abundant variety on accommodations Hanazono Just opened during the 2019-20 Snow Season, H...
8 December 2020
Our favorite onsens (hot springs) in Niseko
Did you know that before Niseko become world renown for amazing skiing and snowboarding that visitors mainly came for the hot springs? It’s true, the...
15 November 2020
Liftpass Deposit
Information for the three types of Niseko lift tickets and their deposits. Key Ticket 【Applicable Liftpass】Regular lift...
27 October 2020
Go To Travel – Regional Coupons
Go To Travel Campaign Regional Coupons (paper or digital) can be used in the following facilities of Niseko Uni...
20 October 2020
Niseko welcomes visitors back with “The Spirit of the Mountain” campaign
Watch: The Spirit of the Mountain Lead by Niseko Tourism, the Niseko area is launching a new campaign aimed at showcasing the whole region and rej...
31 July 2020
Niseko United named Japan’s best family ski resort
Niseko is the perfect family ski holiday destination, and there are so many reasons why! Traveling families from all over the world continue to visi...
24 July 2020
Why Niseko is perfect for cyclists
Photo courtesy of Vacation Niseko The Climate First and most importantly, Niseko has ideal weather in summer for cycling! Most of Japan is hot and h...
18 July 2020
Summer activities galore at PURE – Niseko Village
Did you know that many Niseko locals prefer the summer season to the cold and snowy winter? PURE at Niseko Village is a good example of why. There i...
11 July 2020
Why night skiing in Niseko is acclaimed worldwide
Photo: Juan Aizpuru Niseko is renowned all over the world for having some of the best night skiing in the entire world. A bold statement, but ye...
3 July 2020
Let’s ride! Niseko Grand Hirafu MTB Park open for summer 2020
Just in time for Niseko’s glorious summer, the Niseko Grand Hirafu Mountain Bike Park is open! Riders can rejoice as the Flow Trail, Electric Mounta...
25 June 2020
Niseko day trip – Shakotan Peninsula
Photo: Evan Wilcox Rugged coastal cliffs, the freshest sea urchin and fish, and water so blue it rivals the tropics. A day trip from Niseko to the Sh...
20 June 2020
The Mountain Collective Pass is back on sale!
The Mountain Collective Pass is back and better than ever! Niseko United is thrilled to once again be part of the Collective Pass that brings togethe...
12 June 2020
A summer of Hanazono Niseko activities – Now open!
As of June 1st, 2020, Hanazono Niseko Resort has started the operation of its popular summer activities! Explore Hokkaido’s mountains, forests, ocea...
4 June 2020
Niseko Village selected for potential 2030 Winter Olympics venue
Sapporo city has bid on hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics and has chosen Niseko Village as a possible venue for the downhill, Super G, and slalom even...
30 May 2020
Niseko accommodation – Book early and save big!
As the snow melts and Niseko’s green season starts to flourish, the next winter season seems so far away. However, now is the best time to secure yo...
22 May 2020
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Copyright © 2019 Niseko United.日本語