- Activity
- Hokkaido
Niseko Area
Photo by: Niseko Resort Tourist Association
“St. Moritz” of the Orient — where premium powder snow falls
Niseko means “sheer cliff” in the Ainu language of Hokkaido’s indigenous people. Over the years, Niseko has become the name of the entire region — including Mount Yotei and Niseko Annupuri connecting the northern slopes of the mountain with a high plateau, overlooked by peaks on three sides including Mount Konbudake. As Hokkaido’s premier ski resort area, Niseko attracts ski enthusiasts from around the world with its superfine-quality powder snow. Since water content is as low as 8% and this powder easily sprays out into the air, it is sometimes called “champagne snow.”
Photo by: Niseko Resort Tourist Association
Photo by: Niseko Resort Tourist Association
Winter resort friendly to international travelers
In search of rare superfine powder snow around the globe, skiers and snowboarders flock to Niseko from Australia, Europe, and recently from Asian countries as well. Because of this, there are many signboards and notices in English throughout the Niseko area, and English information is found all over ski slopes and in restaurants. No wonder the Niseko resort area receives high marks from fans around the world!
Photo by: Niseko Resort Tourist Association
Rafting, canoeing, trekking, and more for outdoor fun from spring through fall
The magic of Niseko doesn’t end with winter. The sparkling clear Shiribetsu River runs through the middle of the area, for rafting excitement from April to May when snow meltwater adds to the flow and relaxed canoeing enjoyment in the summer and fall seasons. In addition, trekking along the 1,000-1,300-meter-high Niseko Mountain Range is very popular among beginner trekkers. Niseko is an all-season outdoor paradise with many other entertaining activities like golf, horseback riding, balloon ascensions, and more.
Location
| Name | Niseko Area |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.niseko-ta.jp/en/ |
| Address | 142-1 Chuodori, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido （JR Niseko Station Information Desk） |
| Access | Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by special rapid airport train from New Chitose Airport to Otaru Station. Approximately 2 hours by train or bus from Otaru Station to Niseko station. |