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Niseko needs little
introduction - held by many as the place to find the best powder
in Japan. Niseko is a popular year-round resort,
but the
area doesn’t have the greatest public transportation
network in summer and most accommodations cater to
people with their own vehicles. However, in winter there
are frequent direct buses to the area’s ski resorts
from Sapporo and New Chitose airport as well as shuttle
buses from the train stations at Niseko, Hirafu and
Kutchan.
> By Bus
> By Train
> By Car
The easiest way to get to Niseko is by bus. Buses
leave from in front of Sapporo station and from outside
the arrivals gate at Shin-Chitose Airport.
Reservations are recommended for groups,
and during busy times like New Year's holiday break. As
you come out of the arrival gates at the airport, there
are sales counters where you can buy your tickets here.
Because there are a couple of buses heading to different
destinations, before getting on make sure your bus is
the right one (this isn't really too much of a problem -
your ticket/name will be checked again at the bus stop).
It is also worth remembering that some buses go to Niseko via Rusutsu.
For the return trip keep in mind that poor visibility
and slippery roads can slow the bus down. Leave plenty
of time before a flight - four hours before flight
departure time is recommended.
The main
station used in the Niseko area is called Kutchan.
Kutchan Station is the stop before other stations called
Hirafu and Niseko, but almost always the
station that is used for pick-up and transportation to
the ski resorts (so make sure you get off at the right
station). It is about 2 hrs 40 mins from Sapporo on the
JR Hakodate
line. If you
just can’t wait to get on the slopes, there are
some special ski trains that are much faster and more
expensive.
Non-express trains run at various times throughout
the day. Most will require changes at Sapporo and or
Otaru. This is not difficult - usually just a matter of
crossing the platform. Waiting time can vary from 10mins
to 1hour. Standard fare is less than 3,000 yen and the trip will
take about 3 hours. Check with your JR station for
times.
The drive from Muroran or Otaru to Niseko takes about
two hours, and snow tires or chains are a must. Hokkaido
roads are not difficult to understand; however it worth
having a good map and is much easier and prettier to do
the drive during the day. The roads can be really
slippery so it's important to drive carefully.
At the airport there is a
collection of rent-a-car companies on the ground floor
near the post office. Whilst a fun thing to do, for
movement within the resort a car is not actually
required as shuttle buses around the resorts are quite
efficient.
If you do decide to make your way up there by car,
it's best to advise your place of accommodation before
arriving. Some snow may have to be cleared to make way
for a parking spot.
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