Hi Windy,
We (myself, wife & 2 teenage kids) skied in Japan for the first time in January this year. We stayed in Happo village & skied Happo, Hakuba 47, Goryu and Tsugaike Kogen.
Transport between resorts is free and easy.
There were plenty of Australians (and other westerners) there but I didn't see any "hoon" elements which I hear can be commonplace in Niseko, and there were many Japanese too.
The skiing and overall holiday experience was fantastic and we are going back in January 2015 and are counting the days - I can thoroughly recommend Hakuba.