deanrobi 2 Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Planning to travel from New Chitose Airport to Hirafu by bus on Sat 30 Jan at about 1330. Do I need to pre book bus tickets on either of these lines for the trip? or can I easily rock up to the bus booking counter in the arrivals hall and get a ticket then. I have tried to book on line but their on-line booking pages are predomately in Japanese. Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 You should be ok. We never reserve in advance. It might be a bit busier because it's a Saturday... if you contact your accommodation surely they call ahead for you to make a reservation. You don't need to pay in advance to secure a seat so they'll just have to call the bus company and give them your name. Link to post Share on other sites
deanrobi 2 Posted January 18, 2010 Author Share Posted January 18, 2010 Thanks BM, sounds like a plan. Link to post Share on other sites
blu 3 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 whiteliner is (or used to be) quicker with no stop midway. Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Whiteliner has a mid way stop. It did almost 3 yrs ago in April. It did 2 years ago in Jan. And it did this Jan. Link to post Share on other sites
blu 3 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Mama, it was January 2006 when we last left Niseko. I think Whiteliner was operated by Good Sports then. We used them because they were the quickest trip back to Chitose for a late morning flight to Osaka. Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Still operated by Good Sports. They do a fabulous service. We will continue to use them. But they do have a half way stop (now at least). Link to post Share on other sites
ausi ski bum 1 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Whiteliner/Goodsport stop on the way to Niseko, but not on the way back, they run an excellent service and to answer the question above, yes book the seat on line then pay on the day. Why would you travel all the way from Australia and not have the bus ticket covered. They do get very busy at times and how would you feel sitting there wondering what to do next. Whiteline drop off at the Welcome Centre in Hirafu, when you get close to Hirafu, phone your lodge and they will come get you. When I travel I have every single step booked and covered, by leaving anything to chance or someone else will always generally will be the things that go wrong. You should see my trip file for this years trip. Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Originally Posted By: ausi ski bum Whiteliner/Goodsport stop on the way to Niseko, but not on the way back, You might be surprised ASB - ours have always stopped on the way back also. Link to post Share on other sites
deanrobi 2 Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 We have ended up going with Donan, I rang our lodge the other day and they were very helpful and have made a call for us and booked our seats. Ended up going with Donan as they have the 'Nesiko Bus Pass' option that get you a free 8 Hr lift ticket included in the cost, so that should cover our first day on the mountain Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 That may not be the United pass, so be aware. But all the same, a good deal. Link to post Share on other sites
deanrobi 2 Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 I did do a double check and It says its the Nesiko All Mountain pass. So fingers crossed. I will post once we have arrived and have the ticket in our hot little hands. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts