Hirafu, Niseko is a 2.5 hour drive from New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo's domestic and international airport.
The closest town to Niseko Resort is Kutchan, a small agricultural town. From the airport most people take the bus to Niseko, as it is direct and the cheapest option. There is also a train service, which heads to Niseko via Sapporo and usually requires a transfer at Sapporo or Otaru.
Flights - Chitose Airport
Sapporo New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's main port, connecting the Northern Island of Japan to the rest of the world. International flights from throughout Asia Pacific, and direct flights from Tokyo and Osaka are available daily. You can view the New Chitose International Airport website for additional information.
Domestic Airlines - You can book domestic flights online from about ¥15,000 one way, depending on the airline and when you book. These websites are available in both Japanese and English:
ANA
JAL
Skymark
**Please be aware that prices are displayed 2 months before your departure date.
If you are with a milage company (OneWorld, Star Alliance), then call them about the Airpass. This is a special pass in conjunction with their partner airlines. The Airpass allows you up to five domestic flights in Japan, from about ¥10,000 each flight.
Airport Transfer
We offer a shared shuttle service that operates between New Chitose Airport/Sapporo City and Niseko. We thoroughly recommend booking a seat to avoid disappointment.
For timetables and booking form please click the below button.
Private Airport Transfer
Step out of customs and straight into your own airport transfer - no waiting, no sharing with others, no hassle. Unlike the shared transfers above, you choose the time. This is particularly useful if you are yet to book your flights, as some flights are either too early or too late to catch the train or order standard but transfers.
For timetables and booking form please click the below button.
book now
Train
Trains depart daily from the airport for Kutchan (the closest train station to Niseko-Hirafu Alpine Resort). The train is usually slower than the bus, taking just over 3 hours, and usually requires a change of trains at Otaru. Kutchan train station is a scenic 10 minute taxi ride to the Hirafu Village. Though this sounds counter-intuitive, please do not catch the train to Hirafu or Nisko Stations. These stations are not actually so close to the resort. Kutchan Station is the best destination.
You can visit the JR website for train timetable information.
Because of the often required change of trains at Sapporo or Otaru and not being guaranteed a seat, we don’t recommend taking the train to Niseko from the airport. However, if you plan on checking out Sapporo before you come to Niseko then the train is the best option. JR (Japan Rail) trains leave from inside the airport terminal every 15 minutes. The train ride is 40 minutes, has announcements in English, and is only 1,040 yen. Bookings are not necessary. There are coin lockers at the north side of Sapporo Station which fit skis, snowboards and large suitcases. If you wish to stay in Sapporo overnight, we would like to recommend the value-priced Toyoko Inn chain. For more details on Toyoko Inn, please see their website here.
Driving to Niseko
Driving is a great way to see the beautiful Hokkaido landscape, and we can make life simple by arranging the car rental for you. All the cars are supplied with GPS car navigation, 4WD, snow tyres, automatic transmission, and CD player. You can pick up the vehicle from the airport, or if you would prefer, we can arrange pick up from Niseko. Please check our car rentals page for more info.
GPS Navigation If you want to set your navigation system for Niseko, enter this phone number +81 0136 23 2239.
Basic Directions From the airport, take route 276 all the way via Lake Shikotsuko and Bifue Pass to get to Kutchan. From Sapporo, take route 230 via Nakayama Pass and Kimobetsu town. After Kimobetsu turn right at the crossing of route 276 toward Kutchan.
