Getting to Niseko
Travelling to Japan - Air
The Japanese island of Hokkaido is serviced by the major city of Sapporo. Sapporo’s new Chitose International Airport (IATA code: CTS) receives flights from many international destinations within Asia. In addition all the major domestic Japanese airlines operate numerous daily domestic flights to and from Chitose.
The following airlines service Japan:
Cathay Pacific | ANA | JAL | QANTAS | KoreanAir|Continental
We recommend the QANTAS direct flight if you are coming from Australia. It flies directly to Sapporo and back to Cairns/Sydney. Or take the JetStar to Osaka and get an ANA voucher from a travel agent for the domestic flight to Sapporo.....
To work out the best way to get there, we recommend your local travel agent. Or sometimes we have access to group bookings. Ask us when you're checking our availability.
Once at Sapporo airport, we will have organised your bus travel to the resort.
Alternatively, you can take the train or hire a car.
Details are below: Bus, Train or Car |
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Bus
Getting to and from Niseko Hirafu by Bus.
Ease of use: 4/5
Cost: Normally Yen 2300 one way and Yen 3850 return.
Time: 2 hrs
Bus is the easiest and recommended for of transport to Niseko. We will have arranged your bus transport for you when you book with us. This will greatly simplify your travel. We pick you up when you arrive by bus in Hirafu and bring you to Niseko Lodge.
There are many different bus companies. The 3 major ones are: Goodsports Whiteliner, Chuo and Donan (Japanese Language only) that operate at different times through the day from 7am and 5pm depending on whether you are departing from Sapporo city or Chitose airport.
Goodsports operates late on Saturday night and Wednesday night to service the QANTAS flights. We prefer Goodsports Whiteliner as a bus operator.
Coming back, you may choose to stop in Sapporo first and then catch the train to the airport. We will discuss your options with you.
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When you arrive
1. Get your bags, go through customs.
2. Find the bus counter or look for the sign from our bus company.
3. Make sure you get money for your stay from the ATM at the airport. Get more than you think you need. It may be hard to get cash in the resort.
4. Get some water and/or a snack.
5. Jump on the bus.
6. Get off at Niseko-Hirafu.
7.We'll be waiting for you and take you to the Lodge in our mini-van. |
Where to Purchase Bus Tickets:
Your tickets will be booked by you prior to arrival.
Iif you have not arranged buses through us, purchase tickets at Chitose (airport) there is a bus information counter located in the arrivals hall. Buses leave every hour to Hirafu-Niseko.
Train:
Getting to and from Niseko Hirafu by Train.
Ease of Use: 3/5
Price: 2800 Yen (plus 4000 Yen taxi ride from Kutchan to Hirafu)
Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
We do not recommend coming by train if it is your first time to Niseko.
The train is very easy to use but does generally require train changes at either Sapporo or Otaru stations. This involves a change of platform which is not difficult as the signs are in English and the rail staff are very helpful. The destination is the town of Kutchan which is the closest point to Niseko, from Kutchan you can get a taxi to Niseko, taxis are generally waiting out the front of the station.
Where to Purchase Train Tickets:
The train line is JR and is located under the airport terminal and direction to the train line are well sign posted in English (just look for the JR Line) Tickets need to be purchased before boarding, you will notice a help desk near the platform. There are express trains, which are more expensive.
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Car / Self Drive
Ease of Use: 1/5
Price: Upwards of Yen 15,000 per day
Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours
In winter this is the least desirable option due to the huge amount of snow that Hokkaido receives each year, however it is an option and cars can be rented at Chitose (Airport). Traffic and road conditions can substantially increase the travel time to Niseko Hirafu. In winter CHAINS ARE A MUST! This mode of transport is very expensive and there is no need for personal transport within the Hirafu resort as everything is within walking distance.
Outside the winter months driving up to Niseko is a fantastic experience and is highly recommended, the scenery is incredibly picturesque, and the Japanese drivers are conservative and well mannered.
As we found out from driving to Niseko in October'04, watch out for deer!
The speed limit throughout Hokkaido is 50kph for a reason!
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