If you’ve been to Japan you are familiar with the Japan’s ingenuity, precision, cleanliness, and service. I am pleased to report that these first principles extend to Japan’s snow scene in powdery Niseko.
TRANSPORTATION
First of all, Niseko is farther than a lot of people think from the Sapporo airport. It is a 2 hour bus ride, and with the stops, will likely take you 3 to get to your exact hotel.
In the high season, book your bus in advance, prior to boarding, otherwise you will be stuck in the CTS/Sapporo airport for a few extra hours as busses fill up quickly. Shinkansen is an option but it is much longer and if you have a lot of luggage, the bus is probably the best way to go. A roundtrip ticket is recommended so you don’t have to worry about crowding or buying one on the way back.
Chuo Bus
Operation dates: December 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020
Price: Adult ¥2,650, Child ¥1,330 one way
Last bus departs New Chitose Domestic terminal at 16:30
White Liner Operation dates: December 1, 2019 – March 30, 2020 Price: Adult ¥4,000, Child ¥2,000 (10% off when you book online!) Last bus departs New Chitose Domestic terminal at 15:30
Hokkaido Resort Liner Operation dates: December 1, 2019 – April 3, 2020 Price: Adult – ¥4,100, Child – ¥3,100 Last bus departs New Chitose Domestic terminal at 21:20
Shinkansen is an option but it is much longer and if you have a lot of luggage, the bus is probably the best and easiest route (for the right value). The bus will make a stop every hour or so, so patrons can buy snacks and take bathroom breaks. Then, it will stop at the resorts and announce each one in advance so you will not miss your stop.
LODGING
Niseko hotels are wildly affordable. If you’re a snow bun you know how expensive lodging can be at popular resorts during the high season. In Niseko, for “cube” hotels with shared bathroom (and onsen- more on that later), you can find lodging for a very reasonable $60-70/night. This is AWESOME for solo travelers.
I stayed gratis at First Cabin Niseko, which has separated men and ladies’ facilties. The restaurant and common areas are shared, but onsen, bathroom, and “dorm” style lodging (cubicle) are separated by gender.
The onsen is a big hot tub spring with extra warm water. Truthfully- I don’t know if I can ever go skiing/snowbarding without recusing myself to an onsen after. After a 7-8 hour stint on the slopes, this was is absolutely the thing you need to prepare yourself for…. MORE snow the next day.
There is a bus that takes you to the main resort area every day (Niseko Hanazono Resort and Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu) for free. The bus schedules are available at the lobbies of each respective resort and of your hotel of course.
I enjoyed the First Cabin location because it was close by a Lawsons for cheap snacks and basic necessities (gloves for example). Additionally, there were several very good ramen joints within walking distance. The area is well-lit and I was not concerned walking around by myself even in the snow.
THE RESORT
The resorts are great. The rental system is easy and efficient- if you’ve ever gone snowing at Lake Tahoe you know what an utter sh*tshow it is. You could be waiting an hour, hour and a half while all your friends who own equipment already got their first two runs in. Not here- I was in and out each day in less than 40 minutes.
The runs are well groomed. Icy areas are clearly flagged. The seats are quick and well-managed, only pausing when someone has fallen, otherwise you can expect very efficient lines.
The rest stops halfway up the mountain are really where American snow resorts get put to shame. $7 Sapporo on draft. $9 ramen bowls that are comparable to US bowls.
Closer to the top of the peak, the two-seat chairs turn into “pizza boxes,” single-person transport that looks a bit daunting but is quite easy if you will simply place your butt in the right area, carefully.
Back to the airport, you will use your round trip ticket to board the bus. Best to give yourself a generous buffer to make sure you don’t end up late, and to take advantage of the Sapporo airport amenities.
SAPPORO AIRPORT- PREBOARDING.
The Sapporo airport has an Onsen that has a separate outdoor area on the roof of the CTS airport- the water is piping hot, and you can gently watch the snow fall. It is the single most incredible thing I have experienced at an airport.
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