Niseko Holiday Home | FAQ
Activities
Besides skiing and boarding there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Check out our Activities page here.
Airlines
A number of major airlines fly direct to Sapporo. Alternatively you can fly via Tokyo or Osaka - a great idea if you want to do the tourist thing...
Airline baggage limits
Airlines have become stricter on excess baggage in recent years. Most of us travel cattle class and the downside for skiers and boarders is the 20kg limit. It’s unrealistic but airlines (especially Japanese) like to interpret these rules literally.
Tips - If you can't get under 20kg try not to take more than say 25kg as the airlines will probably allow this without charging (No Guarantees) Take thermals, fleeces and shells so you can layer clothing. If traveling for more than a week, take a week's clothes and use the laundry facilities.
Après-ski
Niseko is renowned for its restaurants and small cozy bars - most with open fires. Make sure you sample the local draught beers - or you can always night ski if you’re up to it... Make sure you appoint a Skipper if you are driving - Japan's strict laws prohibit drinking and driving and drivers will go directly to jail !
Avalanche
The last avalanche-related fatality in Niseko was in 1998 in an out-of-bounds area called "Harunotaki" between Alpen and Higashiyama. If you disobey warning signs (also written in English) and duck under ropes you are taking your life into your own hands. The best policy is to ski within the resort boundaries as much as possible. If you want to head back country, do it with an experienced guide who will also ensure that you have the right equipment.
Cost
Eating and Drinking in Niseko is not as expensive! In fact Restaurant prices are very similar to your average US / Australian "city prices" – not resort prices. You can spend say $10.00 at one of the mountain restaurants or local noodle bars or $20-$30 at one of the many great Restaurants in the area. However, in contrast. If you are on a budget you can buy hot food and drinks as well as alcohol at either of the two convenience stores in the village - Seico Mart or Lawsons.
Credit Cards
Although credit cards are becoming more widely accepted we recommend that you bring plenty of cash (Japanese Yen) The smaller shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
Medical
We recommend that all travellers to Niseko view the Health Hokaiddo web site and fill in and print out a copy of the General Medical Form and take a copy with you when you travel. If you become ill or have an accident it will help medical personnel to provide the appropriate treatment. As an added precaution, we rcommend that you carry your 3G mobile phone with you if you intend driving or leaving the resort/village.
Mobile Phones
Only 3G phones operate in Japan. You need to activate international roaming with your Carrier.
Out & About
The village itself can pose a challenge at times. Roads become very icy and people slip over and hurt themselves just walking down the street. Stairways become treacherous and huge slabs of snow fall off buildings with regularity. There is almost nothing that can be done to avoid this – it is a fact of life in an alpine environment. Even if you have shoes with good traction, walk slowly and use caution at all times. Walk on the footpath, not the road. Roads are more slippery and they are for cars. Avoid standing under the eaves of buildings, large slabs of snow have been known to maim or injure.
Restaurants
Hokkaido is famous for two things – potatoes and seafood. It’s always fresh and will not disappoint. Aside from truly spectacular Japanese cuisine, you will find Italian, Thai, Mexican, Nepalese, Korean, Indonesian and other culinary delights. Check out the Restaurant guide at Niseko Tourism
Resort closure
Niseko "occasionally" has high winds that results in lift closures. If possible, it’s best to ride the Gondolas and covered chairlifts and ski in the trees. If its blowing westerly, you can ski or board at Hanazono and if easterly you can head to Annupuri. Click on our "Lifts Operating" button to see which lifts are running at any time. Refunds are not given for lift closures, however it is not uncommon for the lifts to be closed during the day when its windy and then open at night once the winds have abated - Remember storms mean snow so look on the brightside...
Shuttle Bus
There are a large number of free Shuttle Buses running continually around the Village and between the three resorts
Testimonials
Read here what our guests have had to say about Niseko - We welcome feed back and Photos from all our visitors.
Transfers
A number of options: Private coach or taxi, bus or train. We can arrange all transfers as well as "Meet & Greet" at New Chitose Airport or in central Sapporo if you decide to spend some time in the city before heading into the resort.
Weather
Average daytime temperatures in winter rarely get warmer than minus 10C. (Relatively mild when compared to Europe or Canada) However we recommend layering your clothing - Good thermals, neck-warmer or scarf, gloves and Beanie are essentials. The upside of all this cold weather is good quality powder snow which doesn't melt... Good quality goggles are essential – maybe even bring a spare pair.
