Niseko United

There are four resort bases to stay at, Annupuri is the quietest but has some great chalets for groups or families sharing. Niseko Village has several ski-in/ski-out hotels. If you haven’t been to Niseko since before 2020 you’ll be surprised to see several huge hotels at the base of Hanazono. Hirafu is still where it's at if you want plenty of options for restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Most places accept card payments nowadays but there are several international ATMs available if needed. If you’re staying in upper Hirafu the easiest one is in the Sapporo Drug Store on the ground floor of the Hirafu 188 building. If further down in the village there are ATMs at Seicomart and Lawson convenience stores.

 

Yugokorotei Onsen and Hotel Kanronomori near Annupuri are both great places to relax after a hard day on the slopes, with large indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths. Yukoro Onsen and Hirafutei are good options in Hirafu.

Free shuttle buses run around Hirafu and between Hirafu and Hanazono, while the Niseko United shuttle connects all four ski areas and is free with an All Mountain lift pass. If you're staying in lower Hirafu, it can sometimes be quicker to walk to the Ace Family lift than wait for a bus.
 

 

Food in Niseko is excellent, but you'll need to get into the habit of booking in advance unless you're happy grabbing a quick ramen. Places can get booked out for dinner months in advance, and whilst many restaurants allocate a number or tables for walk-ins, you’ll have to reserve if you want to be guaranteed a spot. Most restaurants in Niseko have online booking these days so it’s usually not a problem if you’re proactive.

For something casual, try JAM, a cosy izakaya, or Bang Bang for yakitori and grilled meats. Ezo Seafoods is still a favourite for fresh sushi and seafood, although it's now takeaway only. For something a little more upmarket, try The Barn by Odin. And if you're feeling sick of Japanese food (it happens!), Yummy's does some decent pizza.

Tsubara Tsubara is slightly out of town but serves up excellent Hokkaido soup curry. Graubunden bakery and café is perfect for cakes and sandwiches, while Green Farm Café at Chatrium Niseko will sort you out if you've missed breakfast. 

Check out Milk Kobo for epic cream puffs and cheese tarts. It’s worth visiting them near Niseko Village, on the Niseko United shuttle bus route, as they have several great restaurants such as Prativo and Mandriano, as well as a chocolate factory and souvenir shop with panoramic views of Mount Yotei on a clear day.

Accommodation in Hirafu ranges from five-star hotels to family-owned lodges, with plenty of apartments and chalets in between. It certainly isn't as cheap as it used to be, especially during January and February. Book well in advance if you're after something specific.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, Japan Ski Experience is a good place to start. They specialise in Japan ski accommodation, with a wide selection of hotels, apartments and chalets in Niseko as well as Rusutsu and Furano. They can also arrange airport transfers, lift passes, lessons, ski hire and guiding, which makes everything easy for when you arrive.

Budget accommodation is harder to come by these days. Freeride Lodge near Niseko Village and Moiwa Lodge near Annupuri are worth checking out if you're looking to save money, although both are some distance from Hirafu's nightlife.

 

Hirafu has a pretty lively nightlife scene these days, particularly during peak season when the bars fill up with tourists and seasonal workers. There are plenty of places for a quiet drink, but also some proper party spots if you're looking for a big night out.
Bar Gyu+ (Fridge Door Bar) is a Niseko favourite, hidden behind an old fridge door and serving some excellent cocktails and Japanese whisky.

Après Bar in central Hirafu is a livelier option, with music, parties and plenty of snowboarders looking for a good night out.
 

Tamashii, on the main road through Hirafu, is probably the closest thing you'll find to a British or Australian pub in Niseko, serving pub-style food alongside a good selection of drinks.
 

Barunba is a tiny local hangout on Momiji-Zaka Street that looks like it's been carved out of wood. Ask for a "Bruce Lee".
Mūsu at Odin Place is another good option for après drinks and cocktails, with a new venue opening for the 2026/27 season.
 

For something a little more relaxed, Toshiro's Bar at Sansui Niseko serves excellent cocktails and Japanese whisky, although it's a more sophisticated affair than some of Hirafu's rowdier bars.