This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Niseko.
Niseko, Japan, is an area made up of many different towns that surround Mount Annupuri on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido. Niseko is famous throughout the world for the average of fifteen metres of dry powder snow that it gets during Winter. This powder snow attracts a very international crowd, which has in turn made Niseko the only international ski resort in Japan as you can very comfortably get around with just English.
Mount Annupuri has four lift-accessed ski resorts (Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono) that you can easily access with one combined lift ticket. Most of the hostels in Niseko, Japan, are at the base of one of these resorts, although most of Niseko's hostels are found around Hirafu and Annupuri, the two larger town areas.
Hirafu is the largest town and therefore has more restaurant and bar options; the food in Niseko is world famous, so get ready to tuck in. Hostels in Niseko, Japan can be found just a couple of minutes' walk away from the ski lifts or further out of town, but Grand Hirafu provides a free shuttle during the ski season, so even accommodation that is not that close to the ski lifts can still be convenient if it has a nearby bus stop.
Annupuri is another good option for hostels and also has some amazing food options. It is a smaller town so you can easily walk to the ski lifts. Many hostels also have pick up and drop off services for guests to get around. Some other hostels can be found near Niseko Village and near an adjacent ski resort, Moiwa. Moiwa is next to Annupuri so you can easily access everything in Annupuri but be closer to a quieter ski resort.
Niseko is becoming more popular in summer for mountain biking and cycling, and being an Onsen town, meaning you have access to fifteen different hot springs situated on all sides of the mountain. Niseko has something to offer visitors all year round, but note that options for restaurants and hostels do become more limited outside of the winter months. And if you are planning in coming in winter, plan early as the whole of Niseko does get booked up during certain times in the ski season, like Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Written by local enthusiast for Niseko hostels
Straighty