FAQ

Niseko is located on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido. It is around 110 km (2,5 hours) from New Chitose Airport and 95 km (2 hours) from Sapporo, Japan's 5th largest city. Niseko is approximately 800 kms north of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. You can find it here on Google Maps.

The name 'Niseko' usually refers to the ski resorts positioned on Mt. Niseko-Annupuri and the surrounding areas. Technically though, two of the four major resorts (Grand Hirafu and Hanazono) are located within Kutchan Town and two (Niseko Village and Annupuri) within Niseko Town.

The easiest way to get to Niseko is to fly to New Chitose Airport (CTS). There are a variety of transportation options available from the airport including private transfers, buses and trains. Skye Niseko Concierge can assist with your airport transfers from New Chitose International Airport. For more information, please visit our Transfers page.

If you are traveling by train, please note that you will need to transfer at either Otaru Station or Sapporo Station, and disembark at Kutchan Station. From there, you can take a short taxi or bus ride to the hotel. Kindly note that Hirafu Station is not recommended, as transportation from this stop is very limited and often unavailable. The most convenient nearby bus stop for Skye Niseko is the Hirafu Welcome Center.

Niseko is a year-round destination. For guests wanting to enjoy the beautiful snow, winter season in Hokkaido is from November to April. Peak visiting times are over Christmas, New Years and Chinese New Year. The best snow conditions can usually be found in January and February. Along with skiing and snowboarding guests can enjoy snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Though famous for its winters, Niseko is forging its name as a summer destination as well, a popular area for road cycling, mountain biking, river rafting, hiking and golf.

Niseko is known for heavy snowfall of powder snow throughout the season. Often, weeks can go by without a break in snowfall. Niseko averages more than 12m of snow every year. The rare bluebird day provides enviable views of Mt Yotei and surrounding mountains while still enjoying deep, fluffy snow.

Only our Penthouse Suites are allocated at the point of booking. Annupuri West and Annupuri North are located in the Annupuri Building and Yotei East, Yotei South and Yotei West are located in the Yotei Building. All Penthouses offer great views of the resort, ski slopes, scenery or Mt. Yotei.

All other room types are spread across the Annupuri and Yotei Buildings, with allocations made based on availability closer to your check-in date. Rooms are located between the 2nd and 7th floors, and certain room categories are floor-specific. For example, the Studio Room is exclusively located on the 2nd floor of the Annupuri Building.

We are happy to receive requests regarding room allocation preferences; however, please note that these cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability.

The standard occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom, and exceeding this number is not permitted. An exception applies to our 1 Bedroom Suites, where the standard occupancy is 2 guests but a maximum of 3 guests may be accommodated with the addition of an extra bed prepared in the living room.

Please find more details from our Terms & Conditions as stated in line "11. Accommodation, Extra Person Charge and Additional Items".

Children aged 7 to 15 years are included in the total occupancy count for each room type. In other words, the stated maximum occupancy for a room type refers to the combined total of adults (16 years and older) and children aged 7 to 15. In addition, one child or infant under 7 years old per bedroom who is able to share an existing bed may stay beyond the maximum occupancy limit. For example, a 1 Bedroom Suite may accommodate two adults, one child aged 9, and one infant aged 4, even though the standard maximum occupancy for this room type is 3. To ensure a comfortable stay, we kindly ask that you inform us at the time of booking of the exact number of adults, children aged 7-15, and children under 7 in your party.

Each bedroom features either a king or queen size double bed or two single (twin) beds, with the exception of our Penthouse Suites, where some rooms feature fixed double bedding. Please specify your preference at the time of reservation (or at a later date prior to your arrival date). Our 1-Bedroom Suites accommodate up to three guests, with the third guest provided with either a rollaway bed or a Murphy bed in the living room. Please note that allocation of a Murphy bed is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

King Size Bed

Double arrangement: 195 cm x 195 cm

Single arrangement: 97 cm x 195 cm

Queen Size Bed

Double arrangement: 154 cm x 195 cm

Single arrangement: 77 cm x 195 cm

Murphy Bed: 152 cm x 195 cm

The majority of Skye Niseko’s rooms cannot accommodate additional guests; therefore, bedding cannot be provided in most cases.

Additional bedding (Murphy bed, rollaway bed, or Japanese-style futon) is available exclusively in our 1 Bedroom Suites. In 1 Bedroom Suite additional bedding will be prepared in the living room.

For infants aged 0-18 months, a cot can be provided upon pre-arrival request in all room types. Children aged up to 6 years who cannot be accommodated in a cot will need to share the existing bedding within the room.

Yes. Please let us know if you would like us to prepare a cot (suitable for infants aged 0–18 months), a high chair, or both in your room. These items are available free of charge with a pre-arrival request.

Winter bookings include breakfast with all reservations made at Skye Niseko.

Summer bookings will depend on the package that has been booked.

Guests without breakfast included in their package may add it at the following rates:

Adults: ¥3,800

Children (7–15 years): ¥2,800

Preschool children (0–6 years): Complimentary

Kitchens are fully equipped with a comprehensive selection of appliances, cookware, utensils, dishes, and glassware, providing everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay.

Depending on availability, it may be possible to make such amendments, but refunds may not be available for changes that reduce the value of the reservation and an additional deposit amount will be required to guarantee changes that increase the value of the reservation. To request amendments and confirm the payment details, please contact our reservations team (via email: [email protected] or phone: +81 (0) 136 55 5123).

Please refer to section 4 and 5 of our Terms and Conditions page.

Absolutely yes. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation due to weather, or for any other reason, our standard cancellation policy will apply. As outlined in our Terms & Conditions, guests are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unexpected circumstances before or during travel.

Niseko is conveniently accessible from New Chitose Airport (CTS). Many of our guests choose to travel by private transfer, where a driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the hotel in comfort.

Regular coach services also operate during the winter season between New Chitose Airport and the Hirafu Welcome Center. Alternatively, guests may take the JR train line from New Chitose Airport to Kutchan Station (via Otaru or Sapporo), followed by a short taxi or public bus ride to Hirafu Village. Our Concierge Team will be delighted to assist you with arranging a private transfer or providing guidance on public transportation options to ensure a smooth arrival.

We offer complimentary pick-up service from the Hirafu Welcome Center (the nearby public bus stop). Please note that timing and availability of this service depends on the season. During summer, pick-up service by prior reservation is available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please see our shuttle page for more details. 

Please use Google map plus code (VM7X+67 Kutchan, Hokkaido) or use our Google Maps location. Or you can use the Skye Niseko MAP CODE: 398 414 246*66 for most Japanese GPS units.

Yes, however there are limited parking spaces available by reservation and additional charges apply. Please contact us to enquire about availability.

Check-in is available from 3:00 p.m., check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

Check-in prior to our check-in time of 3:00 p.m. may be possible but we cannot guarantee it. We will do our best to accommodate requests. If you wish to guarantee an early check-in please extend your reservation to include the night before your arrival. We will happily store your luggage for you if you arrive before your room is ready.

Late check-out is subject to availability on the day and may be subject to extra charges. Please enquire with the Front Desk on the night before your departure to find out whether a late check-out will be possible. After your check-out we will store your luggage until you are ready to depart. If you would like to guarantee a late check out, we ask that you make your room reservation for one extra night.

Our Front Desk team is happy to assist with luggage delivery. We can receive your luggage in advance and store it safely until your check-in. Please ensure your package is clearly labeled with your booking folio number, lead guest name, and stay dates. After check-out, we can also help arrange domestic or international shipping for your luggage, with a weight limit of 20kg per item.

Our postal address is: 11-4, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo 3-chome, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan 044-0080

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and throughout the hotel.

Skye Niseko is a non-smoking hotel, and smoking is strictly prohibited inside all guest rooms and throughout the interior of the building. A designated smoking area is available outside, and our Front Desk team will be happy to guide you to its location.

Please note that if evidence of smoking is found within the hotel, a minimum charge of 50,000 yen will apply. Additional cleaning fees and compensation may also be required if the room is rendered unusable for future stays.

We will keep lost and found items for up to 30 days. After this period, items will be disposed of due to limited storage capacity. For hygiene reasons, any food items or personal belongings deemed unhygienic to store will be disposed of immediately. For lost and found inquiries, please contact us at 0136-55-6414 or [email protected].

Skye Niseko is cashless and only accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).

Yes. Our 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 3 Bedroom, 4 Bedroom, and Penthouse suites all feature in-room washing and drying machines for your convenience.

For guests staying in our Studio Rooms or Hotel Rooms, complimentary communal laundry facilities are available on the ground floor of the Annupuri Building. Laundry detergent is provided in each room, and additional sachets can be requested from the Front Desk.

For guests staying in Hotel Rooms, Studios, and 1–4 Bedroom Suites, eco cleaning is provided daily, including emptying bins, replenishing coffee and water, and providing fresh towels. Every second day, this service is expanded to include restocking of amenities as well as kitchen and bathroom cleaning. Linen and room wear are refreshed every fourth day.

For guests staying in the Skye Penthouses, cleaning, amenity restocking, fresh towels, and bed making are provided every day. Linen is changed every third day.

If you would like extra cleaning services, they can be arranged through the Front Desk, subject to availability and an additional fee.

All bathrooms are stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body soap, body cream, hand soap, toothbrushes, a shaver with shaving gel, a hair comb, cotton buds, a shower cap, and a body towel. If you have any concerns about allergies to these amenities, please let our team know and we will be happy to assist.

Additionally, pajamas and slippers are provided for each guest on the booking.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, we are unable to provide medical supplies to our guests.

We apologize for the inconvenience, but we ask that you prepare your medicines in advance of your trip or purchase them at a hospital or pharmacy.

Please inquire at the front desk for information on nearby hospitals and pharmacies.

Yes. Kumo Restaurant, located on the lobby floor, is an izakaya-style restaurant serving Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as après-ski service during the winter season. Operating hours, menus and more are available here. Reservations are recommended for dinner. 

Our Café Deli offers a range of pre-made meals, freshly baked goods, snacks, beverages, and local souvenirs. During the winter season, the Holiday Project store is open inside Skye Niseko, featuring a curated range of winter apparel. The in-house ski and snowboard rental shop, YamaSport, also carries a selection of essential ski items for purchase in addition to rental equipment. 

Vending machines with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages are available on the ground floor for your convenience.

Yes. The Ski Valet, located on the ground floor, is the ideal location in the hotel for storing your skis and poles, snowboards, and boots securely. The Valet has drying racks for all of your equipment and doors that connect directly to the ski area. Our Ski Valet staff will hand you your gear on your way out the door and store it for you upon your return.

Yes. Skye Niseko features both men’s and women’s public onsen facilities, as well as three private onsen rooms that can be reserved through our Front Desk team. All onsen facilities are complimentary for hotel guests, though private onsen reservations are subject to availability. Please see here for more information. Read our Onsen Etiquette Guide here.

Only guests staying at Skye Niseko can use the public and private onsen facilities. 

Yes. For next-level relaxation, guests can visit Ryko Spa, where a range of rejuvenating treatments and therapies are available. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge during your stay.

Our guest-exclusive gym is open 24 hours a day and is equipped with a variety of cardio machines and free weights. 

Please note that there are no pool facilities at Skye Niseko.

Niseko is made up of several different areas. One of these is central Kutchan, around the main train station, which is about a 15-minute drive from Skye Niseko.

The Niseko United ski resort consists of four ski areas, each with its own base. Skye Niseko is located within the Grand Hirafu area, on the upper edge of Hirafu Village. Hirafu is the most lively and vibrant hub during the winter season, with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Our location offers the best of both worlds: direct access to the slopes and lifts, as well as easy access to the heart of Hirafu Village, just a short walk or shuttle ride away.

You can find our shuttle bus services information here.

Grand Hirafu Resort also offers a free shuttle bus with a wider range of stops. Hanazono ski area also provides a shuttle that connects the Hirafu Village with the Hanazono ski area base.

The Niseko United Shuttle bus transports visitors between the Hirafu area and the other ski area bases of Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri.

Taxis are also available for visiting restaurants and other destinations outside of walking distance from Skye Niseko. Availability of taxis can be limited during the winter season.

Many businesses in Hirafu will accept credit and debit cards, however many smaller restaurants may only accept cash. ATMs for international cards can be found in Hirafu area such as inside Seicomart and Lawson convenience stores.

Hirafu Village does not have a full supermarket, but there are two convenience stores - Lawson and Seicomart - as well as a Sapporo Drug Store within walking distance of Skye Niseko. These stock basic necessities, snacks, beverages, and ready-made meals.

For a larger selection, guests can visit supermarkets in central Kutchan, about a 15-minute drive away. Our complimentary Skye Shuttle, as well as taxis, make it easy to get there.

The nearby Niseko International Clinic provides medical services in English. Outside of Niseko International Clinic’s hours, the closest available option is Kutchan-Kosei General Hospital, located about a 20-minute drive from Skye Niseko.

The ski season in Niseko typically begins in the last week of November or the first week of December. The exact opening date depends on snow conditions and can vary from season to season. Once the season begins, the resort usually operates until the end of the first week of May. Specific lift operations may be shorter or longer within the season. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Grand Hirafu resort website.

From the doors of our Ski Valet  guests have direct ski-out access to the King Gondola and King Holiday Pair Lift. The Ace Gondola is also just a short walk away, giving you convenient access to multiple lifts right from the hotel.

While there is variation between different ski areas and lifts, the ski area operating hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the regular season. During the early season (season open - second weekend of December) and spring season (late March – end of season), the hours are reduced to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The hours and open runs are subject to change based on weather and snowfall. Our Front Desk and Ski Valet staff are always happy to give you guidance about ski area operations.

If you are a first timer to intermediate skier or snowboarder, the Grand Hirafu lift ticket is sufficient as it covers 60% of the total ski area of Niseko United’s resorts. This pass includes access to Hanazono as well as Grand Hirafu. However, if you want to explore all that Niseko United has to offer, we recommend purchasing an All Mountain lift ticket which also grants free use of the Niseko United Shuttle Bus. Feel free to consult the Concierge Team for personalised advice.

If you have never skied or snowboarded before, we highly recommend that you take a lesson with GoSnow, as doing so is the only way to gain access to the magic carpet, which is the best place for those starting out to pick up the basics of skiing or snowboarding before using any of the lifts. There are a number of runs available for beginners (green runs) who are confident enough to go up the lifts. Our Concierge Team will be happy to provide personalised advice to help you choose the best option for your stay.

Skye Niseko is located within the Grand Hirafu ski area, the largest of the four areas that make up the Niseko United resorts. Grand Hirafu is directly connected to the other three resorts - Annupuri, Niseko Village, and Hanazono - at the top of the mountain, allowing guests to ski between them during the regular ski season with an All Mountain Lift Pass.

The other resorts can also be reached in about 20 minutes by taxi or the Niseko United Shuttle Bus.

There is a bus called the Niseko United Shuttle that offers services between Grand Hirafu to Niseko Village and Annupuri. This bus is free to use for All Mountain Pass holders. Hanazono has its own free shuttle bus leaving from a nearby bus stop. If the uppermost lifts in Grand Hirafu are operating, it is possible to ski to any of the other areas if you are of upper intermediate or higher ability level.

Niseko United has a special 'gate system' to allow resort users to venture out of the ski area in search of the best snow the mountain has to offer. There is a series of numbered gates on the borders of the ski area, from which it is possible to venture outside the ski area to the wilderness beyond. Ski Patrol will decide whether or not conditions are favourable enough to open the gates each day. Please be advised that it is only permitted to venture out-of-bounds when gates are open. Ducking ropes to go out-of-bounds is strictly prohibited. All skiers and snowboarders who choose to ride out-of-bounds must do so at their own risk as these areas are not patrolled and any rescue operation to the out-of-bounds areas will incur expenses. Therefore, skiing or riding out-of-bounds is recommended only to those confident in their ability to handle any terrain and not lose their way in the process. Avalanche safety equipment and knowledge of how to use it are essential as well. For those who would like to safely experience what the out-of-bounds areas have to offer (and are advanced level skiers or snowboarders), we recommend booking a powder guide who can show you where to go to get the best powder snow and ensure you stay safe.

Yes, there are terrain parks in both Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. Please note that their operating schedules may vary from season to season depending on snow and weather conditions.

The word “onsen” literally means hot spring. It generally refers to a communal bathing facility that includes showers, various types of hot spring baths, and often a sauna. A private onsen offers a smaller bathing area reserved for just one party at a time.

An onsen is the perfect way to relax after a day on the slopes, and you’ll find both public and private onsen facilities conveniently located on the ground floor of Skye Niseko.

The Skye Niseko Onsen features two communal bathing areas (one for men and one for women) in addition to three Private Onsen, which are available by reservation. Both the Private Onsen and the communal Onsen have changing rooms. Inside the changing rooms there are baskets for storing clothing, towels and personal items as well as hair dryers, hair brushes and a number of other amenities. The communal Onsen changing rooms also include restrooms and lockers for valuables.

Once you step inside the communal Onsen bathing area, you will find shower stalls stocked with premium body wash, shampoo and conditioner, an indoor onsen bath, a sauna and a cold-water bath. The Private Onsen bathing areas each have one shower (with amenities) and one small onsen bath.

Yes. There are fresh towels available in the Onsen changing room.

The most important things to remember are: 
1) remove all clothing when you enter the bathing area and bring only your small towel with you
2) always wash and rinse your body before entering any of the baths
3) respect others’ privacy by not using cameras or mobile devices in the onsen changing room or bathing areas. 

For more tips, please have a look at our Onsen Etiquette Guide here before visiting Skye Niseko Onsen.

Both the communal onsen and the private onsen are available for guest use throughout the day, except during cleaning hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m..

Please note that use of the private onsen requires a reservation, which can be arranged through the Front Desk.

The private onsen is complimentary for Skye Niseko guests. Each room may book one session per night, and the next session can only be reserved once the previous session has finished.

Yes, guests can make one Private Onsen booking prior to arrival. Please contact the hotel team once you have confirmed your accommodation booking to schedule their onsen session.

Each of our Concierge Service web pages have booking forms that allow you to easily submit all of the details required to add a service (such as lessons, rentals, or lift passes) to your stay. You can also contact the Concierge directly for bookings and advice (via email: [email protected] or by phone: +81 (0) 136 55 6403). If you would like to request a call from our experienced team to discuss your holiday, please do not hesitate to let us know a time that suits you.

Our Concierge team is here to make your stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We can assist with arranging arrival and departure transportation, ski lessons, lift passes, equipment rentals, and restaurant recommendations in Niseko.

If you have any other requests, please feel free to reach out to our team — we’ll be happy to discuss what may be possible.

Our Concierge team is happy to provide restaurant recommendations during your stay. However, as most restaurants in Niseko require a credit card to secure a booking, we kindly ask that guests make their reservations directly.

There are a number of other activities you can try to enjoy the winter in Niseko.

Concierge can help you with arranging any of these, such as snowmobiling or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you have something else in particular you would like to try, please contact the Concierge for recommendations.

Our partner ski school, GoSnow, operates from two bases in the Grand Hirafu area. For Skye Niseko guests, we normally recommend booking lessons at the King Gondola Base, which can be accessed directly from our Ski Valet by skiing down to the meeting point, or by taking our complimentary shuttle bus - a journey of less than five minutes.

For guests booking All Mountain or full-day private lessons with GoSnow, your instructor can conveniently meet you directly at the hotel, making this the most comfortable option for children lessons or for guests who are new to the Niseko area.

It depends on what you would like to get out of your experience. For the most improvement and highest level of personalisation, a private lesson is the best way to go. If you are just starting out and just want to experience skiing or snowboarding or if you prefer a more social experience while you learn, a group lesson might be right for you. If you are already relatively advanced but aim to fine-tune your technique, go with a workshop. For an experience based more on showing you where to go to find good snow than how to ride, a powder guiding session is the ideal option. Each person is different so if you are unsure, we encourage you to consult the Concierge Team for personalised advice.

Lift passes are not included in lessons. All lesson participants are required to have their own lift ticket. Pre-book with our Concierge team and we will hand you the lift passes at check-in so there is no need to wait in line at the lift ticket counter. See our lift ticket page for more details, booking and a guide to the required lift passes for your lesson.

YamaSport is Skye Niseko’s in-house equipment rental store. Located on the ground floor of the Annupuri building, YamaSport is exclusive to Skye Niseko guests. Rental equipment can be booked in advance.

Lift Passes available for purchase at the front desk. However, due to limited quantities, we recommend that you make reservations in advance through this link.

Lift passes can be purchased directly through Skye Niseko at the same price as the ticket office. Booking with us saves you the time and inconvenience of waiting in line at the lifts, which can take 30–40 minutes during peak periods.

If you prefer, you can also purchase slightly discounted All Mountain lift passes on the official Niseko United website. Please note that these online passes come with stricter payment and cancellation terms and must be collected at the resort ticket office.

Yes, except for lift passes for a period of 8 days or longer, which allow for two rest days. All other lift passes are valid for the specified number of consecutive days.

Regardless of what time you first scan your ticket to board a chairlift, gondola, or magic carpet, the day you do so will count as your first day of use. For example, if you have a 4-day ticket and use it for the first time on Monday at 4:30 p.m., the ticket will be valid from 4:30 p.m. until the end of operations on Monday and for the entire day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

While learning a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful during your travels, it is not necessary to speak Japanese for a short-term stay. Many people in the Niseko area speak and understand basic to fluent English, so language is rarely a barrier for visitors. At Skye Niseko, many of our staff are bilingual in English and Japanese and are always happy to assist you during your stay.

Yes. The tap water in the Niseko area is not only safe to drink but is also considered some of the freshest and best-tasting in Japan.

We highly recommend travel insurance that will cover both the cost of any missed connections (due to weather, flight delays, etc.) and any medical expenses you may incur during your time in Japan. An insurance plan that covers you during winter sports is ideal if you plan to ski or snowboard.

The main skiing mountain in the Niseko area is Mt. Niseko Annupuri, which stands at 1,308 metres. Four ski resorts are located on the mountain, together forming Niseko United: Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri Resort. Each resort offers a wide variety of ski runs suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Although Niseko’s famous snow is typically very light and dry, waterproof ski wear is essential for anyone heading up the mountain. We also recommend warm, insulated gear to keep comfortable on snowy or windy days, along with neck warmers, balaclavas, and low-light goggle lenses for changing weather conditions.

When exploring the village, it’s best to dress in layers, as shops and restaurants are kept warm while outdoor temperatures can drop well below freezing. Sturdy winter boots with good grip are highly recommended for icy streets, and attachable shoe spikes are available to purchase throughout the village.

The Niseko United Resort features a total of 61 ski runs spread across its four interconnected resorts, serviced by 6 gondolas and 21 lifts. The full skiable area covers approximately 2,191 acres (8.87 km²), offering terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Trail maps of the Niseko United resort can be found here.

Snow-forecast.com is a good source of weather forecast in winter with snowfall forecasts at village level, mid-mountain and at the top of the lifts. Snow Japan has good daily information about the snow and weather conditions and thorough snowfall data.