For the Japanese people, Niseko means the mountain range and municipal area of the same name. But for Remote Lands travelers, Niseko can encapsulate the broad range of ski resorts to be found here. Mount Totei is the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido,” and the Annupuri ranges are highlights here. Niseko means “a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains.” Tourism and agriculture are the main economic staples here. Between 4,000 and 5,000 people live here but in 2009 Niseko played host to over 200,000 tourists. The weather is more influenced from Siberia that Eastern Japan. Niseko is ranked as one of the Top Ten ski resorts in the world.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Back-Country Ski Courses

Another feature of Niseko which Remote Lands skiers might want to consider are the “unofficial” courses that are less known and used. There is Sannozaka, which has high quality powder, Higashi One, and also a forest route which is known as “Strawberry Fields.” The latter is probably the most famous of Niseko’s runs.

Nightlife and Dining

The old and the new meet and mix in Niseko Town. There are bars, lodges, restaurants and many Japanese dining and culinary options awaiting Remote Lands clientele.

Outdoor Sports

Other winter sports available are snowshoeing and ice climbing. No matter how adventurous you, everyone loves a soak in the hot springs at the end of the day, which is another draw to the area. The area is also gorgeous in the summer with a variety of outdoor sports on offer: hiking, river rafting, horseback riding and golfing are popular options. You will stay in a luxurious villa close to the slopes, fully staffed with private chef, butler, maids and other attendants.

Picnicking and Hiking

Spend the day on the slopes skiing or hiking, depending on the time of year you are here. As Hokkaido is the northernmost island of the four major islands that make up Japan, temperatures tend to be cooler and there is significantly less humidity than on Honshu, Kyushu or Shikoku. This makes it a wonderful retreat for local Japanese for picnicking or hiking as the island is lush and green at this time of year.

Skiing

There are six main ski areas here: Hirafu, Higashiyama (Niseko Village), Annupuri, Hanazono, Moiwa and Weiss. (Annupuri, Higashiyama, Hirafu, and Hanazono) are set up as a set of linkages and can be utilized with one ski pass. They combine to form 2,191 acres of skiable area. This is known as “Niseko United.” There are 38 gondolas and lifts there that can bring Remote Lands clients to over 61 ski runs. The ski and snow life here is so popular that St. Moritz, Switzerland was established as a “Sister City.”

Japan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.

Hokkaido

Kyushu

Honshu

Southern Islands

okinawa

Shikoku

Tohoku

PREFERRED HOTEL

Aman Niseko

High on the slopes of Mount Moiwa, under the watchful eye of Mount Yotei, lies Aman’s fourth Japan property, Aman Niseko. The resort provides the perfect base for skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido's powder-rich winters, as well as hiking, mountain biking and river rafting in the warmer months. Designed by the late Kerry Hill, Aman Niseko's style is clean and contemporary, with subtle nods to the traditional motifs of the Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous community. 30 suites offer sweeping mountain views, while the main pavilion houses communal spaces such as a living room, two restaurants (plus a private dining space), a bar, whiskey and cigar lounge, library, ski retail area and lockers, a boutique, as well as a gallery. Wellness facilities include a thermal spa, indoor and outdoor onsen (hot spring bathings pools, which are a staple of Japanese culture and a signature experience in Niseko), Finnish saunas, Watsu chambers, cold plunge pools, steam rooms, hammams and a range of "experience showers."

PREFERRED HOTEL

Hilton Niseko Village

With its magnificent views of Mount Yotei and the striking natural beauty of the surrounding scenery, Hilton Niseko Village is a luxury ski-in ski-out hotel that pampers, rejuvenates and exhilarates guests from the moment they step into the welcoming grandeur of the main lobby. Hilton Niseko Village is the only resort in the area with exclusive, top-tier accommodation throughout the estate. Located at the foot of Niseko Annupuri Mountain, the hotel is only a moment from the slopes and the Gondola station, where guests are whisked to the very top of the resort in just seven short minutes – ideal for even the most seasoned skiers. Highlights include the indoor and outdoor onsen hot springs, where guests can luxuriate and rest mountain-weary legs at any time of the day. An extra perk during autumn and spring mornings is the chance to see the spectacular Unkai (Sea of Cloud) mists as they roll down from the snow-peaked mountains.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Park Hyatt Niseko

With a reputation for the world’s best powder snow and a growing international resort community, Niseko is quickly becoming one of the world’s premier mountain destinations. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a ski and snowboarder’s paradise thanks to a near-constant wintertime stream of frigid air that blows in from Siberia. But whether you’re seeking the thrill of snowsports or the tranquility of a high-altitude getaway, the Park Hyatt Niseko – located in the heart of the Hanazono, Niseko resort area – embodies the best in luxury travel and lies at the foot of the slopes with dramatic views across the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei. The year-round mountain hotel features tasteful, contemporary design and artfully curated cuisine options. In a nod to the rugged, expansive landscapes surrounding the resort, Park Hyatt Niseko signature rooms and Annupuri and Yotei signature suites are laid out with spacious living and dining spaces, a private Japanese onsen bath, and an open-air terrace and veranda. The hotel also offers a selection of guided winter and summer activities, allowing guests convenient access to the best experiences available in surrounding Niseko. Optional experiences include guided backcountry ski, snowmobile, and snowshoe tours, reindeer sledding, and others, while summer activities range from golfing and mountain biking to hot air ballooning and white water rafting.

Green Leaf Niseko Village

Hokkaido’s Green Leaf Niseko Village blends local artistry and world-class design creating redefined luxury in this picturesque skiing village. This stunning year-round mountain lodge is designed to meet the needs and expectations of a discerning clientele. The 200-room hotel has a ski-in/ski-out base, and the nearby slopes receive 12 to 16 metres of snow annually. The hotel’s design takes influence from traditional European mountain chic and contemporary Japanese style. This hotel provides the perfect place to unwind after a day’s skiing: guests can warm up and soak away tension in the therapeutic natural volcanic hot spring. In the evenings, the resort comes to life with Niseko’s first rooftop beer garden.

Kasetsu Condo

Kasetsu Condo is a sublime fusion of Eastern and Western architecture, which pushes the boundaries of Japanese luxury accommodation. The three-story house can accommodate up to 17 people. The condo is well-lit with natural light and feels spacious and airy with impressive nine-meter high ceilings. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The top floor is divided into a large open living area with kitchen, dining and lounge areas. There is a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with modern gas cooker, top-of-the-line appliances, and a huge island counter top. The expansive living room features a contemporary gas fireplace with ribbon flame on a bed of polished black stones. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer magnificent views of Mt. Yotei, which give out onto an equally-sizeable balcony, the perfect venue for entertaining or for a quiet relaxing moment. If you are looking for the ultimate in private luxury accommodation in Hokkaido, this state-of-the-art condo is almost certain to surpass all expectations.