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Getting to Niseko
The greater Niseko area is comprised of the small towns of Kutchan, Niseko and Rankoshi and is encompassed by the Niseko Mountain Range and Hokkaido’s symbol, Mt Yotei. Located conveniently in the southwest corner of Hokkaido, Niseko is 50km south-west of Capital and Japan’s 5th largest city, Sapporo and 80km west of Hokkaido’s main air terminal, the New Chitose Airport.
Please see below for more information of approximate travel times and distance from Hokkaido’s major cities. For more information on accessing Hanazono, please see the “Getting to Hanazono” Page from the tab to the right.
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Driving and Rental Cars
Rental cars can be hired from Kutchan, Sapporo or New Chitose Airport and are an inexpensive and convenient option for those who are comfortable driving in the snow and wish to explore the area. Driving in Hokkaido in the summer months is a pleasure, with wide open, well maintained roads, English signage and the option of English navigation systems.
- ORIX Rent-A-Car: Kutchan Town (Niseko Hirafu Rental Cottage) 0136-23-3301
- New Chitose Airport → Niseko (116km) 2hr 20min Route 276 via Bifue Touge
- Sapporo → Niseko (100Km) 2hr 20min Route 230 via Nakayama Touge
- Sapporo → Niseko (90Km) 2hr Route 393 via Kenashi Touge
- Otaru → Niseko (70km) 1hr 35min Route 5 via Inaho Touge
- Otaru → Niseko (70km) 1hr 20min Route 393 via Kenashi Touge
- Hakodate → Niseko (180km) 3hr 20min Route 5
JR Rail
Hakodate Line is the main rail artery of Hokkaido, running through the Niseko area, it offers easy access to Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and other major cities in Hokkaido. Kutchan station is the most convenient stop when travelling to/from Niseko, just 10 min drive to Hanazono and 15 min drive to Hirafu Village. Google maps can help plan your JR rail trip, simply click “Get Directions” and type in Kutchan as your destination.
- JR Otaru station → JR Kutchan (1hr — 1hr 20min)
- JR Sapporo Station → JR Kutchan (Approx 2hr)
- JR New Chitose Airport → JR Kutchan (Approx 2hr 45min)
- JR Hakodate → JR Kutchan (3hr — 4hr)
- JR Hokkaido Telephone Information Centre: 0112-22-7111
- Kutchan Station: 0136-22-1310
- Niseko Station: 0136-44-2104
- Rankoshi Station: 0136-57-5101
Bus
The bus services are very efficient and provide a frequent schedule to the resorts in the Niseko area during winter. There is a service desk at the airport providing information and tickets. Route buses running through major cities are also a great way to do some cost effective sightseeing.
- Niseko Bus: 0136-44-2001
- Donan Bus: 011-865-5511
- Chuo Bus: 011-221-5161
- Sky Bus: 011-788-4994
For routes, timetables and prices please see the Niseko Promotion Website here:
Taxis
Taxis are ideal for travelling short distances, and in the Niseko area it is possible to book a “Sightseeing Taxi Service” for a personal, guided tour—just work out your itinerary and hit the road.
- Kutchan Hire: (regular taxi service) 0136-22-1212
- Misora Hire: (offering chartered sightseeing services in small cars or vans) 0136-22-1171
- YOHTEI TAXI: 0136-45-2740
Road Traffic Information Centre
- Information on all roads: 050-3369-6601
- Information on expressways: 050-3369-6760