I was fortunate to spend a ski season in Niseko, Japan, shredding the mythical “Japow,” meeting incredible people from all over the world, and eating my weight in onigiri on the daily. Ever since leaving, I’ve longed for that powder fix. Niseko is truly the land of endless powder, onsens, soup curry, and spicy miso ramen. Although the world has woken up to Japan’s world-class skiing in addition to its world-class food, finding accommodation in Niseko and other powder capitals can be challenging. In this entry of Budget Travel Plans, we’re taking a look at some of the best Niseko hotels and accommodations, from the luxurious to the lesser-known cabin-style stays.
If you’re unfamiliar with this magical place, Niseko is a small town on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. It’s about 15 kilometres from the town of Kutchan and 100 kilometres from the city of Sapporo. There are six ski resorts in Niseko, including Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Hanazono, Niseko Moiwa, and Niseko Weiss. The former four are available under the same ski pass, Niseko United, if you so choose.
Accommodation in Niseko varies, and there’s something suitable for most budgets and lifestyles. While not all the hotels below are within walking distance, Niseko is fortunate to have a great bus and shuttle system. Most hotels and ski rental companies also include transportation services to get you around during your stay.
Ready to plan your trip? Let’s dive in.
6 Best Niseko Hotels
AYA Niseko
Address: 044-0081 Hokkaido, Niseko, Kutchan Yamada 195-1, Japan
Closest Resort: Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Proximity to Lifts: 0.05km
Bottom Line:
Put simply, AYA Niseko has it all. This luxurious hotel has a gym, onsen, ski valet, and even a yoga studio. My favourite part, though, is its location. You’re right in the centre of it all and with the luxury of ski-in ski-out accommodation. As a result, you’re only a two-minute walk from AYA’s ski valet to the Family Quad lift when starting your day. AYA announces their reservation date around the middle of April for the upcoming season. They have 79 rooms which, given its popularity and proximity to the lifts, usually book up within two days for the peak of winter.
The Vale Niseko
Address: 166-9 Yamada, Kutchan, District d’Abuta, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan
Closest Resort: Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Proximity to Lifts: 0.05km
Bottom Line:
Since 2005, Niseko Alpine Developments (NISADE) has designed and managed over a dozen properties in Niseko. The Vale Niseko stands as their flagship accommodation, and for good reason. The Vale Niseko is a ski-in ski-out hotel and is only 50 metres from the Ace Family Quad Lift. In short, you won’t be waiting for a shuttle bus each morning to make your way to the lifts. When you’re not skiing, you can relax in the onsen, have dinner at the Vale Bar and Grill, or explore Grand Hirafu Village on foot. Conveniently located just above Lower Hirafu, The Vale Niseko is close to local favourites like Bar Moon, Seicomart, and food trucks. With only 47 units, they book up quickly each year. They recommend most guests book their accommodations at least 2-4 months in advance of their stay.
Niseko Highland Cottages
Address: 186-14 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan
Closest Resort: Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area
Proximity to Lifts: 2.90km
Bottom Line:
Looking for the most unique stay on this list? Niseko Highlands Cottages fits the bill perfectly. This series of newly built 3-bedroom cottages are on farmland closest to Niseko Annupuri resort. Suitable for small groups or families, the Niseko Highland Cottages offer uninterrupted 360-degree views of Mt Yotei and the resort. These cottages are perfect for a quiet and relaxing getaway when you don’t want to deal with the ski village life. The housekeepers are nearby, fluent in English, and have great local knowledge of Niseko and the surrounding area. You will, however, need a vehicle to get to the lifts or villages each day. Guests are required to make bookings prior to 12:00 pm the day before their stay.
The Maples Niseko
Address: 044-0077 Hokkaido, Niseko, 204-27 Yamada, Abuta-gun, Japan
Closest Resort: Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Proximity to Lifts: 0.30km
Bottom Line:
Recently opened in 2018, The Maples Niseko is another top ski-in ski-out hotel in Niseko designed by NISADE. With iconic views of Mt Yotei and Niseko United Resort, you can walk from the ski valet onto the slope in seconds. Opposite the slope, you’ll be on the main street that runs through Hirafu Village. Don’t feel like cooking or walking to dinner in the village? The Maples Niseko has Rocketto Restaurant and Three Trees Cafe on-site to choose from! It has 73 units, and they recommend booking at least 2-4 months in advance of your stay.
Intuition Niseko
Address: 38 Kabayama, Kutchan, District d’Abuta, Hokkaido 044-0078, Japan
Closest Resort: Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Proximity to Lifts: 0.28km
Bottom Line:
New for the 2020-21 ski season, Intuition Niseko is one of three new NISADE developments opening this season. While not exactly ski-in ski-out, Intuition Niseko is only a two-minute walk from Ace Family Quad Lift. But if you’re not up for making the walk, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service in the winter. There’s on-site dining, an onsen, and views of both Mt Yotei and the surrounding forest. Like most NISADE properties, accommodations book up fast, and it’s recommended to plan 2-4 months ahead of time.
Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei
Address: 204 Yamada, Kutchan, District d’Abuta, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan
Closest Resort: Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Proximity to Lifts: 0.25km
Bottom Line:
Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei is another ski-in ski-out accommodation on this list. To start your day, just ski down to the Ace Family Quad Lift. They’re conveniently located on the main street, which runs up and down Grand Hirafu Village, and close to favourite eats like Tozanken Ramen. They have the biggest onsen in the Hirafu area, and it’s my personal favourite. Guests start booking up their hotel during August, well before ski season.
FAQs about Niseko Hotels
Which hotels in Niseko are ski-in and ski-out?
Niseko Hirafu ski-in ski-out Hotels
- AYA Niseko
- Ki Niseko
- Skye Niseko
- The Maples Niseko
- The Vale Niseko
- Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei
Niseko Village ski-in ski-out Hotels
- Hilton Niseko Village
- Hinode Hills Niseko Village
- Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse
- The Green Leaf Niseko Village
Niseko Annupuri ski-in ski-out Hotels
- Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri
- Pension Frying Pan
- Pension Cotton Farm
- Pension Jazz Club
Niseko Hanazono ski-in ski-out Hotels
- Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
When to book hotels for Niseko?
- Hotels usually announce their reservation opening date in April
- Book your accommodation at least two to four months in advance
- During peak ski season in Niseko, namely January and February, rooms can fill up within the first two days of reservations opening
???? Ready to Jet-Set on a Budget? ✈️
Maximize your savings with these travel essentials:
✈️ Sky-high Savings: Book budget-friendly flights with Skyscanner.
???? Rest Easy: Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
???? Travel Light: Store your luggage securely with Bounce.
???? Stay Connected: Grab affordable eSIMs from Airalo or SimOptions.
???? Unforgettable Adventures: Find tours and experiences with GetYourGuide.
????️ Travel Worry-Free: Stay protected with travel insurance from SafetyWing!
Leave a Comment