The main resort village of Hirafu is approximately a ten minute drive from the largest town in the district, Kutchan which is 120 km from both Sapporo and the New Chitose International Airport, and 180 km from Hakodate.
Hokkaido's major airport, the New Chitose International Airport, is serviced daily by both domestic and international airlines. From New Chitose International Airport there are various bus and train options available to reach the Niseko area. The easiest and fastest way to Niseko is to use a private transfer service service with the trip taking between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on weather conditions.
Please see New Chitose International Airport for more information.
The Niseko Company is able to assist you with all your transfers requirements during Niseko summer and winter season.
Most people arrive in Hokkaido at New Chitose International Airport, often referred to as Sapporo Airport, which is 120km from Niseko.
* Please note the city of Sapporo is approximately 40km from Chitose Airport.
There are four transfer options available from the airport to Niseko:
Private Transfers to Niseko | Group Transfers | Train Transfers | Car Rentals
Winter Transfers to Niseko
Taking the train while carrying ski gear and the rest of your luggage is not a very desirable option, so for those coming in the winter, The Niseko Company recommend using one of the convenient private or group transfer services.
Private Transfer to Niseko
This is by far the quickest and easiest way to Niseko. Your own driver will meet you at the airport, drive you the 2.5 - 3 hours to Hirafu and drop you at the door of your Niseko accommodation. There, you will be met and checked in by a member of The Niseko Company who will explain your holiday schedule, the Hirafu ski resort and your Niseko property
Group Transfers to Niseko
The Niseko Company will book you onto a regular scheduled bus depending on your flight arrival time. Simply make your way to the New Chitose Airport transfer desk and you will be directed onto the bus. Once you arrive in Niseko at the Welcome Centre, a staff member of The Niseko Company will pick you up and bring you directly to your Niseko property. Likewise, when departing, you will be picked up from your property and dropped at the Welcome Centre in time for your departing scheduled bus to Sapporo or the New Chitose Airport.
Bus transfers for spring, summer and autumn (over the warmer months of the year) cease operation, however, private transfers can still be booked year round. For those traveling lightly, the JR train can be a good option especially if interested in seeing Sapporo or Otaru on the way to Niseko.
Train Transfers to Niseko
If you are arriving from either Sapporo, Otaru or any other city in Hokkaido, the JR Train is another option to consider when coming to Niseko. Daily there are several services to Kutchan station, the closest station to the resort.
- The Niseko Company offers a complimentary pick up and drop off from the station.
- To check times and prices of train travel, The Niseko Company recommends checking the Hyper Dia Website
- JR trains depart from the basement of New Chitose airport. Please follow the signs and purchase tickets from the vending machines at the ticket gate.
- There are very few direct services from Chitose to Kutchan, with most requiring a change at either Sapporo or Otaru. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, depending on transfer times.
For homeward bound tourists it is recommended to allow at least 4 hours to get from Hirafu to Chitose as adverse weather conditions can cause delays on the road and by train.
JR Reservations & Information (in Japanese)
Sapporo Station : (011)222-7111
Kutchan Station : (0136)22-1310
For information in English
JR Hokkaido Global Website
Car Rentals
As Hokkaido´s roads are well maintained and for the most part uncrowded, renting a vehicle is a great way to get to Niseko. The Niseko Company can arrange for a vehicle to be picked up from the airport, from Sapporo or elsewhere. Please note: a valid international driver´s license is required for renting a vehicle. The Niseko Company does not recommend driving in winter for those who have no experience with driving in extreme winter conditions.
The GPS code to get to The Niseko Company office is 398 415 195
How to Book - Please see our Niseko Transfers Price ListPlease contact our staff via email at reservations@thenisekocompany.com or telephone to reserve your transfers to Niseko.
