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.
TNC offer the following transportation options
. New Chitose International Airport to Niseko
For direct booking guests we offer airport pickup services for up to 12 guests (fee applicable).
. Kutchan to Hirafu
Guests arriving using JR trains from the airport or Sapporo will be provided with a free shuttle service from the Kutchan JR station to the Hirafu village.
Shared and Private transfers
There are two types of bus transport available- private mini-bus transfer for small groups or shared coach transfer
. Private Transfer
Rates vary depending on group number and vehicle used.
Guests are met at the airport arrival gate and dropped at the door of your accommodation.
. Shared Transfer
The fare is ¥2,300 one way and ¥4,600 return.
On arriving in Hirafu you will be met by a TNC representative and driven to your accommodation.
Train
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 this easy to use website.
Hyper Dia Website
JR trains depart from the basement of 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
By Car
The Niseko Company is happy to assist you with all your rental car bookings.
However, The Niseko Company does not recommend driving unless the driver is experienced at driving on slippery winter roads.
Note: All rental car companies will require a valid International driving license.
Please inquire for rates.
Shuttle Bus
The four regions that combine to form Niseko United resort can all be accessed by various shuttle bus services.
. Niseko Free Passport Bus
One service, the Niseko Free Passport Bus, operating between Annupuri, Higashiyama and Hirafu, is free for All Mountain Pass holders or without a pass it's 500yen per trip.
Niseko Free Passport Bus Timetable and Bus Stop Information
Available - November until May
. Hirafu Village Grand Shuttle Bus
Within the Hirafu area the Grand Shuttle bus operates in and around the village providing access to lifts and around the Hirafu village.
Available - 8:30AM - 21:00PM. The bus runs every 10-20 minutes from December until April
. Hanazono Courtesy Bus
The Hanazono area is linked to Hirafu by the Hanazono Courtesy Bus which has a few services every day.
Available - December until April
. Kutchan Go Bus
The Kutchan Go Bus is a free nightly service running between Hirafu and Kutchan.
Available - 6:00PM-11:20PM December until April
Taxi
. Yotei Taxi Inc.
Tel: (+81)136-45-2740
Fax (+81)136-45-3479
E-mail : info@yohtei.jp
Yotei Taxi website
. Niseko :
Niseko Hire - Tel: 0136-44-2635
. Kutchan :
Kutchan Hire - Tel: 0136-22-1212
Misora Hire - Tel: 0136-22-1171
