Where to stay in Niseko
The Niseko United area encompasses four interconnected ski resorts on Mount Niseko-Annupuri, each with its own distinct character and proximity to amenities. Whether you're seeking nightlife, an easy walk to restaurants, a cabin in the woods or ski in ski out luxury, understanding each area's unique offerings will help you choose the perfect spot for your Niseko adventure.
Annupuri / Royal Town
Nestled on the western side of the Niseko United area, Annupuri is one of the less developed parts of the area. This quieter part of Niseko is renowned for having some of Niseko's finest natural hot springs nearby and tends to be less crowded.
- Distance to convenience store: 10 minutes drive to Niseko 711 or 15 minutes to Hirafu Seicomart
- Free shuttle bus: Yes - Niseko United Shuttle connects Annupuri to other resorts (free with All Mountain Pass, small fee without). However, the shuttle does not serve the majority of accommodation in the area.
- Approximate distance to lifts: Just a couple of minutes drive to the base of Annupuri resort.
- Area's main considerations: Limited dining and nightlife options nearby; requires transport for access to resort, groceries and wider restaurant selection.
- Area's main highlights: Peaceful atmosphere, quiet natural forested surroundings, less crowded slopes, close proximity to some of the area's best onsen. Stand alone rental homes with private onsen. Rakuichi Soba is in the area.
Featured Properties - Annupuri Onsen Chalet, Annupuri Retro Lodge, Koyo Onsen Chalet, Snow House Onsen, Yukikawa
Niseko Village / Soga
Located on the southeastern side of the mountain, the Soga area offers a quiet setting while still being close to the resort. Home to two major hotels including the Hilton Niseko Village, the resort area itself offers a more refined, resort-style experience with "The Village" - a compact collection of restaurants, bars, and boutiques with a traditional Japanese village design.
- Distance to convenience store: A small convenience store is located in the Niseko Hilton or it’s a 10 minute drive to Hirafu Seicomart or Lawson.
- Free shuttle bus: Niseko United Shuttle connections to and from Hirafu and Niseko Village but no service from accommodation.
- Approximate distance to lifts: 1-3 km from most accommodations to Village gondola and lifts.
- Area's main considerations: Limited convenience shopping options, fewer dining choices compared to Hirafu, a vehicle is essential at featured accommodations.
- Area's main highlights: Upscale resort atmosphere at Niseko Village, some of the resort's best off-piste terrain (Gate 11), quieter than Hirafu but with more amenities than Annupuri.
Featured Properties - The Fount, Yuki no Taki 1 & 2, Yotei Chalets,
Kabayama
A beautiful area situated between Hirafu and Niseko Village, Kabayama provides a peaceful alternative to the bustling main villages. Accommodations here are located in quiet areas, offer privacy, snowy views and a connection to nature while remaining accessible to Niseko's main attractions.
- Distance to convenience store: 3-5 minutes drive to Hirafu convenience stores (Lawson, Seicomart)
- Free shuttle bus: Yes - Free Hirafu Shuttle Blue Line connects Kabayama with Hirafu ski lifts during winter season. The Orchards is a convenient stop.
- Approximate distance to lifts: 1-2 kilometers to Hirafu lifts; shuttle service or vehicle essential for convenient access
- Area's main considerations: Limited within-area dining options; shuttle or own vehicle essential for ski access; fewer amenities compared to central Hirafu
- Area's main highlights: Quieter area; spacious and often more affordable accommodations, close enough to Hirafu for evening dining and entertainment.
Featured Properties: Kabayama House, Kabayama Chalet, Kabayama Townhouse, Himawari, The Orchards, Aoyama Lodge 2
St Moritz
The increasingly popular St Moritz area again provides a great mix of tranquility and convenience. This premium location offers excellent accommodations with good access to both the slopes and Hirafu's vibrant village life.
- Distance to convenience store: 2 minute drive to Seicomart or Lawson in Hirafu.
- Free shuttle bus: Yes - Free Hirafu Shuttle services connect the area from Always Niseko
- Approximate distance to lifts: 1.5 - 2km to the Ace Family Chair
- Area's main considerations: A vehicle makes a stay here easier but is not essential. It is not walking distance to lifts or restaurants
- Area's main highlights: Some fantastic accommodation options in a quiet area. Not too far from Hirafu Village.
Featured Properties: Ikigai, Hikaru, Mountain Butterfly
Hirafu
The beating heart of Niseko, Hirafu is the largest and most developed village with an international atmosphere. This bustling area offers the widest selection of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shopping options, making it the go-to choice for those wanting to be in the center of the action.
- Distance to convenience store: Multiple options within 1-3 minutes walk including Seicomart, two Lawson stores, and 7-Eleven
- Free shuttle bus: Yes - comprehensive Free Hirafu Shuttle network with multiple routes throughout the village and to all the Niseko United resorts
- Approximate distance to lifts: 50-500 meters depending on location within village; Ace Family Cahir, King Gondola and Ace Gondola easily accessible
- Area's main considerations: Limited parking, more people, accommodation often fully booked for Christmas as early as May
- Area's main highlights: Vibrant international dining scene, active nightlife and bar scene, ski in ski out options, ATMs and banking services available. Hirafu has the most skiable terrain of all the Niseko United resorts and arguably the best night skiing in the world.
- Featured Properties: Aozora, Avalon, Aya, Ise, The Maples, Neyuki, Udelka A and many more!
Hanazono
Positioned on the northeastern face of Mount Annupuri, Hanazono has transformed into a luxury destination anchored by the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono and more recently Nikko Style. Due to location and lift capacity the area can offer the least crowds among the four Niseko United resorts while providing world-class facilities and of course fantastic skiing.
- Distance to convenience store: A 10 minute drive to Hirafu or Kutchan convenience stores; Park Hyatt has limited on-site shopping
- Free shuttle bus: Yes - dedicated Hanazono Shuttle connects to Hirafu every 20 minutes.
- Approximate distance to lifts: 200 meters from Nikko Style to Hanazono gondola and lifts
- Area's main considerations: Outside of Park Hyatt and Nikko Style there are no entertainment and dining options. Kutchan or Hirafu offer the closest dining, entertainment and shopping alternatives.
- Area's main highlights: Excellent facilities at Hanazono 308, state of the art lower lift system, indoor children’s playground. The Home of Strawberry Fields and access to the Annupuri Peak hike via the famous Pizza Box chair.
Featured Property : Nikko Style
Each Niseko village offers a distinct experience tailored to different preferences and budgets. Whether you are looking for a house with onsen in Annupuri, convenience and tranquility in Saint Moritz or ski in ski out luxury in Hirafu there is something for everyone. The beauty of the Niseko united area is that every resort is connected so no matter where you choose to stay you can ride to any resort you wish, usually with just 2 or 3 lift rides.
