Lower village
Pros: Cheaper rates, close to Yukoro hot spring, walking distance to the main shopping and dining area, smaller buildings creating a more intimate feel
Cons: Uphill to get to the lifts so most take the free shuttle bus to get there, but often walk back as it is downhill

Near family ace lift
Pros: Easy walking distance to main shopping and dining area, ski in ski out or easy walking distance to lifts
Cons: Rates are most expensive in the village, family ace lift can get a bit congested in the morning

A lot of families come to Niseko. They have excellent International ski schools here for children 3 years of age and up. Our preferred and recommended ski school is NISS ski school. And they also do half-day skiing lessons for kids, morning and afternoon. I'd recommend half day lessons for your children, unless you want the whole day to yourselves to ski that is. Niseko is reasonably cold, around -5 to 0 degrees in the village and -5 to -10 degrees on the hill. So good quality outwear is essential as well as goggles. Sunglasses are no good during Dec, Jan and Feb.

Skiing or snowboarding on the streets is strictly forbidden.
It is impolite to eat or drink anything in supermarkets and convenience stores even after the food or drink has been paid for.
Take your shoes off when entering someone's home or pension in Japan. Please do not step on the welcome wooden mat with your shoes on. If there are tatami mats or raised floor areas remove your shoes.
In mountain restaurants please clean up after yourself.

Niseko like the rest of Japan has a very low crime rate and is a safe place to visit with children. In recent years there have been a small number of reported petty crimes such as jackets going missing from late night bars. A very small number of unattended snowboards and skis have also been reported missing from the base of the ski field in the past.

In Hirafu village there is:

• Yukoro onsen (lower village)
• Hirafu-Tei (upper village)
• J-First hotel (upper village)
• Popolo (upper village)

The current Niseko snow forecast, snow depth and weather forecast can be found at snow-forecast.com

Yes, Several Australian based ski and snowboard rental shops operate in Niseko during winter and have a large selection of boots and skis to suit all sizes. Holiday Niseko can help arrange your ski rentals.

Yes, Niseko Physio staff are Australian registered physiotherapists with extensive knowledge of winter sport strains and injuries.

The closest medical facilities are in Kutchan. The cost of treatment is high in Japan and you are expected to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive.  The Kutchan hospital is well equipped and staff highly trained.  Some Japanese doctors may be able to speak English and there is also a volunteer interpreter available. Make sure you have medical insurance before coming to Niseko.