Transport in Niseko
For getting around Niseko there are basically three options: bus, taxi and car rental.
Bus
Shuttle buses connect the resorts and different areas of Niseko including nearby Kutchan Town. Some are free or included in the cost of lift passes.
Niseko United Shuttle
The Niseko United Shuttle (formerly the Niseko Free Passport Bus) connects the Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri resorts from season open until March and is free for those with an All Mountain Pass. See the timetable on the course map for more information. If you have a 12-point ticket, one point per trip is needed. Others need ¥500 for adult and ¥300 for child per ride.
HIRAFU VILLAGE GRAND SHUTTLE BUS
Free shuttle buses run throughout Hirafu every 15 minutes all day every day until the end of night skiing. There are stops everywhere so you’ll never be more than a couple of minutes walk from your accommodation, and then a couple of minutes to the lifst or any shops restaurants across the other side of the village.
Hanazono Shuttle Bus
The Hanazono Shuttle Bus travels throughout Hirafu Village and out to Hanazono for those who don’t want to ski over.
Kutchan Night Go Bus
The Kutchan Night Go Bus runs from Hirafu to Kutchan Station about 10 minutes away every night. Step out from Hirafu village and enjoy shopping, eating, drinking and karaoke in Kutchan. Your first trip is Y100 and free after that if you keep your ticket.
Yumeguri Onsen Shuttle Bus
Take a tour across Niseko sampling various local onsens (and the attractions around them) all for Y500 on the Yumeguri Bus (December – March).
Taxi
Taxis cost about Y2000 for a ten minute trip.
Drivers probably won’t speak English, and you will need a business/place name and map for where you are going – often if you just have the address they may not be able to find it. For best chance of success, take directions/street names in Japanese if possible.
Kutchan taxi companies
- Kutchan hire 0136 22 1212
- Misora hire 0136 22 1171
- Niseko hire 0136 44 2635
Rent a Car
Renting a car is a great way to explore Niseko and surrounding areas. You just have to have to be prepared to negotiate the snowy/icy roads. Before you drive in Niseko, read our tips here.
Niseko car rental companies
Black Diamond Lodge
+81 (0)136-44-1144
www.bdlodge.com
Mazda Rent a Car
- New Chitose Airport branch +81 (0)123 45 8756
- Niseko branch +81 (0) 0136 44 1188
- Hilton Niseko Village branch +81 (0)136 44 1111
Nippon Rent a Car
- New Chitose Airport branch +81 (0)123 26 0919
- Niseko branch +81 (0)136 43 2929
Orix Rent a Car
- New Chitose Airport branch +81 (0)123 22 0543
- Izumikyo (Hirafu) branch +81 (0)134 25 0543
Toyota Rent-A-Car
- Niseko/Kutchan Branch +81 (0)136 55 5501
