Transport into Niseko from New Chitose Airport

On arrival at New Chitose Domestic or International Airport, visitors not on a full travel package have a few options to complete this last portion of their journey to Niseko and back. Although the trip is only 110kms, due to icy roads and no direct train route, it takes two to three hours. Please book online at Niseko Ground Service.

Local Bus

Local bus is the cheapest form of transport from the airport in winter. Buses depart about every 30 minutes from the airport to dropoff points in the three major resorts in Niseko – Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. (Transport onto Lodge still required.)

They take about 3 hours, and most include a rest stop halfway and some drop-off at Rusutsu. One way will cost about ¥2,500 or ¥4,000 for a round trip.

There are four different local bus companies doing the route: Whiteliner, Donan, Chuo and Hokkaido Resort Liner. They all cost roughly the same and take the same amount of time to get to Niseko. Whiteliner runs the latest with their last service about 9pm.

• Whiteliner Buses +81 (0)112 42 2040
• Chuo Buses +81 (0)112 31 0500
• Donan Buses +81 (0)123 46 5701
• Hokkaido Resort Liner +81 (0)112 19 4411

Train

The train is more scenic, passing by the ocean and deep through the snow-bound countryside. For those who don’t mind taking a bit more time, the train may add to your Niseko experience.

The train terminal is on the basement level of the airport. There is no direct train from Chitose to Kutchan (the closest major station to Niseko) so you may need to change at Chitose, Sapporo and Otaru.

Once you get to Kutchan you will still need to make the last leg to Niseko – a 15 minute taxi ride, which will cost about ¥3,000.

One way to Kutchan is about ¥3,000 or about ¥5,000 return. The whole trip should take 3-4 hours.

For more information and the latest timetables and fares, please visit Hokkaido Railways website.

• Airport +81 (0)123 45 7011
• Sapporo +81 (0)112 22 7111
• Otaru +81 (0)134 22 0771
• Kutchan +81 (0)136 22 1310
• Niseko +81 (0)135 44 2104

Car

If you are comfortable driving in the snow, renting can be convenient as it allows you to take a trip to Kutchan to stock up the fridge before returning the car. One way hire from Chitose to Hirafu is about ¥7,000 for 6 – 24 hours. (International Drivers Licence is required in Japan)

Taxi

A standard taxi from Chitose to Hirafu will cost about ¥30,000, but you may not fit all your gear in it.

• Sprint Taxi & Hire +81 (0)136 55 5400