Head to Niseko, Japan, for an exhilarating winter getaway. It is the perfect destination, especially if you enjoy visiting onsens or skiing. The most common way to get to Niseko from Tokyo is via Niseko flights to Chitose Airport (CTS). From there, you can take a train, coach, or private transfer to the town.
Alternatively, you can board a ferry or a plane to Hakodate and head to your destination via similar transportation. While a route to Niseko via Japan's Shinkansen service is under construction, the bullet train service to Kutchan (a neighbouring town to the ski resort area) won't be available until 2030. So, these are the current routes to get from Tokyo to Niseko.
The airport also doesn't offer direct public transport to the ski resort town. Since Kutchan is the neighbouring town, you must reach it via another means of transportation. Many travellers get confused over this, so we made this easy guide on how to get from Tokyo to Niseko.
Our guide is based on our experience from staying here for over a year and numerous return visits. We cover all the best routes from Tokyo for all seasons. However, we will focus on winter (when it is far more difficult to navigate). We've also tailored it to non-Japanese speakers for convenience. So continue reading for the best ways to get to Niseko.
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Our Favourite Way to Get to Niseko
Our favourite way to head to Niseko, Japan, is by catching Niseko flights to Chitose Airport. From there, we would take a train to Kutchan and then a bus to our final destination. We prefer this route in both summer and winter since it is cheaper than other routes. This route involves only one train transfer in Sapporo and is easy to navigate.
In case you get confused on the way, most airport and train staff can speak basic English or direct you to a help desk. Also, elevators are available, so moving our ski gear with us is relatively convenient.
Going to Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort from Kutchan is also easy via the hotel's free transfer service. Alternatively, you can get to the ski resort using the in-town bus service. Travelling this way in the summer is much easier without the cold weather and big bags. However, we prefer this route since we're relatively fit and can carry our luggage between the stations. We don't recommend this route if you're travelling with young children or the elderly or arriving after 7 pm.
Meanwhile, our second favourite winter route is getting a coach or private transfer directly from the airport to the Japanese ski resort. The only difference between this route and the first route is the price. Using this route is a bit more costly. However, it is also more convenient, and the coaches in Japan are quite comfortable.
Tokyo to Niseko
Taking a flight to Chitose Airport (CTS) is the quickest and most convenient way to get to Niseko from Tokyo. The flight duration from Tokyo to Niseko is typically 2 hours. Chitose is the closest airport to Niseko and provides multiple transportation services to the town.
You can also take a train from Tokyo to Niseko. However, we would suggest only taking the train if you plan to visit Hakodate south of Hokkaido. You can opt to take the bullet train from Tokyo to Hakodate. After that, you will need to take the regular train service to reach the ski town of Niseko. The northbound Shinkansen service currently ends at Hakodate, and the bullet train route to Kutchan is only expected to be completed by 2030.
How long does it take to get to Niseko?
On average, the shortest time to get to the town is 2 hours and 30 minutes by private transfer from the airport. Meanwhile, the longest route takes 6 hours 30 minutes via public train and bus from Hakodate Airport.
You can refer to the table below for the full information on travelling duration via every available route.
| Route from Chitose Airport to Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort | Average time it takes to get to Niseko |
| Rapid public train, then local bus | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Public train (1 transfer), then local bus | 4 hours |
| Coach | 3 hours |
| Private Transfer | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Route from Sapporo to Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort | Average time it takes to get to Niseko |
| Rapid public train, then local bus | 3 hours |
| Public train (1 transfer), then local bus | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Coach | 3 hours |
| Private Transfer | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Route from Hakodate Airport to Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort | Average time it takes to get to Niseko |
| Public train (2 transfers), then local bus | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Coach | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Private Transfer | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Route from Hakodate Train Station to Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort | Average time it takes to get to Niseko |
| Public train (1 transfer), then local bus | 6 hours |
| Coach | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Private Transfer | 2 hours 45 minutes |
The timings mentioned above are slightly longer than those given online since we've taken the routes ourselves. We previously worked there and have directly dealt with hotel guest arrivals via private transfers and coach services. In addition, the drivers in Hokkaido tend to drive slowly, depending on weather conditions.
The travel duration via train can also vary between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the service. A rapid service with no station transfers will take you on a quicker journey. Meanwhile, trains with transfers may require you to wait up to 60 minutes for the next train at Otaru station.
Niseko by Train
We've previously travelled to the ski resort from Hakodate and CTS airport via the local train service. In this section, we will guide you on how to get to your final destination by train. You can take it from either Hakodate Rail Station or Niseko Airport.
From Hakodate Rail Station
You can catch a train to Hakodate via Japan's Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo to Hokkaido. By opting for this Tokyo to Hokkaido train, you must change trains from Hakodate to Kutchan station afterwards. Therefore, you must endure an extended journey to reach your final destination. Due to that, there are some points to consider when taking the Tokyo to Hokkaido train.
First is the extremely long travel time and waiting time between stations. The travel duration to Hakodate via the Shinkansen may take about 5 hours. Then, the trip to the ski resort may need over another 5 hours of travel time.
Moreover, the train ticket fares can get quite expensive. You can get the Japan rail pass, but it is only worth it if you travel with it often. The local Hokkaido train services are also not included in the rail pass.
Similarly, flying into Hakodate airport would be more costly due to the distance. The local train fare to get to Niseko from Hakodate Airport is more expensive than Hokkaido's main airport.
To sum it up, we recommend taking the Tokyo to Hokkaido train only if you stay in Hakodate for a night or two. If you have no plans to explore Hakodate, then taking flights to Niseko into Chitose Airport is better. Otherwise, this travel route would be needlessly expensive and too tiring.
From Chitose Airport
CTS is Hokkaido's main airport and the primary international gateway to the ski area. You can take the train if you want to get to Niseko Ski Resort from Chitose Airport. The train will stop at Kutchan station, and from there, you will need to take a bus to the ski resort.
Taking the train route from the airport is quite efficient and convenient since it is the closest airport to Niseko. This travel route is much cheaper than other routes and links to major cities like Sapporo and Otaru. We often take this route and we highly suggest you do the same if you wish to travel from Tokyo to Sapporo.
Timings
The only drawback is that you must properly time your trip to reach Kutchan before 6 pm. As a guide, you must clear immigration before 3 pm to have enough time to reach Kutchan by 6 pm. Based on our experience, it is best to ensure you reach the airport before noon. You will have ample time to clear immigration and catch the rapid train, which can shorten your trip by 30 minutes. However, it is only available 2-3 times daily.
Take note that the last train to Kutchan station is at 8:47 pm. Furthermore, the winter local bus service from the station ends at 9:30 pm. If you board the last train, be prepared to book a taxi at Kutchan station to get to Niseko Ski Resort. This is because the bus services will no longer be available when you reach the station.
Luckily, we've never had to catch the last train. It is not fun to miss the bus and spend more on transportation. However, we would advise to prepare extra money for a taxi in the emergency you miss the bus.
If you think you cannot make it in time for the buses, we would recommend pre-arranging a private transfer directly to your hotel from Kutchan station. The reason is that taxis are notoriously hard to get in the area due to high demand. The taxi fares are also quite expensive. However, if you still need to hail a taxi, head directly out of the station. You will see a taxi sign on your left, where a small hotel that runs a taxi service is located.
Niseko by Coach
You can travel directly by coach from Chitose Airport. Alternatively, you could take a short detour to Sapporo first. If you opt for the second route, you can travel from Sapporo to Niseko via another coach. Moreover, there is not much difference in the price for both routes, and they are both relatively comfortable.
CTS Airport to Niseko
Catching a bus or coach from the Niseko airport is a popular way to get to Niseko Ski Resort. The journey only takes around 2.5 hours because CTS is the closest airport to Niseko.
The bus service runs regularly in both summer and winter. Despite that, we suggest booking the coach tickets in advance if you travel to Niseko, Japan, in winter. This is because they tend to be high in demand during the peak season.
Most coaches usually stop at the Hirafu Welcome Center, which is situated in the middle of Hirafu town. This is also where the Grand Hirafu resort is located. However, some coaches will also stop at other Japanese ski resorts like Annupuri Ski Resort and Hanazono Ski Resort.
Ultimately, the best option is to book a private coach for a smooth journey to the ski resort in Hokkaido. We highly recommend it, especially if you are travelling with family. There are a few private ski resort coach services that you can book for about 5000 yen.
Similar to the train route, you must properly plan the travelling time due to immigration clearance and because the coach departs on time. During the winter season, it usually takes about two hours to clear immigration.
Sapporo to Niseko
Another common route we’ve seen our friends and others take is stopping over at Sapporo City. For this route, just catch your flights to Niseko and head towards Sapporo via coach. Once you’re done exploring Sapporo, you will then have to take another coach from Sapporo to reach the Grand Hirafu resort. This route entails two different coaches with separate purchases. The coach to Sapporo costs 2,100 yen, while the one from Sapporo costs 2,300 yen, totalling 4,600 yen.
There are several bus routes from CTS to Sapporo in the first leg. However, it’s best to opt for the ones bound for Sapporo Station or your destination hotel in the city. For the second leg, you must board the coach from Sapporo Station to Kutchan Station to get from Sapporo to the ski resort.
We suggest this route only if you wish to travel from Tokyo to Sapporo and spend a day or two there. Otherwise, using this route to get to Niseko Ski Resort would be more costly and time-consuming.
You will most likely be required to walk to your hotel if it isn't located on the hill. Therefore, you might have to request a pick-up from your stop. However, many large hotels provide free bus services that run throughout the town for their guests. If you're staying at one of those hotels, you wouldn't have to make any private arrangements for this. Another option is the free local tourist bus, which is usually packed.
Niseko by Private Transfer
Another way to get to Niseko Ski Resort is via private transfer. Just like the other routes, there are some pros and cons to taking this route.
We suggest booking a private transfer for travel flexibility. Private transfers allow you to set your departure time and take your time to clear immigration. It also offers a more private travel experience as well as luggage handling. This option is also great if you want to stop by any specific location. We suggest checking out one of the best restaurants in Niseko before heading to Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort.
However, the main drawback in choosing this option is the cost. Unless your ski resort in Hokkaido offers a complimentary pick-up service, this option may exceed your travel budget. Most private transfer services are more expensive than other travel modes.
Besides that, private transfers are usually booked in advance, and the availability can be limited during peak seasons. Therefore, you may have to reserve it months in advance.
Price of each route
You can refer to the table below for the average price of each route to Niseko, Japan. We've only shared the average prices as the fares can vary. The train fares vary based on the travel duration, while fares for coaches vary depending on the coach company. Furthermore, we did not include the price for private transfer since it varies according to demand.
| Price of each route to get to Niseko | Average Amount |
| Chitose Airport to Niseko by train | 3300 yen |
| Chitose Airport to Niseko by coach | 4500 yen |
| Hakodate Airport to Niseko by train | 5500 yen |
| Hakodate Airport to Niseko by coach | 8000 yen |
| Sapporo to Niseko by train | 2500 yen |
| Sapporo to Niseko by coach | 2300 yen |
Travel Tips
- Contact your accommodation in advance to inquire about the availability of a pick-up service from the train station or Hirafu Welcome Centre.
- You can inquire about luggage shipping to travel to Niseko, Japan. Ski resorts like the Grand Hirafu Ski Resort and Annupuri Ski Resort offer luggage shipping services. However, to our knowledge, Hanazono Ski Resort doesn't offer such a service.
- Check for any train disruptions and adverse weather conditions forecast before your flight and after landing. The trains might not operate due to heavy snow. However, in our experience, this has only happened twice in recent years.
- Apart from engaging in winter sports, we recommend checking out other hot spots in the area. Food enthusiasts should visit the local restaurants and try out some of the best bars in Niseko. To unwind after skiing or to simply relax, we highly urge you to experience the onsen in Niseko too.
We have so much more to share about this ski town and its wonders. So, subscribe to our Instagram @tabitogether for more travel content on this magnificent destination.
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