Hirafu Village Map
Out & About
The greater Niseko Ski Area is surrounded by a number of small towns. These include the township of Niseko itself, Kutchan, and the bustling resort village of Hirafu.
Until the exciting development of Hanazono is under way, Hirafu provides the greatest range of accommodation and services for international and Japanese guests.
Accommodation in the town of Hirafu includes fully catered pensions, self-contained apartments and slope side Hotels.
A free shuttle bus service runs throughout the entire resort to transport guests to and from the lifts. Many of the pensions also operate shuttles for their guests to ensure first tracks are guaranteed (although there is plenty of powder to go around!).
The township of Hirafu is only a short bus trip (10 minutes) to the nearby town of Kutchan which provides for more shopping, traditional Japanese eating and some great Karaoke bars.
click here for local transport options
Onsen
A Hokkaido Specialty Onsen's are natural thermal hot springs that seep from deep within the earth, providing steaming hot water that flows into large outdoor and indoor pools.
Niseko is a famous destination for Onsen lovers, and there is no better way to finish your day on the slopes.
There are many hot springs in the Niseko and surrounding region, each with a different view of the amazing landscape and all offering unique experiences.
We recommend:
- Yukoro Onsen - see some video footage from PTV Out & About on Onsen etiquette
- Hanazono Onsen Resort & Niseko Weiss Onsen
- Hirafu Onsen Resort
- Niseko Grand Hotel
- Niseko Goshiki Onsen Resort
- Niseko Prince Hotel Onsen
- Yamada Onsen Hotel
- Niseko Annupuri Hotel Onsen
- Niseko Higashiyama Prince Hotel
- Chichibu Hotel - Yumoto hot-spring village
- For more detailed information go to: www.niseko-milky.com/english/onsen/
Restaurant & Bars
Niseko offers a wide selection of dining experiences including Izakayas, Yakitori & Sushi restaurants, rahmen shops, pizza and curry places. Prices are about average by Japanese standards and provide great value for international guests.
There are bars for all occasions, from the quaint to the obscure, such as Gyu+ which boasts a small 'bar-fridge' door as its entrance, and Bar Barunba where you feel like you are sitting on a Balinese movie set.
The Japanese enjoy a party so there is always plenty happening around town for those who are not too weary after a day in the powder.
