Experience Niseko

For those searching for things to do in Niseko, Mishima-san’s Garden offers both relaxation and inspiration. Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Niseko, Hokkaido, this serene retreat perfectly showcases the essence of Japanese gardening. It’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore Niseko natural beauty.

"HIPs car rental" is operated by Hokkaido・Tohoku area official imported car dealer company “IMPORT PLUS”.

Niseko black and NBS are our preferred partners for lessons, getting into the back country and improving your technique. Remember, lessons should be booked in advance and once booked you are locked in.

Kids land annupuri is located in the Niseko Annupuri Ski Area. Great snow escalator available. Free snow escalator available. Have a blast with sled and tubes!

Rhythm have been operating in Hirafu since the very early days and we are proud to be associated with them. We have a Rhythm Service Counter in the Hotel open throughout the ski season and they are happy to take care of all your Skiing and Snow Boarding needs. Unless you have specialist requirements there is no need to book in advance, just come and see them on arrival adjacent to our Hotel lobby.

Snow mobiling in niseko is a must experience if you need a day off the mountain. A great adventure for those looking for a thrill or just to relax and have some fun. Snowmobile tours are available in powder snow and untracked places with experienced guides.

Snow biking a different kind of fun on a different kind of bike! Whether you are into motocross, enduro or adventure riding, snow bike tours on high spec bikes & sled with qualified staff is a must. Spend a full day backcountry, hitting the features and streaming through powder on a selection of snow bikes.

Snow shoeing in niseko is a very peaceful and relaxing way to escape the crowds and enjoy the Niseko surroundings. Explore Niseko snowshoe tours take you to the best locations for an amazing snowshoe experience. Or hire a set of snowshoes and set off on your own adventure enjoying the beautiful views and the nature of Hokkaido.

Whether you’re keen to hit the off-road single tracks or explore the countryside on quiet roads or cruise from cafe to cafe, bikes are available for hire in the village. Cycling is a great way to get around and there are options for half day self-guided trips. If you’re looking for something more energetic, Hirafu plays host to the Niseko Classic road race 80km/150km every June and the more fun and friendly Yotei Circuit Fun Ride.

Hirafu is one of the most accessible places to go fly fishing with Red Salmon, Brown, Rainbow Trout and even the elusive (and protected) Cherry Salmon in plentiful supply. Guides and tackle are readily available in town. From Beginner to Expert, escape the crowd and find yourself wading through the rivers. Winter and Summer, in selected locations, searching for wild fishes!

Niseko is famous for its wonderful countryside, and there is hiking suitable for all levels. The highlight for the fit and competent hiker is a summit attempt on Mt Yotei. Experience nature at its best and enjoy the breathtaking views. Spend time hiking with a local guide then relax in an onsen at the end of the day.

With the NAC building just 300 meters from the Hotel it is worth a visit to check out their indoor climbing wall, Kids Garden and find out about the Adventure Park. NAC was the first company to start providing adventure tours in Hokkaido. It is still the largest adventure company in Japan today.

White water rafting the rivers in Niseko are famous in the spring, when the melt water brings the water level up and makes rafting an exciting, fun day for the whole family. Experience the rush of rafting in Niseko. Experienced, qualified guides will ensure you get to enjoy the best of the river.

Stand up paddle anyone from kids to adults can enjoy SUPing. Originating in Hawaii in the 50's, but only recently becoming a global way of having fun. The SUP boards are very stable and easy to stand up and paddle. Inflatable SUPs are used as they are very user friendly. Enjoy a SUP tour cruising down the calm and scenic route of Japan's cleanest river, the Shiribetsu river.

Niseko golf course is one of Hokkaido’s most difficult and strategic courses, and was designed by world-renowned Arnold Palmer. A par 72 and 6,805 yard course, first tee is a mere 20-minute drive from Niseko Village. The signature par 3, 5-hole is an undulating, slightly elevated green guarded by bunkers and water that demands an accurate drive to avoid out of bound areas lurking close to the fairways.

Niseko village golf course is one of Hokkaido’s top golf courses with long manicured fairways, deep yet playable bunkers and greens prepared to perfection. Resort golf at its best, this par 73 and 6,845 yard course is suited to all levels of golfers.

Hanazono golf course is a great Golf Course 15 minutes from the Hotel, set in a stunning natural setting with outstanding water features and stunning mountain views. This is a wonderful par 72 golf course, rewarded by the use of the private Onsen after your round.

Sapporo drug store conveniently located on Hirafu- Zaka Street in the Hirafu 188 building, the Sapporo Drug Store stocks a wide range of supplies you might need while on your holiday. Think toiletries, snacks, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meals, as well as any medicines you may need to pick up while you're away from home. Plus baby necessities and a wide range of fabulous Japanese cosmetics. Oh, and there's international foods like Tim Tams and cheese and a full selection of wine and spirits!

Hirafu convenience stores located just 200m from the hotel, both SeicoMart and Lawsons are located on Hirafu’s main street. Offering fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy, take home dinners, snacks, groceries, beer, wine and spirits, these stores will certainly help you enjoy your stay. In winter the stores have long lines to the cashiers, and over 90% of the customers are from overseas! Must try? Karaage Chicken from Hot Chef!

Kutchan supermarkets like all tourist towns Kutchan has become a shopping delight for Hokkaido’s best fresh produce. Located 10 kms from Hirafu, both Lucky and Max Valu supermarkets will have you drooling over the wide selection of fresh meats, a wide variety of fish as well as Hokkaido whiskies and wines. These one-stop shops incorporate butcher, baker and liquor sections into their large grocery and fresh food stores so that you will come away with all your holiday needs.  In winter don’t miss the Hibachi roasted sweet potato – hot off the grill every few hours!

Niseko international clinic is a walk-in clinic & pharmacy with onsite X-ray, ultrasound and laboratory facilities. The team will provide urgent care and primary care covering a wide range of illness and injuries for both adults and children. The medical team welcome people in need from all over the world.

Niseko physio has a staff of Australian trained physios specialising in the management of snow sports injuries. The team has a vast experience in assessing and managing injuries to English speaking visitors in Japan. And while we hope you don’t get injured its comforting to know that Niseko Physio is just a few steps away.

Onsen a must do excursion when visiting Japan is a natural Hotspring (Onsen). After a day on the slopes, there’s no better way to relax your tired muscles than soaking in the warm waters at an onsen. There are numerous onsen to explore in Hirafu, and many more in the surrounding local area. Please talk to our concierge team for recommendations.

Massage having a theraputic massage is like giving your body a holiday of its own. Dependent on what you need, the selection of treatments in the village range from relaxation and nurturing, to remedial and healing. So, let the stress slip away and enjoy a massage or body treatment on the lazy days of your stay. A wonderful way to spend a day off and fully recharge.

A movement studio celebrating 10 years offering yoga in Niseko. Specially tailored classes are offered to compliment the activity and adventure lifestyle of Niseko, and suitable for all levels and ability. Powder Yoga also offer private and group classes in both Japanese and English that can be delivered in the comfort of your apartment. So why not plan a yoga session while you are here. Drop in daily, weekly or even monthly & seasonal passes are available.

Niseko crossfit is located in an old potato warehouse in Kutchan, 10 minutes from Hirafu, quite fitting considering the towns history and industry. But now, with such a physically active community dominating the area, the warehouse is a home to a CrossFit gym to help both casual or serious athletes get stronger and healthier while encouraging them continue to lead an active lifestyle all year-round. At CrossFit Niseko you will be surrounded by a community of coaches and members who are supportive while helping you reach all of your fitness goals.

Milk kobo niseko takahashi farm is famous for their Cream Puffs and Cheese Tarts. Established in 1996 Niseko Milk Kobo uses the milk and cream produced on the dairy farm next door to make all of its produce. Packed full of nature’s goodness, the products are handmade and additive free where possible, so as to provide a full, farm fresh flavour, reflecting the purity of Hokkaido produce. Located on a large site in the Higashiyama area Milk Kobo is worth searching out whether in the summer or winter.
 

Located in Hirafu West Village La Villa Lupicia is the home of Lupicia Restaurant, Lupicia Boutique and Lupicia Patisserie, serving the very best of Hokkaido and fresh local produce to create delicious globally inspired food. Available in each venue is Lupicia Fresh Tea, founded in In Japan in 1994, offering a vast selection of highest quality teas and tea ware. Dine in or take home, either way you will thoroughly enjoy this fabulous venue and all it offers.

Niseko is known across Japan for its beautiful, clear     spring water and locals travel miles bringing their buckets and containers to collect this famous water for their own use. And why is it so good? It’s all about the journey that can take up to 100 years for the snow melt to filter through Mt Yotei, seep through the ground, then emerge into one of the springs in the region. Yoteizan no Wakimizu is the spring located between Niseko town and Makkari which is the source used in tofu production at Wakimizu no Sato – the popular tofu shop famous for their tofu donuts. Located 20km away this is a Must See and Must Taste destination as they cook up an array of more than a dozen different tofu dishes offering samples so you can try before you buy.

Rhythm Japan has been in operation since 2005. Since that time it  has grown to become one of Niseko leading snow sports stores, known for providing excellent customer service along with the latest in premium snow sports equipment. The new Rhythm Base opened in 2019 and is located only 100m from the Hirafu Gondola, stocking the world’s most reputable ski and snowboard brands for customers to both rent and buy. If some shopping fun is what you are after, browse and buy from the most extensive range of ski and snowboard equipment in the region. And good news for the coffee lovers: the new store includes a Rhythm and Beans coffee counter, so you can shop till you drop, then re-energise with an expresso.

Niseko's most fashionable Boutique Shop bringing a touch of European opulence to the streets and slopes of Niseko. Showcasing a range of premium performance snow sports brands that focus on quality and style.

Hangetsu lake is a volcanic lake located at the west foot of Mount Yotei. The name of the lake means half-moon and describes the shape from above - a fat crescent moon. Located a10 minute drive from the hotel, the lake is beautiful in all seasons and has a 3km loop trail used for hiking, walking and nature trips. The trail is good for all fitness levels - you’ll need snowshoes in winter.

Otaru is a Historical port town one hours drive North of Niseko and famous for its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions. Once the trade centre of colonial Hokkaido and known as the “Northern Wall Street” for of its flourishing economy and busy waterways, but now bustling with travellers not merchants; and the stone buildings     that once stored goods are harbour museums, stores, and trendy eateries. Otaru is a romantic city filled with exotic history. This is a great self-drive destination, or you can book a tour with…

Fukidashi park is a 20-minute drive from the hotel and is one source of spring water at the foot of Mt. Yotei. The park has become revered as a “holy place” by visitors going back to the original pioneers and is enjoyed for its beauty and peaceful environment. Take a walk through the green park during summer or when it’s covered in a blanket of snow during winter, and enjoy the blessed icy spring water from the mountain.

Nikka whiskey yoichi distillery the famous Whisky distillery located one hours drive north through stunning countryside. Built by the founder of Nikka Whiskey, Masataka Taketsuru, in 1934, you can experience a tour and tasting at this wonderful venue. Learn the history of how in 1918 a young Japanese man travelled alone to Scotland to learn the secret of Whiskey making and then sample the full Nikka range. Please check the website for opening times.

Shu ogawara museum of art is located in Kutchan town, a 10-minute drive from the hotel. This is a memorial to the Kutchan-born acclaimed artist Ogawara Shu 1911-2002. It is worth spending a few hours here viewing the colourful art pieces in a gallery that exudes a peaceful atmosphere be design and architecture. It is also surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of Niseko’s landscape and the wonderfully ever present Mt Yotei.

Gentemstick gallery is a 5-minute drive into the West Hirafu Village. Showcasing custom designed Snowboards by Taro Tamai, the father of Snowsurf in Japan. Taro’s concept: Making the best snowboards that would perfectly blend into the terrain miraculously made of snow and wind, just as if birds flying in the sky or fish flowing in the stream.

The niseko village shopping area is designed in the authentic Machiya style architecture and is the modern and traditional interwoven to evoke a time that is long gone. Discover must-have designer brands and speciality stores, or wine and dine in these contemporary venues.