Planning your Niseko trip? Here are the answers to the questions our guests ask most. Can’t find yours? Message us on WhatsApp or by email.
Both are in Annupuri. Annupuri Oasis Lodge is the cosy, homely choice with a shared kitchen. Annupuri Mountain View Lodge is the spacious choice for groups and families, with room for 21 guests.
About 5 minutes’ walk to the slopes. The shuttle bus stop to the other resorts is also 5 minutes’ walk.
In winter, a cooked breakfast with fresh-baked bread every morning (vegan and vegetarian options available), free Wi-Fi and free parking. In off-season, breakfast in an option.
Check-in is between 3pm and 10pm and check-out is until 10am.
The minimum stay is usually 3 nights. Book on our website and save at least 10% compared with booking sites. Long stays get an extra discount: 5% from 5 nights, 10% from 10 nights, 15% from 14 nights and 18% from 21 nights.
Yes, both lodges are equipped with washing machines and free laundry detergent. We do not have dryer but provide hangers for you to dry your clothes in your room.
Yes. Use Yamato Transport’s Hands-Free Travel service within Japan, or Luggage Forward from overseas.
Please see our Booking Policy page.
Most people bring their own clothing, but you can rent everything in Niseko, including jackets, pants, gloves, goggles and helmets (see our Equipment Rental page). Buy socks before you arrive, as rental is more expensive. They should reach about two-thirds up your calf. Wear layers, and choose wool or synthetic thermals over cotton, which holds sweat and gets cold on the chairlift. Disposable boot warmers are cheap in Niseko.
Yes, in three ways: online with Winter1st, through us, or in store. See our Equipment Rental page.
Both suit beginners, intermediates and advanced riders. They are both part of Niseko United and you can go from one to another if you have the Niseko United lift pass.
Yes. We work with Niseko Fine, who offer excellent rates on lessons in Annupuri, pick you up at your lodge and can arrange your equipment. Booking early is strongly recommended. If they are full or you need a more specific lesson, we will connect you with other partners. See our Ski & Snowboard Lessons page.
Usually not, so that the instructor can focus on your technique. Skiers and snowboarders often go out together on tours and guided days.
Usually not. Choose between an Annupuri ticket and the All Mountain Pass (see our Lift Tickets page), or ask us to help.
Even strong skiers can find it tiring, and it shows up weaknesses in your technique. A lesson with an instructor helps a lot, and it is the reason so many riders come back to Niseko every year.
We recommend that all skiers and snowboarders wear one. It is safer and keeps your head warmer. You can rent one with the rest of your equipment.
We can book the direct bus for you, or you can take other buses, the train, a private transfer or a rental car. See our Getting Here page for all the options.
In winter, yes: we pick you up free of charge anywhere in the Annupuri area and at Niseko station, during check-in hours, and drop you off at check-out. Just tell us at least 24 hours ahead. In summer, the same applies in Annupuri, and the station pick-up has an extra fee.
No. Our pick-up, the Nikotto on-demand bus and, in winter, the Niseko United shuttle bus make it easy to get around. If you rent a car, choose a four-wheel-drive with snow tyres in winter.
Yes. Most people in Niseko have basic English and many signs are in English. A few Japanese phrases or a translation app help in the places where English isn’t understood.
There is a small convenience store at the Northern Resort onsen (about 10 minutes’ walk) and another at the Kanronomori onsen (about 20 minutes’ walk). A sports shop is about 15 minutes’ walk away. For bigger shops, take the Nikotto bus or the Niseko United shuttle bus to the convenience stores in Hirafu (Seicomart, Hirafu 188) or the supermarkets in Kutchan (MaxValu, Lucky, Co-op).
There are a few in Annupuri, and many more in Hirafu, a short shuttle ride away. Some places are cash only and fill up fast. See our Area Guide, and ask us to help you book.
Some do, but vegetarian dishes can still contain meat or fish stock. Check with the staff when you order.
Cash. Most bars and restaurants in Niseko don’t accept cards, while ski rental companies, ski shops and lift ticket offices usually do. Convenience-store and post office ATMs usually accept international cards, and exchange rates are better at the airport than in Hirafu.
No. Tipping is not customary in Japan, and staff may chase after you to return your change.
Check roaming with your provider, or use an eSIM or a rental pocket Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is free at both lodges.
Healthcare in Japan is comparable to Western standards, and the nearest hospital is in Kutchan or Niseko International Clinic in Hirafu. Treatment costs are high, and rescue or evacuation costs are paid by the patient, so make sure you have the right insurance. In an emergency, call 119 for an ambulance or the fire brigade, or 110 for the police. Our managers can help.
We do not provide babysitting service, but you can find English-speaking sitters for children from newborn to fourteen years old, who come to our accommodation.
Take your shoes off when entering a home, don’t eat or drink inside convenience stores, and don’t ski on the streets. Drug laws are very strict.
Still have a question?
Need assistance with anything? Our team lives on site and is happy to help. Just message us on WhatsApp or by email.