Travel Guide To Skiing In Niseko, Hokkaido In Japan With Kids

Planning a ski holiday in Japan? Find out why Niseko, Hokkaido should be on your radar in our guide to skiing in Niseko, including where to stay, what to eat and things to do with kids!

Japan is a fab place to visit, visa-free for ski season! Come the winter months from December to February (sometimes up till March!), the Hokkaido prefecture becomes a winter wonderland, covered in powdery white snow–perfect for skiing! While there are many options for skiing in Hokkaido, here’s why the resort town of Niseko deserves your attention.

Here’s our guide on how to have the perfect ski holiday with your family, and why you should choose Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan to ski with kids!>

Read more: Life In Snowy Hokkaido: Singaporean Mama Merlin Chelliah

Why choose Niseko, Hokkaido to ski with kids?

‘Niseko’ refers to the four resorts on the flanks of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri in Hokkaido, Japan, collectively known as Niseko United. Each winter, freezing winds from Siberia sweep over the Sea of Japan, reacting with its moisture to result in the fluffiest, dry powder snow and dumping it across the mountains of Hokkaido.

With 15-18 meters of snow per season, Niseko is one of the world’s snowiest resorts and makes a great place for kids to learn to ski!

Another plus – being in Hokkaido, a destination renowned for its superb produce be it dairy, meat or seafood, makes Niseko a natural haven for gastronomes and chefs alike, and Japanese food, high in umami (like Italian food) is very agreeable to younger palates too.

When does Niseko’s ski season start?

The 2024/25 ski season (winter season) runs from 30 November 2024 to 6 May 2025, but the best time to go is honestly the second half of February to mid-March! This is when the ski resorts and ski lifts are open for business.

How to get to Niseko from Singapore

Currently, there are no direct flights from Singapore to Hokkaido, Japan. Many airlines such as Scoot, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have connecting flights, with stopovers in cities like Tokyo and Taipei.

When booking connecting flights, just be alert as some layovers in Tokyo require airport changes. There are also a whopping 13 airports in Hokkaido, so do take caution to fly to one that’s nearest to your destination. The nearest airport to Niseko is Sapporo New Chitose Airport.

Once you touch down in Sapporo New Chitose Airport, you will need to catch a coach for the 2-hour ride up the mountain, it’s a painless scenic journey through Resort Liner, or arrange a private transfer through SkyExpress. Don’t forget to stock up on snacks (sando and onigiri!) for the drive while you’re still at the airport.

Which Niseko ski resort to stay in with kids

Which Niseko ski resort you stay at depends on your needs, though here, the term ‘resort’ encompasses not just one accommodation option, but multiple unique places to stay on each side of the mountain.

Hanazono, Niseko ski resorts

The easternmost resort on Mt. Niseko-Annupuri, Hanazono is a bit isolated but perfect for little ones.

Where to stay: The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is breathtaking, and outdoors, the ski resort offers a brand new gondola – great for those who aren’t so comfortable with taking their kids on ski lifts yet! The groomed runs are wide and good for beginner to mid-level skiers.

Where to eat: There aren’t many options here but at the base for the ski lifts, Hanazono Edge is cafeteria-style with a huge variety for lunch and apres ski options. Park Hyatt offers some eight dining options, including Molière Montagne with 3 Michelin star chef  Hiroshi Nakamichi. For more casual meals though, we love Olivio and China Kitchen.

Park Hyatt is also the only place in Hokkaido to serve Pierre Herme patisseries, should you so desire. For something truly special, the chef’s table at Somoza, a restaurant and private gallery situated in a 150-year-old wooden house, tucked within the birch forest, is unforgettable.

Hirafu, Niseko ski resorts

The busiest of the four resort areas, Hirafu can best be described as buzzing.

Where to stay: There are multiple luxury condos and apartments, standalone chalets, villas and lodges to stay at, and the stretch across Upper, Middle and Lower Hirafu. There’s the five-star boutique hotel Sansui, Chalet Murasaki which is Niseko’s only ski-in, ski-out chalet, The Maples which offers full-service slopeside apartments, and then there’s the 6-bedroom chalet, Soseki.

Where to eat: Hirafu will have you spoilt for choice! We love Tsubara Tsubara for Hokkaido- style soup curry with varying spice levels, Niseko Ramen for potato ramen, The Alpinist for fondue and raclette, Ebisutei for izakaya delights, Bion for smoky, succulent Italian-style firewood barbecue, and Jojo’s for burgers and such (complete with play area and rock climbing for the little ones).

If you have time to sneak off to a bar, choose Bar Gyu+, – this iconic Niseko institution makes solid cocktails and is all winter feels. Here, Lawson, the quintessential Japanese convenience store, and delis such as Green Farm will keep you well-stocked.

Niseko Village ski resorts

To the east of Annupuri, Niseko Village comprises of ski-in, ski-out stays for every budget.

Where to stay: There’s the Hilton for classic international hospitality, The Green Leaf for modern Japanese inflections, Hinode Hills for roomy apartments with Mt. Yotei views, Kasara townhouses for luxurious residences with concierge service, and the all-new 50-room Higashiyama Niseko Village, Japan’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

There’s also a shopping village for those on the lookout for clothing and souvenirs, while for groceries, the travelling supermarket which visits Hinode Hills weekly offers a truly Japanese experience.

Where to eat: We love Ezo Pub at the Hilton for its easy access (ski boots accepted), and meals good for every member of the family. The Crab Shack for fresh Hokkaido crab in hotpot, and also don’t miss Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm for its excellent choux puffs, soft serve and milk (bonus: the bus stop is right outside). Within the same area, Prativo also has a kids’ play area.

Annupuri, Niseko ski resorts

The westernmost resort of Niseko United, Annupuri has a distinctly quaint charm.

Where to stay: There’s a handful of accommodation options on offer from hotels, to pensions and ryokan, but we like the plush Annupuri Garden, which offers spacious 200 sqm apartments, fully-kitted kitchens, laundry facilities, private onsen, an excellent bakery and cafe, plus complimentary shuttle to the closest ski slope.

Where to eat: The handmade soba bar Rakuichi made popular by the late Anthony Bourdain, and Pizza del Sole are must-trys.

Other hotels in near Niseko

The great thing about Niseko (and what makes it so popular) is that this resort town is very accessible from popular areas nearby. Towns like Sapporo, Otaru and Chitose are about two hours away from Niseko, so if you’re doing a longer trip where you plan to ski and explore other parts of Hokkaido, these are great options to stay at.

Grand Park Otaru

Located in the gorgeous harbour city of Otaru is Grand Park Otaru. This luxury hotel hit the scenic jackpot as it overlooks the breathtaking Ishikari Bay and is surrounded by picturesque mountains. The hotel is also located right beside Wing Bay Otaru, which is one of the largest shopping malls in Hokkaido. You know what that means–easy access to a railway station and other attractions nearby.

Their rooms face either the mountain or the sea, and you can choose between comfortably modern rooms and traditional Japanese-style rooms adorned with Tatami mats for the full experience. We love that the hotel has kid-friendly services and amenities, such as baby cots and extra beds, to make family stays all the more comfortable!

Ski passes and ski rental equipment in Niseko

If you’re planning to ski, get your lift passes directly from the Niseko United website based on where you’re staying or your ski level. The selection and professional service make Rhythm Niseko in Grand Hirafu our favourite place to rent equipment, but you can just as easily rent at the resort where you are staying at.

Ski lessons in Niseko

If you need ski lessons there are a few options including the Hokkaido Ski Club, Niseko International Snow Sports School, the Niseko Village Snow School and GoSnow – each will have great snow programmes for kids of all ages.

Ski lessons cost from ¥12,000 (S$107) for both kids and adults. The price varies depending on what type of package you choose, whether it’s group or private lessons, your kids’ age group, whether it’s half or full day, and so forth.

More things to do in Niseko with kids

When not skiing, there are many snow activities to try (depending on where you stay) such as snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, horse riding, tubing, snow rafting and of course, unwinding at an onsen.

Onsens are Japanese hot springs said to have therapeutic effects because of the minerals from the hot spring waters piped in from the surrounding mountains – observe onsen etiquette though; be quiet, bathe before entering, discard all clothing, hang on to your small ‘modesty’ towel, and no mobile phones. Kids can also work off their energy on the rock-climbing wall at Jojo’s in Hirafu, play at Galaxy of Kids in Hanazono or do winter camp with EdVenture.

Getting around Niseko with kids

Your Niseko ski pass gives you free access to the Niseko United Shuttle Bus, which runs on schedule, rotating between the four resorts. Alternatively, taxis can be ordered, but are expensive. There are also car rentals, but you will need an International Driver’s License to rent a car in Japan.

More Sassy Mama tips:

• Keep warm and toasty with good quality winter clothing which you can buy or rent in Singapore. We love Uniqlo HeatTech, and layer on the fleece, scarves, and hats, then make sure you have waterproof jackets and gloves to protect from the icy wind. Boots with strong tread to keep from slipping on roads slick with ice are an absolute must.
• Booking platforms such as The Luxe Nomad offer competitive rates on a variety of Niseko stays, and once you book, their concierge service (for transfers, restaurant reservations and more!), comes complimentary.

And last but not least, check on that travel insurance!

Happy skiing in Niseko!