Niseko Village

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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Village Ski Resort
The Hilton Niseko Village
The Hilton Niseko Village
The Hilton Niseko Village is ski-in ski-out
The Hilton Niseko Village is ski-in ski-out
The Village at Niseko Village
The Village at Niseko Village
Lots of English speaking snowsports instructors
Lots of English speaking snowsports instructors
Great beginner trails near the base
Great beginner trails near the base
Niseko Village is ideal for beginners
Niseko Village is ideal for beginners
Niseko Village is part of Niseko United
Niseko Village is part of Niseko United
Child care at Niseko Village
Child care at Niseko Village
The Village has a couple of shops & a handful of restaurants
The Village has a couple of shops & a handful of restaurants
The Village at Niseko Village
The Village at Niseko Village
Night skiing at Niseko Village
Night skiing at Niseko Village
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Village Ski Resort
The imposing Mt Yotei
The imposing Mt Yotei
The Green Leaf Hotel Niseko Village
The Green Leaf Hotel Niseko Village
Ski in ski out accommodation
Ski in ski out accommodation
The Hilton Niseko Village
The Hilton Niseko Village
Niseko Village has a couple of nice onsens
Niseko Village has a couple of nice onsens

Niseko Village

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Niseko Village

Niseko Village4/52
Niseko Village4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
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The Niseko Village sits at the base of the Niseko Village Ski Area of Niseko United. Formerly known as the Niseko Higashiyama ski resort, the rebranding has drawn more visitors to the area, but perhaps increased potential confusion about what’s in a name. Niseko Village shouldn’t be confused with Niseko town, which is located 6km to the south, or Hirafu which is the most vibrant of the Niseko villages. Meanwhile Higashiyama (east mountain) village still exists, and is the pension village that’s situated a short distance from the ski-in ski-out resort areas.

The Niseko Village base area is very resortified and is dominated by the Green Leaf Hotel, Hilton Niseko Hotel, and The Village which has been built to replicate a historic traditional Japanese village.

Pros and Cons of Niseko Village

Pros
  • Niseko Village is popular with beginners, due to the predominance of ski-in ski-out accommodation, the varied beginner slopes, and the many English speaking instructors for both adults and children.
  • In addition to ski school, Niseko Village is also good for families with small children due to the child care services and activities on offer.
  • Of the 8 lifts, 3 are gondolas (1 is a chondola) so beginners will be protected from the elements whilst riding up the hill.
  • The Niseko Village ski slopes are a little quieter than those at Hirafu and Hanazono.
  • Like the other Niseko ski areas, the snow is phenomenal and an average of 18 metres of powder falls per season.

Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective

  • With the exception of some of the Higashiyama lodges and pensions, a Niseko Village ski holiday is targeted to those with a very generous budget. Slopeside accommodation, dining, lessons, child care, and equipment rentals are all very costly.
  • Despite being called “Niseko Village”, there isn’t really (much of) a village where you can wander around shops and restaurants as you’d find in Hirafu or Nozawa Onsen. It’s more like Rusutsu or Tomamu ski resorts (or many other Japanese ski resorts where a modern Japanese culture is very common).
  • It’s ideal if you’re looking for large ski-in ski-out resort hotel accommodation.
  • If vibrant nightlife is high on your priority list, or an abundance of shops and restaurants, this is probably not the area for you, although you can get a bus or taxi into Hirafu if you are seeking this.
Many of the general pros and cons for Niseko Japan also apply.

Niseko Village Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The Niseko Village Ski Resort (formerly Higashiyama Niseko) is one of the four inter-connected ski resorts of Niseko United, and is located between Hirafu and Annupuri. Niseko Village Ski Resort offers 27 marked trails (13 beginner, 9 intermediate and 5 advanced) and access to off-piste and sidecountry terrain. The ski area has 890 metres of vertical drop (280 - 1,170m). See the Niseko Village ski resort page for more information.

Where is Niseko Village?

Niseko Village is located in the Niseko region about 9km southwest of the Hirafu village. The New Chitose Airport (Sapporo Airport) is the main gateway airport and there are airport shuttle buses and private transfers available. See the travel to Niseko Village page for more information.

Travel around the base of Niseko Village is very easy via gondola or shuttles, and transport to and from the other Niseko base areas is also available.

Niseko Village Accommodation

Niseko Village accommodation includes the ski-in ski-out Greenleaf Hotel and the Hilton Niseko Village. Also close to the slopes is Kasara Townhouse, which offers incredibly luxe apartment style accommodation.

A little further away from the slopes are Higashiyama lodges, pensions, and a small amount of self-contained accommodation. See Niseko Village Accommodation Listings.

The Village

The Village at Niseko Village (is it just me or are all these similar names so confusing?) is a collection of new-made-to-look-old buildings adjacent to the Hilton Hotel, that house a handful of restaurants and a couple of shops. The traditional Japanese architecture looks lovely, but it also feels a fraction cheesy when you can see the backdrop of the towering semi-modern Hilton Hotel.

Niseko Village Restaurants

The Hilton Hotel is home to various restaurants with a range of cuisine on offer. Expect dining to be rather expensive. Even simple fare such as burgers at the Ezo Pub is very costly. The Village features a few eateries including a patisserie, an izakaya, and the Crab Shack which offers some pricey but yummy seafood.

The Greenleaf Hotel has a lounge bar and a buffet restaurant, and if you venture away from the slopes there are a few dining options at lodges such as Black Diamond Lodge and Freeride Lodge.

[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Niseko Village Restaurants"]

Ski Resort Facilities

Niseko Village ski lessons and snowboard tuition are big business. There are huge numbers of snowsports instructors, but it would be wise to pre-book lessons because the instructors are in hot demand due to the massive number of beginners that flock to Niseko Village. Group lessons are available for adults and kids (ages 6 & up for skiing, 7 & up for snowboarding), which are pretty expensive but not compared to private lessons which are only for those with an infinite budget.

For kids ages 1 to 6, Niseko Village offers child care and there are also day care/lesson combo packages for ages 3-6.

Ski and snowboard equipment rentals are available at the Green Leaf Hotel and the Niseko Gondola base (opposite the Hilton), with the main emphasis being on beginner to intermediate equipment.

[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Niseko Village Rentals"]

Activities

In the region there are a host of Niseko ski guiding options available to explore the powder in the off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry. Niseko cat skiing is also a popular way to ensure you get plenty of fresh powder, and there are snowcat skiing outfits that cater to intermediate powder riders up to experts. At Niseko Village there is first tracks cat skiing, whereby you get in one powder run before the hordes arrive via the lifts.

Niseko Village also has other snow activities, with a major focus on family oriented and kids’ activities which include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, guided snowshoe tours, snow rafting (inflatable raft towed behind a snowmobile), and reindeer sled rides.

Shopping

Most of the Niseko shopping is situated in the Hirafu village, with only a handful of shops in Niseko Village.

The Village features an I-Gate ski shop which sells lots of ski and snowboard accessories and ski clothing but no hardware. It features lots of different apparel brands (e.g. Mammut, Spyder, Peak Performance, Kjus), yet only a small range for each brand.

Across the road is the I-Gate boutique, selling handbags, upscale giftware and dresses and clothing that most people wouldn’t wear at a snowy destination!

The lobby shop at the Hilton sells a small range of snacks, drinks and simple gifts, and the Green Leaf also has a basic store for snacks and souvenirs.
Tours In/Near The Niseko Area

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Powder Progression for Skiers
GUIDED SKIER PROGRESSION TOUR
8 Nights | 4 Days Instruction | 2 Days Guiding
Ability: Advanced
Do you charge the piste but struggle in powder? This Niseko and Otaru based tour is an instructional tour with certified instructors and includes day trips to nearby ski resorts. Share
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share accom for group tours in 23/24 season with exception of snow festival tour.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,923
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 10% off Feb 21 tour if you book before June 30
Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour
HOSTED & GUIDED ADVENTURE
10 Nights - 8 Days Guided Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
The Southern Hokkaido region scores the most snow and with this lift accessed sidecountry tour you'll get to explore the best ski areas. 3 nights in Otaru, 5 nights in Hirafu Niseko & 2 nights in Hakodate. Share
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,515
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 10% off Dec 30th & Feb 10th tours if you book before June 30
Hokkaido Powder Tour
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE
7 Nights | 8 Days | 6 Days Skiing/Riding
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Ski waist deep powder, summit volcanoes, take a soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy great food; these are just some of the highlights of this tour. This is a backcountry road trip for those who have an appetite for a real adventure...and are fit.
Price p/p Price is per person based on twin or triple-share rooms
Base/invoice currency is CAD
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 3,062
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Niseko Village here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Niseko Freeride Tour
POWDER ADVENTURE
7 Days | 6 Nights | 5 Days Riding
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
This snowboarding tour takes in what many would argue are the best ski areas in Japan with a choice of up to 11 ski areas in the Niseko region. Home base is a nice hotel in Niseko so you have access to Niseko's vibrant nightlife. Have a guide to take you to the best powder stashes at each location.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,250
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Otaru & Niseko Powder Chaser
HOSTED POWDER CHASING TOUR
7 Nights | 6 Days Chasing Powder
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are on a budget but still want to ride all of the best spots around Niseko & Otaru then this package/tour is for you! Join as a solo traveller or small group or book the entire 5 spots!
Price p/p Price is per person based on a group of 2-5.
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,220
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Niseko Guiding
GUIDING IN/FROM NISEKO
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are in Niseko with a group, a day or multiple days of guiding at Niseko or nearby ski areas will make sure you get to the powder stashes (off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry). PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group).
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON rate per day for PRIVATE group of 6 in peak season. Full price is 95,000 yen for group.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 117
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Niseko Village here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

BDT Lift Assisted Backcountry Tours
LIFT ASSISTED BACKOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours for a day or more of guided powder hunting in Niseko or one of the nearby resort or backcountry areas with your own PRIVATE GROUP. Areas include Niseko backbowls, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine & Kokusai. Primarily lift accessed so minimal hiking.
Price p/p From price based on 1 day tour per person - 5 people in private group (lift tickets not included) for 23/24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 163
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Backcountry Touring Day Trips
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY DAY TOURS
Niseko & Surrounding Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Ideal if you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided BACKCOUNTRY day in or around Niseko. These day tours are specifically for those who are happy to earn their turns and are for private groups of 1 - 5 guests (but 6 - 7 is also possible with a tail guide).
Price p/p From price based on PER PERSON for a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests in shoulder season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 132
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BDT Guided BC Day Tours
PRIVATE GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | Shiribetsu & Yotei
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours on an epic day (or days) of guided backcountry skiing or riding near Niseko. Ideal for private groups. Areas include Niseko backcountry areas, Shiribetsu, lower Mt Yotei or Yotei summit (weather pending).
Price p/p From price based on 1 day of guided backcountry skiing/riding per person (5 guests in your group e.g. 110,000 yen total).
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 163
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Niseko Village here

Heli Skiing Tours

Shiribetsu-Dake Day Heliskiing
DAY HELI SKIING RUSUTSU - 6 RUN PACKAGE
Includes Niseko pickup & lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A heli skiing operation near Rusutsu & Niseko. Make this one of the best days of your life skiing Hokkaido's deep dry powder on a dormant volcano (adjacent to Rusutsu and not far from Niseko).
Price p/p From price based on 6-run heli ski day 2023 rates.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,362
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See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Niseko Village here

Cat Skiing Tours

Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package
MIXED GROUP DAY CAT SKIING
8 - 10 Runs (Approx 4,600m vertical/day)
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up powder runs of 325-650m of vertical bliss, with 8 to 10 runs for the day. Located near Niseko, the Iwanai Resort snowcat skiing terrain scores masses of snowfall. Ideal for strong intermediate & advanced riders.
Price p/p Price is per person per day
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations. Price includes 8% sales tax
USD 962
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Chisenupuri Cat Skiing
UNGUIDED CAT SKIING NEAR NISEKO
Single Day, Pick Up & Return Niseko
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Unguided cat skiing near Niseko is at the former ski resort of Chisenupuri. You have the freedom to explore and it is ideal for apprentice powder hounds or advanced riders heading to Niseko. Chisenupuri cat skiing is a lust-do! Finish the cat ski day with a soak in an amazing onsen.
Price p/p Price is per person per day
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 555
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Shimamaki Snowcat Packages
GUIDED CAT SKIING ADVENTURE (2, 3 or 4 days)
Stay in Traditional Japanese Inn Inc All Meals
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This is the best Japan cat skiing! Departing from Niseko, the trip offers incredible snowcat accessed powder skiing & boarding, staying in a traditional coastal Japanese inn. Ride deep untracked powder all day, feast on Japanese cuisine and soak in the hotel's onsen in the evening.
Price p/p Display price is based on 2 days + 2 nights per person for for group trip for 2024 season (regular season)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*Display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,850
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See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Niseko Village here
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