Where is Sapporo Kokusai?

Sapporo Kokusai is west of the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido Japan. By road it’s about 46km between Sapporo and Sapporo Kokusai (a one hour drive). The driving route can go via Otaru or Jozankei. It is 19km between the Jozankei hot spring town and Sapporo Kokusai (25-30 minute drive).

Sapporo Kokusai shouldn’t be confused with the Joetsu Kokusai ski resort which is located near Yuzawa in the Niigata Prefecture.

It is possible to get bus transport from Sapporo City or Jozankei Onsen to Kokusai. From other locations it is a little bit unwieldy to get to Sapporo Kokusai unless you're got your own wheels or are part of a multi-resort tour or day tour.

Bus to Sapporo Kokusai

There are a few buses each day with Daiichi Kanko and Jotetsu between the city of Sapporo and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, and you can get a bus and lift ticket package that is very affordable.

Sapporo Kokusai buses depart from the Sapporo train station and stop at New Otani Inn, Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel, Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu, Jozankei Yunomachi, and Jozankei Daichii Hotel.

The full bus route takes 1:40 hours to get there and you won’t be there in time for first lifts. Note that you have to take your equipment in a bag and you can’t wear your ski or snowboard boots on the bus!

Or if you stay at the OMO3 Sapporo Susukino, the hotel runs a daily shuttle bus to/from Sapporo Kokusai.

Driving to Sapporo Kokusai

Having your own wheels is a great option to get to Sapporo Kokusai in a timely manner and to allow flexibility to drive to other nearby ski resorts to chase the snow.

The telephone number for GPS navigation is 011-598-4511. Here are some general tips for driving in Japan.

Other Ski Resorts Nearby

Kiroro Resort is only a few kilometres from Sapporo Kokusai as the crow flies, but it’s 40km by road.

The lower elevation Asarigawa Ski Resort is just 14km to the northwest, and a good option for windy stormy days.

Niseko is about a 1:30 hour drive away (82km). If you don’t have a car, transport to/from Sapporo Kokusai is included with private lessons and private guiding.

Rusutsu is about a 1:15 hour drive from Sapporo Kokusai.

Sapporo Teine is another of the Sapporo ski areas and only 40-45 minutes from downtown Sapporo.

There are various other Sapporo ski areas such as Fu’s, Snow Cruise Onze, Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort, and Sapporo Bankei.

Guided Day Trips

One option for getting to Kokusai is to stay in Niseko and jump on one of the many guided day-trips to Kokusai which are offered in a private format (in other words you can't join a group as a solo/couple).

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