Access to Niseko, Hokkaido and Ekimne ski holiday accommodation.
Location: The Hirafu-Niseko ski resort area is located on the western edge (read 'in the deepest snow') of the northern-most Japanese island of Hokkaido. The nearest international/domestic airport is Sapporo's New Chitose International Airport (direct flights from most major Asian airports). We also recommend transfers into Chitose from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka which allow you significantly more flexibility booking from other destinations for dates you prefer. Please contact a local travel agent for flight information and costs - we recommend Skymark and AirDo for discount Japan domestic transfers if you are unable to connect to Sapporo via ANA or JAL (fares available up to 2 months prior to flight dates)..
Transfers: You have 4 transfer options from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, to Niseko Ski Resort and Hirafu Village - the fastest of which will get you there in approximately 2 hours and the slowest in about 3.5 hours depending on train transfer. The 4 options are: Regular large bus shuttles direct to Hirafu operated by several reliable tour operators; 2-2.5 hours; Train via Sapporo and Otaru; express 2.2 hours - regular with 2 transfers approximately 3-3.5 hours; Jumbo Taxi hire direct to your accommodation; 2 hours; hire 4WD vehicle; 2 hours (plus the time it takes to rent the vehicle +30 minutes). Jumbo taxi is the fastest and in many ways the most convenient option and costs approximately 25,000-35,000 yen for the entire vehicle and seats approximately 7-8 people. Trains and buses leave regularly and require you to notify us in advance so we can arrange to pick you up from the train station or village bus stop on arrival - best to book these on the spot as flight arrivals are often delayed due to weather/snow. We will recommend several other charter bus options once the season fares/timetables becomes available - costs per person range from 2,500-4,500 yen per person depending on the service provider. The 4WD hire option is by far the most flexible, however you will need to be comfortable driving in deep snow/mountain road conditions - you will also need a valid international driving permit (road rules are identical to ANZ and most of Asia - other than South Korea). Rental vehicles are not cheap - costing approximately 25,000 yen per day for a mid-size 4WD.
Link to timetable information for Trains and Buses between the Airport and Hirafu:
http://www.niseko-hirafu.com/nisekopowderconnection/info.schedule.php
Please refer to the following 2 maps for an easy route to the Ekimne village area and then a detailed lodge map:
