Quick guide on how to explore Japan, for snow travelers from across the globe.

Second Stop: Grand Hirafu, Niseko

This Channel intends to introduce Ski & Snowboard slopes in Japan and any related information to visitors from across the globe. All businesses mentioned in the video or this description are my personal favorites. No commissions involved.

■Grand Hirafu, Niseko■
Niseko is by far the most friendly snow resort for visitors from across the world in Japan.

On the Niseko Annupuri mountain located in south west on Hokkaido Island, Niseko United consists of four snow resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri), out of which Grand Hirafu is the largest and Hirafu town offers a variety of off-slope activities.

All four resorts are connected by Niseko United Shuttle Bus.([ Ссылка ]).

■How to get there■
Hirafu is accessible from Sapporo New Chitose Airport. There are several different method of transportation, I recommend catching direct buses.

- Good Sports White Liner | JPY7,200 - 8,000 return, 2.5 hrs to Hirafu
[ Ссылка ]

- Chuo Bus (Japanese language only) | JPY4,580 return, 3.5 hrs to Hirafu
[ Ссылка ]

- All other transportation options are detailed here: (niseko.ne.jp/en/niseko/niseko-access/)

If you decide to catch a direct bus, typically you'd get off at Hirafu Welcome Centre and call your accommodation to come to pick you up. Transportation option varies among hotels. Speak with your accommodation in advance.

■Accommodation■

A couple of recommendations from my personal experience;
1) Chalet Ivy Hirafu $$$
Beautiful and spacious hotel, brilliant services, very convenient location. $350-$700/night or more.

2) Pension Alice $
Great value for the price. Clean, functional and homely yet attentive service.
Very reasonably priced. Call for quote.

It is definitely better to book an accommodation with transportation service to the slopes or within an easily walkable distance, however if in case your hotel isn't, you can always hop on Niseko shuttle buses.
[ Ссылка ]

■Equipment Hire■

Rhythm ([ Ссылка ]) is the absolute best in terms of quality, location and service, especially in English language. Price range however is on the higher end.

Niseko Grand HIRAFU Rentals ([ Ссылка ]) also offers excellent quality equipments, best location, good english services. Book online for a discount.

Amuse Sports ([ Ссылка ]) is a much more economical option. I hired from them last month and recommend strongly. They delivered to my hotel, came over to switch binding from regular to goofy, and the last day I just dropped my equipments outside of the welcome centre and they collected. Board was very well maintained burton, boots were brand new LASPEZIA (if I remember correct). English service may not be as good as Rhythm.

■Lift Pass■

There are 2 options.

Niseko United ([ Ссылка ])
Regular season adult 1 day pass for JPY8,000, for the entire Niseko Annupuri mountain (Hirafu, Hanazono, Village and Annupuri). Discount available through online booking.

Grand Hirafu & Hanazono only ([ Ссылка ])
Regular season 1 day adult pass for JPY6,200. Available for purchase at .Base lift pass counter, Ace family lift pass counter and others listed in the bottom of the link above.

If you are an IKON pass holder for 2019/20, Niseko (whole mountain) is covered.

■Japanese Yen Cash■

If you have time at Chitose airport, North Pacific Bank (Hokuyo Bank) at second level of domestic terminal offers better rates compared to Travelex.

In Hirafu town, there are some international ATMs, at Satudora, Seico Mart, Shiki and Lawson. Very detailed guide on the international ATM in Hirafu on Niseko Japan website ([ Ссылка ]).

■Niseko Rules■

Familiarize yourself with Niseko rules before going on the slopes.
[ Ссылка ]

■Resources■

Niseko United | [ Ссылка ]
Niseko Grand Hirafu | [ Ссылка ]
Niseko Promotion Board | [ Ссылка ]

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