Help Center

Hirafu Welcome Center, Kutchan i-Center, Niseko Station Tourist Office – all open 9 am–5 pm with bilingual staff.

Niseko Resort Tourist Association: 0136-44-2468
Kutchan Tourist Information Center: 0136-22-3344

Any Welcome Center, Niseko Tourism member businesses or resort ticket offices.

Yes – contact the nearest Welcome Center or ski patrol.

Free Wi-Fi at all Welcome Centers, Kutchan Station, and most cafés/restaurants.

Winter direct buses (Resort Liner/White Liner), JR train via Otaru to Kutchan, rental car, or private transfer.

Free Niseko United Shuttle Bus (every 15–30 min in winter).

Yes, all Niseko United shuttles are 100% free with or without lift ticket.

Most stop directly at major hotels in Hirafu, Lower Hirafu, and Niseko Village.

Last United Shuttle around 8–9 pm; night buses limited – check timetable.

Go Taxi is available.

Free shuttle or local bus from Hirafu (15 min); taxis ~¥2,000 one way.

Check daily avalanche & weather reports, stay inside marked resort boundaries, never ski drunk or exhausted, obey all signs and ski patrol.

Never. It’s illegal and extremely dangerous – fines and injury risk are high.

Keep noise low, remove shoes indoors, learn basic greetings (konnichiwa, arigatou), respect queues and personal space.

Quiet hours 10 pm–7 am, no loud music/parties, park only in designated spots, greet locals with a smile and nod.

Separate burnables, plastics, cans/bottles, and non-burnables. Use clear bags and follow condo/hotel rules – fines apply for mistakes.

Carry out all litter, use reusable bottles/bags, pick up after yourself on trails and in town.

Wait your turn calmly, merge like a zipper, control speed, yield to skiers ahead, don’t stop in blind spots, help others if they fall.

Say “itadakimasu” before eating, lift small bowls to mouth, slurp noodles, finish everything, say “gochisousama” after.

Never stick them upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick (funeral rituals).

Indoor photography (especially in restaurants, shops, homes, or onsen) is often unacceptable without explicit permission. Drones are forbidden over most of Niseko without special permits.

No – remove at the genkan (entrance) and use provided slippers.

Wash completely before entering bath, no swimsuits, no towels in water, keep quiet, tie up long hair.

Many traditional onsens ban them; some provide cover stickers or have tattoo-friendly hours.

Rinse left hand, right hand, mouth (spit beside), rinse ladle handle.

No – tipping is not customary and can be seen as rude.

Cold (-5–5°C days, below freezing nights), heavy snow (10m+ annual). Windy, icy; prepare for blizzards.

Powder days common in winter; check forecasts daily for visibility, wind holds on lifts.

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) app or AccuWeather for real-time avalanche/precip reports.

Mild (15–25°C days), cooler evenings (10–15°C). Breezy mountains; UV strong despite coolness.

Temps rise (5–15°C), chilly mornings/evenings, possible early April snow. Quick changes; layer up.

Down jacket, thermals, sweaters; hat, gloves, scarf, insulated non-slip boots; avoid wet jeans.

Always layer for indoor-outdoor shifts; quick-dry fabrics; reusable water bottle for hydration.

Goggles, helmet, base layers; rent skis/boots if new; avalanche beacon for backcountry (with training).

Short sleeves/T-shirts; light cardigan/windbreaker for evenings; hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

Coat/heavy jacket early, lighter layers mid-season; scarves, gloves; grippy shoes for snow.