Your Guide to Niseko, Japan

3-Day Itinerary for Snowboarding, Dining + Onsens

If you’re heading to Niseko, Japan, you’re in for a snowy paradise! From world-famous powder skiing to relaxing onsens and incredible food, this 3-day itinerary will guide you through the best things to do in Niseko. Plus, if you're planning a trip to Hakuba, be sure to check out our detailed Hakuba Japan Travel Guide for more amazing snow-filled experiences!

Day 1: Welcome to Niseko!

Morning: Arrive in Niseko

  • After arriving in Niseko, head straight to your hotel. We recommend the Niseko Grand Hotel for its excellent location and relaxing onsen. Perfect way to start your adventure. If it’s booked or your looking for something a bit cheaper, check out the Niseko Park Hotel – the breakfast buffet was amazing and the onsens were super nice and not super crowded.

Afternoon: Explore Hirafu Village

  • Make your way to the Hirafu Welcome Center for all the info you need about getting around Niseko. It’s your go-to hub for shuttle buses and tourist info.

  • Wander around Hirafu Village, grab a coffee at Arabica (the best oat milk lattes in Niseko!!), and check out the shops. Stop by Rakuichi Soba for the best handmade soba in town!

Evening: Dinner and Onsen Relaxation

  • Enjoy dinner at Kamimura, a Michelin-starred restaurant that blends French and Japanese flavors.

  • End the day with a soak at the Niseko Grand Hotel Onsen, a beautiful outdoor onsen with views of Mt. Yotei.

Day 2: Snowboarding, Après-Ski, and More Onsen Time

Morning: Ski at Grand Hirafu

Start your day bright and early by heading straight to Grand Hirafu for some skiing! It’s the largest ski area in Niseko, and it has runs for all levels, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style. After a few hours on the slopes, stop by Niseko Station to grab a coffee (they serve cappuccinos in FOR HERE CUPS, wild… I know.

Lunch: Grab a Bite at Grand Hirafu

  • Head to Grand Hirafu for a casual lunch. Choose from a range of ski-in restaurants offering everything from ramen to sushi. The food at the ski resorts in Japan is seriously NEXT level. Yes, it’s more expensive than the other restaurants (just like in the US) but we are talking $20 USD for a massive bowl of homemade pork belly ramen… the US and Japan resorts are not one in the same…

Afternoon: Hanazono Resort

  • Make your way to Hanazono, known for its advanced terrain, tree runs, and terrain parks. If you're into off-piste skiing or snowboarding, this is your spot.

Evening: Après-Ski and Dinner

  • For après-ski, check out Freddie’s, one of the most popular spots for drinks and casual vibes.

  • For dinner, head to The Barn by Odin, a cozy spot serving hearty French country food.

  • Afterward, unwind at Goshiki Onsen, a perfect place to soak and relax after a day on the slopes.

Day 3: Chill, Explore, and Soak

Morning: Ski at Niseko United

  • Start your day at Niseko United, one of the best ski resorts in Japan. Whether you're a beginner or expert snowboarder, Niseko has something for everyone. There is SO much terrain to choose from but starting here will give you a little bit of everything.

Lunch: Kutchan Town or Hirafu Village

  • Grab a casual bite in Kutchan Town or check out the local food trucks in Hirafu Village for something quick and delicious.

Afternoon: Annupuri Resort

  • Head to Annupuri, the quietest of the Niseko resorts. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon of skiing with fewer crowds. Annupuri is great if you have kiddos with you!

Evening: Dinner and Final Onsen

  • For a casual dinner, try Izumikyo, where you’ll find delicious, locally-sourced dishes.

  • End your trip with a soak at Yugokoro-tei Onsen. It's the perfect way to unwind before you head home.

Rhythm Hirafu

If you're staying in the Hirafu area, Rhythm Hirafu is just a quick 100-meter walk from the Grand Hirafu Gondola. They’ve got a great selection of ski and snowboard gear, including some premium options if you’re looking to really dial in your setup. Plus, they’ll make sure your boots fit perfectly. It’s a solid choice if you need gear for the day, and you can easily book online to get a little discount.

YamaSport

YamaSport is another great spot in Hirafu, offering both premium and standard rentals, so you can pick what works best for you. They’ve got a super friendly team who will make sure you’re all set with gear that feels right for you. If you book ahead online, you can score a small discount too.

Niseko Grand Hirafu Rentals

If you’re heading up the Ace Gondola, Niseko Grand Hirafu Rentals is right there at the base. They’ve got everything from the basics to more high-end options. If you need more than just skis or a board, they also rent out clothing and other accessories. They have a few locations around Niseko, which makes it easy to drop by and pick up gear.

Niseko Sports

You’ll find Niseko Sports in both Hirafu and Hanazono, making it easy to pop in no matter where you’re staying. They’ve got a pretty big selection of ski and snowboard gear, plus all the boots and clothing you might need. If you're in the mood to shop, they’ve also got a retail store for gear and accessories.

Rental Shop Yoshi

Rental Shop Yoshi is another spot in Hirafu where you can grab your ski or snowboard gear. They’re also known for offering private lessons and even car rentals, which can be super handy if you want to explore the area. Their team’s reputation for being helpful and friendly makes it a great choice, and they also offer a little discount if you book online in advance.

Get Around Niseko

Use our Google Map of Niseko to easily navigate between the must-visit spots.

If you’re also planning a trip to Hakuba, be sure to check out our Hakuba Japan Travel Guide for more snow-filled fun!

This 3-day Niseko itinerary has it all: skiing, dining, onsens, and more. We hope this helps you plan your perfect trip. Enjoy every moment in Niseko!