2024 Kutchan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Unlock the 'Love Letter' limited travel, enjoy hot springs, skiing, and gourmet food

❄ Many people's longing for Hokkaido comes from the movie 'Love Letter', which depicts Otaru, Hokkaido as a romantic snow country town. Now this 'Love Letter' will invite you to a date in the snow country - 【Travel Highlights】 🦀Top Seafood｜Taste the fresh and sweet taste of the famous Hokkaido cold water seafood 🏂Quality Powder Snow｜Experience the silky world-class powder snow at Niseko/Rusutsu Ski Resort ✨Glass Workshop｜Feel the magical change of glass under high temperature, witness the craftsman's blowing process, and experience the production course ♨Hokkaido Hot Springs｜Bathe in the winter hot springs in the Sapporo backyard hidden by locals at Jozankei ⛄Snow Lantern Road｜In the winter-limited festival, feel the beautiful winter of Otaru decorated with warm candlelight and snow sculptures 🥃Visit Whiskey Brewery｜Taste the rich flavor of single malt whiskey - 【Encounter on the Way】 ✅Otaru｜Music Box Hall, Tengu Mountain, Asari, Triangle Market, Canal Warehouse, Funamizaka ✅Niseko and Rusutsu｜Skiing, drifting, horse riding, sledding, ice fishing, snow house sauna, helicopter tour, etc. ✅Sapporo｜Snow Festival, Sapporo Tower, Hokkaido Old Government Building, White Lover Factory, Tanuki Koji Shopping Street - 【Stay】 🏡Otaru Ginrinso｜Experience the Showa Japanese retro style, the vast and pure Ishikari Bay and the bustling romantic Otaru market are all in sight 🏡Niseko Park Hyatt｜Enjoy the private terrace hot spring, overlooking the magnificent scenery of Annupuri and Mt. Yotei 🏡Rusutsu Westin｜All rooms are duplex design, enjoy the fun of ice and snow in the mountains 🏡Jozankei Chalet｜Japan's latest SLH hotel, you can bathe in the hot spring in the room and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons - 【Delicacies】 🍣Otaru Sushi｜The top seafood produced in the cold water area makes the sushi chef adhere to the 'original flavor', highlighting the freshness of the ingredients 🐏Genghis Khan Grilled Lamb｜Thinly sliced lamb and vegetables are grilled on an iron plate, which is one of Hokkaido's local dishes 🏮Sapporo Miso Ramen｜One of Japan's three major ramen, with a representative flavor of rich soup - 【Itinerary Overview】 ❄DAY1｜Love Letter of Snow Country 💡Go to Otaru to watch the night view of Tengu Mountain and walk on the Snow Lantern Road ❄DAY2｜Fairy Tale Cross Street 🎏Triangle Market, Funamizaka, Music Box Hall, Glass Shop Tour, Taste Yoichi Distillery Whiskey ❄DAY3｜Dancing Niseko/Rusutsu 🏂Experience winter sports in the world-class powder snow field ❄DAY4｜Warm Jozankei ♨Experience the stunning holiday in Jozankei Hot Spring in Sapporo's backyard ❄DAY5｜Play with the Snow Festival ⛄Play with one of the world's four major snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, factory visit and production experience ❄DAY6｜Farewell to Hokkaido 👋🏻Return/Continue to travel to other cities in Japan

Sessa, Niseko - Japan: This is a sukiyaki and shabu shabu restaurant that offers very good beef. There are several kind of good beef that you can choose. The taste of sukiyaki is also great. It would be good to book the restaurant in advance. #merrychristmas

Yakitori Yamanchu, Niseko - Japan: This is an izakaya restaurant that offers good dishes. Yakitori yhere is nice and taste really good. However, the restaurant is quite small so it would be good to make a reservation in advance. #merrychristmas

A-Bu-Cha, Niseko - Japan: Nice sukiyaki restaurant. We ordered a set for 4 persons which the portion is enought. The beef is good while the soup is very condensed with great taste. The is one of the best sukiyaki in Niseko. #merrychristmas

The Barn by Odin, Niseko - Japan: A nice design restaurant with delicious dishes. We ordered several menus and also ending with the deserts. All are great especially Cheese Cake which is one of the best cheese cake I have ever tried. #merrychristmas

Intuition

#solotrip I would even say that this is my favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed in, the vibes just feel super cozy and homey and the details that go into the service here is just the cherry on top. the front desk stuff have all been super attentive and helpful during our stay, but I need to give a special shout out to the shuttle drivers- Hector, Ollie and Louis - who have been so friendly and made our lives so much easier driving us around between the hotel, the lifts and to dinner. Also the breakfast offered at this hotel is delicious,overall awesone

Experience the natural hot springs of Mount Fuji and live in harmony with nature.

Inspired by Zen, forget the hustle and bustle of the world and find peace of mind. The name has a deep meaning, derived from Zen meditation, meaning to let go of everything here, relax your mind and body, and surrender your senses to nature. Design A blend of old and new, light and shadow, tea and Zen, and nature. Architect Makoto Nakayama and artist Shouya Grigg have skillfully combined old and new, light and shadow, and the Zen of tea with minimalist architecture to create an authentic Japanese traditional inn hidden in nature. Rooms A blend of Japanese and Western styles, forest paintings, and private enjoyment. 15 independent suites, a fusion of Japanese tatami and modern Western rooms, each window is a flowing forest landscape painting, luxurious and warm. Cuisine Curated by Hokkaido's famous chef Yoshihiro Seno, using local seasonal ingredients, blending Hokkaido style with Japanese tradition, each bite is a masterpiece of nature and craftsmanship. Hot Springs The most exciting thing is the combination of outdoor and indoor hot springs, with volcanic hot spring water flowing and stone bathtubs with ancient charm, the winter water vapor is like being in a fairyland, leaving unforgettable memories of soaking in the hot springs. Facilities The tea room is not only a place for guests, but also a window for cultural experience. With the tea ceremony as a welcome ceremony, every guest can deeply feel the charm and essence of traditional culture. Experience Adjacent to Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort, it is a paradise for ski lovers. At the same time, Zaborin itself is also full of tranquility and rich experiences. In this quiet forest, find your own peace and beauty, and let your heart dance with nature.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Hokkaido | LV co-branded ski resort, a paradise for powder snow!

🎿Looking for a hotel for skiing + hot springs + food in autumn and winter? Come to Niseko, Hokkaido🔥!!! ❄️Fine powder snow, unique hot spring culture, and complete skiing facilities, even last year's Vuitton winter vacation flash store was stationed again! - Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Hokkaido - ✅Hotel location Park Hyatt Niseko is located in Hanazono Ski Resort, where you can ski in and out at any time; the famous LV cable car, Mongolian yurt flash store and heated seats are also here, and there are professional ski jumps and wild snow challenges suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Every Saturday, Park Hyatt will set off fireworks, blooming a romantic scene of snow and fireworks🎆 - ✅Room type difference 🏨The hotel has 100 rooms, including 28 suites, all with large floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can lie down and watch the snow scene of Niseko and Mount Yotei; ▪️9 of the suites have natural hot spring baths, a treasure artifact for relaxing after skiing; ▪️The hotel also has 114 apartments, which are different from the rooms in terms of decoration and layout; and they come with kitchens, washing machines and dryers and other living facilities, and you can buy ingredients to cook delicious food; ps: Don't worry if you haven't booked a hot spring room type, the hotel's bathhouse has a public natural hot spring - ✅Facilities The hotel has its own ski equipment and ski clothing rental, cable car ticket vending machine and 🎿exclusive ski equipment storage cabinet ❄️facilities, and these facilities in the hotel are a treasure place to relax after skiing every day: ❶Relax your tired body after skiing with a professional body and facial care in the spa ❷Soak in the natural hot spring or constant temperature swimming pool, enjoy the 270° snow scene outside the window, and feel comfortable ❸For friends with fitness needs, the hotel also has a fully equipped fitness center, and you can also see the snow scene of Mount Yotei - ✅Dining experience I guess there is no hotel in Niseko with more abundant food than Park Hyatt👍The hotel's 11 restaurants🍳include Chinese food, robatayaki, teppanyaki, and Italian cuisine. It is worth mentioning that there are even 2 Michelin restaurants! One is the sushi of the Michelin one-star🍣restaurant "Sushi Mitsukawa" in Kanazawa, and the other is the French cuisine created by the chef of the Michelin three-star restaurant "Moliere" in Sapporo, Hiroshi Nakamichi🍤, all of which use local ingredients from Hokkaido to present international cuisine🔥

Just got back from the slopes and wow, what a trip! ⛷️ I'm still buzzing from all the fresh powder and epic runs. Definitely made some unforgettable memories with amazing friends. Already dreaming of the next ski adventure! Anyone else hitting the slopes soon? #skilife #powderday #mountainvibes

Just waiting for the japanese winter

Had a great time in Niseko Japan. Cannot wait to go back! #niseko #snowboarding #japn

🏔️ Niseko's Finest Stays: Luxury, Scenery & Ski 🎿

Nestled in the heart of Niseko, Sansui Niseko offers a sublime blend of luxury and convenience for ski enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. 🛌 With spacious, well-appointed rooms featuring large windows for admiring the snowscape, this hotel is a haven of comfort. The in-room amenities, including a kitchenette and a cozy bathtub, ensure a stay that combines relaxation with the comforts of home. 🛁 The hotel's prime location means you can ski in and ski out with ease, while the multilingual staff, including Chinese-speaking personnel, are praised for their exceptional service. 🎿 After a day on the slopes, unwind in the private onsen or enjoy a quiet breakfast with a variety of quality options. 🍳 Despite the lack of free parking, the hotel's convenient services, including shuttles to local supermarkets and the airport, add to the seamless experience. 🚗 With its stunning views, excellent facilities, and attentive service, Sansui Niseko is a top-tier choice for your snowy getaway. 🌨️ 📍5-32, 1 JO 4 CHOME, NISEKO HIRAFU, Kutchan Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido, 044-0080, Japan #Niseko #NisekoHotel #NisekoTravel

🌟 Niseko's Hidden Gem: Luxe Comfort & Cuisine 🌟

🛌 Dreamy Getaway Alert! Nestled a mere 2.7km from the ski slopes, the Niseko Inn of Youtei Raku Suisan offers spacious rooms with laundry facilities and ample heating to keep you cozy after a day on the powder. Wake up to breathtaking views of Mount Yotei, though sometimes shrouded in mist, it's a sight to behold when clear! 🍽️ Culinary Delights & Personal Touches! Indulge in daily breakfasts and dinners, each a masterpiece of Japanese or French cuisine, crafted just for you. The inn's personal touch shines with services like a Chinese-speaking butler and thoughtful parting gifts like exquisite wooden chopsticks. 🚗 Convenience Meets Serenity! Though a bit off the beaten path, the hotel ensures a hassle-free stay with shuttles to the town center and ski resorts. Relish the silence and soak in the genuine onsen, complete with that signature sulfur scent, for an authentic Japanese spa experience. 📍 Visit Niseko Inn of Youtei Raku Suisan at Abuta-gun Aza-Kabayama 119-1, Kutchan Town, Hokkaido, 044-0078, Japan for an unforgettable retreat. #Niseko #NisekoHotel #NisekoTravel

Ryunabe

Ryunabe is Chinese hotpot restaurant where is located in Niseko. There is a homemade soup and fresh products. This restaurant serves meat such as Wagyu beef, chicken and so on. I recommend you to book in advance because it is not a big restaurant so the seat is limited (it might contain 50 seats.). It is quite cozy atmosphere and you can enjoy your time with your special one, friends and family. Car park is quite limited so it is better to take taxi. #Niseko #hotpot #Japan

Hanazono

Hanazono is located in Niseko and it is a place for playing ski and snowboard. Also, there is a hotel which is Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is established there as well. There is Louis Vuitton (Pop-up Store) as well, but if you would like to visit Louis Vuitton,you should check first because it is a pop-up store there. Also,you can take picture with Louis Vuitton igloo as well. For park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, you might have to book in advance. Furthermore, there is a Pierre Herme Paris dessert section at this hotel as well. You can enjoy your time with your friends, family and lover. #Niseko #Hanazono #snow

You must visit Niseko at least once!!!

🌿【Green Wonderland】: In the embrace of Niseko, explore the secret realms of forests covered in snow, and feel the magical charm of nature. 🌸【Cherry Blossom Avenue】: In spring, stroll along the Cherry Blossom Avenue in Niseko, as if you are in a vivid oil painting. 🏠【Traditional Japanese Inn】: Experience a night in a Japanese inn, enjoy authentic Japanese service, and make your trip even more heartwarming. 🍲【Japanese Culinary Journey】: Taste authentic Japanese ramen, sushi, and other delicacies, letting your taste buds also enjoy a feast. 🌊【Hot Spring Relaxation】: Take a bath in the hot springs of Niseko to sweep away fatigue and completely relax your body and mind. 🚗【Transportation Guide】: The transportation around Niseko is convenient, with the option to drive yourself, take a bus, or a taxi to various attractions.

ឆ្ងាញ់ៗ

Purple air comes from the east, the valley of the second world

The endless snow white in the winter of Hokkaido is a holy land for us who love skiing. My father's motto is either on the snow mountain in winter or on the way to the snow mountain!

#2024wish##niseko

Winter is the time to go to Hokkaido, these ski resorts are not to be missed

There are nearly a hundred large and small ski resorts in Hokkaido in winter, from local ski resorts to giant resorts, from the world-famous ski resorts of Niseko and Rusutsu, to the ski resorts near Sapporo city, Hokkaido is full of surprises❄ - 1⃣ Rusutsu Resort ⭐Features: The largest ski resort in Hokkaido, with 37 ski trails spread across three mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain, and Isola Mountain, boasting high-quality powder snow, with a total skiing distance of 42 kilometers 🏂🏻Ski Trails: Beginners are recommended to go to the East Mountain snow area, advanced skiers can try Isola Mountain ⛄Special Activities: Dog sledding, snowmobiling 🚗Transportation: About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo New Chitose Airport 📍13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido . 2⃣ Niseko Resort ⭐Features: Located in the southwest of Sapporo, it has the best quality powder snow in Japan, attracting skiers from all over the world 🏂🏻Ski Resort: There are 4 ski resorts, from difficult to easy: Village Ski Resort, Hirafu Ski Resort, Annapuri International Ski Resort, Garden Ski Resort ⛄Special Activities: The hotel has rich facilities, and there are high-quality hot springs nearby 🚗Transportation: About 2 hours drive from Sapporo Station 📍Niseko, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido . 3⃣ Sapporo Teine ⭐Features: High-quality powder snow above 1000m altitude, overlooking Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay 🏂🏻Ski Trails: A super long beginner's ski trail of 6km, you can find Chinese coaches, suitable for family trips ⛄Special Snow Activities: Children's Park, snow entertainment facilities 🚗Transportation: Only 40 minutes from the city center, very convenient! 📍593-3 Teinehoncho, Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido . 4⃣ Furano Ski Resort ⭐Features: Located in central Hokkaido, near Furano city, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Tokachidake and Daisetsuzan 🏂🏻Ski Trails: There are 28 ski trails, rich in variety, from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy the fun 🚗Transportation: About 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Sapporo 📍 Nakamise, Furano, Hokkaido . 5⃣ Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort ⭐Features: Complete hotel facilities, with a dreamy ice world 'Ice Village' 🏂🏻Ski Trails: 29 different ski trails, meeting the different needs of beginners to advanced skiers ⛄Special Activities: The fog ice observation deck suitable for photo shooting, and the ice castle made entirely of ice 🚗Transportation: About 2 hours drive from Sapporo 📍Tomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido

Nisako

Nisako is very nice. They all in white like living in the heaven. We fall in love every where we go and they are in white. The snow is so soft and very good to do ski there.#niseko Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

This time I stayed at the popular Setsu hotel in Niseko

First of all, the location is really good, five-star praise. Although it is not ski in ski out, there are many popular restaurants nearby, and there are restaurants such as Afuri, Michelin Tempura, Crab Sushi in the hotel, and a famous Western restaurant that provides breakfast. The breakfast variety is very rich, it is worth mentioning that the breakfast here is really delicious! There is also a convenience store next door, a bus to and from the ski resort, and a Rhythm shop in the hotel for renting ski equipment, which is really very convenient. The hotel facilities are very new, and the decoration is also good. After skiing, you can soak in the hot spring to relieve muscle soreness. During my stay, I met many internet celebrities from various countries, and it is indeed the popular fried chicken in Niseko. However, perhaps because there are too many foreign tourists in Niseko, I really can't feel the Japanese service. As a high-end hotel with not low prices in the snow season, there is no bottled water provided in the room, all toothbrushes and combs have to be taken at the front desk when checking in, and the service attitude of the staff is also slack. Overall, the hardware facilities here are indeed in place, but the software needs to be improved. However, as a Hyatt fan, I still love Hyatt in Niseko more. However, as a popular fried chicken, it is still worth trying. Especially for friends who love skiing, it is really convenient here.

Park Hyatt Niseko is an AMAZING resort👍

#freehotelstay

An amazing hotel experience, enjoy the ultimate skiing fun!

This hotel is really outstanding, and the snow scene is excellent! The overall atmosphere makes people feel very relaxed, the hardware facilities and services are very outstanding, of course, the price is correspondingly high, but it is worth the money, haha😂. Hilton provides free airport shuttle service, which can go directly to the hotel from New Chitose Airport. This bus is equipped with comfortable seats, water and blankets. The whole journey takes about two and a half hours, and there will be a 20-minute rest stop in the middle. It's very cozy to watch the snow and relax along the way! However, if you want to take this bus on the return journey, you need to pay and make a reservation in advance, because there are not many shifts. In terms of rooms, the double room we chose is very spacious, with a living room and dining room, and the bedroom has a partition, which can be considered a suite. The room also provides a lot of storage space, and the cloakroom is also large. There are also two complete bathrooms and a bathtub, and you can enjoy the beautiful view of the garden ski resort directly from the window. There are several restaurants in the hotel to choose from, and you need to make a reservation in advance. We tried three of them this time, and the taste was very good. Especially the Sichuan cuisine of China Kitchen, with the snow scene, it's just too good! The L floor of the hotel has a public hot spring, which is booked by the hour, controls the flow, and is a very comfortable hot spring experience. Although the gym is small, it is fully equipped. Next time you can try a one-bedroom suite with a private hot spring, or consider living in the residence near the hotel, I heard it's also very good! 🎿 - The ski resort is right outside the hotel, and there is a ski coaching agency, which also seems to need to be booked in advance. The hotel also provides ski equipment rental services, including helmets, ski suits/ski pants, ski boots and snowboards, and the daily rent is about 15,000 yen. In addition, there are products from brands such as Ancestor Bird and Peak Performance available for purchase in the store, and everything needed for skiing can be solved here. 🚠Remember to buy a cable car ticket before sliding and put it in the transparent pocket of the jacket. The validity period is from 5 hours to 2 days. In addition, please carry a physical bank card with IC function to avoid having to buy at the 308 window, where you usually need to queue up.

Powder Snow Paradise Hirafu Ski Resort

Hello everyone, today I am going to introduce you to the Hirafu Ski Resort in Niseko. I have skied all four ski resorts in Niseko, all four ski resorts share a mountain and are connected. From left to right: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono. Unless you are an expert, it is not recommended to buy a full mountain pass, because it is impossible to brush all four ski resorts. Hirafu Ski Resort is the earliest developed ski resort in Niseko. It is not large in terms of skiing area, but the town has a lot of supporting facilities, including restaurants, bars, supermarkets and specialty stores of major ski brands. In terms of transportation, I first flew to New Chitose Airport, then took a bus, about three hours, there are many bus stops, as long as you go to a famous hotel, basically point to point. If you are not sure where to get off, tell the bus driver the address when you get on the bus, and he will suggest where you should get off. About the cost: Ski suit 1500～3000 yen per day Ski board and ski boots 2000～4000 yen per day Adults (16-64 years old) 9300 yen Teenagers (13-15 years old) 7500 yen Children (4-12 years old) 5800 yen Chinese ski instructor (6 hours per day) 70000～90000 yen

Hirafu Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in Niseko

I went skiing in Niseko, Japan. There are four ski resorts in Niseko, and I went to Hirafu Ski Resort this time. Hirafu Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Niseko, not only with a variety of ski trails, but also with charming scenery. You can overlook Mount Yotei directly from the mountain! It is very suitable for skiers with some experience, but the design of the beginner's trail is not friendly to beginners. The living function around Hirafu is also the best, whether it is restaurants, accommodation or transportation, it is very convenient. About the cable car ticket: Most people will buy the Shinsetsu Valley United Mountain Cable Car Pass, which can be used for all cable cars. The price of the United Mountain Cable Car Day Pass is 8500 yen per day; a separate cable car pass can be purchased at each resort, the price is about 2000 yen. Because I only went to Hirafu Ski Resort, I bought a separate ticket. What else can you do besides skiing: 🔹Watch the sunrise at Mount Yotei: Known as the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido, you must get up early to watch the sunrise 🔹Kutchan Town: It's only a short drive from Shinsetsu Valley, where there are comprehensive grocery stores, many restaurants, and more accommodation options. Although it is a bit far from the ski resort, it can be reached by highway, and there are public buses in and out of the resort every day 🔹Hot springs: An activity that must not be missed when coming to Hokkaido

Some thoughts and suggestions on Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort:

1. Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort includes four ski areas, all located on Annupuri Mountain, and together they form the Niseko Ski Federation. These four ski areas are interconnected on the mountain, and you can buy ski tickets covering all four ski areas at any one of them. If you only plan to ski 1-2 ski areas, you can choose a single ski area ticket, which is about 300 RMB per day. The price of the all-mountain pass is 9500 yen (475 RMB) per day. 2. Features of the four ski areas: - Annupuri ski area has gentle and spacious slopes, very suitable for beginners. - Garden ski area is suitable for snowboard park players. - Niseko Village ski area has narrower slopes, but beautiful scenery. - Hirafu ski area is the largest and most diverse of the four ski areas, but also relatively crowded. In my opinion, unless you love adventure, there is no need to buy an all-mountain pass. Because it requires climbing between different ski areas, and if you miss the cable car, you may need to wait for the bus to go back, which is quite tiring. 3. Niseko has a very large amount of snowfall, and it snowed for three of the four days you stayed. Because it keeps snowing, the ski areas here hardly have any ice surface, it is easy to slow down with snow, and it won't hurt too much if you fall. After skiing in Niseko, you may feel like you are skating in Chongli and the Northeast. In addition, due to the continuous snowfall, there are hardly any carving players here, and hard snow conditions rarely occur. The freshly flattened snow will soon accumulate again, making it difficult to fully utilize the edge to cut into the snow. (So double-board skiers should not choose too narrow skis, and snowboarders should not choose completely carved boards, because you will have this experience) In general, Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort has a large amount of snowfall, providing good snow quality and a comfortable skiing experience. Choose a ski area that suits your level and preferences, and enjoy the fun of skiing!

Bar Gyu+ in Hokkaido !

#2024wish Bar Gyu+ is located about one kilometer from the Hirafu Welcome Center and the Grand Hirafu Resort. This old-fashion bar offers an excellent collection of Japanese whiskies, cocktails, wine, and all kinds of drinks. It’s such a dreamy experience having a drink inside while watching the snow ❄️ outside during winter time in Hokkaido ! Definitely would love to go back again! In 2024, I want to go to Hokkaido, Japan 🇯🇵!

Snow Symphony: Kutchan's Winter Dance

#2024wish In January 2015, my unforgettable trip to Sapporo included a short transit at Kutchan Station. The snow-clad landscape of Kutchan was mesmerizing, with quaint houses peeking out from under the thick, pristine snow blanket. At the station, I witnessed a fascinating scene as train authorities efficiently cleared the snow to ensure a smooth passage for the approaching train. The rhythmic dance of shovels and the meticulous coordination left an indelible impression on me. The cold air echoed with the distant hum of the train, creating a serene winter symphony. As I continued my journey, I couldn't help but marvel at the seamless fusion of nature's beauty and human ingenuity. In 2024, I wish to go there again, reliving the magical winter wonder of Kutchan.

Niseko and Kutchan Spellbinding Embraced

#2024wish In January 2015, I embarked on a memorable short stay in a quaint town nestled between Niseko and Kutchan in Hokkaido, Japan. The town, marked by the postcode 〒044-0080, Abuta District, offered breathtaking views of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri. Snow-covered landscapes painted a serene backdrop, and traditional Japanese architecture adorned the streets. The locals welcomed me with warmth, sharing tales of their unique culture. As I explored the area, the tranquil atmosphere left an indelible mark on my soul. Now, in 2024, the memories linger, and I find myself yearning to return to that enchanting place. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to relive the magic of that unforgettable winter escape.

Niseko Skiing Recommendation - Hirafu Ski Resort

Living in a place where it's summer all year round, I've always wanted to experience skiing. For my first skiing trip, I chose Hokkaido - Niseko. Niseko is divided into 4 areas, and for first-timers, I recommend choosing Grand Hirafu. There are more food options there, and it's easier to rent skiing equipment. Beginners can go to Dot base to ski. And you can usually arrange for a coach to meet you there. Transportation (Sapporo<>Niseko) 🚍Direct bus (Resort Liner / White Liner /CHUO bus) is recommended, please book online at least one week in advance & check the timetable 🚇Take the train -Sapporo>Otaru>Kutchan, then transfer to a bus to Hirafu Welcome Center Since this is a Local Train, you can't reserve a seat and you'll have to stand for the whole journey. Once you get to Kutchan, head straight to the bus stop on the left of the exit. If you don't, you might not be able to get on the bus and have to wait for the next one. Because everyone is carrying snow gear and luggage, it takes up a lot of bus space Tips ✔Only bring what you need, leave the rest of your luggage in a locker at Sapporo Jr ✔Bring your own ski goggles, quick-drying clothes, and pants ✔Reserve a restaurant in advance/go early to queue, otherwise, you'll only be able to eat at a convenience store ✔If it's your first time skiing, I recommend hiring a private coach. It's really necessary! Otherwise, getting on and off the chairlift can be very dangerous. You can group 4~6 people together for private lessons to share the cost.