If you are looking for an exciting winter getaway, try Niseko Village in Hokkaido, only a couple hours from Sapporo. With a good snow base and powder on top, the area is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobile fun. Two hotels, the Green Leaf and Hilton Niseko, provide accommodation and restaurants. There are multiple lifts and trails for both downhill and cross country skiing. Be sure to stop by the rental center for all the equipment and outerwear you need; not only are there skis and poles, but also gloves, jackets, pants, and helmets.
Niseko Village Snowboarders
The Niseko Village Snow School has accredited instructors from around the world available to teach group and private lessons; they even run a day care for younger children. If you are not interested in skiing, you can still experience the snowy outdoors with a snowmobile or snowshoe tour. Adventurous families might enjoy snow rafting, where a rubber raft is pulled by a snowmobile guide. A memorable experience from late December to early January is riding a sled pulled by a real reindeer.
Niseko Village sledding fun
Niseko Village is a popular winter wonderland, but also provides many interesting outdoor activities in the warmer months. Tree Trekking is an exciting obstacle course in the branches of trees. Adventurous attractions such as high wire walking and elevated swings are also open for those over 130 centimeters tall (51 inches). Take an exciting zipline tour or try your hand at badminton, disc golf, or kite flying. Rent a golf cart to get around or enjoy one of the many well-maintained hiking trails. A kid’s area is available for younger family members, and there are several golf courses for both the hobbyist and serious players. No matter what your interests, Niseko Village is open year-round for exciting outdoor entertainment.
Niseko Hirafu village (Photo credit: double-h)
There are several ways to get to Niseko Village, but the easiest one from New Chitose Airport is to take the Chuo Bus Company’s “Niseko Bus,” which runs several times each day. One way costs 2300 yen for adults and 1150 yen for children, or 3850 yen for a round trip for adults or 1930 yen for children. The Chuo Bus also runs to Sapporo Station. For more information about Niseko Village: http://www.niseko-village.com/en/winter/index.html
