Niseko Village

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Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village
Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village
The Village at Niseko Village
The Village at Niseko Village
Niseko Village Ski School
Niseko Village Ski School
Niseko Village is good for beginners
Niseko Village is good for beginners
Niseko Village has a few gondolas
Niseko Village has a few gondolas
Lots of ski-in ski-out accommodation
Lots of ski-in ski-out accommodation
The Greenleaf Hotel
The Greenleaf Hotel
Onsen overlooking Mt Yotei
Onsen overlooking Mt Yotei
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Village
Niseko Village
Overlooking Mt Yotei
Overlooking Mt Yotei
New made to look old machiya architectural village
New made to look old machiya architectural village
The Village
The Village
The Village has a few shops
The Village has a few shops
Ski shop at Niseko Village
Ski shop at Niseko Village
The ski area in isolation is rather small
The ski area in isolation is rather small
Skiing Niseko Village
Skiing Niseko Village
Niseko Village Japan
Niseko Village Japan
The Hilton Niseko Village
The Hilton Niseko Village
Ski-in ski-out accommodation
Ski-in ski-out accommodation

Niseko Village

Readers Ratings

Niseko Village

Niseko Village4/52
Niseko Village4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
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Wagner Custome Skis

Other Niseko Ski Areas

Niseko Annupuri
Niseko Hanazono
Niseko Hirafu

Ski Resorts Near Niseko

Rusutsu
Moiwa
Kiroro
Sapporo Kokusai
Sapporo Teine

Niseko Information

When to Visit Niseko

Niseko Village

The Niseko Village sits at the base of the Niseko Village Ski Area of Niseko United. Formerly known as the Niseko Higashiyama ski resort, the rebranding has drawn more visitors to the area, but perhaps increased potential confusion about what’s in a name. Niseko Village shouldn’t be confused with Niseko town, which is located 6km to the south, or Hirafu which is the most vibrant of the Niseko villages. Meanwhile Higashiyama (east mountain) village still exists, which is the pension village that’s situated a short distance from the ski-in ski-out resort areas.

The Niseko Village base area is very resortified and is dominated by a series of resort hotels: the Green Leaf Hotel; Hilton Niseko Hotel; Hinode Hills; and Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. There is also a small business strip called “The Village” which has been built to replicate a traditional machiya architectural village.  

Pros and Cons of Niseko Village

Many of the general pros and cons for Niseko Japan also apply.

Pros 
  • Niseko Village is popular with beginners, due to the predominance of ski-in ski-out accommodation, the varied beginner slopes, and the many English speaking instructors for both adults and children.
  • In addition to ski school, Niseko Village is also good for families due to the activities on offer.
  • It’s ideal if you’re looking for large ski-in ski-out resort hotel accommodation.
  • Of the 8 lifts, 3 are gondolas (1 is a chondola) so beginners will be protected from the elements whilst riding up the hill.
  • The Niseko Village ski slopes are a little quieter than those at Hirafu and Hanazono.
  • Like the other Niseko ski areas, the snow is phenomenal and an average of 18 metres of powder falls per season.
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • With the exception of some of the Higashiyama lodges and pensions, a Niseko Village ski holiday is targeted to those with a very generous budget. Slopeside accommodation, dining, lessons, and equipment rentals are all very costly.
  • Despite being called “Niseko Village”, there isn’t really (much of) a village where you can wander around shops and restaurants as you’d find in Hirafu. It’s a very curated resort experience. If vibrant nightlife is high on your priority list, or an abundance of shops and restaurants, this is probably not the area for you, although you can get a bus or taxi into Hirafu if you are seeking this.

Niseko Village Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The Niseko Village Ski Resort (formerly Higashiyama Niseko) is one of the four inter-connected ski resorts of Niseko United, and is located between Hirafu and Annupuri. Niseko Village Ski Resort offers 27 marked trails (12 beginner, 7 intermediate and 8 short advanced trails) and access to off-piste and sidecountry terrain. The ski area has 890 metres of vertical drop (280 - 1,170m). See the Niseko Village ski resort page for more information.

Where is Niseko Village?

Niseko Village is located in the Niseko region about 9km southwest of the Hirafu village. The New Chitose Airport (Sapporo Airport) is the main gateway airport and there are airport shuttle buses and private transfers available. See the travel to Niseko Village page for more information.

Travel around the base of Niseko Village is very easy via gondola or shuttles, and transport to and from the other Niseko base areas is also available.

Niseko Village Accommodation

Niseko Village accommodation includes the ski-in ski-out Greenleaf Hotel, the Hilton Niseko Village, Hinode Hills, and the opulent Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Also close to the slopes is Kasara Townhouse, which offers incredibly luxe apartment style accommodation.

A little further away from the slopes are Higashiyama lodges, pensions, and a small amount of self-contained accommodation. See Niseko Village Accommodation Listings.

The Village

The Village at Niseko Village (is it just me or are all these similar names so confusing?) is a collection of new-made-to-look-old buildings adjacent to the Hilton Hotel, that house a handful of restaurants and a couple of shops. The traditional Japanese architecture looks lovely, but it also feels a fraction cheesy when you can see the backdrop of the towering semi-modern Hilton Hotel.

Niseko Village Restaurants

Niseko Village restaurant options are somewhat limited and tend to charge a premium. Most restaurants are contained within the hotels.

The Hilton Hotel is home to various restaurants with a range of cuisine on offer. Expect dining to be rather expensive. Even simple fare such as burgers at the Ezo Pub is very costly.

The Village features a few eateries including a patisserie and an izakaya.

The Greenleaf Hotel has a lounge bar and a buffet restaurant, and if you venture away from the slopes there are a few dining options at lodges such as Black Diamond Lodge.

[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Niseko Village Restaurants"]

Ski Resort Facilities

Niseko Village ski lessons and snowboard tuition are big business. There are huge numbers of snowsports instructors, but it would be wise to pre-book lessons because the instructors are in hot demand due to the massive number of beginners that flock to Niseko Village. Group lessons are available for kids (ages 6 & up for skiing, 7 & up for snowboarding), whilst group lessons for adults are just for beginners. Group lessons are pretty expensive but not compared to private lessons which are only for those with an infinite budget.

Ski and snowboard equipment rentals are available at the Green Leaf Hotel, Hinode Hills, the Higashiyama Niseko Village The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the Niseko Gondola base (opposite the Hilton), with the main emphasis being on beginner to intermediate equipment.

[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Niseko Village Rentals"]

Activities

In the region there are a host of Niseko ski guiding options available to explore the powder in the off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry. Niseko cat skiing is also a popular way to ensure you get plenty of fresh powder, and there are snowcat skiing outfits that cater to intermediate powder riders up to experts.

At Niseko Village there is first tracks cat skiing, whereby you get in one powder run before the hordes arrive via the lifts. You have to book 5 days in advance though, so it may be hard to know whether it’s going to be a powder day or not.

Niseko Village also has other snow activities, with a major focus on family oriented and kids’ activities which include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, guided snowshoe tours, snow rafting (inflatable raft towed behind a snowmobile), and reindeer sled rides.

Shopping

Most of the Niseko shopping is situated in the Hirafu village, with only a handful of shops in Niseko Village.

The Village features a ski shop which sells lots of ski and snowboard accessories and ski clothing but no hardware. It features lots of different upscale apparel brands, yet only a small range for each brand. For ski and snowboard hardware, you can head to Boot Solutions.

There is also a boutique, selling handbags, upscale giftware and dresses and clothing that most people wouldn’t wear at a snowy destination!

The lobby shop at the Hilton sells a small range of snacks, drinks and simple gifts, and the Green Leaf also has a basic store for snacks and souvenirs.
Tours In/Near The Niseko Area

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Powder Progression for Skiers
GUIDED SKIER PROGRESSION TOUR
8 Nights | 4 Days Instruction | 2 Days Guiding
Ability: Advanced
Do you charge the piste but struggle in powder? This Niseko and Otaru based tour is an instructional tour with certified instructors and includes day trips to nearby ski resorts.
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share accom for the last group tour in 24/25 season with exception of snow festival tour.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,366
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Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour
HOSTED & GUIDED ADVENTURE
10 Nights - 8 Days Guided Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
The Southern Hokkaido region scores the most snow and with this lift accessed sidecountry tour you'll get to explore the best ski areas. 3 nights in Otaru, 5 nights in Hirafu Niseko & 2 nights in Hakodate.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for last group tour for 2024-25 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,808
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Hokkaido Powder Tour
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE
7 Nights | 8 Days | 6 Days Skiing/Riding
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Ski waist deep powder, summit volcanoes, take a soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy great food; these are just some of the highlights of this tour. This is a backcountry road trip for those who have an appetite for a real adventure...and are fit.
Price p/p Price is per person based on twin or triple-share rooms for 2025 season
Base/invoice currency is CAD
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 3,218
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Niseko Village here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Otaru & Niseko Powder Chaser
HOSTED POWDER CHASING TOUR
7 Nights | 6 Days Chasing Powder
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are on a budget but still want to ride all of the best spots around Niseko & Otaru then this package/tour is for you! Join as a solo traveller or small group or book the entire 5 spots!
Price p/p Price is per person based on a group of 2-5.
Base currency is Japanese Yen/invoice currency is AUD
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,291
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Niseko Guiding
GUIDING IN/FROM NISEKO or OTARU
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 5 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are in Niseko or Otaru with a group, a day or multiple days of guiding at Niseko or nearby ski areas will make sure you get to the powder stashes (off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry). PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 5 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group).
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON rate per day for PRIVATE group of 5 in peak season. Full price is 130,000 yen for group in peak season for 24/25.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 177
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BDT Lift Assisted Backcountry Tours
LIFT ASSISTED BACKOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours for a day or more of guided powder hunting in Niseko or one of the nearby resort or backcountry areas with your own PRIVATE GROUP. Areas include Niseko backbowls, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine & Kokusai. Primarily lift accessed so minimal hiking.
Price p/p From price based on 1 day tour per person - 5 people in private group (lift tickets not included) for 24/25 season exclusive of tax.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 163
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Niseko Village here

Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area Tours

Guided Photography Tours Niseko
GUIDED PHOTOGRAPHIC TOURS
Half & Full Day Package | Private Groups Only
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Experience Niseko's world-famous powder snow with your guide and professional photographer. Incredible snow… the best zones… epic shots!! Private groups only of up to 5 in a group. Suited to all abilities.
Price p/p From price based on half-day package per person in a private group of 5. Total price for group is 85,000 yen.
base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 116
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Niseko Powder Discovery
RESORT POWDER IN/FROM NISEKO
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 4 guests
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Hunt out new zones with an instructor in the off-piste (inside the resort boundaries) at Niseko & surrounding ski resorts. PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 4 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group). Minimum age 10 years. Sample price per person assumes 4 in your group
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON rate per day for PRIVATE group of 4 in peak season. Full price is 110,000 yen for group in peak season for 24/25.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 187
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Niseko Ultimate Powder Tour
Guided Niseko & Cat Skiing
6 Nights | 4 Days Guided | 1 Day Cat Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This luxury 6-night, 7-day tour is ideal for advanced to expert skiers & snowboarders who want to maximise their time in Niseko with an experienced guide. The tour includes luxe lodging and a day of epic cat skiing.
Price p/p From price is per person twin-share
base/invoice currency is USD
USD 6,950
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See all Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area tours that visit Niseko Village here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Backcountry Touring Day Trips
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY DAY TOURS
Niseko & Surrounding Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Ideal if you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided BACKCOUNTRY day in or around Niseko. These day tours are specifically for those who are happy to earn their turns and are for private groups of 1 - 5 guests (but 6 - 7 is also possible with a tail guide).
Price p/p From price based on PER PERSON for a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests in main season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 197
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BDT Guided BC Day Tours
PRIVATE GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | Shiribetsu & Yotei
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours on an epic day (or days) of guided backcountry skiing or riding near Niseko. Ideal for private groups. Areas include Niseko backcountry areas, Shiribetsu, lower Mt Yotei or Yotei summit (weather pending).
Price p/p From price based on 1 day of guided backcountry skiing/riding per person (5 guests in your group e.g. 120,000 yen total) for 2025 season ex taxes.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 163
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Summit Ski Niseko Day Guiding
GUIDED DAY TOURS NISEKO AREA
Private groups of up to 5 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Day guiding for your PRIVATE GROUP of up to 5 people (or more if you add a second guide) for Niseko area including Moiwa, Rusutsu, Kiroro & others. Summit Ski offer instructor/guides for these locations.
Price p/p Price is per person based on a PRIVATE group of 5 for 2025 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to currency fluctuations
USD 163
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Niseko Village here

Heli Skiing Tours

Shiribetsu-Dake Day Heliskiing
DAY HELI SKIING RUSUTSU - 6 RUN PACKAGE
Includes Niseko pickup & lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Heli skiing operation near Rusutsu & Niseko where you ski or ride Hokkaido's deep dry powder on a dormant volcano (adjacent to Rusutsu and not far from Niseko). Join as a solo or small group, or private charter. Upper advanced to experts only
Price p/p From price based on 6-run heli ski day 2025 rates.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,360
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See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Niseko Village here

Cat Skiing Tours

Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package
MIXED GROUP DAY CAT SKIING
7 - 9 Runs
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up powder runs of 450-680m of vertical bliss, with 6 to 9 runs for the day. Located near Niseko, the Iwanai Resort snowcat skiing terrain scores masses of snowfall. Ideal for advanced riders with powder experience for group tours or strong intermediates for private snowcat.
Price p/p Price is per person per day
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations. Price includes 8% sales tax
USD 1,020
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Chisenupuri Cat Skiing
UNGUIDED CAT SKIING NEAR NISEKO
Single Day, Pick Up & Return Niseko
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Unguided cat skiing near Niseko is at the former ski resort of Chisenupuri. You have the freedom to explore and it is ideal for apprentice powder hounds or advanced riders heading to Niseko. Chisenupuri cat skiing is a lust-do! Finish the cat ski day with a soak in an amazing onsen.
Price p/p Price is per person per day for 2025 season exclusive of tax
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 604
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Niseko Cat Skiing Day Tours
NISEKO DAY CAT SKIING
Single Day Guided, Inc. Lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A day of awesome guided cat skiing near Niseko in backcountry terrain with some steep lines, technical trees, and pillows and mushrooms. The snowcat skiing is ideal for those craving bottomless untracked powder runs.
Price p/p From price is per person for 24/25 season (min 4 persons required to operate)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese yen in taxes
*display price may vary slightly with fluctuations in currency
USD 646
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See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Niseko Village here
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