frequently asked questions

Niseko is located on the northernmost island of Japan – Hokkaido.
The closest airport to Niseko is New Chitose Airport (CTS), and the closest major city is Sapporo.
Niseko Annupuri is approximately 114kms or approximately a two hour drive from the New Chitose Airport.

Approximate flight times to New Chitose Airport :

• 2 hour flight from Tokyo
• 4 hour flight from Shanghai
• 5 hour flight from Hong Kong
• 10 hour flight from Singapore via Tokyo
• 11 hour flight from Sydney

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ACCESS NISEKO ANNUPURI FROM THE NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT OR SAPPORO CITY.

Early Season (Resort open to Mid December)

In late November/ early December temperatures plummet into minus figures as snow blankets the region. While there is limited off piste skiing during this period in bounds trails are usually incredible as the mountain has yet to completely fill in and there are natural skiable features that will be buried in the coming months.

High Season (Mid December to Early March)

If you are looking to experience Niseko’s world-class champagne powder, go night skiing, ski off piste or in the back country, travel to Niseko from the middle of December through to the end of February.

Early Spring Season (Early March to April)

March is also a great time to come to Niseko. The resort is generally quieter and it’s common to see large dumps of snow followed up by sunny days! It’s a great time of year for families as the weather is usually warmer and you can enjoy longer days on the mountain.

Spring Season (April to resort close)

April is a great time to enjoy incredible spring skiing with warmer, stable and often sunny weather conditions.

When is the best time to book my Niseko Holiday.

We recommend making your Lodge 401 Niseko reservation at least 6 months to 1 year in advance. Our boutique accommodation is always under high demand each season and peak periods tend to sell our 6 months prior to the season.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION

• Mid December through early March is typically the coldest period of the season. Average temperatures range between -2ºc to -7ºc in the village but can sometimes fall as low as -20ºc. On the mountain temperatures regularly range from -2ºc to -25ºc at the peak.
• We recommend our guests high quality outerwear, thermals, neck warmers and face masks while enjoying the mountain and exploring the village.

• Generally you find the most powdery snow from late December and throughout January, February and sometimes into early March. From mid March onwards the snowpack is warmer and perfect for spring skiing.
• On average Niseko Annupuri receives 15 meters of snow per season, mostly falling during a 3 month period.

Niseko is a famous destination for snow sports enthusiasts throughout the whole season, but by far the area’s busiest times are Christmas/ New year and Chinese New Year.

• Yes! There is a shuttle which operates from the Lodge 401’s nearby but stop approximately every hour and stops at each of the Niseko United Resorts.
• CLICK HERE FOR THE SHUTTLE TIMETABLE:
• https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/niseko-access/#shuttle

Yes! Niseko is an international resort and sees travellers from all corners of the world. Most signage has English translations as do many restaurant menus. Information is readily available in several languages throughout Niseko and while it should not be expected, many Japanese have a fantastic grasp on a second language.

Lodge 401 Niseko is the closest western style lodge to the resort. Our lodge is located about a 1 minute walk (around 80m) to the ski resort and about 3 minutes walk or around 300m to the main gondola station.

Yes! The upper lifts at Niseko Annupuri provide direct access to the other ski resorts on the Niseko United mountain. Annupuri also offers the fastest access to some of the best side-country gates in all of Niseko.

Niseko Annupuri Key Statistics

• Vertical Drop  ~756 m (400–1,156 m elevation)
• Courses 13
• Lift Count 6 (1 gondola, quads, pair lifts)
• Avg. Snowfall > 15 m per season
• Snow Depth (Peak) Feb–Mar: 220–273 cm
• Season Duration Late Nov to early May
• Lift Hours 8:30–16:30 (day), selected nights 16:30–19:30
• Resort Size (Niseko United) ~2,190 acres; 32 lifts; 72 runs

Niseko United Key Statistics

• Summit Elevation: 1,309m (4,291 ft)
• Vertical Drop: 1,009 meters (3,310 ft)
• Skiable Area: 887 hectares (2,191 acres)
• Side Country Access Gates: 11
• Annual Snowfall: over 15 meters
• Terrain: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced
• Longest Run: 5.6km (3.5 miles)
• Number of Trails: 61
• Lifts: 38

Annupuri Niseko is a well-known destination for night skiing, offering one of the largest illuminated ski areas. Skiing at night is a unique and exhilarating experience, as the resort lighting enhances the visibility of snow contours. The night skiing season usually begins in mid-December, with operations running daily from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

• Beginners: Annupuri has wide, gentle runs and several green/“family” courses. It’s considered one of the more beginner‑friendly areas in Niseko United.
• Intermediates: Lots of well‑groomed intermediate slopes. Intermediates will find good variety, nice lengths, and less crowding than some of the busier resorts.
• Advanced/Experts: There are steeper pitches, opportunities for backcountry and sidecountry terrain, bowls, moguls, and steeps off piste. Serious skiers can find challenge, especially if they venture beyond the groomed trails.

The closest supermarkets and drugstores are in Niseko Town, approximately 10 km away or about a 10-minute drive. Lodge 401 staff make regular trips there, so feel free to ask if you’d like a ride.

Yes, you’ll find several souvenir shops offering a wide variety of items. New Chitose Airport, as well as hotels in Annupuri, Niseko Village and Hirafu areas, also have great selections. In Niseko Town, a few local shops feature handmade crafts and unique regional products.

• While Niseko is best known for its incredible snow, there are plenty of winter activities beyond skiing. You can enjoy things like snowmobiling, catskiing, snowshoeing, horse riding, dog sledding, as well as cooking classes and cultural experiences.
• CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE LINK TO NISEKO PAGE
• For more extensive shopping, you’ll need to venture outside the resort area to cities like Otaru or Sapporo. Even visiting a local supermarket can be a fun and unique experience! Regular train services run from both Kutchan Station and Niseko Station to Otaru and Sapporo, making day trips easy and accessible.

Most 4G and 5G phones are compatible, but it’s best to confirm with your service provider before traveling to Japan to ensure your phone will work in Niseko

The closest international and domestic airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS), also known as Sapporo Airport. It’s located in Chitose City, about 36 km southeast of Sapporo and 120 km east of Niseko.

You can fly direct to CTS from several cities across Asia and beyond:
Singapore: Scoot

• Malaysia: AirAsia X
• Thailand: Thai Airways, ANA, China Airlines, JAL
• Taiwan: ANA, China Airlines, EVA Air, JAL
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific, JAL
• South Korea: Korean Air, Air Busan, JAL, others
• China: Air China, ANA, JAL, more
• Hawaii: Hawaiian Airlines

No direct flights to CTS? Domestic options:

You can also fly into CTS from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) or Osaka (Kansai Airport). Carriers include:

• Japan Airlines (JAL)
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Low-cost options: Peach Aviation, Air Do, Vanilla Air, Skymark, Jetstar Japan

Consider staying overnight near the airport.

View recommended airport hotels LINK TO HOTELS

See our full Niseko Access Guide LINK TO ACCESS

Approximate travel times:

• Private transfer: 2–2.5 hours
• Ski bus/coach: ~3 hours
• Rental car: 2–2.5 hours
• Train: ~3.5 hours

See our full Niseko Access Guide LINK TO ACCESS

Approximate travel times:

• Private transfer: ~2 hours
• Ski bus/coach: ~3.5 hours
• Rental car: ~2 hours
• Train: ~3 hours

To drive in Japan, you must have:

• A valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention
• Your home-country driver’s license

Note: IDPs from Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and Taiwan are not valid in Japan. Instead, you must carry:

• Your local license
• A certified Japanese translation

• Zero alcohol tolerance for drivers
• Children under 6 must use a child safety seat
• Winter-ready vehicles available: 4WD, snow tires, navigation in English, snow tools
• No snow chains allowed or needed
• Roof rack capacity: 4 skis or 2 skis + 2 snowboards
• Roads are regularly cleared, but parking is limited and first-come, first-served
• Return cars with a full tank (or incur a fuel charge)
• Vacation Niseko guests may need to move cars in the morning for snow clearing

Your stay at Lodge 401 Niseko includes 1 free parking spot in front of the chalet. Additional parking is available nearby—our team will guide you.

Winter driving tips:

• Roads are narrow due to snow buildup
• Visibility can be poor due to snow or sun glare
• Night driving is tricky—roads are often poorly lit

Spring to Autumn: Easier conditions, but mountain roads can still be challenging.

Important:

• Most shops and restaurants have no parking
• Street parking is illegal and increasingly enforced
• Driving under any alcohol influence is illegal—you can be arrested, and even passengers may face consequences

If you land after 18:00, your options are:

• Private transfer
• Car rental
• Stay overnight in Chitose

The last shuttle bus leaves CTS at 19:30 and arrives in Annupuri at 23:10.
Recommendation: Stay near the airport and catch the first morning bus (~10:00).

View recommended airport hotels LINK TO HOTELS

• Domestic flights after 11:35am: Ski bus transfer is possible
• International flights before 12:30pm: Use a private transfer or train from Niseko Station

More info on airport transfers

Yes – We recommend booking transfers at least one month in advance.

Book your shuttle or private transfer here

The closest stop is Northern Resort Annupuri. We offer complimentary pick-up/drop-off at check-in and check-out.

• Last bus from CTS to Annupuri: Departs 19:30, arrives 23:10
• First bus from Annupuri to CTS: Departs 7:05, arrives ~10:40

From flight to bus:

• Domestic arrivals: Allow 60 minutes
• International arrivals: Allow 90–120 minutes
• Arrive at the bus check-in counter 20 minutes early

From Niseko to airport:

• Travel time: 2–3 hours, depending on weather

Leave:

• 4.5+ hours before international flights
• 3.5+ hours before domestic flights

Tip: Arrive early—New Chitose Airport has shopping, restaurants, an onsen, cinema, and kids’ attractions.

During peak holidays (Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year), allow extra time.

No problem—Niseko is one of the most international regions in Japan. Many local businesses have English-speaking staff or are well-versed in assisting international visitors.

Each year, more staff with English skills and international backgrounds are employed throughout Niseko. During the winter season in particular, a large number of seasonal workers come from abroad. Most accommodation providers offer service in both English and Japanese, and many also have Chinese-speaking staff.

English-language support has expanded in recent years, with signs and instructions in English now common in supermarkets, convenience stores, banks, and taxis. Even if you don’t speak any Japanese, navigating Niseko should be smooth and stress-free.

Yes, absolutely. Larger cities in Japan offer plenty of Western dining options. You might even find some Japanese dishes surprisingly similar to Western cuisine! In Niseko we have a great mix of both international and Japanese restaurants to suit all tastes.

Yes—Japan has a few important cultural customs to be aware of:

• Shoes Off Indoors: Upon entering your accommodation, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes and wear the slippers provided. Walking indoors with shoes, including ski or snowboard boots, spiked footwear, or outdoor shoes, is not allowed.
• Alcohol Laws: Alcohol is only legally served to individuals aged 20 and over.
• Driving & Alcohol: Japan enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to serious consequences.
• Onsen Etiquette: Onsens (hot spring baths) have specific customs. You must wash thoroughly before entering, and swimsuits are not allowed in most traditional baths. Some mixed-gender onsens may provide a modesty towel or bathing garment. For more details on proper etiquette, please refer to our Onsen Etiquette Guide.LINK TO ONSEN PAGE
• Public Behavior: Eating, drinking, or littering in public spaces is considered impolite. Please do not dispose of cigarette butts on the street. Portable ashtrays are available at most convenience stores or 100-yen shops and should be used.

If you do not have a rental car, there are local buses called the Niseko United Shuttle (NUS) and they are free throughout the Niseko united ski areas if you purchase an all mountain pass.

Without an all mountain pass bus ticket prices range from 200 to 500 yen. They operate from 8.00 till 22:00.

Lodge 401 staff may be able to assist you getting to a nearby location as we often shop in nearby towns so please feel free to ask for a ride.

The closest bus stop to Lodge 401 Niseko is the Annupuri Nook, other nearby stops include the Northern Resort Hotel and Iroha Onsen.

We recommend using the go taxi app, please come scan the QR code located on the information board in the lobby.

Yes, there are many amazing resorts nearby including Moiwa Resort (5 mins from Annupuri), Rusutsu Resort (45mins drive) and Kiroro Resort (1 hour and 10mins drive).  

Click here for our what to bring section. LINK TO WHAT TO PACK

Traveling without insurance is a serious risk — we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers the following:

• Trip cancellations or delays due to illness, injury, or unforeseen flight disruptions
• Snowsports coverage, especially for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders
• Ensure your policy includes off-piste skiing and snowboarding, as many of Niseko’s best runs are accessed through resort gates but lie outside the official resort boundaries
• These areas are legally accessible, but not patrolled, and most ski schools will require proof of appropriate insurance before guiding you there
• In the event of an accident, rescue operations and medical care in these zones can be extremely costly

Please note: As with most seasonal resort accommodations, we are unable to offer refunds or reschedule bookings due to flight cancellations, delays, or trip changes related to medical or other personal circumstances.Winter weather in Hokkaido is highly unpredictable, and delays in transportation are not uncommon — please plan accordingly.

Yes, Lodge 401 is partnered with the area’s best and most specialized service providers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO – LINK TO PARTNERS PAGE

For sure! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO – LINK TO NISEKO WINTER PAGE

Yes! We sell discounted All Mountain Access Niseko United and Annupuri Ski Resort lift passes in house! To prebook tickets click here : LINK TO LIFT PASS GOOGLE FORM

It is recommended to pre book lift passes so our team can have them ready for you at check in To prebook tickets click here : LINK TO LIFT PASS GOOGLE FORM

Despite Niseko Moiwa’s proximity to the Niseko United Resort a separate lift ticket is required to ski at Niseko Moiwa. But you can access Moiwa from the bowls at Annupuri and though a track from the piste at Annupuri through to Moiwa. Once there you can buy a day or points pass and just use it as you use the lifts.

The Niseko United All Mountain Pass can be used at Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama) Niseko Grand Hirafu and Hanazono.

To guarantee availability, we recommend booking ski equipment as far in advance as possible as during the peak season (20th of December through to the 1st of March) our rental company’s service is in high demand and they may not be able to supply equipment on time without a prior reservation.

Right in house! Thats right, our affiliate rental company Winter FIrst will deliver your rental equipment and fit you out in the comfort of Lodge 401’s ski room.
Click here to make a reservation LINK TO WINTER FIRST PAGE

Yes, we are proud to be partnered with Rising Sun Guides who can assist in all of your specialty rental needs.

Click here to make a reservation LINK TO RISING SUN GUIDES PAGE

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap.
• Luxury towels and linen.
• Travel toothbrush kits, sanitary items, ear plugs, international adapters and other convenient items are available to purchase upon request.

• Check-in times is from 3pm to 10pm.
• Check out is 10am.

Early check-in may be available if your room is ready upon arrival. Our staff will confirm availability when you check in. If your room is not yet ready, you’re welcome to make use of the lodge facilities while you wait for check-in.

Late check outs over the peak season are usually not possible due to the demand on our rooms and housekeeping services. Our staff will advise if a late check out is possible on your day of departure.

Absolutely, guests with late transfers are welcome to store luggage with us, head out on the hill and use lodge facilities until they depart.

Whether you arrive via your own rental car or one of our pre booked transfer services Lodge 401 staff will be available to assist you with luggage and run you through the check in process.

Yes, we have separate gear storage and outerwear dying rooms directly accessible from the front of the chalet. Our team will point out entrances during check-in.

Yes, All stays at Lodge 401 include complimentary parking (1 car per room) directly in front of the chalet. Unlike others we DO NOT charge for this service.

Yes, All stays at Lodge 401 include a complimentary breakfast consisting of a continental buffet and plated chefs breakfast, teas, espresso coffee, hot chocolate and pastries.

YES! Bar 401 is for everyone! This is where we really turn up the wow factor dial to 100! You’ll be blown away by the creative fusion menu, hand crafted ramen, bespoke cocktails and full range of local beers, wine and spirits available to you in house. And the best part is as a Lodge 401 Niseko guest you’ll receive a discount on all menu items!

Yes, but seeing Bar 401 is a licenced venue, please refrain from bringing these into the bar during evenings or when the restaurant is open. Guests are welcome to use plates and glassware anytime to enjoy drinks and snacks in the comfort of your room.

Yes, family is at the heart of the Lodge 401 ethos. We we have a number of different room options at Lodge 401 suited to families including some with king, queen and single size beds and single and queen size sofa beds for kids. The lodge has board games and complimentary sleds and snowball makers. Bar 401 also has a family friendly menu!

Lodge 401 Niseko accepts card payments for all in-house services — and unlike many others, we don’t charge any additional service fees.

The main entrance door will be left unlocked for after hours access.

No, unfortunately there are no facilities for guests to prepare meals. Bar 401 menus are designed to be delicious, varied and interesting so you are sure to find something for your taste. We are also surrounded by some fantastic restaurants.

Yes, Lodge 401 Niseko has two ensuite rooms – Room 101 and Room 102.
Other rooms make use of the private and separated mens and ladies powder and shower rooms located on the lower level of Lodge 401.

Yes, click here for our full onsen guide! LINK TO ONSEN GUIDE

Yes, we provide a complimentary waxing and tuning station. For a more professional finish why not try Niseko Fine’s waxing and tuning service. You can find out more info here: LINK TO PARTNERS PAGE

Lodge 401 Niseko is the closest western style lodge to the Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort and about a 50m walk to the resort boundary where you can ski to the main lifts. A walk from the lodge to the main gondola takes under 3 minutes.

Yes, our complimentary laundry includes guest use washers and dryers.

Yes, using a company such as Yamato Transport which has counters at most airports and hundreds of shipping depots throughout Japan is a great idea.

You can make a reservation here: https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/en/
We accept luggage 2 days prior to your arrival.

Yes, simply make a reservation via the link below and upon check out our staff will ensure your luggage is passed on to the courier.
https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/en/

Yes, at Lodge 401 we understand our boutique chalet doesn’t have the worlds largest rooms, and as such, we encourage guests to unpack and utilise our room storage facilities then pass us any bulky suitcases for complimentary storage.

You can use a credit card for all in house purchases at Lodge 401 Niseko however, Japan remains a predominantly cash-based society.

While an increasing number of restaurants and shops now accept credit cards, it’s still advisable to carry cash at all times—especially if you’re arriving late or planning to go skiing.

Keep in mind that Annupuri does not have atm facilities and throughout the other Villages there are limited options for withdrawing money or exchanging currency. Only a few ATMs accept foreign bank or credit cards, so we recommend withdrawing more cash than you think you’ll need while in Japan, just to be safe. Fortunately, theft is extremely rare, making it safer than most countries to carry larger amounts of cash.

Also note that physical bank branches in Japan are closed on weekends and national holidays, including New Year’s.

You can withdraw Japanese Yen from ATMs at major convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Seicomart, and Lawson, all of which offer English-language instructions. While traditional bank branches also offer withdrawal services, English support is limited and not commonly available.

For currency exchange, we recommend the following locations in Hirafu:

• Sapporo Drug Store at Hirafu188
• Seicomart convenience store

Japan is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, with exceptionally low crime rates. It’s common for residents to carry enough cash for daily or even weekly expenses, and many people comfortably carry large amounts of cash without concern.

Yes, there are several ATMs in and around the Niseko resort area that support international cards and offer English-language menus. 7-Eleven convenience stores are the most reliable option, as their ATMs operate 24/7 and accept most foreign debit and credit cards.

Withdrawals will be in Japanese yen only — foreign currencies are not dispensed. Standard international transaction and currency exchange fees may apply, depending on your bank.

No, most shops, restaurants, and service providers do not accept foreign currencies, so it’s best to carry yen or use a card when possible.

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy: Fire/Ambulance (Japan Emergency Services): Dial 119 (Japanese language only)

• Kutchan Hospital: +81 (0)136-22-1141
• Niseko International Clinic: +81 (0)136-21-5454
• Annupuri Ski Resort Emergency: +81 (0)136-58-2080
• Lodge 401 Owner – Rhys Hartigan: +81 (0)90-1305-2425