A common cause of confusion when planning a trip to Niseko is in names of the ski areas and villages.
Niseko United is the name of the combined four ski areas of Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri.
These ski areas are connected at the top of the mountain via the top ski lifts. At the base of each ski area is a distinct village connected by a choice of bus and taxi services.
If you are unsure how to get around from village to village, please check out our Getting Around Niseko guide.
Hirafu
The heart of the Niseko area, Hirafu is the largest and most developed of Niseko’s destinations: a bustling, modern, international ski town.
Hirafu offers incredible breadth of alpine accommodation options with authentic world class dining and lively nightlife scene to match.
Kabayama
The Kabayama area of Niseko offers a serene alternative to the hustle and bustle of Hirafu village.
Accommodation in this woodland area is set amongst the trees and spaced out for privacy and enjoyment. There is plenty of outside space for kids to play in the snow.
Families and groups who value space and a peaceful setting, whilst still being just a few minutes’ walk or drive from the ski lifts of Hirafu or Niseko Village should find what they are looking for here.
Niseko Village
Niseko Village is an upmarket modern ski destination with slopeside hotels & apartments, forest chalets and cosy ski lodges, set in pristine alpine wilderness.
Slope-side onsen hot springs offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate, surrounded by snow-covered pine trees and stunning mountain views.
Invigorating winter activities, short lift lines & professional child care, make Niseko Village the perfect choice for families seeking a convenient slope-side getaway.
Annupuri
The Niseko Annupuri area offers a sleepy Japanese ski village experience in Annupuri and Moiwa.
This area is the least crowded place to stay and ski in Niseko and is popular with beginners looking for a quieter place to learn as well as powder seekers wanting first dibs on the Annupuri and Moiwa off piste terrain.
When the day is done, relax in some of the best natural outdoor onsen in Niseko.
Hanazono
On the North-East face of the mountain, the Hanazono ski resort is the quietest of the four Niseko United ski resorts.
The addition of the Park Hyatt resort hotel and its 11 restaurants, lounges & bars, shopping, onsen, swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, fitness centre & ski valet service has transformed the Hanazono base into a luxury ski destination.
Hanazono is tailor made for families with ski school, ski hire, winter adventure park, Galazy of Kidz soft play and snow mobile tours to keep the kids occupied.