NISEKO ZEN
Adventure Company
Is the snow in Niseko Really as good as eveyone says?
How do I get to Niseko from New Chitose airport (CTS)?
Yes, travel insurance is required for all Niseko Zen guests. Your policy must include:
-Medical coverage
-Winter sports including off-piste and backcountry skiing/snowboarding
-Trip cancellation/interruption
-Emergency evacuation,
-Lost luggage
Even if not planning to ski off piste or booking a guide it is highly recommend. Please arrange insurance before leaving your home country.
At Niseko Zen we offer high quality touring gear and avalanche backpack rentals.
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You can also wander to Rhythm Japan or Niseko Sports that are Niseko’s go-to for premium rentals and retail. They offer a huge selection of high-quality skis, snowboards, boots, and more, with expert boot fitting and tuning services on-site.
Extra tip: If bringing one thing, bring your own boots ( touring boots if wanting to go hike) You can swap rental gear mid-trip if the snow shifts or you want to try something new but having your own boots goes a long way.
Not necessarily. Niseko is one of Japan’s most international ski resorts, and many people working in hotels, restaurants, ski rentals, and shuttle services speak English. Signs and menus are often available in English too.
That said, learning a few basic Japanese phrases like Arigatou (Thank You) or Konichiwa (Hello) can go a long way and is appreciated by locals. If you're venturing outside of Niseko to more rural areas, having a translation app on hand is a smart idea.
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If you're entering sidecountry or backcountry terrain, Niseko’s official guidelines require avalanche safety gear, which should include a beacon (transceiver), shovel, probe, and a backpack. Helmets are highly recommended, trees don't move.
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If you don’t own this gear, we can arrange it for you, for ¥5,500 per backpack per day. Be sure you and your party also knows how to use it, training is strongly recommended before heading out.
You should also carry snacks, a spare layer, water, and a cellphone
If you are with one of our guides he/she will make sure you know the basics before heading out the gates or the backcountry.
Recommended gear for sidecountry/backcountry outing.
At Niseko Zen we offer a pick-up/drop off for any premium lesson or guided day.
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Without this service the best bet is to choose an accommodation close to the slopes or to jump on one of the free shuttles going around Hirafu, if you live somewhere outside of this area you’ll have to either walk or take public transport. Some accommodation provide a shuttle service as well, but not all.
Another option is to get a rental car, especially if you are planning to do some backcountry or want to explore other resorts outside of Niseko United.
Depending on which country you are from you will need an international driving license or an official translation from JAF, make sure to check what the requirements are before booking a rental car.
With a premium lesson at Niseko Zen we will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at the end of the day, you also get a flexible start which means you can choose what time we will come pick you up if you want to head out first thing or avoid the peak hour and start a little bit after.
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For full day regular lessons we start at 9 o’clock on snow at a designated location depending on where you are staying.
We also offer lessons in Rusutsu.
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Lift passes and rental equipment is not included, we recommend you to pick it up the day before if possible.
Read our blog about what a full day lesson with Niseko Zen looks like.
Niseko United includes four interconnected ski villages: Hananzono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. While lift-access spans all zones, proximity matters.
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Choose accommodation in the same zone as your lift pass (especially if your family will ski mostly in one area).
Place of stay should ideally be near restaurants, shops, and, if needed, supermarkets in Kutchan, public transport ends early around 8pm but can be unreliable due to bad weather.
Choose lodging with shuttle services if staying outside central Hirafu, to make getting around easier and avoid high-demand taxi runs
Which zone to pick:
-Hirafu: the liveliest, best for dining and nightlife.
-Hanazono: quieter, family‑friendly.
-Niseko Village: relaxed pace, lots of onsen options.
-Annupuri: local vibe, less touristy, great powder runs between lifts.
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But you are not only limited to Niseko and it's surroundings, there are other resorts to explore in the proximity like Rusutsu or Kiroro plus the Sapporo side has a range of smaller resorts to choose from.
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Yes, both physical SIM cards and eSIMs are available for travelers in Japan, and they work perfectly in Niseko. If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase a Japanese data plan online before you arrive and activate it instantly upon landing, no physical card needed.
Providers like Airalo, Ubigi, and Sakura Mobile offer reliable eSIMs with good coverage in Niseko. Alternatively, you can buy a physical SIM at New Chitose Airport or order a pocket Wi-Fi device for group travel. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.