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Japan is a dream destination for many, but this time, instead of exploring Tokyo’s vibrant streets, my family and I immersed ourselves in its legendary skiing and snowboarding. Picture floating through the deepest, lightest powder, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—an experience even photos can't capture!
At the end of January—one of the best times for consistent snowfall—we ventured to two incredible ski destinations in Japan. The snow here is unlike anything else—often compared to a never-ending stream of water, constantly pouring all season and creating an endless supply of fresh, soft powder. No wonder it’s earned the nickname JAPOW!
Our journey started in Los Angeles, where we flew to Tokyo before catching a connecting flight to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport on the island of Hokkaido. Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island, is home to some of the best ski conditions in the world. If you're planning a similar trip, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Arrival & Customs – Before landing in Japan, you'll need to fill out a travel document that generates individual QR codes for everyone in your group. This makes the customs process much smoother! Especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Connecting in Tokyo – Give yourself at least 2-3 hours between flights, as the airport is huge. You’ll need to grab your luggage, go through customs, and recheck your bags for the next flight.
Getting to Niseko – Once you arrive in Sapporo, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the ski town of Niseko. After a long day of travel, nothing feels better than arriving at your cozy stay, ready to rest up for an unforgettable time on the slopes.
Where To Stay in Niseko, Japan
Finding the perfect place to stay in Niseko makes all the difference—especially after long days on the slopes! Here are a few incredible hotels we’ve stayed in and loved:
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono - If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury ski experience, this is it. Nestled in Hanazono with breathtaking views of Mount Yotei, the Park Hyatt is hands down the most luxurious hotel in Niseko. We splurged on a suite with a private onsen (hot spring bath), and let me tell you—it was pure magic. There’s nothing better than soaking in steaming hot water before and after a day of skiing or snowboarding.
The hotel is ski-in, ski-out, making it super convenient (especially with kids!), and you can even access side-country terrain straight from the lifts. The only trade-off? It’s a bit removed from the main town, so you’ll need to drive if you want to explore more dining and shopping options. That said, if you’re looking for a five-star experience with all the amenities, it’s worth every penny.
MUWA NISEKO - This new boutique hotel is right in the heart of Grand Hirafu, and we absolutely loved it. We stayed in a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen and laundry, which made our two-week ski trip feel so much easier (especially with kids in tow).
The hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet with the best of both worlds—fluffy pastries and pancakes for an American-style breakfast and a traditional Japanese spread for those wanting to try something local. The onsen is small but beautiful, and the cold plunge became my daily ritual to keep soreness away.
Another huge perk? The hotel provides seamless access to the slopes, so you can easily get on and off the mountain. We also booked an amazing ski coach from Rhythm Snowboard/Ski Shop, who met the boys right in the ski locker room each morning. The only downside is that there’s no room service, which can be tricky when everyone is exhausted after a long day. The spa is small as well, but I had one of the best 60-minute massages ever.
Setsu Niseko - SETSU is another stunning luxury hotel located at the base of Grand Hirafu. It has a variety of room options, a lively bar and lounge, and multiple restaurants to choose from. If you’re looking for a well-rounded spot with great energy, this is another fantastic option.
No matter where you stay, Niseko is truly special—powder-filled days, cozy evenings, and the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Can’t wait to share more about this trip!
What To Do In Niseko, Japan
Niseko is pure magic—endless powder days, stunning backcountry, and some of the best food and culture Japan has to offer. Here’s what we loved most:
Ski & Snowboard Adventures - We spent most of our time riding in Grand Hirafu, but one of the highlights of our trip was venturing out to Rusutsu Resort for the day. It’s only about 30 minutes from Grand Hirafu, and it was so fun to explore a new mountain with the kids. If you have an IKON Pass, many Japanese resorts are included, though Rusutsu isn’t—but lift tickets in Japan are WAY more affordable than in the U.S., making it an easy and worthwhile day trip.
Backcountry Magic - For the more adventurous, Niseko’s backcountry is unreal. We did several tours on our splitboards (if you don’t know what that is, check out this video—we became obsessed!). One of my favorite routes was the Weisshorn—an hour-and-a-half hike led us to untouched powder that felt straight out of a dream.
If you're heading into the backcountry, I can’t stress this enough: hire a guide and wear an avalanche beacon. Safety first, always!
Chisenupuri Private Snowcat Tours - We did this a couple of years ago, and I still think about it! Chisenupuri is an abandoned ski resort, so the runs are already carved into the mountain. The best part? It had just snowed the night before, so our group got fresh, untouched powder all day.
You can book a private snowcat for up to 12 people or grab individual seats—either way, it’s an epic experience. We got in about 10 runs, with a cozy pizza lunch in between. Highly, highly recommend!
Where To Eat & Drink in Niseko, Japan
Particular Tip: January is Chinese New Year, which means restaurants book up FAST. Most places require a credit card to secure a reservation, so start booking at least two months out.
Park Hyatt Restaurants - This hotel has several incredible dining options. We especially loved:
China Kitchen – Hot pot and dim sum perfection.
Olivio – A cozy Italian spot with amazing pasta.
Robata – Classic Japanese grilled dishes.
MUWA Niseko - MUWA has two fantastic restaurants:
HITO by TACUBO – Their Italian restaurant was so good, we ate there multiple times.
Sukiyaki HIYAMA – A classic Japanese hot pot spot, focusing on premium Hokkaido beef. Such a special experience!
Hirafu Intersection Food Truck Hub - This little food truck hub is in the heart of Grand Hirafu and has something for everyone. We bundled up and walked over one night and loved the vibe. Some of our favorites:
- Steamed Bao Buns
- Fresh Hokkaido French Fries
- Authentic Indian Naan Bread
Particular Tip: There are no trash cans, so plan to pack out your trash. After our first visit, we started bringing a plastic bag from the hotel for easy cleanup.
The Barn - Japan’s version of farm-to-table dining—fresh, seasonal ingredients and gorgeous open windows with mountain views.
Pizza Delsole - A tiny, 8-table pizza spot in Annupuri (about 15 minutes from Grand Hirafu). They make one pizza at a time, and the tomato & burrata salad was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had. They also let us bring our own bottle of wine—such a nice touch!
Boulangerie Jin Bakery - If you want fresh-baked pastries, plan ahead! This adorable bakery opens at 9 AM but sells out quickly. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Grand Hirafu, but totally worth it if you can make it in time.
7-Eleven (Yes, Really!) - Japan’s 7-Eleven is NOT like the ones in the U.S.—it’s a must-stop for quick, delicious food. Think:
- Hot, fresh meals
- Japanese beer
- The kids’ favorite: MOCHI!
- Chip Star (Japan’s version of Pringles)
- Surprisingly great snacks, nuts, and candy
We made so many post-snowboard snack stops here—it became a whole thing.
Sapporo Ramen Daishin Niseko - This is my husband’s favorite miso ramen spot in Niseko. It’s small and cozy (only about 10-12 tables), and we made it in just before closing for the most comforting bowl of hot ramen, a cold beer, and a famous Hokkaido soft-serve for dessert. The perfect way to end a long day on the mountain!
Already dreaming about our next trip back!
Japan Travel Guide: Part Two – Exploring Hakuba
For the second half of our trip, we headed to Hakuba, the site of the 1998 Nagano Olympics. This town is built around skiing and snowboarding, with a surprisingly strong emphasis on snowboarding—far more so than skiing. In fact, I saw more snowboarders here than at any resort in the U.S. or Europe!
Hakuba has multiple base areas, so be sure to study the mountain map. It’s easy to take a long run and end up at a different base, which isn’t a problem, but keep in mind that some of the lifts are older and take a bit longer to get you back.
When it comes to accommodations, Hakuba is known for its chalet and apartment rentals rather than traditional hotels. We stayed in a house near One Happo through Hakuba Hospitality Group, which was fully equipped with multiple bedrooms, a workout room, and even an onsen. One of the best perks of Hakuba Hospitality Group is their shuttle service, which can take you to dinner or anywhere in town. They also offer concierge support via WhatsApp, making it incredibly convenient. If you’re looking for a hotel option, we spotted a new one by EVO, which looked sleek and modern.
Hakuba’s dramatic, steep terrain has earned it the nickname "the Japanese Alps." We spent most of our time on the slopes and cooking at home, but if you’re a non-skier, a snow monkey tour is the must-do experience. Unfortunately, we had to save that for our next visit—but it’s at the top of our list!
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