Most visitors stay in Hirafu, the main village below Grand Hirafu. It is a compact, walkable grid of ski lodges, apartments, izakaya, cocktail bars and restaurants that would not look out of place in a European resort — but with ramen, sushi and yakitori around every corner.

Accommodation runs from backpacker hostels to some of the most expensive chalets in Asia. Book six to twelve months ahead for January and February; the best places sell out first.

After the lifts, soak. The valley sits on natural hot springs, and many hotels open their onsen to day visitors. For dining, Niseko punches well above a ski town — expect everything from a Michelin-level kaiseki dinner to a steaming bowl of miso ramen and a hidden sake bar.

Fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo — Hokkaido's main gateway, well connected to Tokyo, Asia and beyond. From there it's roughly a 2.5–3 hour transfer by private van, shared shuttle or bus. A private door-to-door transfer is the easiest way to arrive with luggage and ski gear.