Sapporo City ↔ Niseko

Tokyo ↔ Sapporo

Most travellers come to Niseko via Chitose airport (aka Sapporo airport) and then get a coach from Chitose to Niseko. We can book seats in advance, and it's also possible for you to book them on arrival.

OPTION 1: We Book Your Transfers In Advance

Advantages

• There is someone to meet you at the airport and guide you to your coach.
• Avoids the risk of arriving to find there are no available seats.

Cost

• 2,300 Yen per person one way

Sapporo Airport to Niseko (Departs - Arrives)

09:20  -  12:25
10:00  -  13:05
10:35  -  13:40
11:00  -  14:05
11:30  -  14:35
12:00  -  15:05
12:40  -  15:45
13:30  -  16:55
14:40  -  18:05
15:30  -  18:55
16:30  -  19:55
17:30  -  20:45
19:30  -  22:30
21:30  -  00:30

60 minutes is recommended between flight arrival and transfer departure for DOMESTIC flights and 90 minutes for INTERNATIONAL flights.

Niseko to Sapporo Airport (Departs - Arrives)

08:10 - 11:00
09:10 - 12:00
10:10 - 13:00
11:40 - 14:30
12:40 - 15:30
13:40 - 16:30
14:40 - 17:30
15:40 - 18:30
16:40 - 19:30

60 minutes is recommended between the arrival of a transfer and the departure of a domestic flight. It the case of internationali flights, we recommend 2.5 hours.

OPTION 2: You Book Seats Upon Arrival At Sapporo Airport

As well as the Resort Liner coaches listed above, Chuo and Donan coach services operate between Chitose airport and Niseko. Tickets for all services can be purchased in cash from bus counters at the airport.

Advantage

• You may not have to wait as long before getting on the bus (we need to add some 'safety' time in case there is a delay coming through customs etc.)

Sapporo Station serves both rail and coach to Niseko. The price is roughly the same at about 2,000 Yen one way. Best option is to go by coach, as rail is slower and usually often requires a change at Otaru city on the way to Kutchan station. (For those coming to Niseko by train, "Kutchan" is the closest station to the ski resort. We can pick you up from Kutchan station.)

There are two companies "Chuo" and "Donan" that run coaches to Niseko. Here are the departure and arrival times (Sapporo city to Niseko Hirafu):

Last updated: 22 January, 2008

07:20 - 10:08 (Donan)
07:45 - 10:45 (Chuo, Sat and Sun only)
08:45 - 11:45 (Chuo)
14:50 - 17:28 (Donan)
17:20 - 19:58 (Donan)

Flying is the most popular way to get from Tokyo to Sapporo. Usually the cheapest option is to get a domestic flight at the same time you get an international flight (if applicable). Otherwise, some good deals can be found with JAL, ANA, AIRDO.

Fast train is another popular option. From Tokyo, take the "Shinkansen" (bullet train) to Aomori. From Aomori, take the JR "Super Shiratori" train to Hakodate. From Hakodate, take the "Super Hokuto" to Oshyamambe. Then a local train from Oshyamambe to Kutchan. Takes 12 hours and costs about 25,000 Yen.

Local trains are possible instead of the faster ones above, but expect to make more changes and to take at least 24 hours in non-stop transit. Travel by local train costs about 15,000 Yen one-way. Food might cost you a bit extra but "eki-ben" (train station lunch boxes) are great! A good way to see some country.

Here is an example of local trains between Toyko and Sapporo (note train times may change):

Train & Ferry from Tokyo is another option, and can be cheaper than by train alone. Ferries can take both passengers, and passengers plus their car. Prices start from about 6,500 Yen per person one way, and the trip (ferry only) takes about 20 hours. Ferries are like mini cruise ships with cinema, bar and game centre to keep you occupied.

Catch a train to Ooarai in Ibaraki prefecture (from Tokyo this takes about 3 hours and costs about 4,000 Yen) then a ferry from Ooarai to Tomakomai in Hokkaido.

From Tomakomai there is one bus to Niseko each day that leaves at 8am (and one bus from Niseko to Tomakomai that leaves at 3:50pm). It's also possible to catch a train to Kutchan station via Saporro. We'll pick you up from Kutchan.