Niseko United

What is called "Niseko United" is actually four different resorts, Annupuri, Higashiyama (also called Niseko Village), Hirafu and Hanazono, all connected through one lift system around the Annupuri mountain. Hirafu, the uniquely (for Japan) cosmopolitan resort town is in the middle, where you find most of the high-end shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Hirafu is around 15 minutes by car from Setsuin. 

Hanazono

Hanazono offers fantastic nature, tranquillity and easy access to mountain, ski pistes and powder. Hanazono is the gate to probably the best backcountry skiing in the area. But until recently there were few shops and restaurants (albeit one Michelin-starred) in this part of the Niseko United area. 

That has changed dramatically. The Hanazono Resort is investing massively in new hotels, coming with restaurants and shops, and new infrastructure. In time for the 2019/2020 season the new ski-in-ski-out Hanazono Edge with slopeside restaurant, café and bar opened. New is also Galaxy of Kidz, next to Hanazono Edge, said to be Asia’s biggest activity center for kids.

In time for the 2021/2022 season there will be a new gondola and an upgraded 6-seat chairlift equipped with wifi for the Instagram generation. The Hanazono Resort is a ten to fifteen minutes’ walk from Setsuin or a few minutes by car.

Kutchan Town

Kutchan, with around 15,000 inhabitants, is the main town in the area. Here you’ll find shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, etc. And also a well-equipped hospital with English language service during the winter season.

Kutchan is one of very few rural areas in Japan today that is growing both economically and demographically, due to the explosive development during the past decade. While many rural parts of Japan are facing a sometimes severe depopulation, young people, both Japanese and non-Japanese, are moving into Kutchan and the Niseko area creating a uniquely vibrant environment. Central Kutchan is less than ten minutes away by car from Setsuin.

How to find Setsuin by car

MapCode is a spatial reference system which works with most Japanese car navigation systems. The code for Setsuin is 398 534 605*22

But easiest is usually to use a smartphone and Google Maps. Setsuin is registered with Google Maps and in most cases it’s enough to just search for “Setsuin” or “Setsuin Hanazono”.

Backcountry skiing

For many Niseko is synonymous with powder snow and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. However, the deepest powder is usually found outside of the resort boundaries. Niseko United operates a gate system giving skiers access to the backcountry terrain - when weather allows - from the lift system.

The gates are controlled by the Niseko ski patrol and it’s strictly forbidden - not to mention dangerous - to bypass closed gates. Niseko United and nearby Moiwa together manage eleven backcountry gates around the mountain. Four of these gates are directly connected to the Hanazono lift system, including the gate to the track up to the Annupuri summit.

Of course, you need proper avalanche safety equipment before entering the backcountry. As well as the knowledge how to use it.