Niseko

Around 70km south of Otaru is NISEKO (ニセコ), Japan’s premier winter resort, with awesome amounts of perfect powder snow and top-class, interlinked ski fields. The resort hugs Mount Niseko Annupuri and faces the dormant volcano Mount Yōtei-san (also known as the Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to its more famous southern cousin). The village of Hirafu (比羅夫), close to the area’s main town of Kutchan (倶知安), has seen the brunt of development, much of it through foreign investment and not all of it particularly sympathetic to the magnificent natural surroundings.

During the ski season, from December to April, Hirafu’s international visitor population booms as skiers arrive from as far afield as Melbourne, Hong Kong, and London. They come for the excellent facilities, stylish accommodation, and strong dining scene, making the area a lively winter stop on 8-day Japan trips that include Niseko.

Set within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Quasi National Park, the area also makes a good summer base, when it is far less crowded and becomes a hub for adventure sports such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and kayaking. Cyclists should note September’s Niseko Cycle Week, which includes guided road tours, downhill mountain bike races, technique sessions, and night parties.