Complete NISEKO Guide for First Time Visitors

[@stevenanddiep]

Guide to Cheap Snow Gear in Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpTJipqrmd5_sMk

[@GeneralEnquiries-li2iv]

Don't forget Niseko Hanazono! It is by far the most modern resort with the fastest lifts and gondola. The Park Hyatt is the most luxurious hotel in the entire area. It is interesting that you missed this resort considering it is part of the Niseko United All Mountain Lift Pass or the Grand Hirafu/Hanazono Lift Pass. I think you mistakenly put Moiwa in the video. Moiwa is good, but not available on Niseko United lift pass. It is a different mountain.

[@stevenanddiep]

Sorry about the omission. I have put a correction as part of the description and as a pinned comment.

[@paul-akers]

Wow, what a great video. You did a fantastic job on this. Thank you so much.

[@stevenanddiep]

Thanks Paul! It means a lot to us when someone appreciates our videos and leaves a comment :)

[@Sparks29857]

This was perfect, was looking for something exactly like this. Thanks for the information and your perspectives!!

[@stevenanddiep]

Is that Uncle Vernon as your profile pic? I'm glad the video helped. I made the video to help because I couldn't find all the information when I was planning our trip. Feel free to ask any questions and we'll be happy to answer if we can.

[@DetailWizard]

Quality vid fam. Thanks for the information👍

[@stevenanddiep]

Thank you so much for the comment! Hope it helps you for your trip 🙂

[@stevenanddiep]

Correction/Addition here: We forgot to mention or make it clear that Hanazono Resort is part of Niseko United and is another great resort option to ski at. 🙏

[@guiaoi]

Thank you for this video and the information. Just subscribed to your channel, good luck with it!

[@stevenanddiep]

Thank you so much Guilherme! We really appreciate you subscribing to our channel :)

[@HardScope4Life]

Any chance the snow gear in Japan video will be uploaded soon? As I will be in Niseko this February. Very helpful guide by the way!

[@stevenanddiep]

This is the second comment requesting the snow gear video so we'll put that video to the front of our to do list. Hopefully we have it out before your trip!

[@stevenanddiep]

We've just released it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpTJipqrmd5_sMk

[@dannylorenze6188]

Steven, do you recommend renting Skis in Niseko, or bring our own? I don't like the idea of traveling across the globe dragging my skis from airport to airport and train stations or bus stops just to use them for 4 or 5 days.. . Thanks for your advice.

[@stevenanddiep]

Hi Danny, I am sorry for the late reply. I would recommend renting the skis at the resort if you're concerned about carrying them around. I am no ski expert so I don't know how much you experience would change having your personal skis vs rented ones. As beginners, we had no trouble with the rented ones. - Steven

[@willofdvlog]

Which month you went there?

[@stevenanddiep]

@@willofdvlog February

[@RafaelaBittencourt-k3t]

Are you aussie or Japanese?

[@stevenanddiep]

Aussie

[@daviddeas929]

Taking the train anti clockwise is an option and get off at Kutchan nearby to Hirafu. Another option is to take the train to Lake Toya then bus to Rustutu. Great resort West is really good by East is worth checking out. Can take a half hour trip to Hiruafa from there

[@stevenanddiep]

Thanks for the extra info David :)

[@kellybuttenshaw4515]

@stevenanddiep. What is the link for the accomodation that you both stayed in please

[@stevenanddiep]

We stayed at "The Freshwater" which was the cheapest I could find with decent reviews during our stay. www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&sca_esv=c1e93dbf2e889ff4&sca_upv=1&q=The%20Freshwater&ludocid=6996511957903926442&ibp=gwp%3B0%2C7&lsig=AB86z5WW0pui4bK_SGfp40Hi-eZn&kgs=689b2d5809db9796&shndl=-1&shem=lrnolc%2Clsp&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm1%2F2

[@JamieMcConomy]

Thank you for this video and the information. Just subscribed to your channel, good luck with it!

[@stevenanddiep]

Thank you Jamie! We really appreciate your support 🙏 It's helping us slowly reach our 1k sub milestone. Check out our cheap ski gear video if it sounds like something you're interested in 🙂

[@raysrecipe1993]

Does niseko have lots of tourist traffic all year round? Is it a good idea to invest a hotel in?

[@stevenanddiep]

I'm not sure about all year round but it's very busy during the ski season. We would definitely recommend staying at some sort of accommodation if you visit.

[@NiGHTSaturn]

Thanks Steven! I was wondering if I should go in January or February. Everything seems to be booked for early January. I haven’t done any snowboarding in 15 years but wanted to do it again in 2024. I also wonder if the group classes would be worth it!

[@stevenanddiep]

Peak snow season is supposed to be from Dec until the end of Feb. We were there mid-Feb this year and it was perfect 👌 We're Beginners and so it was helpful to have one instructor for just us two. I'm not sure what group lessons are like. Maybe it's fine if you've had some experience 15 years ago and just need a reminder. Hope you have fun!

[@vienvienvien]

Will there be snow for skiing in early Dec ? I'm thinking start of Decmeber ?

[@stevenanddiep]

I believe start of December is considered the early season - steven

[@christianprianto8054]

At Grand Hirafu Ski. Where to book for Ski Activity? Thankyou

[@stevenanddiep]

What ski activity did you want to book? To ski on the mountain, you will need to buy ski passes from the resort's website. For other activities like lessons, you will need to book with a third party provider.

[@samifukingrules]

For 1 day visit and stay on sapporo its worth? Or need almost 1 night here?

[@stevenanddiep]

I think you need to stay at least overnight or longer because it's takes about 2.5 hours to get there so that will be 5 hours of travelling. And the slopes close after business hours.

[@astagaaa7986]

Hi May i know where did you buy your ski passes for Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu only. I dont need the all mountain pass. is the website grand-hirafu something liddat?

[@stevenanddiep]

Yeah that's the one. Specifically it's www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/gelande/lift.html

[@astagaaa7986]

Alright thank you!

[@jny1107]

Great guide!!! Helped heaps!

[@stevenanddiep]

See you on the slopes!

[@GK-wx6xo]

Very thorough video. Thanks

[@stevenanddiep]

Thank you for taking the time to comment :)

[@weilingweiling]

Hey Steven! I’m planning to go to Yuzawa and Nikko in 2025. This video has great tips for a first timer like me. :)

[@stevenanddiep]

Wow Wei Ling. It's so funny how you found our video haha Hope you have an awesome trip!

[@blade1535]

Make sure you have accomodation booked early for Yuzawa. It was quiet there many years ago but this year it was really hard to book somewhere and very busy. I think a lot of Japanese, Chinese and taiwanese tourists are going there now. Not sure if tick tock or something else’s has raised its popularity. If you happen to be in Japan for New years go to a temple in the evening and quietly join in on the events. Hope you enjoy the trip.

[@stevenanddiep]

@@blade1535 Thanks for the helpful tips :)

[@Cali-chef]

Definitely no other mountains with less people around that area 😂

[@stevenanddiep]

😅

[@paulaarpadjian8065]

Hi guys - Awesome video! Just wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing where you stayed at while in Niseko?

[@stevenanddiep]

We stayed at 'The Freshwater' and had no complaints about it. You may want to consider and "ski in, ski out" accommodation if you have a higher budget to make it easier to get to the slopes.

[@paulaarpadjian8065]

@@stevenanddiep Thank you so much 🙏 That's actually one of the places we were considering too, so good to know!

[@lauren.tamayo]

My partner and I are planning a trip to Japan, we're wanting to spend a couple of days in Tokyo before heading to Niseko. I've been to Tokyo before but never Niseko and my partner has never been to Japan but is dying to snowboard in Niseko. This video was super helpful to watch as we start planning our trip. Thank you!

[@stevenanddiep]

Thanks Lauren! We're glad the video was helpful and hope you both have the best time in Japan! I see you're in Aus and make vlogs too! Hope both our channels take off one day 🙂

[@lauren.tamayo]

@@stevenanddiep thank you! Yes, I'm originally from the States but I've been living in Australia for 5 years now. Hoping the same!! 😊

[@MadMarchTaffy]

You will love it

[@bradfrazer4137]

Can pay cash everywhere in Japan?

[@stevenanddiep]

I believe so from our experience unless it's something that needs pre-booking

[@bradfrazer4137]

@@stevenanddiepthanks. I plan to snowboard for the month of February 2025. Seems the only affordable accomodation left for me is Moiwa or Kutchan.

[@stevenanddiep]

@bradfrazer4137 kutchan isn't part of the ski resort so you'll have to factor in the travel time every day

[@bradfrazer4137]

@@stevenanddiep all the cheap accomodation in all the resorts are gone lol Only things left are in Moiwa and Kutchan. I plan on staying a month and the cheapest is $5400 AUD for a single room at the Smart Hotel in Kutchan. Then it jumps up toe $12k I seriously underestimated the time required to book in advance lol 5 months out? Needs to be 12 lol

[@stevenanddiep]

@@bradfrazer4137 holy moley I had no idea it has gotten so much busier. I hope you manage to find something.

[@rydellgarcia]

I want to go here ☹️😭😭😭😭

[@stevenanddiep]

We hope you get to go one day 😊

[@dunno558]

Hi Steven, i sub. Anyway, is there a free shuttle bus or train from airport to Niseko ski resort? Is the snow still good in the ,onth of March?

[@stevenanddiep]

The buses from the airport to Niseko are all private buses that you have to book and pay for. March is past the peak snow season so usually there is snow but it might not be as good. Every year is a bit different though.

[@michc8766]

what date did you went to niseko?

[@stevenanddiep]

We went in mid-February :)

[@obstinatejack]

bro, take the train......

[@warrior15r]

Hi Steven! You mentioned there are 3 bus companies from New Chitose to Niseko. Can I get the names of the 3? Also it is cheaper to bus or train from New Chitose Airport to Niseko?

[@stevenanddiep]

Hi Robert! The 3 companies are Chuo Bus, White Liner, and Hokkaido Resort Liner. I believe it's cheaper by train however, the train doesn't go directly to the resort. You'll have to take a bus or taxi once you get to the station.

[@warrior15r]

@@stevenanddiep Do you have any recommendations for lodging for 2 people that is a good value?

[@stevenanddiep]

@warrior15r We personally stayed at a place called "The Freshwater". It was reasonably priced and we have no complaints. Things are always changing so it's good to have a look at all the options yourself.

[@infinitymc]

Hano sys hi!😆

[@stevenanddiep]

@@infinitymc Hi 👋

[@luxon4]

came to figure out how to get my equipment there from the states, esp if i fly into NRT first. "complete" guide not complete :/

[@rogersullivan6123]

😑 *PromoSM*

[@leviegxs]

wainting for the video on buying ski gear in japannnnn 🎿

[@stevenanddiep]

Sorry! It's been really hard to keep up with the videos but we're working on it. 🙏

[@stevenanddiep]

We've just released it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpTJipqrmd5_sMk

[@MB-nn3jw]

Okay, here is the best area in Japan. In Tokyo, there is a section of about half a kilometre along Yasukuni Dori, located in the Kanda-Ogawamachi district that has dozens of ski shops. It is fantastic. Note Yasukuni Dori is a long street that traverses several suburbs, so careful when searching, don't go to the Shinjuku or Akihabara areas. I have been going to Yasukuni Dori for 10 years for ski gear. One of the highlights is the Victoria store, with eight floors of ski-related stuff. Note there are several different Victoria stores in the area, each catering for different sports, such as golf, running, and of course, skiing. The ski store is the biggest though. If you google the above, you will find plenty of websites that show what I am talking about.

[@stevenanddiep]

@@MB-nn3jw Thanks for the helpful info! That's where we went to get cheap ski gear too :)