
Think you can’t visit Niseko, Japan in winter as a non-skiier? I disagree. This area of Hokkaido is one of the best ski destinations in the world but I’ve traveled there (twice!) without hopping on the slopes. Here’s a my go-to travel guide to Niseko, Japan for non-skiiers or snowboarders: 😎 Go snowshoeing or snowmobiling: @exploreniseko has some great tours for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and onsen hopping. It’s a great way to get outside and see the stunning winter landscape. ♨️ Onsen: a lot of the hotels will have private onset for guests, but if you want to experience an outdoor onsen, Yugokorotei is a great option + accessible by bus. 🍜 The food: So much great food! Favorites included: ✨ Ice cream and cheese tarts from Milk Kobo ✨ Fresh soba from Teuchi-Soba Ichimura ✨ Sushi from @ezoseafoods ✨ Sandwiches and beers at @niseko36parlour ✨ Kobe yakiniku at @kobebeef_yakiniku_kobetei ✨ Food truck hopping around town if you don’t have a rez anywhere 🚆 Day trips: Take a day trip to Otaru for a visit to its seafood markets + a sunset stroll along the canals, scenic Lake Tōya (more of a summer destination though, tbh), Sapporo, or Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley. 🍹 Après-ski scene: So many good options for après. @bar_gyu, the famous “fridge bar,” @nisekoconfidential, and music bar, @niseko.musicbar.minamina, were faves (I have a whole other video just about the area’s après scene!) 🛌 Cozy hotels: Stay at boutique hotel, @kimamayabyodin, which is centrally located in Hirafu and has some of the most welcoming staff. I haven’t stayed here but the new @setsuniseko hotel has good reviews + I like the location. Central is key for non-skiiers. ✨ What do you think? Would you visit a ski destination as a non-skiier? 👉 And follow @wheresjessieb for more unique travel ideas in California and beyond. #niseko #hirafu #traveljapan #japantravel #japanwinter #nisekojapan
Place

Hirafu
Landmark
Various accommodations, plus restaurants & bars, are offered in this village by a ski mountain.
Attraction

Lake Tōya
Natural feature
4.5
Popular resort area centered on a caldera lake with islands, boat tours & hot-spring baths.

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Attraction
4.3
Dramatic crater with boiling sulfuric hot springs, volcanic steam plumes & hiking paths.
Stays

Niseko Annupuri Onsen Yugokorotei
Japanese inn
3.8
Tranquil hot spring hotel offering a restaurant & ski storage, plus bike rentals & a kids' playroom.

Kimamaya by Odin
Hotel
4.9
Sophisticated hot spring inn featuring a restaurant & a lounge, plus a spa & a bathhouse.

Setsu Niseko (雪ニセコ)
Hotel
4.6
Cafe/Dessert

Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm MILK KOBO
Ice cream shop
4.2
Airy shop & cafe with many flavors of ice cream, plus cakes, yogurt, milkshakes & tarts.
Restaurant

KOBE BEEF YAKINIKU KOBETEI
Japanese restaurant
4.1

Teuchi-Soba Ichimura
Restaurant
4.3
Bar

Bar Gyu+