Winter Access

Niseko Hanazono Resort

〒044-0082
328-36 Aza-Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 044-0082 Japan

At the resort center Hanazono 308, you can purchase lift tickets, rent skis and snowboards, reserve and join snowsports schools and various activities.


Access From the Niseko Area

Hanazono Shuttle Bus

During the winter season, the Hanazono Shuttle operates daily for our guests. We have the entire Upper Hirafu village and surrounding area covered with a bus every 20 minutes; operating through the upper village to transport guests from their door direct to Hanazono. No one will have to wait or walk far to start their day, this service is ideal for the family or the keen pow enthusiast with the first bus arriving at Hanazono at around 8:30 am in time for early lifts. Bus stops are within walking distance of most accommodations in the Upper Village of Hirafu.

Period: December 2, 2023 – April 7, 2024

  • First bus: Welcome Center around 8:00 → Hanazono 308 around 8:28 (every 20 mins)
  • Last bus: Hanazono 308 around 19:28 → Arrival at Welcome Center around 20:00
    *The last bus departs from Hanazono 308 around 17:28 except during the night skiing period. (December 16, 2023 ~ March 20, 2024)

Shuttle Maps

HANAZONO Shuttle Map 2023-2024

You can check out the route along with a map of the Niseko area.

HANAZONO Shuttle Map Simplified version

This is a simplified version that lists only the bus stops where the Hanazono Shuttle stops.



Ski Down to Hanazono

Niseko Hanazono Resort is part of the Niseko United group and lies on the North Eastern side of Mount Niseko Annupuri (far right-hand side of the trail map below) and can be accessed via the lift system with a Hanazono / Grand Hirafu Lift Pass or Niseko All Mountain Lift Pass.

  • Confident beginners: From Hirafu, take the Hirafu Gondola followed by the Swinging Monkey, turn right off the lift onto Parallel Course (red), then the Silver Dream (green).
  • Intermediate and above: From Hirafu, take the Hirafu Gondola or Ace Quad Chair followed by the King Hooded Triple, turn right onto Youtei Sunset (red), then follow the signs down to HANAZONO.

Also, if you use the Hanazono-Grand Hirafu Lift Ticket issued by the neighboring Grand Hirafu, you can take all the Hanazono and Grand Hirafu lifts.


ACCESS FROM AFAR

Traveling by Car

Rental cars can be hired from Kutchan, Sapporo or New Chitose Airport and are an inexpensive and convenient option for those who are comfortable driving in the snow and wish to explore the area.

Please be aware that the roads can be icy and dangerous in the winter. We advise that you make sure the rental car has all-wheel drive and snow tires. 

TOYOTA Rent-A-Car (Kutchan Town) *

*Japanese website but available in English, please click the "Select Language" button within the page.

Getting to Hanazono by car

Traveling by Coach

The coach services are very efficient and provide a frequent schedule to the resorts in the Niseko area during winter. The typical journey takes around 2.5 – 3hrs. Whilst convenient and hassle-free, all coach transfer options are scheduled services departing at set times, which may not suit all guests. Click on the link below for a range of different services to cover all guests' needs and cut down on the wait time.


Traveling by Train

Hakodate Line is the main rail artery of Hokkaido, running through the Niseko area, it offers easy access to Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and other major cities in Hokkaido. Kutchan station is the most convenient stop when traveling to/from Niseko, just 10 min drive to HANAZONO and 15 min drive to Hirafu Village.

Travelling to Hanazono by train