Winter Access
Niseko Hanazono Resort
328-36 Aza-Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 044-0082 Japan
ACCESS FROM
THE NISEKO AREA
Hanazono Shuttle Bus
During the snow season, we operate three shuttle buses daily, running every 20 minutes between the Upper Village and surrounding areas. All guests using Hanazono are welcome to board these buses. If you take the first bus at 8:00 am, those looking to hit the slopes early can ride the lifts starting at 8:30 am when the resort opens.
Period: November 30, 2024 – April 6, 2025
First Departure: Welcome Center at around 8:00 → HANAZONO 308 at around 8:28
Last Departure: HANAZONO 308 at 19:28 → Welcome Center at around 20:00
*Operates at 20-minute intervals.
*Outside of the night skiing period (December 14, 2024 - March 23, 2025), the last departure from Hanazono is at 17:28.
Real Time Hanazono Shuttle Bus Location
Now you can check the real time location of Hanazono Shuttle with light blue icon.
*Major buses in the Niseko area and all their bus stops are shown. Please note that Hanazono Shuttle does not stop at all bus stops on the location map.
Hanazono Shuttle Map
Hanazono Shuttle Map Simplified version
- Hanazono Shuttle Bus services may decrease the number of regular departures or suspend operation due to weather conditions.
- Please refrain from carrying suitcases or big luggage due to limited space.
- The shuttle bus is for transportation to and from the ski resorts only. Please refrain from using it for travel to other facilities.
- Please remain seated while using the bus.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Shuttle Bus
During the operating period, the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono shuttle bus runs daily every hour on two routes: the Kutchan route and the Hirafu route. Guests visiting Hanazono are encouraged to make use of this convenient service.
Period: December 7, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Kutchan Route (Operates every 60 minutes)
- First Departure: Park Hyatt at 15:00 → JR Kutchan Station at 15:40
- Last Departure: HANAZONO 308 at 22:10 → JR Kutchan Station at 22:40
Hirafu Route (Operates every 60 minutes)
- First Departure: Park Hyatt at 17:00 → Yuki Niseko at 17:40
- Last Departure: HANAZONO 308 at 00:10 → Yuki Niseko at 00:40
- No reservation is required.
- Please refrain from boarding with ski boots.
- Delays or changes may occur due to weather or traffic conditions. The timetable is subject to change without notice.
- Large luggage such as suitcases is not permitted on board.
NISEKO UNITED Shuttle Bus
A convenient shuttle bus service is available for travel between the Niseko United resorts: Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, and Niseko Hanazono Resort. This inter-resort shuttle connects all four Niseko United resorts, providing comfortable and easy access.
Period: November 30, 2024 – May 6, 2025
Real Time NISEKO UNITED Shuttle Bus Location
You can now check the current location of the NISEKO UNITED shuttle bus online.
*Click on the “BUS INFO” tab on the trail map to view it.
NISEKO UNITED Shuttle Map
NISEKO UNITED shuttle bus timetable
The number of operating services and the last departure time vary between the night skiing period and outside of it. Please check the timetable before boarding.
Shuttle Bus Riding Conditions
Persons with the currently valid lift passes as follows may ride the bus;
- All Mountain Day 50 Hour Passes
- All Mountain Day Passes
- All Mountain Season Passes
*When alighting, scanning the lift ticket will activate usage: hourly tickets will begin a one-hour usage period, and day tickets will activate one day of use. If you do not wish to activate your lift ticket, please do not scan it and pay the route bus fare instead.
Those who can ride at 1 point;
- Persons with valid All Mountain Point Passes can ride the bus using 1 point
Cash;
- All other persons can ride the bus by paying the public bus fare (see the rates listed inside the bus).
NISEKO UNITED Shuttle Bus Inquiries
Niseko Bus; +81 (0) 136-44-2001
Taxi - GO App
GO – Convenient Taxi Dispatch Service
Launched last season in the Niseko area, “GO (Niseko Model)” offers a convenient way to call a taxi using a smartphone app. It ensures smooth transportation from ski resorts, accommodations, and restaurants.
The service provides real-time tracking and fare estimates for a transparent and comfortable taxi experience. It is also reliable during snowy conditions and busy periods.
Period: December 16, 2024 - March 15, 2025
Information on Other Taxi Operators in the Niseko Area
For transportation within the Niseko area, several other taxi operators are also available. Please refer to the page below for detailed information.
During the high season, wait times of over an hour may occur, so we recommend making reservations in advance.
Ski Down to Hanazono
The Niseko All-Mountain Lift Pass or Hirafu Hanazono Lift Pass allows you to access Hanazono from all the ski resorts via the ski runs.
The main routes are listed below, please refer to them according to your skills.
- For beginner and intermediate skiers
[From Hirafu] After boarding the King Gondola (former Hirafu gondola), connect to the Swinging Monkey lift. After exiting the lift, ski out to the right, down the Parallel Course (Intermediate) and then down the Silver Dream Course (Beginner) to reach Hanazono Base.
- For intermediate and advanced skiers
[From Hirafu] Take the King gondola (former Hirafu gondola) or Ace gondola (former Ace Quad) and connect to the King 3rd Triple Lift. After alighting from the lift, ski the Yotei Sunset Course (Intermediate) on the right to access Hanazono.
ACCESS FROM AFAR
Traveling by Car
The Niseko area is about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from major cities in central Hokkaido.
Please take extra care when driving on snow-covered roads.
Hanazono has a blog with ‘5 tips for safe driving on snow-covered roads from Hokkaidō residents’. Please take a look at it.
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.
*Japanese website but available in English, please click the "Select Language" button within the page.
Use the following MAPCODE number for directions to Hanazono on your car navigation system.
398 504 798*71
Traveling by Ski Bus
Ski bus 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 - 3 hours.
Each bus must be pre-booked.
Most ski buses arrive at Hirafu Welcome Center, but Hokkaido Resort Liner offers a direct service to Hanazono(Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono and Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono hotels) for your convenience.
For Hirafu arrivals, please take the free Hanazono shuttle bus departing from Hirafu Welcome Center to Hanazono.
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.
To reach Hanazono from Kutchan Station, you can take a taxi or the Chuo Bus Kutchan Line heading to Hilton Niseko Village via Hirafu. From Hirafu, transfer to the free Hanazono shuttle bus to complete your journey.
For JR route maps, fares and timetables, click on the buttons below.