The old Japanese style pension Hakuunso had its final season in 2014-2015 and is now a part of Hirafu history. Demolition has been ongoing over the past week, and it is a strange sight to see one of the few remaining old pensions go down…   Fortunately Hakuunso won’t suffer the fate of many other[…]

The Bicycle Corner in Niseko Moiwa is a new bike shop offering a spectrum of services. Tours with various options Rentals of various bicycle types Maintenance Children options for all ages This bike shop is an interesting option for visitors in the Niseko Konbu Onsen Kyo area near Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort, Kanro No Mori,[…]

For scrumptious grilled food the yakitori joint in Kutchan called Torimatsu is must. The list of assorted grilled goodies on the menu is long, and there is surely something that suits any preference. Yaki ika, beef skewers, chicken skewers with plum sauce Entrance to grilled goodness The infamous hakkaku

Niseko Town has a fleet of green bicycles and a program that makes them available from several locations for free. Reservations aren’t taken for the bikes, so its first come first serve for one of the 35 bikes from 6 locations. They are available for persons 13 years and up, and requires the user to[…]

A share car through the Audi Volkswagen car sharing program is located at Niseko One Resort towers. Use of the car requires registration and reservation through Hokkaido BUBU. The share car is an appealing option for spur of the moment change of plans requiring an extra vehicle, or quick local trips.  

Located adjacent to the mind-boggling boiling pond Oyu Numa, on the Niseko Panorama Line out in Rankoshi town, The Yukichichibu hotspring baths are one of the classic onsens in Niseko. The lodge which was in operation since the ’60s was demolished this spring and crews have been busy all summer rebuilding a new facility which[…]

On route 66, just west of the 7-11 there is a beautiful field of sunflowers that stretches into the distance. This section of route 66 is part of the Panorama Line, which showcases areas of Niseko’s scenic beauty.  

Its back for another round of summer fun Hokkaido Style. The Niseko Beer Garden is becoming an annual event here in Hirafu and is happily welcomed by residents and visitors alike. Food stands, kids inflatable playground, big tent, live performance stage, and of course – beer!   

Big rains stormed into Hirafu this afternoon dumping buckets and filling drainages. Everyone got their gardens watered and a free car wash! Anyone in the area who happened to glance up at the mountain would have seen the Haru No Taki waterfall gushing as well. A rare sight outside of spring time, it was the[…]