The Village
The Hirafu Village offers a diverse range of bars and restaurants serving local and international cuisine where you can finish off your day with a warm, relaxing meal. Internet cafes, souvenir shops, and ski and snowboard rental shops are located within Hirafu Village, and all within easy walking distance. There is also a free village shuttle operating throughout the season.
Attractions and Activities
Take your pick from an assortment of other activities at Niseko, including dog sledding, snow tubing, igloo building, snow shoeing and cross country skiing at the Annupuri Kids Land. You can also go swimming in the indoor swimming pool at the Hotel Niseko Alpen or test your skills on the snowmobile in the Hanazono Nature Adventure Park.
After skiing or snowboarding all day, MAKE SURE you go to an onsen, it is a natural hot spring (usually located outdoors). Nothing soothes your aching muscles better than an onsen. There are 10+ onsens to choose from within Niseko alone.
Shopping
There are a number of shops in Hirafu that sell ski and snowboarding equipment and clothing, and there are also three major convenience stores, Seicomart, Piz Gloria and Lawson in Hirafu where you can buy all your basic groceries.
Dining
Niseko has a very large selection of restaurants of all types - Izakayas, yakitori & sushi restaurants, ramen shops and curry places to name a few. Prices are about average by Japanese standards but surprisingly cheap by Western standards. They recommend Abucha for the best Izakaya meals in Niseko. For ramen, Berg Plaza offers great value and quick meals. For Yakitori, try Bang Bang as this is their specialty. For the BEST Japanese meal experience, visit the restaurant Yo, where you can get a 9 course set meal for approximately ¥3000 (NZ$35).
For something a bit more western, B's Cafe, a five-minute walk from the Hirafu lifts, offers Sapporo on tap, Western-style sandwiches, and made-to-order vegetarian dishes.
Nightlife
The night life, once fairly quiet, continues to grow each season catering for the increase in western visitors to Niseko. The Jam which looks like an upturned boat is a popular destination, but beware of the Sake or youll wake up feeling like youve spent the night in an upturned boat! Make sure you give karaoke a go at one of the many karaoke bars, its a great laugh!
