Niseko (Kutchan; Niseko) — Japan

Niseko is the name used for the mountain area in southwest Hokkaido, about 100 km from Sapporo, encompassing the towns of Kutchan and Niseko. At the center is Mount Niseko Annupuri, 1,308 meters high, with four interlinked ski resorts on its slopes: Grand Hirafu and Hanazono in Kutchan, and Niseko Village and Annupuri in Niseko. Across the valley, Mount Yotei, a nearly perfect cone volcano, is called the "Fuji of Ezo."

In winter, cold winds that come from the continent across the Sea of Japan often dump large amounts of light, dry snow on the mountains, which has made Niseko one of Asia’s most sought-after resorts for foreign skiers. The season generally runs from December to March, with the most snow in January and February, but snowfall varies year to year. The village of Hirafu, at the base of the slopes, has hotels, restaurants and shops catering to an international clientele.

In summer and autumn the area changes: trails climb Yotei and Annupuri, the Shiribetsu River offers rafting, and mountain roads lead to high-altitude ponds and marshes like Shinsen-numa. Farms sell dairy products, potatoes and asparagus, and there are hot springs throughout the valley.

Kutchan is the main town, with the train station, shops and the Hirafu village; Niseko, the neighboring town, has the other station, Niseko Village and the Annupuri area. Buses connect the two and the resorts. The region is about 2 hours from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Kutchan, Niseko.