FAQ
Frequently asked questions from our guests.
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Frequently asked questions from our guests.
Best Rate Guarantee
New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Getting to the New Chitose Airport Sapporo Hokkaido is easy. Fly from your nearest international airport to either Tokyo or Osaka then take a short connecting flight to the New Chitose Airport Sapporo. Some cities do have direct flights to this airport. From the airport to Niseko, 90% of visitors to Niseko take the shuttle bus. The remaining 10% take either private shuttle or rent-a-car.
There are a number of low cost carriers (LCC) that do those two routes.
(*for Skymark best to purchase exactly two months in advance to get best deal. For example if you want a ticket on Jan 10th, buy it online at Nov 10th, 9:30 am.)
Yes, parking is available in the Annupuri Lodge parking lot for ¥2,000 per night. It snows often in Niseko and when it does, we will clean off your car in the morning and move it for the snow plow to plow the parking area.
Our shuttle bus ticket service can take the headache out of getting to the Annupuri Lodge from either the New Chitose Airport or Sapporo City. When we process your reservation, you will have the chance make shuttle bus reservations online via our website. We can also arrange private door-to-door transport for up to 7 persons. You can make reservations here at https://annupurilodge.com/rese...
There are shuttle buses that leave from Sapporo train station frequently. In addition there are some buses that pick people up at a number of the more well-known hotels in Sapporo. You can make reservations here at https://annupurilodge.com/rese...
Yes. Easily! This is a very efficient service in Japan, and the equipment will arrive at the lodge 2 days after shipping. It generally costs around ¥3000. We will store your equipment safely and it will be waiting for you when you arrive. We highly recommend this service to ease the hassle of carrying luggage unnecessarily. The service is called in Japanese Ta-Q-Bin and is done by Kuroneko Yamato
All towels and linen are provided by the lodge.
Shampoo and conditioner is provided by the lodge.
The temperature in winter season generally ranges from -10℃ to 3℃. Sometimes it can get colder at night. You should come prepared with the proper clothing. This includes long underwear, fleeces, scarves, jackets, gloves, woolen socks, etc.
Some people bring boots for walking in the snow and this is preferable, but it is possible to get by with sneakers.
Yes. Niseko Winterlab offers ski and snowboard instruction, as well on-mountain and sidecountry powder guiding tours of Niseko, Moiwa and Rusutsu. As an Annupuri Lodge guest, you can receive a 10% discount off of all lessons and powder guiding tours, as well as avy pack rentals.
Yes. We use a high-quality equipment rental service. Simply fill out the form here and your equipment will be delivered to the lodge on the morning of your first day skiing or in the afternoon of your arrival. You will be fitted at the lodge by the rental technician. If at any time you have anything that needs to be adjusted or would like to, for example, switch from skis to snowboard, simply let the lodge staff know and the rental technician will arrive at the lodge. Note that it is best to fill out the online rental order form as early as possible to insure availability for delivery.
Yes. In addition to experience ski and snowboard instruction, on-mountain and off-piste guides also available through Niseko Winterlab. Winterlab also offers trips into the Niseko backcountry, as well as tours of the nearby Moiwa and Rusutsu resorts. You can do on or off-piste. We recommend trying some of these nearby resorts with a knowledgeable guide as a way to get in some quality ski time in a less crowded, alternative environment. Contact today and a representive will assist you.
With a few adjustments to equipment and subtle changes in technique, powder snow is actually a lot easier to ride than more compact snow. If powder is not to your liking, there are tons of groomed trails to ride as well. Please note that the ski resort require those who go through the gates into the off-piste side country to have beacons and a helmet. You can rent avalache safety packs (avy packs) with beacon, probe and shovel at the lodge office. Please inquire about avi pack rental here.
Yes, you can! We are affiliated with some of the best backcountry guides in the region. Niseko Winterlab has guides that offer mountain orientation tours of the resorts designed to familiarize you with the resort terrain, as well as tours that will take you deep into the backcountry for more extreme skiing and boarding.
Learn more here: Niseko Winterlab
Yes! We have some of the world’s best night riding available until around 20:00 each night until mid-March (last lift is at 19:30. An all-day lift pass includes night skiing as well. If you’ve never done it, it is actually quite enjoyable and the visibility under the lights is much better than you would think.
Yes. Depending on your needs, you can purchase an 8-hour ticket for a given day (a 12 noon start will last you until the end of the night period,) or an all-day ticket, which includes night skiing. All multi-day passes also include night skiing.
Yes. We are blessed with a number of hot springs in the area. The closest one is called Iroha. It has an indoor and outdoor bath, plus a sauna. You can walk there in 5 to 8 minutes. Please check the map in the lobby to see directions.
Onsens are a great way to experience the local culture and make you feel fantastic. Onsen have been used by the Japanese for centuries and today play a central role in Japanese tourism. The are geothermically-fed hot baths and the water contains natural minerals. It is perfect after a long day on the slopes. It is also a good way to prevent injury and get you ready for the next day of skiing.
The local people pay for the running of the onsens and clean them themselves, so it is important that you follow the local manners when indulging. If so, you will have a great time and fit right in. Basically, if you follow the locals you will be fine, but just in case here are some guidelines to help you make the most of this unique experience:
We have the US/Japanese style double-pronged plugs with 100 volts. You should bring an adapter if needed. You can charge your computer, camera or smartphone in your room at the lodge.
No. But it is important to keep noise to a minimum after 11pm. Please respect the harmony.
Yes. Please ask the staff and they take care of that for you.
Yes. We have free wifi in the lodge. Also, the area receives wireless signals that are on both the 4G and 5G wireless network for smartphones. You can also receive phone calls if necessary at the Annupuri Lodge at at: 81 (136) 58 3280.
It is best to bring a decent amount of yen cash (budget at least $100 per day), as some shops and restaurants don’t take credit cards, although this is changing. An ATM machine is about 4km away from the lodge.
Niseko is a big area comprised of four interconnected areas on the same mountain. Here are some statistics:
If you are intermediate level or above, you can get to the other areas by taking the lift to the top of the mountain and then skiing across and down into the other areas. You can also take the free shuttle that goes back and forth between all areas and stops at the bottom of the mountain in front of the Annupuri Nook. There is also transportation on-demand available.
The free shuttle goes back and forth between all areas and can be boarded at the bottom of the mountain in front of the Annupuri Nook. The shuttle generally runs from 7:30am to 9pm. A schedule is posted in the lobby.
Yes. There is reasonably-priced transportation on-demand.
Breakfasts at the Annupuri Lodge feature eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, as well as fruits, yogurt, cereal and granola. We also have hot coffee, tea and fruit juices. Bon appetit!
In addition to Luckyfingers, there are a number of restaurants in Niseko Annupuri. They tend to book out during peak seasons, so it is advised to make restaurant reservations upon arrival with guest staff at the lodge, to avoid not being able to get a table on the day.
Del Sol (across the street from lodge)
Brick-oven Pizzeria price range: pizzas 1500 to 2500 yen. Authentic Italian-style gourmet pizza, salads, draft beer, wines, shochu (Japanese distilled liquor) etc. Small and comfortable place across the street from the lodge. Reservation necessary. Sun & Mon holiday. (0) 136 58 3535.
Karabina (ask staff)
Japanese Izakaya Restaurant. In Japan, an Izakaya is a casual place with good food and drink. Japanese food that is good for sharing. 8-10 minute walk from lodge.
Taj Mahal
(Delivery available, info posted in lodge lobby)
Nice, warm atmosphere. Lots of different Indian curries as well as other dishes.. 18:00 to 24:00.
For more info about other nearby restaurants, please contact staff.
Yes, it is almost always tp call ahead for a reservation. Almost all of the restaurants have staff that speak English.
Japanese food has a decent amount of vegetarian options. Just ask the restaurant staff when ordering and they will be able to assist you.
We highly recommend getting travel insurance to cover any emergencies that could occur during your trip.
Avalanches are a threat outside of patrolled mountain areas and any guests skiing or boarding in those areas do so at their own risk. Backcountry guides are the experts in this terrain and we recommend you use them at all times if you go into the deep backcountry. Daily avalanche report can be seen on our website here. Avalanche and weather reports are also located at each backcountry access gate across the Niseko United Mountain and at each lift station. The Niseko United Reort requires that you are equipped with the appropriate avalanche safety equipment and avalanche knowledge prior to entering the back country. It is easy to rent and you can contact Niseko Winterlab to inquire about reserving avi pack rental.
There are full medical services close by. The Annupuri Lodge has all the relevant contacts for these services and has a full translation service. However, travel insurance is recommended for all guests and we advise you check that your policy includes snow sports and covers incidents that occur while outside of resort boundaries.
In the event that you encounter trouble on the mountain and need assistance, the first thing to do is contact Ski Patrol on the mountain and let them know where you are.
If you for some reason you are unable to achieve a satisfactory result, please call the lodge manager.
Phone Numbers:
In Niseko it is always necessary to be aware of places where snow can shed from a rooftop. and avoid walking in those areas. Please familiarize yourself with the Niseko Rules, which are posted in the lobby, before you go on the mountain. Be safe, and have fun!
Before an escape like this, there are normally a thousand questions running through your mind. We hope to cover the main ones and help you be best prepared to enjoy your trip in the snow. If there is ANYTHING you need to know, feel free to contact us directly here, will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.