The closest airport is Chitose, Sapporo’s busy international and domestic airport which is an hour from the city centre. Timing the purchase of your flight to Chitose can impact on the price you pay. Flights from Australia can be as little as $700 return or in excess of $2000 return for economy, so it pays to search a little. Good websites for searching are expedia.com.au, skyscanner.com.au, auntbetty and of course the airline sites, Qantas, Jal, Thai, Cathay, Singapore, Air China, Jetstar, Korean air. There are others as well.
Buses depart from the airport to Niseko up to 19.40 at night (Big Runs), so to avoid having to stay in Chitose overnight, its important to fly in before 18.00. Likewise the earliest bus from Niseko to the airport arrives at Chitose at 11.00 so its wise to book the return flight out at 1400 or later, otherwise an overnight stay in Chitose is recommended. Chitose is an hour from Sapporo and there are many hotels in Chitose that have regular free shuttle buses to the airport.
The main Niseko drop off point , the Hirafu Welcome Centre is a 2 1/2 hour bus ride from the airport.
The buses need to be pre booked well before your trip and their websites are
Once you’re booked, please notify the lodge of your arrival details, times and bus line. A pickup from the Welcome Centre can be arranged if required.
Its also possible to take the train from the airport to the railway station in Kutchan, the closest town. Transfer from Kutchan station to the lodge via taxi is around 1500 Yen.
It’s possible to ship your skis and luggage to the lodge on entry to Japan so that you can do some sightseeing and travel light. Japan has a fantastic service called Takkyubin which is fast, reliable and easy to use.
Niseko Club 