With its deep powder snow, delicious food, and soothing onsens, Mount Niseko Annupuri in Hokkaido, Japan, is widely regarded as the region's winter wonderland. Get the most out of your time at this mountain retreat with help from Cultural Trip.

All the Reasons You Should Visit Niseko in the Winter

Snow In Niseko Is Unparalleled

Winter brings heavy snowfall to the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, as cold winds from Siberia blow over the Sea of Japan. A typical winter's worth of snow can pile up to 15 meters (50 feet) by season's end, nearly covering even the tallest two-story structures.

Foodies Will Love This Ski Resort

Sea urchins, plump scallops, and hairy crabs are just some delectable seafood found in plenty in the chilly waters of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan that surround Hokkaido. The herb-grazing pigs of Makkari provide delicious, aromatic pork, while the island's volcanic soils are good for growing potatoes, maize, dairy, and cattle. As a result of these factors, fresh, locally-grown foods are easily accessible in Niseko.

After Skiing, The Onsen Is Ideal

Onsen is pools filled with water from geothermally hot springs, which average 40-42 degrees Celsius, and are a staple of the Japanese après-ski culture. There are separate changing rooms for men and women, and users are expected to shower before entering their natural state.

Several onsens in Japan have modified their prohibitions on tattoos, but visitors should still leave their clothing and phones outside. After a day on the slopes, there's no need to worry about sore muscles or a frazzled brain, thanks to the onsen tradition.

How to Spend A Winter In Niseko

Niseko, Japan, Ski And Snowboard Resort

Niseko is a heaven for powder seekers of all skill levels, with three gondolas, 31 lifts, and less than 3,000 acres of groomed lines. Also available is a long, challenging night-skiing route. Many of the world's best professional skiers and snowboarders make the journey off-piste to this region specifically because the backcountry ski area, accessed through nine gates spread across the resorts, is on par with the groomed slopes. Everyone on the mountain must always follow the Niseko Rules.

Enjoy Niseko's Onsen

Some seasoned Niseko visitors even visit the onsen thrice daily, never using their hotel room showers. Luxury accommodations sometimes have private onsen, while hotels like Yugokorotei in Annupuri provide public onsen for guests. Towels and amenities are offered for the 500-1,000 admission fee for adults in the secluded onsen of Iroha in Annupuri, and Kira No Yu in Kutchan.

Niseko Winter Attractions Besides Skiing

Snowshoeing is the way to go if you want to see more of Niseko than just the mountain trails, restaurants, and onsens. Hire a guide to lead you through the snowy forest to the frozen Half-Moon Lake, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery and peacefulness of nature while also getting some great shots. You may even do snow rafting, snowmobiling, or reindeer-sledging.

Eating Out In Niseko

Breakfast

Bread, fruit, and dairy products may be found at the local grocers in Niseko, and you may want to prepare your breakfast on hectic ski days because of how excellent the stuff is. The Rhythm shop near the major Hirafu crossroads has a wonderful coffee counter for when you're in a hurry. If you want to take your time over breakfast, the Green Farm Café and Koko in Hirafu serve savoury and sweet Western dishes, including eggs, pancakes, fry-ups, and excellent coffee.

Lunch

Try the substantial Japanese donburi at the rustic Boyo-So or the beautiful alpine views at Niseko Village's The Lookout Café for lunch on the mountain.

Quick and wonderful dining options abound at many ski-in/ski-out establishments, such as the Singaporean cuisine at Roketto. Off-mountain, Rakuichi in Annupuri is where you must ride the sobadokoro with 12 others.

Dinner

Kamimura restaurant, which received one star from The Michelin Guide in 2012, is still the best place to indulge in a meal in Niseko. Kamimura also oversees the brand-new, more relaxed Kitchen.

The town of Niseko is home to many highly acclaimed dining establishments, some of which are so popular that they book up months in advance. Del Sol in Annupuri is worth the wait for its Neapolitan-style pizzas made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Stunningly fresh local fish, prepared to let the freshness shine, can be found at Ezo Seafoods in Hirafu.