Traveling To Hirafo - Flights As Well As Ground Transport
The Japanese island of Hokkaido is serviced by the major town of Sapporo. Sapporo's New Chitose International Airport receives aeroplanes from many destinations . In addition, all the main domestic Japanese airlines run numerous daily domestic flights to and from New Chitose.
From Australia you can fly into Narita airport on an international flight and then take a domestic flight from Tokyo to Sapporo or you can fly to Sapporo directly via Hong Kong or Singapore.
Domestic flights from Tokyo to Sapporo's New Chitose Airport take off from both the Tokyo Narita International Airport and the Tokyo Haneda airport. You will want to take a 1.5 hour bus trip from Narita to Haneda if there are no flights to choose from direct from Narita. The same bus ride applies from Haneda back to Narita on the return journey if you can't get a flight directly from New Chitose to Narita.
You can then get from New Chitose Airport to Niseko by ground shuttle, motor vehicle or train.
New Chitose Airport to Niseko
Coach
There are 3 coach companies Chuo, Donan and Goodsports Whiteliner. You can purchase tickets on arrival at the coach information counter in the arrivals hall. All signs are in English and easily located on arrival. The coach journey to the lodging in Niseko is about 2.5 hours in length and costs ¥2,300 per person one way or ¥3850 return. You can book and pay for spots in advance or purchase seats in the airport. From the airport most people take the bus to Niseko, as it is direct and the most affordable option. Visit the main Niseko website for bus timetables to Niseko.
You can also book a private vehicle to take you from the airport to your Niseko lodgings. This makes sense for groups of between 5 and 14 people (visit the Skybus website for current prices).
Train
If you are coming straight to Niseko from Sapporo's Chitose Airport the train works out to be more costly and it takes a little bit longer. You will have to lug your gear a lot more too and also have to change trains at either Sapporo or Otaru. Once at the Kutchan Train Station you will need to use a cab or bus to complete your trip. The taxi ride can be in the region of ¥ 2000, adding to the cost quite considerably. However most tour operators will pick you up and drop you off.
Car
If you may be traveling around Hokkaido, then you will want to rent an automobile to make the most of you trip. Notethat in winter the driving conditions are really dangerous in Hokkaido due to the volume of precipitation that Hokkaido gets and therefore if you would like to spend almost all of your period in Niseko then there is no real need for a vehicle. Car rental is upwards of ¥15,000 per day and the trip time from New Chitose to Niseko is 2 to 3 hours. All automobiles have navigation and an English interface is available on demand. Car rental companies will want an International Drivers License and a credit card with passport ID.
On Arrival
When you make it to Niseko you will be able to get the keys to your Niseko accommodation from the management company that managed your property. If you arrive by coach you will need to get a taxicab or shuttle bus from the destination place to the management company offices. There is a taxi rank at the drop off area. From time to time management company staff can pick visitors up from the bus stop and drive you to your Niseko chalet.