Guests
Niseko Tips from a Niseko Accommodation Expert: Duncan Manser
Duncan arrived in Hokkaido in 2013, drawn to Niseko after hearing about the place from friends in an Australian ski town. Thirteen years on, he’s still here, and now leads the team as Japan Ski Experience’s Hokkaido Manager. Duncan knows Hirafu village and the wider Niseko area intimately, and alongside his team, puts that local knowledge to work helping guests find the best accommodation in Niseko.
About Duncan
- Based in Niseko since 2013
- Hokkaido Manager at Japan Ski Experience
- Has helped thousands of guests find their perfect accommodation in Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu
- Contributor to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
- Specialist in Niseko accommodation and resort planning
How long have you been living in Niseko, and what first brought you here?
I’ve been living in Niseko since 2013. I didn’t really know anything about it at the time, but the friends I made working in a ski town in Australia said it was the place to go, so I decided to spend a season in Niseko and ended up staying.
How did you get involved with Japan Ski Experience, and what does your role in Niseko involve?
Japan Ski Experience has a team get-together once a year. I was working for another company at the time, but by chance ended up on a Rusutsu day trip with someone who worked here. She was looking for someone to take over her role, so I met the team, and it all came together quite naturally.
How would you best describe Niseko to someone who’s never been?
Definitely hard to describe until you’ve lived here year-round. Most people know Niseko for the snow, but there’s actually a lot happening throughout the year. Hiking, cycling, golf, rafting and long summer evenings give the area a completely different feel to the busy winter season. Even with its international reputation, it still has its original countryside charm.
What makes Niseko unique compared to other Japanese ski resorts like Hakuba or Furano?
Compared to Hakuba, which is spread out across a huge valley and where the main village, Happo One, has quite narrow roads, it’s much easier to get around Niseko. You can walk to the lifts, restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and onsen without needing to rely on public transport.
People are often confused by the four areas, Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. How do they differ, and what should guests know before booking?
Niseko United is made up of those four areas. The names can be confusing because Hirafu, rather than Niseko Village, is where you’ll find most of the accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. It’s usually the best choice if you want everything nearby. All four areas have great skiing, and Annupuri has some of the best onsens in town. I usually recommend booking your accommodation in Hirafu and exploring outwards from there.
What’s the best way to get around Niseko once you’re here? Do you need a car?
Skiing between the four areas is probably the easiest (and most fun!) way to get around. They’re linked at higher elevations making it possible to traverse between them and ski all four resorts in one day. There’s a resort shuttle and public transport links, so a car is not required. That being said, there is more and more accommodation being built further away from the resorts where having a vehicle would be necessary. Having a car does make exploring the wider area much more convenient as there are plenty of onsens, cafés, restaurants and other hidden gems beyond the main resorts that are well worth a visit.
Niseko is famous for its powder, but what do the snow conditions actually feel like day to day?
Niseko gets a lot of snow! It’s not uncommon for it to snow every day, so expect overcast conditions in the peak season. When the taps turn on though, it’s magical. Calm conditions with huge snowflakes falling, and you’d be really surprised how quickly it piles up on the ground. It does mean a lot of shovelling, clearing the house and digging out the car most mornings, but it’s the trade-off that comes with living somewhere this good for snow.
Are there any particular runs, areas, or resort gates you personally recommend, and for what type of skier?
Hiking the peak via gate 3 and skiing down to the Hanazono cat track is my favourite run. There’s so much terrain to choose from up there and on a good snow day it has some of the best runs in the area. Annupuri is a great shout for those looking for beginner/intermediate friendly terrain with long, wide runs.
What would you do with a free day in Niseko, and is there a day trip you find yourself recommending to almost everyone?
I go to Sapporo a lot. It’s easy to reach by car or public transport, and a great way to experience another side of Hokkaido. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot and there’s an underground walkway for when it’s too cold. There’s plenty of great food, shopping and cafés, and it feels a little less overwhelming than other cities like Tokyo.
Is there a place in Niseko that you love recommending to visitors? A bar, restaurant, viewpoint etc?
Sprout Café in Kutchan is a great place to stop for a coffee. It’s small but cosy and run by friendly locals.
Are there any accommodation types or styles that are especially popular or well-suited to certain travellers (families, groups, couples)?
There’s a huge range of accommodation in Niseko, so it’s really about finding the right fit for your trip. Families and larger groups often prefer spacious apartments or houses, while younger groups usually want to stay close to the lifts or après ski. Whether you’re looking for ski-in/ski-out accommodation, a quieter chalet outside of town or anything in between, we’ll help you find the perfect place to stay.
Where do you like to eat, grab a coffee, or have a drink in Niseko? Any less-known places visitors might not stumble across on their own?
Dog Tail Cafe near View Plaza in Niseko town is one of the best value for money lunches in town. Casual Japanese style set-meal lunches with the best katsu curries and karaage fried chicken!
What’s your top piece of advice for first-timers? Is there anything people almost never think to ask before they arrive?
There are so many good restaurants to choose from, but with the popularity of the area, things can get booked out quickly. Some people are put off by potential language barriers when contacting restaurants directly, but often there are websites/booking forms in place to help make it easy. Reaching out to them earlier in the year will ensure you don’t miss out.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Niseko year-round?
The distinct seasons are great. Spring feels so good as after 5 months of being buried under the snow!
Planning a ski trip to Niseko? Japan Ski Experience offers the widest range of Niseko hotels, chalets and apartments available on one platform. Either book now or get a quote, and Duncan and his Niseko-based team will get back to you within one business day with options tailored to your group and travel dates.
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