The Best Places to Eat in Niseko, Japan

December 28, 2025
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Niseko is one of Japan’s most well-known ski resorts and for good reason – lots of powder, a big resort and accessible backcountry make it a popular choice for ski holidays. But did you know it’s also a foodie heaven? Here are all my favourite spots, from fancy to streetfood!

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Table of Contents

How to get to Niseko:

The closest airport to Niseko is New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo. I would highly recommend flying into this airport as from there it is only about 2-3 hours to the resort.

There are three options to get to the resort – private shuttle, bus or train:

🚅 Train is the cheapest option and does not need to be pre-booked, but you will need to change trains 2-3- times so not ideal if you have a lot of luggage. You can search for your journey here.

🚍 Bus is the happy medium and how I got to Niseko. It is a little more expensive (around $35) and you need to pre-book in advance. I would recommend the Hokkaido Resort Liner which you can book here, but there are also the Hokkaido Chūō Bus and the White Liner.

There are also a bunch of direct shuttle buses which are more expensive but will often even drop you right by your hotel. Some hotels even have their own private ones. Options are NDS, Sky Express and NGS.

👉 Related article: How to Get From New Chitose Airport to Niseko on a Budget

Where to stay in Niseko:

From budget to luxury, Niseko has something for every type of ski trip. Here are some of my favourites:

$ – Pension Locomotion, Pensione Uno, Ramat and Snowgum Ski Lodge Niseko

$$ – Always Niseko, Midtown Niseko, MUSE Niseko

$$$ (ski-in, ski-out) – Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Ki Niseko

Where to eat in Niseko, Japan?

Whether you’re looking for the perfect lunch place to warm up or hunting the dinner reservations for the next ski holiday (yes, you’ll need to reserve at most places for dinner during peak season), these are all my favourite spots in Niseko and surroundings.

Tsubara Tsubara

Located near Midtown Niseko, this restaurant serves up a famous Hokkaido specialty: Soup Curry. Perfect after a chilly day on the slopes, this will heat you up from the inside.

Why I love it: Good prices (for Niseko), lots of customisation and vegetarian options

Bar Moon

Somewhat of a local’s secret, this bar doesn’t just sell delicious cocktails but also some of my favourite Ramen in the area. Come early during peak season though as there are limited tables!

Why I love it: THE best Ramen and homely atmosphere

Bo-yo-so

If you are looking for one of the best restaurants on the actual mountain, Bo-yo-so wins every time. Delicious Japanese basics like curry and Udon at good prices. Come early or late (2pm onwards) to avoid the huge queues.

Why I love it: Best spot to get an affordable meal on the mountain.

Yakiniku Genghis Khan Yakiniku Yotei YOTEIZAN

Located right on Niseko Hirafu’s high street, this is a fancier place to get some freshly grilled Wagyu. Also serve some delicious soups! We managed to go in without queuing at lunch, but definitely reserve for dinner.

Why I love it: While I don’t eat meat (great soups tho! My friends said the meat was excellent), I loved the cosy atmosphere.

Tozanken Ramen

Right across the street is one of the most well-known Ramen places in Niseko Hirafu. The food is delicious and the prices fair. Be prepared to queue for a while though, they have a system where you pull a number and then wait.

Why I love it: Very authentic place with lovely staff.

Niseko’s food trucks

While Niseko has many amazing restaurants, it also has countless of incredible street food options. Mainly the food trucks, which are plenty. Good areas to check for them are next to Seicomart (you HAVE to stop at the Ice Cream one), by Apres Bar and next to SkiJapan.

Why I love it: Some of THE most delicious food in town for great prices. Also perfect after a night out!

Rookie's Kitchen

Located between Annupuri and Niseko Village, this restaurant is an insanely good hidden spot. The curries and tempura here are next level.

Why I love it: Delicious food and beautiful views over Niseko’s winter landscape.

Afuri

Another amazing Ramen restaurant in Niseko!

Why I love it: The vegan Ramen here is to die for!

Niseko-Yo

Speaking of Niseko Village, Niseko-Yo has several delicious restaurant options, perfect for lunch on the slopes. Head to Baby Crosta for amazing Pizza or Yang Shu Ten for more traditional Japanese dishes.

Why I love it: Right by the slopes with options for everyone.

Nest813

The new restaurant on the top of Ace Gondola doesn’t just have insane views but also delicious food. It opened in December 2025. It is a little on the fancy side, with snow crab and wagyu dishes, but they are very good!

Why I love it: Great location and some interesting fusion dishes.

Kutchan restaurants

If you are running out of choices in Niseko or looking for more affordable alternatives, the nearby Kutchan town has some great restaurants at much more “normal” prices. Some of my favourite stops are Sapporo ramen Daishin Niseko branch and Markie Curry. There are local buses that head there and a free night bus (look for Kutchan night bus on Google).

Why I love it: Find similar dishes to Niseko at much lower prices and often accessible without reservation.

When should you come to Niseko for the best snow?

It’s impossible to predict the exact time that you will experience the best snow. It changes slightly every year. In general, mid-December to late February is when Niseko gets consistent snow and lots of powder days.

Usually January is known for some of the best snow, though this season it didn’t snow for almost three weeks in January but instead dumped snow in December and February. The snow was good even till Mid-March.

The year before, January was the best month and December and February a bit slow. So there is a little luck involved. I’d say end of December is a good bet as well as beginning of February, but be wary of how busy it gets during holiday periods such as Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Other resorts near Niseko to explore:

Other resorts around Niseko can also be super beginner-friendly and are fun to explore. Some of the best resorts near Niseko are:

Moiwa – really close to Niseko and reachable by bus, this is one of my favourite resorts. The snow here is unbeatable and it is usually a little quieter than Niseko. They have great beginner slopes.
Rusutsu – This resort is a great day trip from Niseko. The resort is pretty big and varied with great options for any ski/snowboard level.
Kiroro – another smaller resort with fantastic snow, this is worth keeping an eye on for those powder days.

Moiwa and Rusutsu are reachable by public transport from Niseko, though it’s even easier if you have a car. Kiroro is best reachable by car. Check rental options here.

How many days do you need in Niseko?

How many days to spend in Niseko really depends on what your are looking to do as well as your level of ski/snowboard. I would highly recommend a minimum of 4-5 days for anyone looking to hit the slopes (even beginners as it takes around 3 days to start to feel comfortable outside of the beginner hill), more for those with snow sports experience and looking to explore the full four resorts in Niseko as well as other ski hills in Hokkaido. In that case, you will want at least a week, even two if you have the time.

Tours and activities around Niseko:

Niseko has lots of other things to offer outside of skiing/snowboarding. Check out my full guide on the 7 best ones here , including snow shoeing, the incredible Japanese Onsen (hot mineral baths) and nightlife.

Is Sapporo worth visiting?

Yes, if you have the time I recommend planning in one day to see Sapporo. The city has lots to offer. I’d especially recommend visiting during the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival (usually in the beginning of February) – the ice sculptures are incredible.