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Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
Grand HIRAFU boasts the largest size in the Niseko area, offering the best powder snow and a wide variety of 30 courses, including wide ski trails and parks. The resort offers new and convenient facilities such as .Base, the Mountain Center and the high-speed 8-person HIRAFU Gondola. The foot of the mountain is home to many hotels, condominiums, restaurants and hot springs, allowing you to enjoy your time after a hard day on the slopes.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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MARK S
Sydney, Australia16 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Many many people under 30 living the dream is this a part of Australia ?
The snow is powdery but more people than expected in the lift line which does move quickly.
The restaurant s are waiting for the tourists but we don’t oblige…actually we walked in and out of many as they were tourist traps not giving any value.
However we found the more traditional restaurants at the lower end of town giving a good meal …Japanese of course for a fare price ….Make sure you book
Try kiorro if your older for easier skiing with very few people and amazing conditions
The snow is powdery but more people than expected in the lift line which does move quickly.
The restaurant s are waiting for the tourists but we don’t oblige…actually we walked in and out of many as they were tourist traps not giving any value.
However we found the more traditional restaurants at the lower end of town giving a good meal …Japanese of course for a fare price ….Make sure you book
Try kiorro if your older for easier skiing with very few people and amazing conditions
Written 1 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MASETARO-NA1
Aikawa-machi, Japan352 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I came to Niseko for the first time in a while, and I was surprised at how lively it was, to the point that I wondered if I was in Japan. I would estimate that less than 20% of the visitors were Japanese. When I heard Japanese, I was like, "Oh, it's Japanese!" Most of the skiers and snowboarders were wearing the latest functional wear and gear, which looked gorgeous and lifted my spirits. It was peak season in late January, so there was plenty of snow and the powder snow was as comfortable as ever. We were blessed with good weather and could see a magnificent view from the summit. When I was skiing down from near the summit, I was buried up to my knees, so I was scared of what I would do if I sprained my ankle (given my age), but as expected of Niseko, the powder snow put less strain on me and I was able to descend comfortably.
This time, I mainly skied from the Center Four and the Hirafu Gondola, but the Center Four had a greater difference in height than the gondola and was as maneuverable as ever, but there was a sign that said "Thank you for 38 years" and it seemed like I could switch to the gondola. The high-speed lift with footrests and hoods is more convenient because you don't have to take off your skis every time, but considering the frequency of snowstorms, the gondola might be better. I'd like to come again next year.
This time, I mainly skied from the Center Four and the Hirafu Gondola, but the Center Four had a greater difference in height than the gondola and was as maneuverable as ever, but there was a sign that said "Thank you for 38 years" and it seemed like I could switch to the gondola. The high-speed lift with footrests and hoods is more convenient because you don't have to take off your skis every time, but considering the frequency of snowstorms, the gondola might be better. I'd like to come again next year.

Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kylie
Otorohanga, New Zealand20 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Epic snow village! The lifts are a slick operation and there are loads of different runs of varying difficulty so it caters to everyone. The tree lines make the mountain look beautiful, especially when they’re topped with snow!
It’s an easy walk to the lifts (but up a bit of a hill, depending on where you stay), and there are a number of great restaurants and bars around the village.
It’s an easy walk to the lifts (but up a bit of a hill, depending on where you stay), and there are a number of great restaurants and bars around the village.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrianpp
22 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I was last in Niseko around 6 years ago and since then I can’t see that any money has gone into developing lifts or extra terrain with in the ski resort.
Niseko is famous for its powder which was absence the first week but thankfully we got a good 30cm over night and had a great powder day.
Compared to other trips however the base was not high enough and so it limited what you could do off-piste.
I would not take beginners to Niseko relative to other places based on the state of the snow on the beginner runs. For a powder famous resort there was a lot of ice and dirt that the resort seemed clueless to know how to address.
The lift system is old with many slow and unusual lifts but some fast lifts. The highest lift at Annupuri was not running the first 6 days we were there isolating Annupuri from the other areas.
I love the hooded quads which really help on a day where it’s hammering down snow and extend the time you can ride without a break.
Getting out of Hirafu on a powder day is a pain with long lines made worse by only having one good lift option the gondola on the far right side of the resort. Updating some more of the lifts would be great.
The management of lift lines is unique. They don’t manage it. Each person decides what they think is right. Where most resorts setup lines based on that lifts capacity (2s, 4s, etc) they don’t do this at Niseko. Also the ticket checking system - where your pass is scanned at a turnstile - is an issue because you might find for a quad there will be two, three or four turnstiles. All this means people don’t really get into the right combinations until the chair is almost there. You could be in a long line and ride a quad and then see a single rider, two riders, three riders, it’s just bizarre.
Niseko is all about powder skiing. If they didn’t get the snow fall they get, I think they would be in big trouble. They get much higher than average snow, but I don’t think the resort is well managed and I think there is significant room for improvement.
Niseko is famous for its powder which was absence the first week but thankfully we got a good 30cm over night and had a great powder day.
Compared to other trips however the base was not high enough and so it limited what you could do off-piste.
I would not take beginners to Niseko relative to other places based on the state of the snow on the beginner runs. For a powder famous resort there was a lot of ice and dirt that the resort seemed clueless to know how to address.
The lift system is old with many slow and unusual lifts but some fast lifts. The highest lift at Annupuri was not running the first 6 days we were there isolating Annupuri from the other areas.
I love the hooded quads which really help on a day where it’s hammering down snow and extend the time you can ride without a break.
Getting out of Hirafu on a powder day is a pain with long lines made worse by only having one good lift option the gondola on the far right side of the resort. Updating some more of the lifts would be great.
The management of lift lines is unique. They don’t manage it. Each person decides what they think is right. Where most resorts setup lines based on that lifts capacity (2s, 4s, etc) they don’t do this at Niseko. Also the ticket checking system - where your pass is scanned at a turnstile - is an issue because you might find for a quad there will be two, three or four turnstiles. All this means people don’t really get into the right combinations until the chair is almost there. You could be in a long line and ride a quad and then see a single rider, two riders, three riders, it’s just bizarre.
Niseko is all about powder skiing. If they didn’t get the snow fall they get, I think they would be in big trouble. They get much higher than average snow, but I don’t think the resort is well managed and I think there is significant room for improvement.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin T
Cairns, Australia54 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our sixth visit to Niseko ski resort. Once upon a time it was a great place to enjoy a ski holiday. Not so now. Over development of accommodation has led to crowding both on and off the ski slopes. Restaurant are generally of a lower quality than they were and their prices have skyrocketed. Worse, it is essential to make a booking for any of the restaurant and then they have the gaul to demand a $40 to $60 non refundable booking deposit if you cancel irrespective of your reasons. Niseko is shooting itself in the foot. Our sixth visit here will be our last!
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wilson8866
Singapore, Singapore16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The famous Japow once again live up to its reputation.
We were there early Jan 20 and the snow was thick. There were a couple of days it snow so heavily, visibility was poor.
Furthermore, Niseko has night skiing that made the trip very worthwhile. There was significantly less people and hardly any kids.
It has been perceived that Niseko is over crowded during the new year period. Yes and no.
Yes, it is generally quite crowded. However, if you ski late morning, early afternoon (lunch time), evening and night, the crowd is much lesser. You should be able to ski with ease.
The chairlifts & cable cars are well managed and the personnels are efficient & watchful. Besides skiing, there are ski shops, decent restaurants, souvenir shops, pharmacies, supermarkets etc. to cater to every needs.
The transportation is also very efficient. There is a direct bus from the airport to the Welcome Center in the heart of the resort. There are also free buses shuttling between points of interest around the resort areas.
Of course if you want the place for yourself, you should go in early December or in March. But new year period should not deter you if you only have that window.
We will definitely be back again 😊
We were there early Jan 20 and the snow was thick. There were a couple of days it snow so heavily, visibility was poor.
Furthermore, Niseko has night skiing that made the trip very worthwhile. There was significantly less people and hardly any kids.
It has been perceived that Niseko is over crowded during the new year period. Yes and no.
Yes, it is generally quite crowded. However, if you ski late morning, early afternoon (lunch time), evening and night, the crowd is much lesser. You should be able to ski with ease.
The chairlifts & cable cars are well managed and the personnels are efficient & watchful. Besides skiing, there are ski shops, decent restaurants, souvenir shops, pharmacies, supermarkets etc. to cater to every needs.
The transportation is also very efficient. There is a direct bus from the airport to the Welcome Center in the heart of the resort. There are also free buses shuttling between points of interest around the resort areas.
Of course if you want the place for yourself, you should go in early December or in March. But new year period should not deter you if you only have that window.
We will definitely be back again 😊
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
Cambridge, MA853 contributions
Jan 2020
Despite not having as deep snow as this mountain usually has by mid January, we had a blast skiing here for the first time. There are three gondolas to near the top (from Hanazono, Niseko, and Annapuri) after which one needs to take a chair lift or two to reach the upper most portions of the mountain. There are a number of different areas to ski including a few that require a brief hike (like the one to skiers' left at the top of the Niseko gondola). One must enter the off piste areas through gates as there are strict rules about not skiing under the roped off areas. With a little effort, it is possible to find some great stretches of untracked powder and a wide range of different types of glades ranging from a mild grade to moderately steep. There is a mid mountain restaurant and several at each of the bases where you can warm up with a big bowl of ramen or udon noodles. The lift lines were rarely more than 10 minutes for the whole week that we were at Niseko. This is a fun place to ski!
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra867
Perth, Australia19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
With new accomodation being built every year for the last 10 years that we’ve been skiing in Niseko its become far too busy on the ski slopes. The crowding to get onto the family lift a week ago was ridiculous and with that many people there’s sure to be accidents. The busy period used to be from Christmas until the end of January but it’s now extended to earlier in December right through to March. The ski area needs to be extended somehow.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davfam8
Sydney, Australia90 contributions
Jan 2020
The runs are limited here relative to other overseas resorts. The cultural experience is lovely and the people very polite and organise. Infrastructure needs to improve, some older chairs were unreliable and slow and when windy so many of the lifts are shut which limits the skiing experience. The food on the mountain is incredibly expensive and not a great quality (apart from the Ramen house that is owner operated). Apart from onsens there is nothing else to do except skiing and the afternoons are long. The gondola queue is very long and lift queues chaotic. With the expansion of accommodation, there needs to be a commensurate expansion of the skiing options, as this is a very expensive ski holiday for limited value.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CARiley
Launceston, Australia8 contributions
Feb 2020
Yes they had a bad year so the snow was nowhere near what they normally get. Got to plus temperatures which doesn't help. Whiteouts and wind didn't help either, you couldn't see half the time and with the upper chairs closed you could not move between the ski areas easily, having to revert to the bus. An hour trip from Hanazono to Annapuri which was by far the better of all the areas. They need to do a bit more planning as the snow changes by grooming areas between the ski areas and putting on more buses when the chairs are on hold - express without all the stops
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone of you here will be able to recommend a fun activity that I can do with my family? I.e., sliding down the snow slope with a tube, snow mobile, etc appreciate it!
Written 3 December 2023
Go for snowmobiling! We did that last year for Mt birthday and that was fun!
Written 28 January 2024
looking ski member for group lesson , target date on 28 Nov 2018 , temporary only me alone
happy to join any group on English or chinese lesson
Written 29 October 2018
Hi,
There are ski school there to provide both English and Chinese lesson.
This year in Feb, I think I saw a Hong Kong lady instructor giving ski lesson. There are also many English (non-Japanese) instructor around to give good English instruction at Hirafu mountain.
Written 29 October 2018
All four resorts have beginning areas. Grand Hirafu has the best ski school if your learning. Hanazono has the most flat terrain good for skiing but not snowboarding.
Written 25 October 2018
I'm planning to stay in the Grand Hirafu area in March 2019. Lots of accommodation claims to be ski in/ski out but I'm wondering which are the main lifts that competent skiier will be using? (its no use me being ski-out to the kids/beginners area. Thanks
Written 30 July 2018
By the way, I would not restrict your skiing to Grand Hirafu. Hanazono and Annupuri are also very nice. If you are an advanced skier, you may want to ski a bigger area. The 4 ski resorts are interlinked. You can ski across the 4 resorts from the top. Nice onsens near Annupuri.
Written 30 July 2018
raymond p
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
I will be visiting niseko on 5 or 6 May. Is the resort opened on these two days? Also does the resort caters for beginners to do skiing.
Thanks
Written 11 April 2018
Unsure of resort open season but it is a family friendly resort with beginner, intermediate and advanced options. Contact Niseko guiding and photography to capture your time there in high definition quality snaps on or off piste. Enjoy
Written 22 April 2018
We will be visiting niseko in late april is it still worth a visit. What activity is still available?
Written 20 January 2018
The snow is incredible this year. Usually mid to 3rd week of April is still good but must check for end April this yr. Spring skiing is fun, not too cold and lots of sun light. If you are adventurous, you should consider booking a one day tour with a local guide and photographer to climb up Mount Yotei (6 hours hike up the mountain) and snowboard down. The guide can bring you to outdoor open air natural hot spring.
Written 20 January 2018
Hi, may i know if it is necessary to book the ski rental online? or can we just rent it there directly (going on 28th nov)?
Written 14 November 2017
I rented all of my ski / snowboarding equipment in Niseko...there are several shops you can go to...no need to reserve or book online...I rented from a place call Rhythm. They had nice quality equipment.
Written 15 November 2017
I am planning to visit niseko from 23 -25 nov. the hirafu website said lifts C and D will be open from nov 23, but the website's live camera is still showing no snow on the slopes yet. if there is not enough snowfall, is it possible hirafu will decide not to open for skiing despite advertising a nov 23 open date? or they would make sure they produce enough artificial snow in order to meet the nov 23 open date?
Written 11 November 2017
I imagine an opening date is set to allow for hiring staff etc but no resort can guarantee when the snow will actually fall in sufficient quantities.
If there’s not enough snow they will use the machines to create artificial snow, BUT the weather still needs to be cold enough (below 0) for machines to produce snow.
Good luck. I hope you get some good skiing weather! :-)
Written 14 November 2017
As my last visit ,It was snowing since the mid of November.
Written 24 October 2017
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