Pre Arrival Information

Our team is passionate about making your next holiday to Niseko enjoyable and hassle free. We have compiled a pre arrival guide to help you prepare.

Winter
Dec 1 - March 31
Transportation

There are several transfer options available to guests between Niseko and New Chitose Airport (CTS) or Sapporo City. If you are unsure of the best option to suit you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact our guest services team.

Scheduled Coach (Resort Liner)

When you arrive at New Chitose Airport, please make your way to the Resort Liner Transfer Desk and check in with the Resort Liner staff. If you are arriving at the Domestic Terminal you will find the Resort Liner Desk mid way along the Domestic Arrivals Hall at the 'Domestic Tours Desk'. If you are arriving at the international terminal the Resort Liner Desk is located at the 1F Curb Side Lobby. Once your coach is ready to depart the staff will direct you where to board. There will be one rest stop on the way to Niseko and the coach may stop briefly at Rusutsu before arriving at the Hirafu Welcome Centre (Car Park No.1).

When you arrive at the Hirafu Welcome Centre our concierge team will be there to meet you and bring you to your accommodation. If your coach arrives early and the concierge is not there to meet you, please ask the friendly staff at the Welcome Centre to call our Reception.

Akazora: 0136-23-0025
Country Resort: 0136-55-5136
The Orchards: 0136-55-5609

Upon your departure one of our concierge team members will check you out of your accommodation and take you to the Hirafu Welcome Centre where you will board your coach.

Private Transfer

Upon your arrival to New Chitose Airport, your driver will meet you at your arrival gate and bring you to your private vehicle. If you have a mobile phone that can receive calls while you are in Japan please send us your phone number, so that we can pass it onto the driver and they may contact you directly should the need arise.

The driver will bring you to your accommodation. Upon arrival at our Reception, a member of the concierge team will hop on the bus, take you to your chalet, help you get unloaded and check you in for your stay.

Upon your departure, one of our concierge staff will check you out at your chalet and your driver will be waiting at your front door at least 15 minutes prior to your arranged departure time.

Car Rental

When you arrive at New Chitose Airport, please make your way to the Toyota Desk to complete registration for your car rental. If you are arriving at the Domestic Terminal, you will find the Toyota Desk by the Domestic Tours desk between the JAL Arrivals Gate A and ANA Arrivals Gate. If you are on an international arrival you will find the Toyota Desk at the 1F Curbside Lobby. Once you have completed registration for the rental with Toyota, they will take you on a shuttle bus out of the airport terminal to the “New Chitose Airport Branch” to collect your car.

When returning your car, please go to the “New Chitose Airport Branch” and not the Airport Terminal. Once you have returned the car, Toyota will again provide a shuttle bus to the terminal. We recommend that you return your car at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled flight departure.

It is Japanese law that all people hiring a vehicle must present a valid International Driver's Permit (obtained in accordance with the Geneva Convention of 1949) and their current driver’s license, or, a full Japanese driver's license. If you do not have these documents when you arrive, you will not be able to collect your car.

Train

1) From Sapporo or Chitose Airport, get on the JR Hakodate Line and get off at Kutchan Station.
2) Note: on most services from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, you are required to change transfer once at Otaru.

For up to date train timetable information, please check the JR Hokkaido website or alternatively, you can use HyperDia.

When you arrive at Kutchan Station, ask a taxi driver to take you to Akazora in Hirafu, or Country Resort/The Orchards in Kabayama.

Check In and Check Out Information
Front Desk

Our friendly and responsive front desk and concierge team are available to help with you all your requests and questions. Please do not hesitate to call, email or visit us in person if you require a helping hand to book tours, lessons, or would like our team's recommendations on restaurants and onsen.

Emergency After Hours Assistance

In the unlikely case of an emergency, our concierge team is available after hours to assist. Please contact our emergency contact number provided upon check-in.

Check-In

Our standard check-in time is 3:00pm on the day of your arrival. If you plan to arrive earlier than this, our concierge team may advise some options to stock up on food, supplies, or assist you with organising rental equipment. Our team can store your luggage in the Reception area until your accommodation is prepared and ready for check-in.

Check-Out

Our standard check-out time is 10:00am on the day of your departure. If you are departing Niseko later than this, our concierge team is more than happy to keep your luggage stored in the Reception area. Our concierge team is also available to assist you with arranging a departure transfer method, or confirm train schedules. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Late check out can be arranged with at least 24 hours notice, subject to availability, and an additional fee may apply.

Cleaning, Supplies and Beds

MnK Niseko properties are fully self-contained and as such do not have a daily cleaning service.

The housekeeping schedule is based on the duration (Nights) stay,  guests will receive periodical towel exchange and rubbish collection. Cleaning services, including room cleaning and linen replacement is in addition to the accommodation rate. Additional charges will apply.

Body wash products, towels, and linen will be changed or replenished, but it is up to guests to re-stock their own tea, coffee, and sugar. Long-term stays will have spare towels and linen, and the responsibility is with the guest to re-stock all consumable items.

All chalets are equipped with towels, linen, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dishwashing liquid, detergent, and bin liners. A small supply of complimentary tea, coffee, and sugar is also provided. In winter, guests can also pre-order groceries for their arrival, simply click here for more details.

If you have any specific bedding requirements, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to fulfill your request.
Please kindly note that bedding requests are subject to availability.

Money Matters
International ATMs

The nearest international ATM is located at Lawson in Hirafu. Lawson, 7/11, Lucky Supermarket (Kutchan) and post offices will accept most cards for cash withdrawals.

Guests are recommended to withdraw cash upon arrival to New Chitose International Airport. Furthermore, ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans, so as not to block any transactions you may wish to make.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged in Kutchan at both the Kutchan Central Post Office and the North Pacific Bank (Hokuyou Bank). Business hours are from 9:00am – 3:00pm weekdays.

Cash or Card?

Japan is still largely a cash society. Whilst it is becoming more prevalent for cafes, bars, restaurants and shops to accept credit card and other forms of cashless payment, for maximum convenience it is still recommended to carry cash.

Shuttle Service
The Orchards

From 1 December – 31 March, MnK Niseko provides a complimentary shuttle service for guests staying at The Orchards. The shuttle service operates to and from The Orchards and services the Hirafu ski area.
This is a request-based shuttle (not circulating on a schedule) and subject to availability - please contact the guest services team to arrange your pickup time in advance.

Country Resort

From 1 December – 31 March, MnK Niseko provides a complimentary shuttle service for guests staying at Country Resort. The shuttle service operates to and from Country Resort and services the Hirafu ski area.
This is a scheduled based shuttle - please contact the guest services team to arrange your pickup time in advance. A shuttle time table will be in your chalet but can be viewed and downloaded via button below.

Akazora

Akazora is located in the heart of Hirafu Village, which makes it perfect for accessing the ski resort, restaurants, convenience stores and retail all on foot. The closest ski lift (Ace Family Lift) is just 6 minutes from Akazora when walking. If you would like to take buses to different lifts and other parts of the Niseko resort area, you have access to the Hanazono and Niseko United resort shuttles, the closest stop for these buses being just 2 minutes away on foot.
MnK Niseko can also offer you a complimentary pick-up/drop-off from the Hirafu Welcome Centre or Kutchan on your check-in and check-out days during reception hours.

Hanazono Shuttle InformationNiseko United Shuttle Information
Grocery Ordering (Winter Only)

Be welcomed to a fridge full of the essentials by pre ordering groceries to your accommodation. MnK Niseko works with local suppliers to provide grocery sets, beverages and alcohol to our guests. Simply visit our Grocery Ordering page here, and place your order a minimum of 5 days in advance of your arrival date.

Pre Order Groceries
Summer
May to November
Transportation

In Summer, public transportation is limited and village shuttle buses do not operate in Niseko. We highly recommend renting a vehicle for traveling to/from Niseko and for use during your stay. Our concierge team can assist you with a rental car reservation in advance, please visit our guest services page to make an inquiry.

Car Rental

When you arrive at New Chitose Airport, please make your way to the Toyota Desk to complete registration for your car rental. If you are arriving at the Domestic Terminal, you will find the Toyota Desk by the Domestic Tours desk between the JAL Arrivals Gate A and ANA Arrivals Gate. If you are arriving at the International Terminal, you will find the Toyota Desk at the 1F Curbside Lobby. Once you have completed registration for the rental with Toyota, they will take you on a shuttle bus out of the airport terminal to the “New Chitose Airport Branch” to collect your car.

When returning your car, please go to the “New Chitose Airport Branch” and not the Airport Terminal. Once you have returned the car, the car rental company will provide a shuttle bus to the terminal. We recommend that you return your car at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled flight departure.

It is Japanese law that all people hiring a vehicle must present a valid International Driver's Permit (obtained in accordance with the Geneva Convention of 1949) and their current driver’s license, or, a full Japanese driver's license. If you do not have these documents when you arrive, you will not be able to collect your car.

Train

1) From Sapporo or Chitose Airport, get on the JR Hakodate Line and get off at Kutchan Station.
2) Note: on most services from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, you are required to change transfer once at Otaru.

For up to date train timetable information, please check the JR Hokkaido website or alternatively, you can use HyperDia.

When you arrive at Kutchan Station, ask a taxi driver to take you to Akazora in Hirafu, or Country Resort/The Orchards in Kabayama.

Check In and Check Out Information
Front Desk

Our friendly and responsive front desk and concierge team are available to help with you all your requests and questions. Please do not hesitate to call, email or visit us in person if you require a helping hand to book tours, services, or would like our team's recommendations on restaurants and onsen.

Emergency After Hours Assistance

In the unlikely case of an emergency, our concierge team is available after hours to assist. Please contact our emergency contact number provided upon check in.

Check In

Our standard check in time is 3:00pm on the day of your arrival. If you plan to arrive earlier than this, our concierge team may advise some options to stock up on food, supplies, or assist you with organising an activity. Our team can store your luggage in the Reception area until your accommodation is prepared and ready for check in.

Check Out

Our standard check out time is 10:00am on the day of your departure. If you are departing Niseko later than this, our concierge team is more than happy to keep your luggage stored in the Reception area. Our concierge team is also available to assist you with arranging a departure transfer method, or confirm train schedules. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Late check out can be arranged with at least 24 hours notice, subject to availability, and an additional fee may apply.

Group Size

During the reservation process, our team received the number of people in your party from the lead guest. Please inform us if you have more guests than the confirmation indicates. MnK Niseko has a responsibility to keep an accurate record of group sizes in our accommodations. If undisclosed guests exceed the maximum capacity of the property, guests are required to seek alternative accommodation arrangements without compensation from MnK.

Cleaning, Supplies and Beds

MnK properties are fully self-contained and as such do not have a daily cleaning service.

The housekeeping schedule is based on the duration (Nights) stay,  guests will receive periodical towel exchange and rubbish collection. Cleaning services, including room cleaning and linen replacement is in addition to the accommodation rate. Additional charges will apply.

Long-term stays will have spare towels and linen, and the responsibility is with the guest to re-stock all consumable items.

All chalets are equipped in towels, linen, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dishwashing liquid, detergent, and bin liners. A small supply of complimentary tea, coffee, and sugar is also provided.

If you have any specific bedding requirements, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to fulfill your request. Please kindly note that bedding requests are subject to availability.

Temperature Control

Please kindly note that in Summer, our properties are cooled by fans and open windows. Air conditioning does not come standard in the majority of our apartments and chalets.

Money Matters
International ATMs

The nearest international ATM is located at Lawson in Hirafu. Lawson, 7/11, Lucky Supermarket (Kutchan) and post offices will accept most cards for cash withdrawals.

Guests are recommended to withdraw cash upon arrival to New Chitose International Airport. Furthermore, ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans, so as not to block any transactions you may wish to make.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged in Kutchan at both the Kutchan Central Post Office and the North Pacific Bank (Hokuyou Bank). Business hours are from 9:00am – 3:00pm weekdays.

Cash or Card?

Japan is still largely a cash society. Whilst it is becoming more prevalent for cafes, bars, restaurants and shops to accept credit card and other forms of cashless payment, for maximum convenience it is still recommended to carry cash.

Food
Restaurants

Everything from hidden, casual lunch spots to fine-dining, Michelin-starred dinner recommendations. If you still aren't sure where to dine, our friendly guest services team would be more than happy to let you in on our top picks. Check out the MnK Restaurant Guide for a list of restaurants that may be open during the summer months.

Groceries

Basic ingredients, drinks and snacks for your self-contained accommodation can be bought at nearby convenience stores like Seicomart, Lawson and 7-11. For full grocery stock-ups, we recommend visiting nearby Kutchan town at one of their 3 major supermarkets; MaxValu, Lucky or Co-op.

BBQ Rental

The best way to try some of Niseko's famous fresh produce is to enjoy it freshly cooked on a BBQ at your chalet (only available for Country Resort and The Orchards). See here for more information.

Still have questions? Visit out our property FAQs or contact us

The Orchards FAQCountry Resort FAQakazora FAQ
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