How to Use the Niseko Area Circuit Bus in Winter | Free Pass & 100-Yen Rides

🇺🇸 niseko
🇺🇸 niseko
※本記事にはアフィリエイト広告（PR）が含まれています。体験に基づいたレビューを含みますが、商品購入などにより収益を得る場合があります。 This article contains affiliate links (PR). All reviews are based on real experiences, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.

Hi there! Let’s ride the Niseko Area Circuit Bus in winter 🚍❄️

Hi there! Today I took a closer look at the Niseko Area Circuit Bus that connects JR Niseko Station, Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza, Niseko Village, Annupuri, Konbu Onsen and Moiwa. It felt like such a safe and budget-friendly way to get around Niseko in winter, so I’d love to share it with you! 😊

Free pass for Niseko townspeople

If you don’t feel confident driving on icy roads, or you want to enjoy drinks after skiing, this 100-yen local bus (free with the Niseko resident pass) can make your stay easier and safer. Let’s see how it works and which spots you can reach along the route.

Niseko tour bus stop and timetable

Highlights of the Niseko Area Circuit Bus

① 100-yen flat fare & kids ride free

  • Flat fare: 100 yen per ride for adults.
  • Children under elementary school age ride free.
  • Cash and credit card tap payment are available on board.
  • Easy to hop on and off for short rides between ski areas and town.
  • Great for budget-conscious travelers and long-stay guests.
  • Makes local buses feel accessible even if you’re a first-time visitor to Niseko.

② Free pass for Niseko residents

  • Niseko Town residents can apply for a free resident bus pass.
  • Show the pass and your ride becomes free instead of 100 yen.
  • Perfect for school runs, shopping, and commuting to ski resorts.
  • Makes winter life easier for families without a car or second car.
  • A great way to support local public transport by actually using it.
  • Details and application info are listed on the official town website.

③ Ski-boot friendly & gear allowed

  • You can board with ski boots on, which is super convenient.
  • Skis and snowboards can be brought on board if handled safely.
  • Keep your gear compact with covers or bands to avoid blocking aisles.
  • Ideal for moving between different ski areas in one day.
  • Great option for families with kids who get tired quickly.
  • Always follow the driver’s instructions in busy periods.

④ Bilingual information (Japanese & English)

  • Timetables and route maps are available in both Japanese and English.
  • Easy for English-speaking visitors to understand where to get on and off.
  • Signage around JR Niseko Station and key stops is also bilingual.
  • Reduces the stress of using local buses in a foreign country.
  • Helpful for planning transfers between train, bus, and ski slopes.
  • Makes the service feel welcoming for international families and groups.

⑤ Safer than winter driving on icy roads

  • Niseko’s winter roads can be icy, narrow, and sometimes white-out.
  • Driving without winter experience or 4WD can be risky.
  • Using the bus reduces the chance of accidents with cars or wildlife.
  • Perfect for days when you want to drink, relax, and not worry about driving.
  • Good choice for solo parents traveling with kids in heavy snow.
  • Let local professional drivers handle the winter roads for you.
Timetable of the Niseko tour bus

Access & Basic Info｜Niseko Area Circuit Bus

Basic Info

Name: Niseko Area Circuit Bus (ニセコ周遊バス)

Season: Winter-only operation (late November to late March; see official timetable for exact dates)

Main Route: JR Niseko Station / Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza ⇔ Niseko Village ⇔ Niseko Annupuri ⇔ Konbu Onsen ⇔ Moiwa ⇔ JR Niseko Station

Fare: Flat 100 yen per ride (children under elementary school age ride free)

Niseko Resident Pass: Niseko Town residents ride for free by showing the resident free pass.

Payment: Cash and credit-card tap payment on board (please check the official site for supported cards and IC options).

Service: Several loop services per day, plus early-morning runs towards the ski areas (check the latest timetable).

Access

Main Hub: JR Niseko Station (bus stops are located near the station and in front of the Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza).

From JR Niseko Station, you can easily reach Niseko Village, Annupuri, Konbu Onsen, Moiwa, and other ski / onsen areas using this loop bus.

Official Info: Please check the Niseko Town website for the latest details and timetable (winter season updates may change each year).

Route map of the Niseko tour bus

FAQ｜Niseko Area Circuit Bus

Q1. Where can I get the Niseko resident free bus pass?

The free pass for Niseko Town residents is available at the Niseko Town Hall (Planning & Environment Division), the Niseko General Gymnasium, and the tourist information desk at JR Niseko Station. You’ll need an application form (either attached to the flyer or available at each counter) and an ID that proves you live in Niseko Town, such as health insurance card, driver’s license, or a postal item with your address. Since application periods and counter hours may change each season, please check the official website before you go.

Q2. Can non-residents and visitors also use this bus?

Yes, the Niseko Area Circuit Bus is open to everyone. Non-residents can ride for 100 yen per trip, and children under elementary school age ride for free. It’s very convenient for travelers staying at ski resorts who want to visit JR Niseko Station, Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza, hot springs, and local restaurants without driving.

Q3. Can I bring my skis or snowboard on the bus?

You can board the bus wearing ski boots, and you may bring skis or a snowboard with you. For safety reasons, please use a cover or straps to keep your gear compact, and make sure you hold it securely so it does not block the aisle or hit other passengers. On very crowded services, the driver may limit large items, so always follow the staff’s instructions.

Q4. Where can I check the timetable and service status?

The latest timetable is published as a PDF on the Niseko Town official website’s “Niseko Area Circuit Bus” page. Some seasons also provide information via Google Maps or online route maps such as “Niseko Digital Map,” where you can see stop locations and routes. Because heavy snow and road conditions may cause delays or cancellations, it’s a good idea to check the latest information on snowy or stormy days.

Q5. In which situations is it better to use the bus instead of driving?

Niseko’s winter roads can be icy, narrow, and sometimes completely white-out. If you’re not used to winter driving, if you only have a rental car without proper winter equipment, or if you plan to drink in the evening, using the circuit bus is much safer than driving yourself. It’s also helpful for solo parents with children who want to avoid long drives in bad weather and still enjoy the ski resorts and hot springs.

Places to Visit Along the Niseko Area Circuit Bus Route

① Gourmet

  • Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza

    Type: Roadside station & farm market
    Address: 77-10 Motomachi, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
    Point 1: Popular stop with local vegetables, processed foods, bakery items, and take-out snacks.
    Point 2: Tourist information and 24-hour restrooms make it ideal for winter driving breaks.
    More info: https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/kokyo_shisetsu/sightseeing/viewplaza/

  • maitorie Bakery

    Type: Bakery & sweets shop (inside Kiranoyu onsen)
    Address: 33 Chuo-dori, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido (inside Niseko Ekimae Onsen Kiranoyu)
    Point 1: Loved for croissants, melon bread, cream puffs and other baked goods.
    Point 2: Great for grabbing a snack after the onsen or while waiting for your train or bus.
    More info: https://www.niseko-ta.jp/resorts/article/マイトリエ/

  • Soup Curry & Bar Jamii

    Type: Soup curry restaurant & bar
    Address: 142-5 Chuo-dori, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
    Point 1: Soup curry specialty restaurant located right next to JR Niseko Station.
    Point 2: Flavorful yet easy to eat for both kids and adults, with a cozy bar atmosphere at night.
    More info: https://www.niseko-ta.jp/resorts-eat/7623/

② Activities & Onsen

  • Niseko Ekimae Onsen Kiranoyu

    Type: Day-use hot spring facility
    Address: 33 Chuo-dori, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
    Point 1: About a 1-minute walk from JR Niseko Station, perfect for a soak after skiing or bus rides.
    Point 2: Indoor and open-air baths with natural hot spring water, loved by both locals and visitors.
    More info: https://kiranoyu.com/

  • Niseko Town Sports Park

    Type: Park & sports facilities
    Area: Hon-dori area, Niseko-cho
    Point 1: A community hub with grounds and gym facilities for various sports and events.
    Point 2: Some bus stops are located nearby, making it easy to access even in winter.
    More info: https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/kokyo_shisetsu/sports/

③ Scenic Spots

  • Mt. Yotei View from Niseko View Plaza

    Type: Scenic roadside viewpoint
    Area: Around Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza
    Point 1: On clear days you’ll see a stunning full view of Mt. Yotei from the parking and surrounding area.
    Point 2: In winter the contrast between the pure white mountain and the snow-covered fields is spectacular for photos.
    More info: https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/kokyo_shisetsu/sightseeing/viewplaza/

④ Park & Nature

  • Soga Forest Park (Tokeien)

    Type: Park (former campground)
    Address: 39-50 Soga, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
    Point 1: Large natural park with open fields, walking paths, and cross-country ski courses.
    Point 2: Known for beautiful views of Mt. Yotei through the trees; now operated as a park rather than a campground.
    More info: https://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/kokyo_shisetsu/park/soga/

🔍 Klook | 🔍 Hotels.com | 🔍 Expedia

3 Hotels with Easy Access from the Niseko Area Circuit Bus

Hilton Niseko Village

Guests: Popular mountain resort hotel for international skiers, families, and couples.

Facilities: Large hot spring baths, restaurants & bars, ski rental, and kids’ activities all within the property.

Location: At the southern foot of Mt. Annupuri, directly connected to Niseko Village Ski Resort.

Rates: Dynamic pricing depending on season and packages (check the official website for current rates).

Dining: Teppanyaki, Japanese, and grill restaurants featuring Hokkaido ingredients, plus casual options.

Onsen / Other: Open-air hot spring with a spectacular Mt. Yotei view. Official site: https://nisekovillage.hiltonjapan.co.jp/

The Green Leaf Niseko Village

Guests: Ideal for skiers who want ski-in/ski-out access and couples or friends seeking a stylish stay.

Facilities: Around 200 guest rooms, hot spring baths, spa, restaurant, and bar in a resort-style setting.

Location: Directly on the Niseko Village ski slope; lifts are only a short walk from the hotel.

Rates: Vary by season and room type (check the official booking page for availability and prices).

Dining: Enjoy Hokkaido-inspired dishes and bar time, making it a comfortable base for winter nightlife.

Onsen / Other: Outdoor hot spring pool and spa are perfect for relaxing tired muscles after a full ski day. Official site: https://www.thegreenleafhotel.com/

Niseko Northern Resort, Annupuri

Guests: Favored by couples and families who prefer a calm atmosphere, as well as long-stay skiers.

Facilities: Natural hot springs, restaurants & bar, shop, ski rental, and kids’ space in a full-service hotel.

Location: At the base of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area with true ski-in/ski-out convenience.

Rates: Dynamic pricing by plan (early-bird and long-stay plans are listed on the official site).

Dining: Buffets and course meals featuring local ingredients, suitable for longer stays.

Onsen / Other: Warm, natural-toned interiors where you can relax in the hot springs after winter activities. Official site: https://www.niseko-northern.com/

A Japanese-Modern Stroll in Niseko Village 🌸🦊Worth Every Step!
Discover Niseko Village in Hokkaido, Japan—a charming blend of Japanese-modern streets, colorful lanterns, fox statues, gourmet ramen, boutique shopping, and seasonal scenery. A perfect year-round travel guide for sightseeing, family strolls, and photo walks.
hokkaido-enjoy32.blog
2025.08.10

🔍 Klook | 🔍 Hotels.com | 🔍 Expedia

Wrap-up｜Enjoy Niseko Safely with the Circuit Bus

In winter, Niseko is all about fluffy powder snow – but staying safe on icy roads is just as important as finding the best runs. By using the Niseko Area Circuit Bus, you can comfortably move between JR Niseko Station, Michi-no-Eki, ski resorts, onsen, and hotels without needing to drive.

The back and front of the free pass of the Niseko tour bus

With the 100-yen flat fare, free resident pass, ski-boot friendly boarding, and bilingual information, this local bus is a great option for families, solo travelers, and long-stay guests who want to enjoy Niseko stress-free.

On my blog, I also share photos of Niseko in winter, family-friendly spots, and everyday local life. If you found this guide helpful, I’d be happy if you checked out more articles too 😊

🇯🇵 Looking for Japanese info too? Check the Japanese version of this article on the same blog for detailed FAQs and notes for local residents.

Snowy road in Niseko
タイトルとURLをコピーしました