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Niseko & Tokyo Ski & City Safari

Japan

Chureito Pagoda and Mt Fuji, Tokyo - Photo David Edelstein
Combine the world-class powder of Niseko with a city add-on exploring the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo on our Niseko & Tokyo Ski & City Safari.
  • Powder
  • Off the Beaten Track
  • Once-in-a-Lifetime
  • Culture
  • Non-Ski Activities
  • Village Charm
  • Nightlife
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

Begin in Niseko, where world-class terrain and famously deep powder create an unforgettable alpine experience. Then head south to Tokyo, where traditional temples meet futuristic skylines, Michelin-starred dining, and unique neighbourhoods.

You’ll fly into Tokyo from the UK before flying to Sapporo and transferring to Niseko, so these two destinations are a natural and easy combination. Plus, Tokyo’s milder winter climate is ideal for post-ski exploring. If you’re travelling in March or April, you may be lucky enough to catch the iconic cherry blossom season - a must-see in the Japanese calendar.

Flights and transfers are included in this Ski & City safari, and are arranged by our expert team. Many of us at Ski Safari regularly travel to Japan, some have previously lived there, and we’ve used our firsthand knowledge to create a day-by-day suggested itinerary to help you make the most of every moment.

As with all our trips, our suggested itinerary is completely flexible - we’ll tailor your holiday itinerary to suit your group size, budget, skiing ability, or interests.

Niseko

With an average of 15 metres of snow each season, Niseko is renowned for its light, dry snow. In terms of terrain, expect everything from wide, groomed pistes to tree runs and powder bowls. Off-piste terrain can be accessed via the Niseko Gates - ideal for adventurous skiers, especially when guided.

Your lift pass gives access to all four interconnected areas: Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, each offering a unique vibe and terrain. From gentle beginner runs to long cruisers and backcountry challenges, there’s something for every ability. Night skiing is a highlight, with floodlit runs open until 7pm on selected days - time it right and you can catch the sunset over Mt Yotei, an unforgettable sight.

After skiing, relax in a steaming onsen (hot spring) before tasting the delicious food of Niseko’s dining scene. With everything from casual izakayas and ramen bars to high-end international restaurants, Niseko boasts flavours to fill any appetite after a long day bouncing down powdered runs.

Tokyo

A fascinating mix of ancient culture and cutting-edge innovation, Tokyo makes the perfect city stopover before or after your Japan ski holiday. One moment you’re wandering through peaceful temple grounds, and the next, you’re in a neon-lit district packed with arcades, anime stores, and high-tech gadgets.

Tokyo is incredibly easy to navigate, with excellent transport links, English signage, and contactless travel cards. In winter, the weather is typically dry and mild, making it ideal for sightseeing. Discover iconic landmarks like Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the Meiji Jingu Shrine near Yoyogi Park, and the Imperial Palace gardens. For panoramic views, head to Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower, and don’t miss the incredible digital art at teamLab Planets.

Whether you're shopping for designer labels in Ginza’s department stores, ski gear near Jimbocho, or strolling the energetic streets of Shibuya, Tokyo has something for everyone. Food lovers can enjoy everything from Michelin-starred sushi to steaming bowls of ramen in tucked-away alleyways. In the evening, experience Tokyo’s quirky nightlife in Golden Gai.

"Our Niseko & Tokyo Ski & City Safari shows you two sides of Japan that you'll never forget - immense powder and an explosion of culture all in one holiday. As the gateway to skiing in Japan, it's no surprise that over 80% of our customers choose to add a stay in Tokyo to their Niseko ski holiday."

Suggested itinerary

Our Niseko & Tokyo Ski & City Safari can be tailor-made to suit your needs. Whether you go in winter or spring, each season has its own exceptional experience. January to March provides full “Japow” conditions, while in mid-to-late March, the cities are mild, with a higher chance of seeing the spring Sakura blooms. Read our sample itinerary for inspiration.

Day 1 to 2 - London to Niseko

Fly overnight (approx. 14 hours) from London to Tokyo, followed by an internal flight to Sapporo Chitose on Japan’s northern island. Take a 2.5-hour transfer to Niseko, where you’ll check into your accommodation. Settle into the resort by enjoying a delicious meal in your pre-booked restaurant. Please note that dinner reservations should be made in advance of your trip. We'll send you our recommended dining guide once you book with us.

Day 3 - Niseko Hirafu

Take the new Ace Gondola, then ski left toward Gondola and then ski left toward King Hooded lift #3 for great gullies and tree runs. Continue up King lift #4 for wide, open alpine terrain. In the afternoon, ride Swinging Monkey and cruise down Renraku or tackle Miharashi’s trees. In the evening, relax in Niseko’s local onsen and après at either Niseko Taproom for casual drinks, or Bar Gyu for classy cocktails and whiskey, entering through a fridge door!

Day 4 - Hanazono

Head to Hanazono for some of Niseko’s best terrain. Lap the Hanazono Hooded Lift #1 for superb tree runs - especially Strawberry Fields, an incredible in-bounds off-piste zone. Lunch at Hanazono Edge, then ski Crystal Garden straight into Legend of Shinya before enjoying après at Hanazono Edge, home to the famous beer tower, followed by dinner in Hirafu or Niseko-yo at Niseko Village.

Day 5 - Niseko Village

Ride the Niseko Gondola for fun warm-up laps, then head to the Wonderland chairs and dive into Snorkel - amazing in fresh snow. Lunch early or late at the cosy Lookout Café. In the afternoon, explore playful tree runs like Junkyard or Enchantment. If you are a guest at The Green Leaf, we recommend Après at Tomioka White, and their 24-hour onsen is a delightful way to spend an evening. If you’re staying in Hirafu, enjoy the lively streets with welcoming bars.

Day 6 - Annupuri

Annupuri is quiet and underrated. Either ski in via Wonderland chair and the epic Champion run or take the easy 15-minute bus if you are staying at The Green Leaf, or catch the 30-minute bus from Hirafu. Lap the long, open reds - Utopia, Panorama, and Silver - or dive into hidden tree stashes off the Jumbo lift. Lunch at the scenic Paradise Hut, then ski your favourites before returning to Niseko Village. Après with cocktails at Chuya, and enjoy dinner in Niseko Village.

Day 7 - Whiteroom guiding

Pre-book with Whiteroom Guiding and push your skiing to the next level. We can help arrange an expert guide who will lead you to untouched powder stashes, secret lines, and terrain perfectly matched to your ability - an unforgettable finale to your Niseko experience. Return exhilarated and ready to show off your new skills with an evening of night skiing under the floodlit slopes beneath the Ace & King Gondola, before celebrating over dinner.

Day 8 - Rusutsu (optional)

Just 30 minutes from Niseko, Rusutsu competes with Niseko’s average snowfall and is famous for its perfectly spaced Japanese White Birch, which offer some of the best tree skiing on the planet. Spend the day exploring playful powder runs, sublime tree skiing and plenty of deep snow to jump into on quiet, uncrowded slopes. It’s the ideal finale for those chasing one more day of deep turns before returning by private transfer to Niseko for a relaxing evening.

Day 9 - Tokyo

Check out of your accommodation in the morning and take a 2.5-hour transfer to Sapporo Chitose and fly internally to Tokyo. Taxi to your accommodation and arrive by mid-afternoon. Head out for dinner and enjoy your first night in the city.

Day 10 - Shinjuku & Harajuku

Travel to Shibuya by train (tap on and off using your SUICA card), step onto the iconic zebra crossing, and wander down Takeshita Street in Harajuku, full of quirky shops and the latest Tokyo food trends. Head into Yoyogi Park for a walk to the breathtaking structure of the Meiji Jingu Shrine. In the evening, explore Golden Gai’s tiny bars, or enjoy dinner amid the neon lights and bustling streets.

Day 11 - Mount Fuji

If the skies are clear, spend today on a day trip to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic landmark. Take a train from Tokyo or join a guided tour to the Fuji Five Lakes region or the Hakone area. If you’d prefer to stay in Tokyo, enjoy a panoramic view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - sunset over Fuji is a must-see, and you can watch as Tokyo lights up. Wander through yokocho backstreet pubs, or see Tokyo sparkling from the water on a night cruise. Perfect for a memorable and final evening.

Day 12 - return to UK

Transfer from your hotel to the airport and catch the morning flight back home to the UK.

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Our Prices

Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you.

To give you the most choice and best value, we create every holiday from scratch. This means that the quotation you receive is unique, based on your preferred departure dates, group size and holiday preferences.

We save you time and get the most for your money.

We do all the hard work for you, sifting through the prices and promotions for every airline, hotel and resort, exploring all options. We don’t publish all our prices online, just enough to give you an idea of costs.

Customer Reviews

What our customers say about Niseko & Tokyo Ski & City Safari.

We'd taken a basic recommended safari from the company, then tweaked timings a bit - the transfers, Shinkansen and internal flights all being sorted made things easy, communication was great and it all worked. We combined a week of snowboarding with then visiting mulitple sites over a couple of weeks and it was a great balance, giving us a chance to make the most of the country
Andrew Staley
16th March 2026
Went to Kyoto and Tokyo. Both legs with transport and accommodation worked perfectly
martin breddy
23rd February 2026
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