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The Niseko and Kutchan areas are not only great for skiing in the winter, but also have plenty to offer in the summer! Spending the summer at a refreshing resort is a special experience, with activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, and rafting. Here is a summary of how to get to Kutchan from New Chitose in the summer (June to October).
The Niseko- Kutchan area is known for its spectacular views of Mount Yotei, the coolness of the Takaharu , hot springs, and outdoor activities. Here we will introduce three convenient ways to access the area for summer travel.
[Operation period]
July 25, 2025 (Friday) - August 31, 2025 (Sunday)
[Time Required]
Approximately 3 hours [Fare guide]
New Chitose → Kutchan: 3,500 yen one way
This summer, a direct bus will be operating from New Chitose to Kutchan Town!
You can make reservations in advance, so you can start your trip with peace of mind.
Click here for the New Chitose ⇔ Niseko timetable
[Operation period]
Operates daily from Monday, July 14th to Monday, October 13th 2025.
【point】
Starting from JR Kutchan Station, you can access the city center, Hanazono Resort, Izumikyo, Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Villa Lupicia, Niseko Takahashi Farm, and more.
We will tour around spots where you can enjoy sightseeing, gourmet food, and nature all at once.
What's more, the "Night Bus" is also in operation, allowing you to travel safely even after visiting restaurants and bars in the evening.
[Operation period] Operates daily from July 26th (Sat) to August 17th (Sun) 2025.
Free Shuttle Bus | Sky Resort Shuttle Niseko
[Time Required]
Approx. 3 hours to 3 hours 40 minutes [Fare guide]
New Chitose → Sapporo: One-way fare from 1,100 yen (bus)
Sapporo → Kutchan: One way 2,000 to 2,500 yen (bus) Total: Approximately 3,100 to 3,600 yen [Timetable]
Hokkaido Bus: Niseko Expressway (Sapporo ⇒ Kutchan)
*Reservations not accepted. Board the bus at Chuo Bus Stop No. 1 in front of Sapporo Station.
【point】
Recommended for those who are nervous about driving or who want to enjoy the scenery while traveling.
You can leave your luggage on the bus, so you don't have to worry if you have a suitcase or skis.
[Time Required]
Approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes (varies depending on connections)
[Fare estimate]
New Chitose → Sapporo: One-way fare from 1,150 yen
Sapporo → Kutchan: One-way 1,680 yen (regular) - 2,510 yen (reserved seat) Total: Approximately 2,830 - 3,660 yen [Points]
The summer scenery of mountains and pastures visible from the train window is captivating.
From Kutchan Station you can access Hirafu and Niseko by bus or taxi.
However, there are few trains to Kutchan, so it is essential to check the timetable in advance.
[Useful]
JR Hokkaido timetable: https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/network/timetable/
[How to get from the international terminal to the bus counter]
[Time Required]
Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (varies depending on road conditions)
[Expressway tolls (ETC/standard vehicles)]
New Chitose to Otaru: Approx. 2,470 yen *There is also a route that uses public roads (free, travel time plus about 30 minutes)
[Rental car fee estimate]
Vehicle rental fee (1 day)
Compact car: approx. 6,000 to 8,000 yen. Regular driver's license required. Good fuel economy.
SUV/4WD Approx. 10,000-15,000 yen Great for mountain roads and those with lots of luggage
Minivan: Approx. 12,000 to 18,000 yen. Suitable for families and groups.
[Rental car company]
・Toyota Rent-a-Carhttps ://rent.toyota.co.jp/
・Nippon Rent-A-Carhttps ://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/
・Times Car https://rental.timescar.jp/
・Nissan Rental Carhttps ://nissan-rentacar.com/
【point】
Along the way, you can freely explore Lake Shikotsu, hot springs, cafes, and more.
No time constraints and easy to adapt to changing weather conditions.
The itinerary can be changed flexibly.
[Trivia] Scenic spots you'll want to stop by along the way Lake Shikotsu(the lake with the best water quality in Japan), Nakayama Pass(famous for its deep-fried sweet potatoes), Kyogoku Fukidashi Park (a refreshing spot where Yusui from Mount Yotei gushes out)
[Time required] Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
[Estimated fare] Around 1,600 yen one way *Depending on the bus, it may be "Otaru → Ozawa → Kutchan", so be sure to check with a transfer information app.
[Points to note] The idyllic scenery of Mount Yotei and the countryside can be seen from the train windows. This is recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time.
[Details] Go to Kutchan Niseko by JR
[Travel time] Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours [Fare estimate] Approximately 1,850 yen one way [Suggested travel time] Recommended for those who want to take a leisurely trip while enjoying the local scenery.
You may need to transfer, so if you want to get there smoothly, it's best to travel by train or rental car.
[Timetable] Otaru → Niseko Kutchan 2025
There is a tourist information center inside JR Kutchan Station, where English-speaking staff are always on hand during the day.
We provide tourist information for the Kutchan and Niseko areas.
Some of our staff have lived in Kutchan Town for many years, so you can ask for local information!
[Business hours] 9:00-17:00
There are also tourist maps and brochures for the Niseko area.
The gachapon machine with the "KUTCHAN-IMALS" pin badges, which can only be purchased here, is also popular.
Transportation methodTime requiredFeeRecommended type
JR (Train) Approx. 3 to 3.5 hours Approx. 1,600 yen and up Leisurely travellers, no car needed
Bus (via Sapporo) 3.5 hours, 1,800 yen and up. Car rental, 2.5 hours, 8,000 yen and up (excluding highway tolls). For people who want to move around freely and for groups.
To fully enjoy the summer Takaharu and the nature of Kutchan and Niseko,
Choose the mode of transportation that best suits your travel style!
Check out the article introducing the best photo spots in Niseko Kutchan!
When you get tired from traveling, why not take a break at one of our recommended local cafes?
Kutchan Town is located in the Niseko area in western Hokkaido , and is a town surrounded by abundant nature, including Mount Yotei, known as the northernmost beautiful mountain in Japan. This area is covered in the finest powder snow that skiers from all over the world long for, and is a truly charming resort worthy of being called the "St. Moritz of the Toyo." This account will introduce you to Niseko Kutchan's popular restaurants, beautiful natural scenery, luxury hotels, and useful travel information.
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