Niseko Tourism

Hokkaido is Japans largest prefecture (83,000 square kilometres) and represents only 5% of Japans population. Niseko - Rusutsu is one of Hokkaido’s regions with a population of 30,000 which increases dramatically with reported tourist numbers reaching 1.5 million across the year.

Domestic visitors still account for a large number of tourists to the region. In addition to this each year international numbers increase – the 2005/06 season saw a large number of visitors from Australia. Visitors also included those from Hong Kong and China. Direct flights to Sapporo from Hong Kong and China should see visitors from these regions increase.

International travellers stay on average for 8-10 nights and a majority come on a package with accommodation included, which is organised through the various tour operators in the region. Accommodation in self-contained apartments is much sought after.

The international Niseko visitor on
average stays 8-10 days

International visitors over the last
4 seasons increased by 50% on the
previous year

Substantial growth was seen from visitors
from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Taiwan