【Kutchan & Niseko】 Niseko’s Winter Bookings Surge Past Record Levels
This winter, the Niseko region (Kutchan and Niseko towns in the Shiribeshi area) is seeing a remarkable recovery in accommodation bookings, outpacing even last winter’s record-breaking numbers after a V-shaped rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. International visitors, accounting for approximately 80% of all bookings, continue to drive this growth. The influx of American tourists, which surged last winter, is further accelerating this season.
“Bookings are up 15-20% year-on-year. If the snowfall remains consistent, we anticipate another record-breaking season,” said a representative from Niseko Alpine Developments, which manages over 10 condominiums and hotels in the area. Major ski resorts are set to open on November 30, with high hopes for significant snowfall.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono reports being fully booked from just before Christmas, with availability only from late February 2024 onward. Similarly, hotels near Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort are maintaining a 90% booking rate, with many accommodations reporting a 10-20% increase in reservations compared to last winter.
Last winter saw a massive influx of foreign tourists in response to pent-up demand following COVID-19 restrictions. According to Kutchan Town, the total number of foreign overnight stays in Kutchan, Niseko, and Rankoshi towns for fiscal 2023 reached approximately 730,000, surpassing the previous peak in fiscal 2018 by 50,000 and setting a record since statistics began in 2006.
Bookings are primarily from Australia, the United States, and Southeast Asia. While a snow shortage in North American resorts contributed to last winter’s increase in American visitors, the trend continues this season, supported by the weak yen. However, visitors from China have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.
Last winter highlighted challenges such as long lift lines and crowded slopes. To alleviate congestion, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Ski Resort has invested billions of yen in upgrading its main lift to a larger gondola, increasing transport capacity. However, the resulting increase in lift ticket prices has led to concerns that local visitors may find the resorts less accessible.
The rise in foreign drivers unfamiliar with snow-covered roads remains a concern. In the Kutchan police jurisdiction, over 1,000 traffic accidents were reported last winter, with foreigners accounting for 45% of these incidents. Many accidents involve rental cars veering off snowy roads.
Additionally, the increase in foreign visitors requiring medical assistance has strained local emergency services. The Mt. Yotei Fire Department (based in Kutchan) recorded its highest-ever number of ambulance dispatches last year, with ambulances running at full capacity at times. Strengthening the region’s emergency response infrastructure remains a pressing challenge.
Niseko’s international appeal continues to grow, but addressing these logistical and safety concerns is critical to ensuring sustainable development in the region.
The Niseko area has seen a steady recovery in visitor numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2022 and 2023, the resurgence of domestic and international travel led to significant growth in overnight stays. For example, during the first half of fiscal 2023 (April–September), the total number of overnight stays increased by approximately 18% year-on-year, reaching over 446,000 visitors. The second half of the year has also been strong, with the winter ski season continuing to attract large numbers of tourists.
Efforts to establish Niseko as a year-round destination have also contributed to the increase in overall visitor numbers. However, the full recovery of inbound tourism has been uneven, with lingering effects from the pandemic, particularly in markets like China. Addressing these challenges remains critical for sustainable development in the region.
Looking ahead, the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen and the construction of new accommodations are expected to further boost tourism demand. By enhancing the visitor experience and leveraging local resources, Niseko is well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory.
Winter in Niseko offers breathtaking landscapes and world-class skiing, but the snowy conditions also demand extra caution on the roads, especially for visitors unfamiliar with driving in such conditions. Here are some essential safety tips for navigating Hokkaido’s winter roads:
By following these tips, you can ensure a safer driving experience while enjoying Hokkaido’s stunning winter scenery. For additional advice, consult your rental car provider or local information centers before starting your journey.
2023/10/28 update
2023/10/27 update
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