Train - How To Catch

Train is the second best method, but not recommended, of getting to Niseko (Kutchan Station is actually the closest station to the lodge). Please also note Ramat Niseko does not offer lodge transfers between Kutchan Station and the lodges. You will need to independently arrange transport, such as a taxi or bus to the lodge from the train station. To see more information, see below.

GENERAL TRAIN INFO

The train journey is around 2hrs 45mins from New Chitose Airport to Kutchan Station and normally involves one change of train in Otaru.

See below information on planning your train journey and train line maps.

Train Journey Planner (New Chitose – Kutchan)
Train Route Map

Train Journey Planner
Niseko-SL-Train

CATCHING THE TRAIN AT NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT

1 – COLLECT LUGGAGE AND GO TO THE JR STATION

Please go to the New Chitose JR Station Map to see detailed information about the location of the JR Station.

Chitose-Airport-Train-Station-Map-2

2 – BUY TICKET TO KUTCHAN STATION

Tickets can be purchased at either the Automatic Vending Machines or via the Information Desk. Please be aware you usually have to swap trains at Otaru Station before continuing on to Kutchan Station.

Chitose-Airport-Train-Station-Vending-Machine
How to use Japanese Ticket Vending Machines PDF

3 – CATCH TRAIN TO KUTCHAN STATION

ARRIVING AT KUTCHAN STATION

1 – ARRIVE AT KUTCHAN STATION

Kutchan-Station-Train

2 – ORGANISE A TAXI DIRECTLY TO THE LODGE OR BUS TO MID-TOWN

Taxi

A taxi will cost you approximately ¥2,500.

  • The Taxi rank is located out the front of Kutchan Station (see photo’s below)
  • Jump in a taxi
  • Provide them with the address of the lodge you are staying
    • Ramat Niseko – 20-10, Niseko Hirafu 5-jo 3-chome, Kutchan-cho
    • Snowgum Lodge – 20-23, Niseko Hirafu 5-jo 3-chome, Kutchan-cho
  • Pay driver with either Cash or Visa/Mastercard

Bus

The bus will cost 300yen and can only be paid in cash.

  • The Bus stop is located out the front of Kutchan Station (see photo below)
  • Enter Bus via the rear door
    • Take a numbered ticket from the machine on the right hand side near the door (inside the bus)
  • Ride the bus to Midtown Niseko
  • Exit the Bus via the front door
    • Put the numbered ticket and 300yen in the machine next to the bus driver’s seat
  • Midtown Lodge to Ramat Niseko
    • Call the lodge (Ramat Lodge – 215 088 or Snowgum Lodge – 212 555) for a pick-up from Midtown Niseko, or
    • Walk from Midtown Niseko to Ramat Lodge (see Google Map Link)
Bus Timetable - Kutchan Station to Midtown Niseko

KUTCHAN TO NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT

You will only need to catch the train from Kutchan Station to New Chitose Airport if you have an early flight out of New Chitose Airport that you can’t make by bus.

SCHEDULE YOUR TRAIN JOURNEY

Use the Train Journey Planner link below to schedule your journey.

Train Journey Planner

TRAIN TICKETS

You can’t book train tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at either the Automatic Vending Machines or via the Information Desk on the day of travel at Kutchan Station.

GETTING TO THE TRAIN STATION

As Ramat Niseko does not offer lodge transfers between Kutchan Station and the lodges you will need to arrange transport to the train.

The best option in early morning will be a taxi. Hachiriki Taxi company takes bookings for specific pick-up times. You will be able to make this booking with our Ramat Lodge team when you are in Niseko.