Can You Find These Iconic Landmarks Across Niseko United?

February, 27th 2024

Spring is the perfect time to explore the four Niseko United ski resorts, and while you’re at it, take plenty of Instagram-worthy scenic shots. Grab your Niseko United Trail Map, your touring skis and most importantly – your phone or camera! There are fun landmarks in each ski resort that you can find and create a memory with as you enjoy the spring snow and sunshine.

Hanazono’s Lucky Bells

Whether you’re praying for powder or wishing for a prosperous year, a visit to Hanazono’s Lucky Bells is a great place to start your Niseko holiday. Ring a bell, get a photo or video, and grab a famous Sprout coffee from Hanazono 308 right alongside. A crab ramen from the Hanazono EDGE restaurant nearby is also a must for any visit to Hanazono.

How to Find it:

This is an easy one – head to the Hanazono base and you’ll find the bells right outside the Hanazono 308 Resort Centre (so named for the resort base’s elevation at 308m above sea level).

Grand Hirafu’s Thermometer

This giant, ski-shaped thermometer in front of Mt Yotei is one of the most iconic photo opportunities in Niseko. It’s probably a little warmer than Niseko where you live, so a photo in front of the thermometer is the best way to remember how cold it was at 820m elevation on Mt Annupuri. The famous Ace Hill Restaurant is also right alongside for lunch or a snack.

How to Find it:

Catch the Ace Quad Lift #2 (Centre 4) from the top of Hirafu Village, just near the Welcome Centre. The thermometer is directly on your right as you get off the lift.

Annupuri’s Bears Café

It can be a little tricky to find but this is the cutest and most photogenic little café for a hot chocolate, a matcha latte or a snack break in Niseko United! Bears Café is a rustic old mountain hut situated in the middle of the ski runs half way up the Annupuri Ski Resort, at about 600m above sea level. (Closes late March).

How to Find it:

It’s between the Paradise Course and the Family course in Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area. If you ride to or find the top station of the Jumbo Quad, the café is just below that – keep to the right.

Niseko Village’s Bear

Larger-than-life animal statues by artist Frank Woo have taken over Niseko Village this winter! While Hokkaido’s Brown Bears should all be hibernating right now, this friendly blue giant is ready and waiting for a selfie with you. Also look out for the Hokkaido Long-tailed Tit on the beginner slopes, the Hokkaido Red Fox at the Niseko-yo restaurant village, and the Hokkaido Brown Bear with skis close to the bottom of the Village Express gondola.

How to Find it:

The bear statue stands at the beginning area of the Banzai course. The easiest way to access it is to ride the Banzai lift and snowboard or ski down a little bit after that – you can’t miss it!