distances and access
The transportation system servicing the Niseko region is typically Japanese - modern and extremely efficient. Hokkaido receives regular domestic and international flights from numerous locations.
New Chitose Airport near Sapporo receives direct international flights from many countries including Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia, Korea, and Taiwan, while there are over 40 cheap domestic flights from Tokyo every day!
International
- Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) to Sapporo New Chitose airport: 90 minute flight
- Transfer to Niseko: 2hrs 25min (train) or 2hrs 30min (bus)
Local
- Niseko to Kutchan (local town): 10 min (car) or 15 min (local bus or taxi)
- Niseko to Sapporo JR Station: 1hr 50min (Train) or 2hrs 10min (bus)
No jet lag!
Japan is only 2 hours behind Australia (East Coast summer time) and an easy 10 hour flight so you can leave home one day, enjoy a good night's sleep without jet lag, and hit the slopes feeling refreshed the next morning.
Compare this situation to a long-haul flight to Europe or North America where travelers typically lose 2 or 3 days to jet-lag lethargy and fatigue - Niseko provides excellent value for money and ease of access with direct flights and virtually zero time zone difference.
Even skiing within Australia typically takes 6 hours of (sometimes dangerous) driving, with even longer to New Zealand slopes once flight check-in, security and transfers are considered, so the differences are in fact quite minimal. 
