Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Blowhard and Niseko in general? Check out our list of FAQs below and see if your answer is there. If not, send your query to hello@blowhard-all-year.com and/or guests can contact our onsite lodge manager.
General Questions
Getting here
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What time does the last scheduled coach transfers leave New Chitose airport?
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How much time before my flight takes off should I leave Blowhard?
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I would like to send my luggage from Niseko in advance, where should I send it to?
Cultural Differences
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Why Blowhard Lodge?
Blowhard lodge was, literally, the first and original ski lodge built in Hirafu. It was built in 1962, the same year the original Grand Hirafu chairlift was opened (now the Ace Gondola a 150 metre walk away). Located in the renowned Niseko region of Hokkaido (four-time winner of “Japan’s Best Ski Resort”), Niseko has built its reputation as a world-class resort with a unique blend of Japanese culture and international influence. Blowhard offers an experience like no other, seamlessly blending old with new. Plus, the 12 metres of champagne powder snow each winter season certainly adds to the desirability.
Anytime of the year is a great time to vacation to Niseko!
If you are looking for fresh tracks and world-class powder snow, travel to Niseko from the middle of December through to the end of February. March is also a great time to come to Niseko. The resort is quiet, and you still get fresh snow but you tend to have a lot more bluebird days! Blowhard closes for the month of April and reopens for the green season in May. With the start of the snow melt, the rivers begin to flow, and rafting operations begin.
Green Season (May-Oct) in Niseko is perfect. With great scenery and lots of activities such as hiking, cycling, golfing, Mountain Biking, horse riding and many more. The Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMBA) build and maintain what is fast becoming a world class mountain bike facility that is serviced in summer by several of the Niseko Grand Hirafu lifts and gondolas. If you come around September and October, you can enjoy the Autumn colours of Niseko, exploring the region’s many lakes and hiking trails.
Not to mention the weekly festivals that occur through most of the green season.
Where is Blowhard Lodge?
Blowhard Lodge is located in upper Hirfau village, a short 150 metres to the nearest ski lift. Hirafu is the main mountainside village in the region, commonly referred to as Niseko. Funnily enough, Hirafu is part of Kutchan town with the actual town of Niseko being its neighbour (a short 15-minute drive away). Niseko is south of Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido.
The closest airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS).
International flight times to CTS are:
Tokyo – 2 hours
Shanghai – 4 hours
Hong Kong – 5 hours
East Coast of Australia – 9 hours
Singapore – 10 hours (via Tokyo)
Canada – 13-17 hours
West Coast of Australia – 14 hours
West Coast of USA – 14 hours
East Coast of USA – 17 hours
How far is Sapporo Chitose airport from Blowhard?
The transfer from Sapporo Chitose airport to Blowhard takes between 2 to 2.5 hours for a private taxi, 3 hours for scheduled coach bus transfers or 3.5 hours on the JR train.
The closest train station to Hirafu is Kutchan station. From here it is a 15–20-minute bus or taxi ride to Hirafu Niseko.
The duration of your journey will depend on weather and road conditions.
What time is check in and check out?
Check In: 2pm (14:00)
Check Out: 10am (10:00)
For guests arriving or departing outside of these hours please let us know and we can store your luggage until your departure on that day.
What time does the last scheduled coach transfers leave New Chitose airport?
The last coach transfer departs from Sapporo New Chitose Airport at 10:40 PM. *
Arrival in Hirafu on this transfer is at 01:25 AM
Make sure you get off the coach at the Hirafu Welcome Centre.
A short 200m walk down the hill will have you at Blowhard in minutes.
How much time is needed to connect to transfers at CTS?
We recommend that for domestic flights you give yourself a minimum of 50 minutes to catch your transfer and for international flights, a minimum of 90 minutes (due to luggage collection and custom clearance.) If a number of international flights have arrived at the same time, lines can take longer to clear.
How much time before my flight takes off should I depart Blowhard?
You will require 2~3 hours from Blowhard to New Chitose Airport. This will depend on weather and road conditions. We suggest you give yourselves a LOT of wiggle room due to the varying weather and road conditions (ie: at least 4.5 hours before your take-off time for international flights and 3.5 hours for domestic flights)
There’s plenty to do at New Chitose Airport, if you find you have time to kill. Better to be safe than sorry!
How far is Sapporo city from Blowhard?
Sapporo city is 2.5 hours by private taxi and scheduled coach transfers, or 3 hours on the train. This will depend on weather and road conditions.
How do I get to Blowhard from the airport?
Public economy coaches run regularly from New Chitose Airport to Hirafu Welcome Centre. Blowhard is very close (200m) to the Hirafu welcome Centre. (Bus drop off and pick point). Most bus services have a rest stop halfway for a quick toilet break and a drink and/or snack.
You will need to pre book all transfer options well in advance of your arrival. It is recommended to reserve your airport transfer as soon as you have finalized your flights.
If you wish to catch the train from New Chitose airport to Blowhard your final train destination needs to be Kutchan JR station. Catch the train from New Chitose Airport to Otaru JR station (runs regularly), switch trains at Otaru to get to the local Kutchan JR station.
DO NOT get off the train at Hirafu or Niseko stations.
Kutchan is the nearest station and is a 15-20 min bus or taxi ride to Blowhard or the Hirafu Welcome Centre. Directly in front of the Kutchan station you will find a taxi rank. If you catch the local bus (Niseko United Shuttle Bus) you will need to get off at the Hirafu Welcome Centre and walk the 200m down the hill to Blowhard.
KS Limousine provide high end private transfers https://ks-limo.com/en
"Based in Niseko area and Chitose area,
We provide a higher-grade taxi service that connects all of Hokkaido"
Blowhard Address:
(English):
4-chome-5-24 Niseko Hirafu 1 Jo, Kutchan, Hokkaido,044-0080, Japan
Phone Number: tba
(Japanese – show this to your taxi driver):
〒044-0080 北海道虻田郡倶知安町ニセコひらふ１条４丁目５−２４
電話番号：tba
I would like to send my luggage in advance, where should I send it to?
Be sure to include your name and arrival date when forwarding any luggage. Please ensure delivery is scheduled for the morning of your arrival. (Yes, you can choose the day and time of delivery. They will hold your luggage at their nearby warehouse until the day of your arrival.)
We recommend the Yamato (Black Cat) delivery company for this service (counters at all airports).
Please send your luggage to the following address:
Blowhard Lodge
4-chome-5-24 Niseko Hirafu 1 Jo, Kutchan, Hokkaido,044-0080, Japan
Can I ship my luggage from Blowhard to an airport in Japan?
Yes, and we can assist with this, however, please note that sending luggage can take about 2-3 days especially if you are flying out of Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports.
If you are riding on your last day this service will not work for you. This delivery service can also be significantly impacted by the weather, so please use at your own risk.
Are there nearby convenience stores (Konbini)
Seicomart is a short walk (500m) down the hill.
Lawsons is a slightly longer walk (800m) down the hill.
7-Eleven is too far to walk but approx. a 5 min taxi ride or 10 -15 min bus ride.
*During winter Hirafu has lots of food truck precincts catering for everyone. Additionally, Blowhard will host a couple of food trucks onsite for the winter season.
Do I need travel insurance
In a word YES. You need travel insurance and if you are participating in snow sports you need the additional snow cover. If you are not insured and you are injured the medical expenses in Japan are 100% covered by you and are not cheap.
Make sure your insurance coverage is appropriate for your plans and be aware of what is, and is not, included. (ie: You may not be covered for many things, if you are intoxicated!)
Are there medical facilities nearby?
Yes! The largest hospital in the area is called Kutchan Kosei Byoin or Kutchan General Hospital. The hospital has staff that can provide assistance in English and have a translator on staff to assist as needed. For serious emergencies, you may need to be transferred to a larger hospital in Sapporo.
There is also the Niseko International Clinic located in Izumikyo, which is a 4 min cab ride or 10 min bus ride away. The doctors and staff at this clinic all speak English. The Blowhard lodge manager can assist in the case of emergency.
Hirafu also has physiotherapy and remedial massage practicians in the village, as well as, chiropractic, osteopathic and acupuncture services nearby.
Do I need to pre book ski rentals?
We recommend pre-booking ski equipment during the peak season (20th December through to the 1st March), or if you have any special requirements, to guarantee availability.
For the best range of powder ski and powder board rentals we recommend Rhythm Japan, a short 5 min walk from Blowhard.
For backcountry touring gear rental, we also recommend Rising Sun Guides. Our lodge manager can also help with booking rental equipment prior to your arrival. There are numerous other ski and snowboard rentals outlets in town, catering to all your needs.
What is the best way to book a ski lift pass?
As Blowhard is right at the base of the Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort, we assume you will be looking for ski passes to, at least, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort (aka Grand Hirafu). Grand Hirafu is one of the 4 resorts, including Niseko Hanazono, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri, that make up the Niseko United ski area.
There are many lift pass options including the simple Grand Hirafu only option, right through to the Niseko United All Mountain Pass. Passes can be bought at the Mountain Centre ticket office, just 100m up the road from Blowhard or, if you’d like to avoid the hassle and the queues, we recommend your purchase your tickets online with a simple fast pickup at the mountain centre.
https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/lift/
https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/en/tickets/
How can I get to Rusutsu for a day Skiing?
Blowhard is 100m from the Hirafu Welcome Centre, the main bus terminal in Hirafu village. From there, you can take a direct shuttle bus to Rusutsu Ski Resort. https://rusutsu.com/en/access-shuttle-bus-niseko/
What can I do if I don’t ski or snowboard?
Blowhard is a great place to relax whether you are skiing or not. Hirafu village and the wider Niseko region caters for everyone.
There are many alternative, on-snow activities such as snowmobiling, snow biking, snow kiting, snow rafting, snowshoeing and horseback riding, as well as, off-snow activities like rock climbing, indoor skateboarding (ramp), or a spot of shopping.
For something a little more relaxing, why not do a workshop or immerse yourself in a cultural session (e.g. pottery, leather, woodblock printing, tea ceremony, kimono dressing, calligraphy, etc).
There are also numerous health and wellbeing options on offer in the Niseko area which can be arranged by our onsite lodge manager. These include onsens (natural hot springs), massage, spa treatments, and yoga.
Hirafu village is the perfect size for exploring on foot. There are numerous restaurants, shops and bars catering for all styles of cuisine and shopping. It is great for a day out exploring. Alternatively, spend the day in the lodge enjoying the views of the mountains and the comings and goings of the ski crowds, reading a book under a rug in the lounge or immersing yourself in a movie marathon in our designated media room. From 2pm onwards, head downstairs to our onsite bar, blo*blo, for après drinks, gyoza and smooth tunes into the night.
What do I need to know before renting a car?
Japan drives on the left side of the road. (Same as Australia & opposite to the USA.)
Speed limits are enforced and generally 50km/h (This is always well sign-posted.)
You must have a valid licence (either a Japanese or International Drivers Permit)
Valid International Drivers Permits are recognised by the Geneva Convention of 1949 but must be used in addition to your home-country drivers licence.
Please note that International Drivers Permits for the following countries are not valid in Japan:
Switzerland
Germany
France
Italy
Belgium
Taiwan
For these six countries, you can use your home-country license, but it must be accompanied by a Japanese translation issued by the appropriate authority. Without this translation you cannot lease a vehicle. For more information click here.
Japan has a zero-blood alcohol level and harsh penalties apply if you are caught driving with any alcohol in your system.
Children 6 years old and under must be seated in appropriate child safety seat.
The roads in Niseko are snow cleared on a regular basis, however, parking spots are limited and are available on a first come first serve basis. There is limited public parking available in Hirafu Village and there is no overnight public parking.
** During winter Blowhard Lodge does NOT have any customer parking available
Is there an international ATM in Niseko?
Japan is still a very cash based society, however, most restaurants and services are starting to accept credit cards, It is still recommended to have cash with you especially for late arrivals and when skiing.
There are limited options to withdraw money or exchange currency in the village.
7-Eleven and Japan Post offices have ATMs that will accept foreign cards. Banks are closed in Japan on the weekends and Japanese public holidays such as New Years.
Can I use a credit card in Niseko?
Japan is still largely a cash based, and it is recommended you always carry cash. In Niseko, however, most services accept international credit cards.
What are the Japanese customs I should be aware of?
Please respect the locals. Please, thank you and a bow go a long way.
DO NOT push in or jump the queue in ski lift lines. Everyone is here for the same thing, please wait in line as you arrive. If joining friends or have friends joining you in the queue, please explain this to those behind and seek approval.
Please remove your shoes prior to entering our accommodation. This includes ski boots, snowboard boots, shoes with spikes, etc. The lodge provides house slippers for all guests.
Alcohol is only served to persons 20 years or older.
Japan has a zero-blood alcohol level for driving.
Eating and drinking in public and littering are considered ill-mannered.
Please dispose of cigarette buts responsibly (i.e. in a portable ashtray that you carry with you, which can be bought at any convenience store or ¥100 store in Japan).
Blowhard provides an ashtray box outside the main entrance of the lodge and the bar. (Blowhard Lodge and blo*blo bar are both strictly non-smoking).
Onsen (public bath) etiquette:
Onsens are a public bathing tradition that stretch back hundreds of years, and it is common curtesy to enter the onsen perfectly clean. Prior to entering the bath, please wash thoroughly in the showering area. When you think you have washed enough, wash once more just to be sure.
No clothes, underwear or swimsuits are worn into the onsens. This is a very big no-no and there are very few exceptions to this rule.
Some mixed onsens provide a strapless ‘mumu’ for female guests to wear but at the majority of onsens, women and men bathe separately and each person usually only has a ‘modesty towel’ to cover your privates. REMEMBER: You must never let this towel enter the onsen water, or you hair, for that matter. Either fold it up neatly and balance it on your head or sit it somewhere beside the onsen (on a ledge or rock) where it won’t fall in.
Do not eat or drink in the onsen, there are relaxation rooms outside the baths for this. Please respect the peace and quiet of others and do not talk loudly or misbehave.
Tattoos are commonly frowned upon in onsens and some onsen facilities may not let you in. Most onsens in the Niseko region tolerate tattoos but be prepared to cover your ink, if instructed by either a sign or a staff member (Pro Tip: Using skin coloured medical tape is acceptable, if you only have a couple).
Is there a supermarket near Blowhard?
There is a small supermarket in the Hirafu 188 building on Hirafu-zaka street (250m down the road from Blowhard). There are also the ever-trusty convenience stores, previously mentioned, that will cater for just about any emergency or snack craving. Quite a few local super markets will deliver and this is also a new local online delivery service via a phone app (delivers 3 times a day) TODOKEYA - Niseko's no.1 Grocery App https://todoke-ya.com
What is the bedding at Blowhard?
All of our rooms are traditional Japanese tatami / futon rooms. Each bed also has a 7cm, high-rebound memory foam topper to ensure a great night’s sleep. Blowhard does not have any western-style rooms or bedding. Blowhard provides a pillow "library"for guests to choose the appropriate pillow type for there sleep.
What food options are available?
Hirafu village has a large range of eating options from food trucks through the Michelin star restaurants. Whatever cuisine you are craving you will find it here.
During peak winter season you will need reservations for most dining in town. We highly recommend you make these bookings as soon as you have confirmed your dates. The lodge manager can assist with this.
Alternatively, as Blowhard guests, you can arrange for an in-house dinner prepared by the onsite lodge chef. (This will need to be prebooked also).
What voltage in used in Japan?
Japan’s electricity supply is 100 Volts at 50Hz. The outlets/power points use two-pronged plugs. Please make sure any electronics you use are rated for this voltage.
Travel adaptors can by picked up most airports.