Niseko Annupuri (1,308 m) is a volcano on the border of Niseko and Kutchan towns in Hokkaido, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
The main peak of the Niseko range, its appeal lies in the sweeping panorama of Mount Yōtei, the Shakotan Peninsula and the Sea of Japan from the summit, and the grassland and marsh walking from Goshiki Onsen. From the Goshiki Onsen trailhead it is about 1 hour 30 minutes to the summit, or about 50 minutes using the gondola — an easy-to-intermediate hike.
For public-transport access, take a Niseko Bus from JR Niseko Station to Goshiki Onsen.
The trailhead is Goshiki Onsen (about 750 m), with a hot spring, campground, parking and toilets. The main route is Goshiki Onsen trailhead → mid-slope → Niseko Annupuri (1,308 m) and back, an easy-to-intermediate route with a standard time of about 3 hours. The summit is broad, with wide views of Mount Yōtei, Iwaonupuri, the Shakotan Peninsula and the Sea of Japan.
The best season is summer to autumn (June–October); the bus also runs roughly April–November, and in winter it becomes a (powder-snow) ski area. Always check the latest bus operating days and trail conditions before you go.
*Last checked: June 7, 2026
How to access the trailheads
1. [There & Back] Niseko Station ⇄ Goshiki Onsen (Niseko Bus)
Niseko Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line is your base. Take a Niseko Bus from the station to the Goshiki Onsen trailhead.
① Niseko Station → Goshiki Onsen (Niseko Bus, Niseko Line)
From in front of Niseko Station take the Niseko Bus “Niseko Line” bound for Goshiki Onsen and get off there; it takes about 65 minutes. It runs roughly April–November, with no service in winter (December–March), and mainly on weekends and holidays in summer. Check the exact times with Niseko Bus / the Nicotto Bus reservation centre (0136-43-2200).
② Goshiki Onsen → Niseko Annupuri trailhead (on foot)
The trailhead is right by the Goshiki Onsen bus stop.
③ Using the gondola (summer): the Niseko Annupuri Gondola (summer operation) takes you to about 1,000 m, shortening the climb to about 50 minutes.
④ Taxi: on days without the bus, combining a taxi from Niseko or Kutchan Station is reliable.
— Use a taxi in Niseko / Kutchan.
By car: there is parking at Goshiki Onsen. It is about 30 minutes from the Kutchan IC on the Shiribeshi Expressway.
References: [Niseko Bus timetable] ／ [Niseko Tourism]
Trail Guide and Safety Notes
Route: Goshiki Onsen trailhead → mid-slope → Niseko Annupuri (1,308 m) and back. The standard time is about 3 hours, an easy-to-intermediate route. There are also routes from the Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri ski-resort sides, and using the gondola lets you climb in a short time.
Volcano and weather: this is volcanic terrain, and the summit area is windy and can be socked in by mist. There are volcanic-gas areas around neighbouring Iwaonupuri, so do not leave the trail. It is brown-bear country.
Views and hot springs: the summit gives a panorama of Mount Yōtei, the Shakotan Peninsula and the Sea of Japan. After the descent you can relax at Goshiki Onsen. In winter it becomes a ski area with snow covering the summer trail.
Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS, plenty of food and a bear bell. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Kutchan Police Station 0136-22-0110
Photo by Wakimasa / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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