Located within a 10-minute walk of Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, The Freshwater puts you near winter activities like downhill skiing. Free perks like WiFi and self parking mean guests have more money for fun in the snow. Bonuses like refrigerators and microwaves are offered in all apartments, along with flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Ski passes, storage, rentals, and lessons are also available.
Kutchancho Asahigaoka Ski Area - 18 min drive - 9.9 km
Niseko Hanazono Resort - 24 min drive - 11.1 km
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area - 25 min drive - 13.2 km
Rusutsu Resort - 53 min drive - 41.7 km
Getting around
New Chitose Intl. Airport (CTS) - 117 min drive
Kutchan Station - 8 min drive
Niseko Station - 10 min drive
Kozawa Station - 26 min drive
Restaurants
AFURI ramen + dumpling - 2 min walk
Tamashii - 2 min walk
Elvis Kebabs - 1 min walk
ふじ鮨 ニセコ店 - 3 min walk
Apres Bar - 2 min walk
About this property
The Freshwater
Located within a 10-minute walk of Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, The Freshwater puts you near winter activities like downhill skiing. Free perks like WiFi and self parking mean guests have more money for fun in the snow. Bonuses like refrigerators and microwaves are offered in all apartments, along with flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Ski passes, storage, rentals, and lessons are also available.
At a glance
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Property size
33 apartments
Arranged over 5 floors
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
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Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [Intuition Niseko, 38-6 Kabayama, Kutchan, Abuta District]
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; access will be through a private entrance
If you arrive at the property after hours, you'll need to check in at an alternate location: [Intuition Niseko, 38-6 Kabayama, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0078, Japan]
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
The listed optional crib/infant bed fee applies every 4 days.
Guests may be required to change rooms during their stay. Room upgrades are subject to availability.
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Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Children
Children (5 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Babysitting*
PETS
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free secured, uncovered onsite self parking
Limited onsite parking (max 2 spaces per unit)
VPN_KEY
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Ski
Ski storage
Ski passes
Ski equipment rentals
Ski lessons on site
Internet
Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
Limited onsite parking (max 2 spaces per unit)
Onsite parking
Family friendly
Cribs (infant beds): JPY 7000 per night
Children stay free (see details)
Babysitting (surcharge)
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Microwave
Oven
Rice cooker
Toaster
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Bedrooms
Extra futon mattress (surcharge)
Bed sheets provided
Bathrooms
Toilet with electronic bidet
Free toiletries
Towels provided
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Slippers
Shampoo
Hair dryer
Living spaces
Sitting area
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV
DVD player
Laundry
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Laundry facilities
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Elevator
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Limited housekeeping
Iron/ironing board
Luggage storage
Blackout drapes/curtains
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Security system
General
33 rooms
5 floors
Built in 2008
Individually decorated
Individually furnished
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 100–10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
An effective city/local tax rate of 3.00 percent will be charged
Optional extras
Futon beds are available for JPY 8050 per night
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Cribs/infant beds are available for JPY 7000 per night
Policies
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property.
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a security system on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International
This property is professionally cleaned.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Also known as
Freshwater Hotel Kutchan
Freshwater Kutchan
Freshwater Apartment Kutchan
The Freshwater Kutchan
The Freshwater Apartment
The Freshwater Apartment Kutchan
Frequently asked questions
Does The Freshwater offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Freshwater does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Freshwater?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Freshwater?
Yes, there's free self parking. Onsite parking is limited (max 2 spaces per unit).
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Freshwater?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.
What is there to do at The Freshwater and nearby?
Have fun with onsite winter activities like skiing.
What's the area around The Freshwater like?
The Freshwater is a short 3-minute walk from Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU and 18 minutes' walk from Niseko-Shakotan-Otarukaigan Quasi-National Park.
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Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.2
Cleanliness
9.8
Location
9.0
Staff & service
9.2
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 19, 2023
Best Value in Town
This place is amazing. Its right next to the center of the Hirafu town where all the action (food) and transportation is. Lawson also right next door. Rooms are small but smartly designed, I felt more comfortable here than in many other larger hotel rooms. Staff was friendly and wanting to go above and beyond to help me get out of a jam when there were no taxis in town.
Keith
Keith, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 15, 2016
A gem in Niseko
Modern and clean. Free shuttle to the Gondola.
Verified traveler
Verified
6/10 Good
Mar 21, 2026
Maggi the manager was really not helpful
Rafael
Rafael, 6-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 4, 2023
Can’t say enough good things about this property. We rented an apartment and it gave us ample room to spread out and enjoy our time there for the week. The location was absolutely perfect. Close to grocery stores, restaurants, bars, onsens and the Grand hirafu ski resort. I would recommend reserving restaurants in advance of your stay otherwise you may not get in anywhere. Happened to us a few times.
Apartment itself was fantastic. Lovely King sized bed, washing machine and gas fire place. Communication before check in was great but, Unfortunately the staff leave a lot to be desired when checking in at during our stay. They didn’t mention there was a free shuttle service in the morning, they didn’t mention there we’re different types of lift passes and we got stuck on the other side of the mountain and missed a whole afternoon skiing. They clearly didn’t care.. forgot to have our lift pass and lesson ready when we arrived and then couldn’t tell us where to go for our lesson. Also worth noting that the walls are paper thin. We could hear the conversation of the people in the next room and on the street.
Alicia
Alicia, 3-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Feb 9, 2020
Good location, very small rooms for price, rooms are a lot smaller than photos appear
Kent
Kent, 6-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jan 1, 2020
The toilet was poorly designed.. Each time we showered, the floors flooded and there was nothing to dry it with . Each time we needed to use the sink we had to walk on wet floor.
JC
JC, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 29, 2019
Excellent and cozy apartment with well-equipped kitchen. Staff are so nice.
Just next to the main road in Girafu. 2-minute-walk to ski shuttle bus stop and 5-minute-walk to convenient shop. It is so convenient that many restaurants and shops nearby.
We didn’t drive this time and we took ski bus from CTS airport. The Freshwater provided compliment shuttle from & to Girafu welcome centre on arrival and departure date.
We will stay here again when we go to Niseko next time. 👍
A very nice property to stay in. Very close to all the restaurant and shops. Staff are attentive and friendly.
Verified traveler
4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 13, 2019
Modern apartment that is very close to everything.
Verified traveler
5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 11, 2019
Great location and very friendly staff. Even though our buss was 30 minutes late there was someone waiting to drive us to the apartment.
Verified traveler
8-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 8, 2019
Room was big enough to stay for three people with very clean condition. Location is amazing probably best ever location if you have plan to ride gondola mostly.
Jinsoo
Jinsoo, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 7, 2019
Very clean. Easy to locate. Staff was helpful from before arrival till we depart. Wonderful experience!
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 3, 2019
Excellent location to lifts, restaurants, and shops
We stayed in the Freshwater and there was no one at the reception to offer assistance the whole time during our stay.
The apartment is nice and the location is very convenient.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 12, 2018
Great location, great staff and an overall great lodging experience. Only wish there was a hot tub or sauna on the premises.
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 1, 2018
Fantastic convienient location and very comfy !!
Spacious comfortable accomodation in a great location only a few minutes walk to the family chair, bars restaurants, massage, hire shops etc. Would definately consider again.
Stephen
Stephen, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 22, 2018
A hotel close to everything
Maybe not a ski in and ski out hotel but with the shuttel bus it is not a problem and it is walking distance to everything anyway.
Annika
Annika, 7-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 17, 2018
Nice functional room close to everything
We had the studio room with little kitchen, nice and clean and a very comfy bed. It’s was really close to the slopes and main intersection, the only downside was the adjoining room is really close and you can hear the neighbors talking, we had to tell them to be quite one night. Aside from that it was great