Niseko Dining Guide: Exploring Food Trucks and Restaurants

Niseko is well known for the powder days but is also known for some great Niseko restaurants. The village of Hirafu offers such a variety of food that there is something to satisfy everyone’s hunger. Ranging from upscale or modest Japanese cuisine to any western food cravings you may have the restaurants in Niseko offer everything.

Foodies, rejoice! If you’re craving some mouth-watering delicacies while in Niseko, don’t miss out on the eclectic food truck scene. From freshly caught seafood to hearty burgers and everything in between, these mobile kitchens offer something for every taste bud. Be sure to follow your nose and hunt down the perfect meal on wheels during your visit to this stunning Japanese destination.

I will also apologize in advance for the poor photo quality – there seems to be a trend in Niseko for everywhere to be so poorly lit you can barely read the menus.

Food Trucks – Pi-Kan Pizzaroll

Embark on a culinary adventure amid the snowy slopes of Niseko, where the food truck scene adds a dynamic flair to the ski resort experience, even extending into the enchanting realm of night skiing. These mobile kitchens offer a diverse range of delectable treats, from savory ramen to gourmet crepes, providing a unique and convenient dining option for visitors.

For those venturing to Niseko, the food truck scene becomes a delightful journey into authentic flavors. These roving kitchens present an enticing array of appetizing meals, from classic comfort foods to exotic international cuisine. A leisurely stroll through Hirafu or Kutchan unveils the rich tapestry of Niseko’s culinary culture, inviting you to savor the vibrant tastes at every turn. With affordable prices and conveniently located trucks, they become the perfect option for satiating hunger after a day on the slopes or during the magical night skiing sessions.

While not traditional Niseko restaurants, the food trucks in Hirafu offer an outdoor culinary experience with something for everyone in the group. Among the favorites is the Pi-Kan Pizzaroll truck, serving a variety of roll-ups with different flavors. The taco roll, in particular, stands out as a great remedy for a hangover. Classic options resembling pizzas are also available, showcasing the diversity of offerings from these mobile culinary gems.

The cost of food from Niseko food trucks is flexible, varying based on cuisine and specific dishes. On average, anticipate spending between ¥800 to ¥1,500 (Japanese Yen) for a satisfying meal. Prices may fluctuate depending on the truck’s location, menu choices, and the quality of ingredients. It is advisable to check individual food trucks for precise pricing, ensuring a delightful and budget-friendly exploration of Niseko’s diverse culinary landscape. Don’t just ski Niseko—savor it, one food truck at a time, whether under the daylight or the enchanting night sky.

There are other options in the food truck circle from Indian food, fish and chips, or BBQ. Some options include:

• • HokkaiDog
  • Wolf Burgers
  • The Flying Fish
  • Taj Mahal Indian
  • Yamasuke Sandwich

• Location: Hirafu center
• Hours: Around 11 am to 11 pm – varies by truck
• Price: $

Frequently Asked Questions about Niseko Food Trucks:

1. What type of food do Niseko food trucks offer? Niseko food trucks offer a diverse range of cuisine, including Japanese classics like ramen and sushi, international options such as burgers and tacos, and creative gourmet dishes.
2. How much does a meal from a Niseko food truck cost? The cost varies depending on the type of food and specific dishes. On average, expect to spend around ¥800 to ¥1,500 (Japanese Yen) for a meal.
3. Are Niseko food trucks open year-round? While some food trucks operate during the ski season, others may be seasonal or operate during specific events. It’s best to check the schedule and locations in advance.
4. Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at Niseko food trucks? Yes, some Niseko food trucks offer vegetarian and vegan options. However, availability may vary, so it’s recommended to inquire with the specific food truck about their menu offerings.
5. Do Niseko food trucks accept credit cards? Many food trucks in Niseko primarily accept cash, so it’s advisable to have Japanese Yen on hand. Some may accept credit cards, but it’s always good to confirm payment options beforehand.
6. Are there any signature dishes or must-try items at Niseko food trucks? Each food truck may have its specialty. Popular choices include ramen, yakitori, creative sushi rolls, and hot beverages like mulled wine during the winter season.
7.  Do Niseko food trucks cater to dietary restrictions or allergies? A: Some Niseko food trucks accommodate dietary restrictions, but it’s recommended to communicate any allergies or preferences directly with the food truck staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Niseko Pizza

Frankly one of the most well-known places to eat in Niseko, Japan. Perhaps because it’s pizza, and the central location, but when 6 pm rolls around the crowd rushes to Niseko Pizza.

I will say the menu is like a giant picture book for children. There are a ridiculous number of pages due to the fact there is a picture of everything on the menu. Which brings up another aspect, that there are about four menus you will be given when you sit down. The cocktail menu, wine menu, cheese and meat menu, and then the main entrée menu. If you aren’t a person that likes to be overwhelmed with options then steer clear of this place.

However, if you love to have options then Niseko Pizza is perfect. There are about 20 different pizza options, there is pasta, calzones, and steak. The massive picture menu means there is a little something for anyone.

The price can add up quickly though, and expect a bill between two people to be close to 6000 – 7000 yen if you get drinks.

• Location: 044-0081 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, Kutchan-chō Yamada, １６７−３
• Hours: 5pm to 11pm
• Price : $$

Musu

If you are looking for a breakfast location then Musu is where I’ll recommend in Niseko. The eggs and benedict is pretty great – and better than the other locations I tried in the area. Just about everyone there was eating eggs benedict during my breakfast visit there.

If you are looking for vegetarian options this is another great location for that. There are options such as a veggie burger for lunch.

Another great aspect of this bistro is the cocktail options that are available – mixing some local flair into classic cocktail options. There is a great variety of unique cocktail concoctions.

• Location: 044-0081 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, Yamada, 190-13 OdinPlace２
• Hours: 730am to midnight
• Price: $$

The Barn by Odin

  If you are interested in a fancy dining experience then this is the best Niseko restaurant to visit. The location is common to photograph due to the design of the restaurant. The building is shaped like a barn, with the wall facing the road being complete windows allowing visitors to view the snow falling out the window.

The Barn offers some great steak options for those wanting to partake in fine cut wagyu. The menu options focus on classical Hokkaido flavors and typical Japanese cuisine.

During my visit, the menu was set for Christmas dinner. The only aspect of the set menu was the sushi arubi beef is a starter with beef over rice which the server will blow torch to perfection. So, while I did not try any of the traditional menu items, the food was still spectacular. The set menu which was a four-course meal, with the addition of a cocktail, cost me 8,000 yen.

I recommend making reservations in advance if you don’t want to eat when they first open at 5:30 as that is just about the only time there is free seating available.

• Location: 170-323 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan
• Hours: 5pm to midnight
• Price: $$$

Ginger Restaurant

Following the Barn, if you are interested in having a nicer lunch than the places upon the slopes then this is a great spot to visit. Located over by the Ace Family lift, this Niseko restaurant offers a mixture of Japanese comforts or western comforts for lunch.

The one downside with this location is that their location gets packed fast. There is the potential that during lunch there will be a waiting period of upwards of 30 minutes unless you show up when they first open. I thought I could beat the lunch crowd by coming in later, but even around 2pm the location was crowded. Around 2:30 there finally started to be more people leaving than there was coming in.

I opted for a burger at this location, and while it didn’t beat Bigfoot Bunker it was still satisfying.

• Location: Aza Yamada 195-1, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan
• Hours: 730am to 930pm
• Price: $$