Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Kutchancho Asahigaoka Ski Area - 10 min drive - 6.7 km
Annupuri - 10 min drive - 8.0 km
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area - 16 min drive - 12.3 km
Niseko Hanazono Resort - 20 min drive - 7.0 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
Wild Bill's - 3 min walk
The Barn - 3 min walk
Shiki Niseko Lobby Lounge - 2 min walk
Musu - 3 min walk
If Cafe - 4 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Freshwater
Located within a 10-minute walk of Niseko Mountain Resort 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. Apartments feature bonuses like refrigerators and microwaves, along with flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Ski passes, storage, rentals, and lessons are also available.
Languages
English, Japanese
At a glance
Property size
33 apartments
Arranged over 5 floors
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
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
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.
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
Children
Children (5 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Babysitting*
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free secured, uncovered onsite self parking
Onsite parking limited (max 2 spaces per unit)
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
Children stay free (see details)
Babysitting (surcharge)
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Microwave
Oven
Toaster
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Rice cooker
Bathrooms
Soap
Towels provided
Slippers
Shampoo
Hair dryer
Toilet paper
Free toiletries
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
Phone
Luggage storage
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
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 tax is imposed by the city and collected at the property. Exemptions or reductions might apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Cribs/infant beds are available for JPY 7000.0 per day
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.
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 Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu and 18 minutes' walk from Niseko-Shakotan-Otarukaigan Quasi-National Park.
The Freshwater Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.2/10
Amenities
9.2/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
19 Dec 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 Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
4 Feb 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.
Tayah
Tayah, 7-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
4/10 Fair
26 Feb 2020
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 romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
9 Feb 2020
Good location, very small rooms for price, rooms are a lot smaller than photos appear
Kent
Kent, 6-night family trip
Verified Wotif guest review
8/10 Very good
7 Jan 2020
Calvin
Calvin, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
1 Jan 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 family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
20 Mar 2019
A very nice property to stay in. Very close to all the restaurant and shops. Staff are attentive and friendly.
Verified traveller
4-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Feb 2019
Verified traveller
5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Feb 2019
Modern apartment that is very close to everything.
Verified traveller
5-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 Feb 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 traveller
8-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
7 Feb 2019
Very clean. Easy to locate. Staff was helpful from before arrival till we depart. Wonderful experience!
Verified traveller
3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Feb 2019
Excellent location to lifts, restaurants, and shops
Verified traveller
8-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jan 2019
Freshwater
Great option in Hirafu
James
James, 2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
12 Mar 2018
Great location, great staff and an overall great lodging experience. Only wish there was a hot tub or sauna on the premises.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Mar 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 with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Feb 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 Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
17 Feb 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
Tom
Tom, 5-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review
10/10 Exceptional
13 Feb 2017
Staff are fantastic, nothing was an issue, Very comfortable bed, great location, I highly recommend Freshwater to stay in Niseko.
Steve
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
2 Feb 2017
Great cozy place but doors are thin
We had an excellent stay at The Freshwater, however our neighbors were VERY loud and could hear everything from their apartment. We stayed in a studio right next to an apartment (they have the same entrance which was kind of strange) and the doors were paper-thin. Be prepared to turn on a sound machine if you stay here. On a positive note, the staff however was very friendly and helped us with everything from rides to the ski resort, dinner recommendations, and onsen suggestions. They even brought us a humidifier!
Sara
Verified Orbitz guest review
10/10 Exceptional
24 Jan 2017
Fantastic location, awesome staff
Fantastic location, close to everything. Feel the hustle of the village, close to everything.
Staff were fabulous, thanks Jodie for making us feel very welcome and the great tips for food, particularly JAM.
Verified traveller
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
15 Dec 2016
A gem in Niseko
Modern and clean. Free shuttle to the Gondola.
Verified traveller
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
17 Feb 2024
洗濯機もありよかった!
Mizuki
Mizuki, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
2/10 Poor
4 Dec 2023
Yasumichi
Yasumichi, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
7 Nov 2021
ウォシュレットと湯船が有れば最高でした。
YATO
YATO, 8-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
29 Dec 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. 👍