Kutchan is home to The Freshwater. Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU and Niseko Hanazono Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda. Rusutsu Resort and Niseko-Shakotan-Otarukaigan Quasi-National Park are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including downhill skiing.
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
Kutchan Station - 8 min drive
New Chitose Airport (CTS) - 117 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
Hit the slopes and relax with The Freshwater's amenities, including ski storage, ski passes and free self parking. Each apartment provides a sitting area and a fridge, plus free WiFi and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. Added amenities include a microwave, a stovetop and a rice cooker. Limited housekeeping is available.
The Freshwater offers 33 accommodations with DVD players and rice cookers. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate sitting areas and includes desks. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include slippers, toilets with an electronic bidet, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.
Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
Policies
Check-in
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
Check-out before 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 alternative 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 cot/infant bed fee applies every 4 days.
Guests may be required to change rooms during their stay. Room upgrades are subject to availability.
Access methods
Private entrance
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 5 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are available for JPY 7000 per night
Payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. 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 per cent will be charged
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Futon bed fee: JPY 8050 per night
Crib (infant bed) fee: JPY 7000 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Property # 15003947
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a security system
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
Frequently asked questions
Is The Freshwater pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Freshwater?
As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Freshwater on 22 May 2026 start from NZ$296, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Freshwater?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The Freshwater?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at The Freshwater?
Checkout is at 10 AM.
Where is The Freshwater located?
Conveniently located near to the ski slopes, this apartment building in Kutchan is within 3 miles (5 km) of Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, Niseko-Shakotan-Otarukaigan Quasi-National Park and Noasc. Shikotsu-Toya National Park is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
The Freshwater Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tayah
4 February 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
MIZUKI
25 February 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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.
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.
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. 👍
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.
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.
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.
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