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.
Niseko-Shakotan-Otarukaigan Quasi-National Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 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
Wild Bill's - 3 min walk
Minamina - 2 min walk
The Barn - 3 min walk
Musu - 3 min walk
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 13 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Freshwater on 29 Nov 2026 start from NZ$329, 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 Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Niseko Hanazono Resort and Wonderland Chair A are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Tayah
4 Feb 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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Rafael
21 Mar 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Maggi the manager was really not helpful
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
MIZUKI
25 Feb 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