Getting here · Arrive with a little room
The journey.
Part of the stay.
The actual house exterior, photographed without snow
Hikaniwa is in Otaru, Hokkaido. Plan the final leg around your group, luggage, vehicle and season. Detailed directions and access instructions are supplied privately for the booking.
14:00check-in from, Japan time
10:00checkout by, Japan time
2.1 mright garage bay, viewed from street
1.75 mleft garage bay, viewed from street
Before setting out
Plan the last part,
not just the flight.
Choose transport that works for the whole group and its luggage. Check current rail, road and taxi information for your travel date, and allow a little margin when travelling with children or winter equipment.
Keep the private booking directions available offline and confirm any transport arrangements in advance. Airport transfers and vehicle hire are not included.
The coastal line near Asari, photographed without snow. Sinryow · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display cropped. Destination context, not the house’s nearest station.
New Chitose Airport · By rail
From the airport,
towards Otaru.
A useful starting point for your journey into the city. Arrange the final leg to the house using your private arrival directions.
Winter at Zenibako Station. Keiichi Yasu · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display cropped. An area photograph, not a suggested station for the house.
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- New Chitose AirportAirport station
- SapporoOn the rail route
- OtaruContinue to the house separately
JR Hokkaido runs Airport trains between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, with some services continuing directly to Otaru. Not every Airport train goes to Otaru. Check the destination and any changes in the timetable for your travel date.
A seat for the journey.
Non-reserved seats do not need a reservation, but may be full. For a reserved seat, you need a reserved-seat ticket as well as the basic fare. JR Hokkaido explains the ticket options and how to book.
A little less to carry.
With children, skis or several suitcases, check the operator’s luggage guidance before you travel. Plan the onward transport for your whole group and its bags, rather than assuming one taxi will fit everyone.
JR Hokkaido airport guideTimetables & faresCurrent train serviceLuggage guidance
If you are driving
Know the height
before you arrive.
There are two garage bays. Viewed from the street, the right bay has 2.1 m clearance and the left has 1.75 m. Measure the vehicle including roof boxes, racks and other fittings. If uncertain, confirm before travelling rather than attempting to enter.
Follow the directions in your private arrival guide for the final approach and entry.
Two garage spaces with electric roller doors keep vehicles off the road and sheltered from falling snow. See both garage bays and parking details.
If you are arriving in winter
Leave some
weather margin.
Allow for changing road conditions and winter driving requirements. Entrance or garage snow clearing may be needed. Ask local support if access cannot be cleared safely, rather than attempting unsafe clearing or vehicle manoeuvres.
Check weather, road conditions and your transport operator’s advice on the day.
At the entrance
A different
pace begins.
Leave outdoor shoes in the entrance, protect the timber and tatami, and enjoy the indoor garden from the surrounding spaces. The house guide helps with heating, lighting and the other practical details.
Your private arrival guide explains entry and the first things to know, so you can settle in without working out the controls on arrival.
Before the day of arrival
A short checklist.
- Confirm all guests and infants, plus any cot or high-chair requests.
- Request the split-room bed setup if needed.
- Check the vehicle’s total height if using a garage.
- Keep the privately supplied arrival instructions available.
- Arrange any early arrival or late checkout separately; do not assume it is included.
HIKANIWA, IN DETAIL
Explore these spaces.
Choose a space to see its photographs.
The house through the seasons6 photographs
Arriving & drying gear6 photographs
Otaru, beyond the mountains6 photographs
The house through the seasons
Hikaniwa through the seasons, from a snowy welcome to the light of the greener months.
Arriving & drying gear
Road-level garages, a separate wet-gear entrance and space to dry clothing overnight.
Otaru, beyond the mountains
Canal lights, old warehouses and shopping-street stops. Explore the town between ski days.
Hikaniwa · Otaru · Hokkaido
Stay for the place.
Come back to your own.
One private house for families and friends, with room for the days to unfold.