Properly separating and disposing of your waste is mandatory in Japan and varies depending on your location.
Before you begin, confirm which part of Niseko you live in — about 80% of residences are in the Kutchan area.
Determine Your Area
Kutchan Town includes:
Kutchan, Hanazono, and Hirafu ski resort areas
Niseko Town includes:
Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Moiwa ski resort areas
Waste Disposal Options
There are two main systems for waste and recycling in the Niseko area:
Hanazono Recycling Center
279 Asahi, Kutchan, 044-0083
Open in Google Maps
- You must drive your waste to the center
- Use standard 45L clear plastic bags
- Bags are available at local supermarkets or convenience stores
- Recycling is free, but items must be clean and sorted properly
- Non-recyclables are charged by weight (cash only)
How to use:
- Arrive before 4:00 PM
- Stop first at the cashier window to record the vehicle’s weight
- Drop recyclables (first right — free section)
- Drop non-recyclables in designated areas (charged)
- Pay (cash only) before exiting
Local Paid Bag System
If you’re not using the Hanazono Center, you’ll use the local “Gomi” station near your home.
- Ask your local town office where your nearest station is
- Use officially designated bags for your area (different between Kutchan & Niseko)
- Bags are sold at supermarkets and convenience stores
- Garbage is collected on specific days and times
- Recycling is free, but the bags must be purchased
Bag Prices (as of April 2020)
Kutchan Area:
| Bag Type | Size | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnable / Non-Burnable | 40L | 5 bags | ¥400 |
| 20L | 10 bags | ¥400 | |
| 10L | 10 bags | ¥200 | |
| Compost / Organic Waste | 20L | 5 bags | ¥400 |
| 10L | 10 bags | ¥400 | |
| 5L | 10 bags | ¥200 |
Niseko Area:
| Bag Type | Size | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnable / Non-Burnable | 45L | 10 bags | ¥1,000 |
| 20L | 10 bags | ¥600 | |
| 10L | 20 bags | ¥800 | |
| Compost / Organic Waste | 30L | 10 bags | ¥600 |
| 10L | 20 bags | ¥600 | |
| 5L | 20 bags | ¥400 |
These bags have an expiration date of one year. Please check before use.
🖼 Image suggestion: Photo of official Kutchan/Niseko garbage bags in a convenience store
Alt text: “Official garbage bags for sale in a Kutchan convenience store”
📍 Local Gomi Station
Use the nearest designated Gomi station when moving in.
If unsure, ask your local town office:
- Kutchan Town Hall
📍3 Chome -3 Kita 1 Johigashi, Kutchan
📞 0136-22-1121
🔗 Google Maps - Niseko Town Office
📍Fujimi, Niseko
🔗 Google Maps
🖼 Image suggestion: Photo of a Gomi station with clearly marked bins
Alt text: “Designated garbage collection point (Gomi station) in Kutchan”