Do we need one to get between Annupuri and Hirafu/Kutchan for dinner?
Seems shuttles end early. Taxis scarce during busy times.
You won’t need a car just between Annapuri and Hirafu. I’ve done that trip in the opposite direction (Annapuri to just past Hirafu) numerous times in different ways. The only tip is if getting the bus don’t get there too early as standing around at night in the cold ain’t fun.
You can definitely eat around Annapuri. The Hotel you’re staying at has at least two restaurants/eating options. I’ve had lunch at the buffet there many many times, and it’s great. Downstairs there’s a bar area that also does very nice food. There may also be other restaurants in the complex.
In that area I’ve only personally dined at two other places - an excellent western influenced Izakaya bar only a few mins walk downhill from your hotel, and an Indian restaurant that’s very good. I’m sure there are a number of other places, but I’ve never been there. Annapuri is MUCH more Japanese than Hirafu. By and large Japanese visitors stay in their hotel or pension, and eat there. So there are just fewer independent restaurants.
There is a village bus which comes at a modest fee which runs on a loop. I can’t remember timing but of an evening maybe once an hour? The Hotel will be able to tell you when you get there. It’s probably 20 mins by bus from Annapuri to Hirafu. That’s a guess - the timetable will say precisely how long it takes.
There are vastly more restaurants in Hirafu but over a week’s visit you may only be tempted to head that way once or twice.
Also, Niseko Town is only a short skip from Annapuri. you’ll find some much more inexpensive and genuinely Japanese places there. Again, your hotel could give you steer there, including transport.
I‘m sworn to secrecy on the good Izakaya place, particularly on a US website, but it and Taj Mahal are in this list. To be honest that looks like plenty. Theres no overt need to head to Hirafu - you’ll just get more expensive western options. The food around Annapuri is likely to be cheaper, and better.
Annupuri village offers a handful of local eateries at Annupuri Ski Ground Entrance in the central village area and within the ski in / ski out hotels.
www.samuraisnow.com
Incidentally some restaurants now do a pick up and drop off service for a fee, post taxis becoming unreliable. Again, either the restaurant or hotel can give you a steer, and your hotel shou,d be able to make bookings for you.
