ENGLISH CONTENTS

2021.02.05

ENGLISH CONTENTS

HAKUBA vs. NISEKO GLAMOROUS SNOW RESORTS

World-Class Winter Resort, NISEKO

Niseko, Hokkaido—a mecca for powder snow lovers—is a world-class winter resort on a par with Canada’s Whistler, France’s Chamonix, and Switzerland’s Zermatt.

Niseko Annupuri mountain rises to an elevation of 1,308 meters and faces Mt. Yotei, called Ezo Fuji, meaning Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido. Niseko United’s four ski areas sprawl across the base of Niseko Annupuri and are a prime attraction for skiers from around the world. Among the four resorts, Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu in Kutchan is famed for the quality of its snow and the size of its slopes. The luxury hotel Aya Niseko—featuring mostly apartment-style rooms—is situated with direct access to the ski runs.

As a well-appointed, apartment-type hotel, the facility offers the convenience of a short-stay (one-night, two-day) hotel as well as the comfort of a condominium for long stays. Recently, this is the kind of accommodation that has proved popular at famous resorts around the world. Aya Niseko opened its doors four years ago in the heart of Niseko’s resort town, which is the focal point of numerous hotels and restaurants. Being the Japanese word for “twill,” Aya Niseko embodies the concept of the spirit of Japan as woven together by aya. Guest rooms and open spaces in the hotel are decorated here and there with traditional Japanese colors and washi, Japan’s handmade paper, presenting a quintessentially Japanese aesthetic to visitors from around the world. Each room, whether the penthouse or a standard room, is modern and extremely comfortable. Visitors can enjoy views of Niseko’s beauty through large, floor-to-ceiling windows. Equipped with a ski valet, the hotel also offers a true ski-in, ski-out experience. For ski lovers, there is no higher luxury.

The ultimate experience is privileged access to the glory of soft, untouched powder snow by riding to the summit on the very first lift of the morning. When midday comes, visitors can ski back to the hotel and easily make lunch in their private kitchen. Head back up for more runs in the afternoon, or, alternatively, soak in a hot spring bath, read and doze off for a while, and leisurely take in the views of beautiful Mt. Yotei. For dinner, enjoy the French restaurant Kamimura (one Michelin star), just a three-minute walk away. Chef Yuichi Kamimura honed his skills at Sydney’s world-renowned upscale restaurant Tetsuya’s and offers cuisine featuring Hokkaido’s special ingredients paired with wine which should be fully enjoyed in an unhurried manner.

Niseko takes its place as the most international resort in Japan today. As we find our overseas travel options currently restricted, set your sights on this hot, yet cool, domestic destination.