Tucked in the pristine snow-capped Mount Yotei range is a haven for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers – the luxurious Niseko Village. As the official snow season in Japan kick starts a little early this year, tourists from all over the world make a beeline to save a spot at the Niseko Village which is officially opening its doors for the famous ski resort town in Japan. The Niseko United has announced that its 2023-24 opening date will be December 2nd, 2023. Famous for its legendary champagne powder snowfall, a one-of-kind natural phenomenon that occurs when Siberian winds interact with the moisture from the Sea of Japan to give a snow cover that is among the driest and lightest in the world, the Niseko Village is a legendary spot among the skiing cognoscenti.
In the lap of luxury:
The premier all-season destination is located within the Niseko United ski area and is famous for interlinked ski resorts and a massive 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Often compared to Aspen in Colorado and St. Moritz in Switzerland, the region receives an average snowfall of 18 metres from December to the end of April. Attracting adventure enthusiasts who love to explore the exceptional off-piste terrain with unique volcano crater skiing at the pristine.
Novice skiers can bask in the winter fun with the Ageimo beginner’s run that passes restaurants and retail outlets, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy the Mizuno no Sawa – Niseko’s most exciting terrain with some of the steepest runs in Hokkaido. The fully integrated Niseko Village features magnificent views of Mount Yotei, with a range of ski-in ski-out accommodation options offering accessible ski runs and an all-season lift system. Other unique winter activities available include reindeer sledding, snowmobile tours, and snowmobile rafting among a host of other alpine pursuits.
A feast for the soul:
For foodies, the Niseko Village is a hub of epicurean delights with a diverse range of eating outlets. From traditional Japanese fare to exotic international cuisines, find the best of gourmet indulgences in the winter wonderland. Relax and enjoy the teppanyaki chef’s culinary theatrics and mouth-watering aromas wafting from the finest ingredients cooked on a sizzling teppan plate right in front of you or enjoy the local specialty Hokkaido seafood prepared with fresh catch from the sea. Savor the vibrant mix of flavors with Hokkaido’s premium meats and seasonal local produce or head to the vibrant village close by for a culinary feast. After an exhilarating day of skiing, guests can indulge in creative cocktails and snacks at the warm and inviting lounges or head for spa therapies in mineral-rich thermal pools. Recognized as one of the most beautiful natural rock pools in Niseko Village, The Green Leaf’s onsen is filled with natural mineral spring water that is believed to have natural healing powers. The rotenburo, or outdoor hot spring, is quintessentially Japanese, surrounded by large boulders and snow-covered pine trees for a truly authentic way to invigorate the soul.
Authentic Japanese hospitality:
Discover the soul of Niseko at Hinode Hills with exquisite views of Mount Yotei. Named after the rising sun, Hinode Hills occupies a prime position in the heart of the village and has elegantly furnished boutique apartments designed with an appreciation for nature in a signature wabi-sabi aesthetic. Here guests can enjoy convenient mobility for skiing and other activities around the mountain, as well as ski-in and ski-out access. Get a taste of authentic Japanese machiya architecture as you walk past the dynamic range of dining concepts and retail outlets for a perfect winter vacay.
(The writer can be reached at newspeakwork@gmail.com)
Nivi Shrivastava