Niseko Village, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is celebrated for its blend of culinary excellence, scenic beauty and its powdery champagne snow. Overlooking Mount Yōtei and described as the Aspen of the East, this contemporary luxury winter sports destination offers a meeting of eastern hospitality with western après ski traditions, and what’s interesting is the duality of some of their outlets, like Gogyo, a ramenya by day and izakaya by night, and Chuya, a teahouse in the morning and cocktail bar in the evening.
Where To Eat: Dining in Niseko Village
While winter sports is usually the main reason people visit Niseko, the recent development of Niseko-yo at Niseko Village has sought to bring some of the best dining and drinking experiences to the ski resort.
Baby Crosta
Japanese pizza omakase
An eatery by famed Manila Crosta Pizzeria, the winner of the 50 Top Pizza’s World Pizza of the Year 2023 outlet in Niseko known cutely as Baby Crosta, the Roman style pizzeria is led by Best Pizzaiolo 2022 in Japan Chef Yuichi Ito and delivers one of the best pizzas you will find around. Go for the Morty & Ella, a mortadella with pistachio pizza, with a thick but light as air fluffy crust, an underrated offering.
Gogyo by Ippudo
Ramenya by day, izakaya by night
While the world is accustomed to Ippudo as one of the best ramen franchises globally, the eatery at Niskeko-yo is a ramenya by day, and an izakaya by night. Go for the Kogashi ramen, a burnt miso ramen made popular by Ippudo, but if you have a more adventurous palate, the Spicy Ramen will take your dining experience to the next level in the cold winter.
Moka Italian Japanese
Italian Japanese seiyo ryori
While westernised Japanese cuisine known as Yoshoku is popular, seiyo ryori takes a tradition that leans more European techniques. Moka’s use of Italian authenticity meeting Hokkaido ingredients ensures a unique dining experiences. While they have a tasting menu that is perfect for those looking for variety, their also have great a la carte dishes such as their Spaghetti Pescatore and Akaishi Charcuterie will make you understand their cuisine.
Popi’s at Mandala Club
Elevated casual dining and fondue
Bringing a touch of Europeanness is Mandala Club Niseko, a two-storey ski club that has casual dining, but is best known for their Popi’s Signature Fondue, a Swiss classic, with ingredients like Kobayashi ranch cheese and Japanese country ham. For a more elevated casual dining, the Hokkaido Sea Urchin Spaghettini and the Makkari Pork Schnitzel are good choices too.
Sushi Nagi
Elegant edomae sushi omakase
While there are many offerings in Japan, none is more famous or elegant than the sushi omakase. Headed by chef Tsuneyoshi Taira, the edomae style sushi omakase takes the best of Hokkaido ingredients and present them in the cleanest fashion. While known for their take Caviar, Chestnut and Ebi Chawanmushi, it is their yari ika and shima aji sushi’s flavour that stood out, as well as their daifuku.
Where To Drink: Craft Cocktails at Niseko Village
Niseko Village also hosts distinguished venues for those looking to enjoy a drink in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, each delivering an experience that is quite different.
Chuya
Teahouse by day, world renown cocktail bar by night
While it functions as a teahouse in the day, Chuya transforms into a cocktail bar headed by Penrose Kuala Lumpur, offering the Taste of Asia experience bringing in bars that have ranked at Asia’s 50 Best Bars from across the region such as Night Hawk (Singapore), Teens of Thailand & Mahaniyom (Bangkok), Zest (Seoul), and Indulge Bistro (Taipei), including the newly opened Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo), a global cocktail experience like no other.
Tomioka White
Great mulled wine and hot cocoa lounge
For those looking for a place to catchup with heart warming drinks, Tomioka White is a lively lobby lounge of The Green Leaf Niseko Village which has been said to serve the best mulled wine in the area, the perfect cocktail to warm you up, and for the teetotaller there’s also the hot cocoa.
Ume Lounge
Cocktails by a fireplace
For something a little quieter, the Ume Lounge at Higashiyama Niseko Village is a perfect place to unwind by a fireplace, perfect for couples who are looking for a little more intimate privacy.
Snow Parlour at Mandala Club
Après-ski sake bombs
Snow Parlour, the ground level of Mandala Club, marries takes après-ski culture to the next level, with music that is perfect for a winter dance party, and a sake menu that is pretty impressive. Japanese inspired cocktails are also available, but a whiskey highball also makes a great thirst quencher.
Where To Stay: Accommodations in Niseko Village
When it comes to accommodation in Niseko Village, each establishment offers something different, depending on your needs. For those seeking rest and relaxation, Niseko Village boasts accommodations that blend luxury with the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
The Green Leaf Niseko Village
Ski in ski out access lodging
The Green Leaf Niseko Village located at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Japan is a 200-room all season destination hotel that comes with a ski-in ski-out access during winter. The hotel has an all day dining Goshiki that serves as contemporary buffet, and Tomioka White, its often busy lounge. There is also Juhyo, a sports and wellness spa, but it’s the onsen that you will enjoy the most. Stay here if you’re looking for convenience of skiing often as its connected to the gondolas and has a massive ski shop.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Luxury alpine resort
For those looking for something of higher luxury, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will ensure you an even more elevated experience. The hotel only has 50 rooms, but is designed with patrons staying in in mind, resulting in rooms that you don’t have to leave if wintersports is not for you. Dining options include Yukibana, its all-day dining, Sushi Nagi, its sushi omakase restaurant, and Ume Lounge, for contemporary cocktails. The hotel also has a stunning view overlooking Mount Yōtei, which reaffirms the notion that you don’t need to leave the place once you check in.
| WEBSITE: NISEKO VILLAGE |