My Top 3 Dream Stays in Niseko, Japan
Niseko is a town located in Hokkaido, Japan. Famous for its ski resorts in Japan, there are endless light powder snow, spectacular backdrop, long ski runs, trail skis and many after-ski activities.
Niseko’s ski resorts are all located on Mount Annupuri. The three major resorts, Grand Hirafu (comprised of Hirafu and Hanazono), Niseko Village and Annupuri are connected on the mountain by ski lifts and their towns are connected by shuttle bus at the bases. A special combination ticket, Niseko All Mountain Pass, gives access to all three resorts for 6,900 yen per day: www.niseko.ne.jp/en/lift
I am writing about my Top 3 Dream Stays in Niseko because of The Luxe Nomad contest to win a stay at Ki Niseko. Ki Niseko is definitely my top dream place to stay in, otherwise I wouldn’t have spend time writing this post. :P
Ki Niseko
Nominated for 2015 World’s Best New Ski Hotel, Ki Niseko is situated in the Grand Hirafu (Upper Hirafu) area. According to The Luxe Nomad, here are some of the hotel’s highlights:
- Each level has stunning views of Mt Yotei & Resort Mountain vista.
- Natural indoor and outdoor onsens.
- Luxury eco-friendly ski-in ski-out to Hirafu Gondola & Holiday Pair lifts.
- First ever Ski Valet service in Niseko.
- Upscale resort facilities & concierge service to organise everything you need!
A big plus point about Ki Niseko is the view from their rooms. Surrounded by powdery white snow and beautiful nature, it would be a waste not to wake up each morning with stunning views of Mt Yotei & Resort Mountain vista!
But what bought me over is their mineral-rich natural onsens. Imagine soaking in the hot springs after a cold and tiring day from skiing. I am not a big fan of the cold, so it would be sheer pleasure for my cold and aching muscles to dip in the hot water. And since I never had an onsen experience, it will be doubly awesome!
From the online reviews, it seemed that the hotel has excellent service and English.
Also, it is in a great location. Though in a quiet corner of Upper Hirafu, it is only still a walking distance to the main restaurants and amenities. If not, there is the shuttle bus in the winter. The hotel is also less than 100metres from the high-speed gondola.
And as a ski-in ski-out boutique hotel, Ki Niseko will make things much easier for us as beginners. I just have to carry my gears from the rack to the door. Not much walking, no buses, and thus no hassle. And I can simply ski straight to the door after a day on the slopes.
Lastly, it would be great to stay in style for my first skiing experience! I believe their valet and concierge services will make my nervous first experience better. :)
Website
Reviews @ Tripadvisor
Update: I actually won the contest and stayed at Ki Niseko! Read more about our Ki Niseko experience.
Terrazze
Nominated for World’s Best New Ski Chalet 2015, Terrazze is situated in the Grand Hirafu (Middle Hirafu) area. According to The Luxe Nomad, here are some of the apartment’s highlights:
- Located in the Middle Village of Hirafu, presenting a variety of dining and entertainment choices
- Guaranteed majestic views of Mount Yotei from the apartments!
- Apartments and their floorings are well-heated throughout each unit
Each apartment is tastefully and uniquely designed with stylish interior, high ceiling, modern facilities, fully equipped kitchen, and heated floors.
The best part? With floor-to-ceiling windows, all six apartments have the majestic view of Mount Yotei which would blow you away as you step into the room.
Location: It’s only a 5-minute stroll away from Hirafu’s popular attractions, restaurants and bars. The convenience store and supermarket is a mere 7-minutes walk away.
From the online reviews, many people were raving about their excellent concierge team!
Website
Reviews @ Tripadvisor
The Vale Niseko
Winner of the World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel in 2014 and 2015, The Vale Niseko is situated in the Grand Hirafu (Upper Hirafu) area. According to The Luxe Nomad, here are some of the apartment’s highlights:
- Most exclusive ski-in ski-out retreat right in Hirafu!
- Metres away from the Family Ace Chair Lift!
- Full-fledged thermal experience with a designer onsen, heated pool & sauna.
- 5-star choices of 1,2 & 3 bed luxury apartments.
- Concierge services & other luxury hotel amenities.
The Vale is in a great location near to the gear and grocery shops, ski school, the Family Ace Chair Lift and shuttle bus stops.
It also has an excellent offering with its natural hot spring, in-house restaurant and ski rental shop.
As ski-in ski-out place, you can ski off from your apartment easily. The nearest ski lifts are only 30 seconds away on the ski run. There are also lockers at the basement for storing rented gears and other equipment. In this way, you can save the effort of lugging the stuff from your apartment. The living room would also not be cluttered.
Their full-fledged thermal experience also meant that for those afraid of cold like myself, we will be jumping in the heat of joy!
With various apartment sizes to choose from, one can pick the right one for the party size. Being an apartment, there is a living room, a kitchen and plenty of space. They have a fully equipped kitchen if I decided to whip up a meal, though I doubt I would.
According to online reviews, The Vale has good service – its internationally diverse team is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Website
Reviews @ Tripadvisor
What are your Top 3 Dream Places to stay in Niseko? Share your dream with us below or on our Facebook Page or Instagram.
Related Posts: Overview Japan Itinerary: Hokkaido and Tokyo (Winter/Spring 2016) Ki Niseko Review (Ski-in Ski-out Hotel) Which Area to Stay in Niseko? Where to eat in Niseko? (Grand Hirafu)
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