Niseko, on Japan‘s northernmost island of Hokkaido, is coveted by skiers and snowboarders for its powder and its luxurious wintertime retreats—from the Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (from about $1,820 during winter season), to the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono (from about $581 during winter season). It wasn’t exactly quiet, but in terms of scale, it wasn’t competing with the big North American mountain resorts like Whistler or Vail, either.
That’s all changing. The region is about to undergo an enormous growth spurt, with a who’s who of luxury groups joining the action in Niseko within the next several years.
Aman Niseko is currently slated for a 2027 debut on the slopes of Mount Moiwa, after initially having targeted a 2023 opening prior to the pandemic. Fresh off the heels of debuting its first Japanese property in Kyoto, Six Senses is reported to be targeting a 2027 or 2028 opening for a Niseko location near Hirafu. Japanese luxury brand Hoshinoya, known for its swanky minimalist spin on ryokans incorporating traditional style with modern amenities, is planning to open its ninth outpost and first hotel with residences. The Hoshinoya Lodge Niseko has planned ski-in/ski-out access and is slated to open in 2028 in Kutchan.
The mountain at Higashiyama Niseko Village
Courtesy of Higashiyama Niseko Village
Offshoot brands under big-name umbrellas are also in the works, including the New World La Plume Niseko Resort, a luxury brand under the Rosewood Hotel Group banner set to open this year, while Marriott is planning to build a new Moxy Hotel in Niseko Village in the years ahead.
With all of the planned development, now is a golden window to get to Niseko and hit what Panch Ratnavale, the resort director at Higashiyama Niseko Village, calls the “iconic JAPOW” (Japanese powder snow) before the crowds do.
It’s not as if you’ll be hurting for luxury in the meantime. Guests at Niseko Village can take advantage of ski-in/ski-out access, an indoor-outdoor onsen, and a cozy vibe replete with fireplaces and throw blankets. Spacious, contemporary rooms come with their own deep, stone soaking baths. It’s pure Hokkaido hygge.
“Higashiyama Niseko Village revolves around the philosophy of ‘Kachou Fuugetsu,’ or discovering oneself through nature,” Ratnavale says. “During their stay, travelers are encouraged to explore the local origins of the food on their plates, appreciate the power of solitude while on a mountain walk or ski run and enjoy the healing elements of Japan’s hot springs for an experience rooted in discovery and harmony.”
Courtesy of Higashiyama Niseko Village
The growth isn’t limited to resorts, either. Hirafu and the surrounding area has long been the buzziest part of the region in terms of restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Now, an expanded scene in Niseko Village is making a name for itself as well. It’s opened a new complex that showcases Gogyo, a ramen shop from Ippudo, and Baby Crosta, an outpost from chef Yuichi Abellare, one of Asia’s most acclaimed pizzaiolos, who also runs an exclusive pizza omakase tasting menu above the shop. This year Niseko-yo, a blend of new gastronomy and nightlife experiences, opened in the village center. Another two-concept space can be found at daytime teahouse Chuya, which transforms into an evening cocktail bar run by the team from Kuala Lumpur’s Penrose.
“There’s enough now in Niseko Village that it drew me up here from Kuala Lumpur to spend the winter, and the plan is to come back next year as well,” says Matthew Goh, who managed the bar program at Chuya last season.
Also in Niseko Village is Mandala Club, a pop-up run last season by bar-world veteran Elliot Faber, who flew in a loaded list of globally acclaimed bartenders for an ongoing series of special events. The two-story ski clubhouse has a separate restaurant and bar, with both showcasing flavor sensibilities intermingling Alpine ski chalet with the surroundings of Hokkaido. Standout dishes from chef Esca Khoo included a katsu-style schnitzel and potato rosti topped with Hokkaido uni, for instance, while drinks veered from sake to Champagne to craft cocktails.
Back at Higashiyama, be sure to reserve an omakase tour de force at Sushi Nagi. The daily menu is loaded with the freshest and rarest Hokkaido specialties.
Courtesy of Higashiyama Niseko Village
The Park Hyatt Niseko in Hanazono, meanwhile, offers a fleet of restaurants, including outposts devoted to traditional styles of Japanese food preparation including the robata grill and the teppanyaki. This is in addition to Molière Montagne, where Hokkaido ingredients are buoyed by French technique courtesy of three-Michelin starred chef Hiroshi Nakamichi.
In the years ahead, however, those wishing to capitalize on the best of Niseko might want to consider planning a trip outside of peak winter season. While the area’s initial claim to fame is that legendary JAPOW, there’s plenty of appeal at other times of the year.
“There are less people, and the weather is mild,” Ratnavale says of the shoulder season. “Travelers can explore the local markets, hike, admire the changing leaves, budding flowers and enjoy the various produce that come into season.”
In warmer weather, golfers flock to the Arnold Palmer–designed Niseko Golf Course and Hanazono Golf Course. Cyclists, mountain bikers, and hikers will find an abundance of trails to enjoy, and water enthusiasts can pursue activities on the rivers such as rafting and kayaking.
“Our vision is to evolve Niseko to become the ‘Whistler of the East’ in the not too distant future,” Ratnavale says.
