The most stylish Japanese ski chalets to book this winter

Dreamy interiors with picture-perfect views—these beautiful holiday homes in Japan’s top ski destinations are the ones to call your own

A plush sofa next to a crackling fire, floor-to-ceiling windows framing a snow-blanketed landscape, and a calming onsen to soak the cold away—these are the comforts we look for when picking a winter holiday home rental in Japan.

So whether you’re planning to fly off to Hakuba in Nagano or Hanazono in Niseko, we’ve picked luxuriously appointed chalets that are sure to delight seasoned snowboarders and après-skiers alike, regardless if they’re travelling in intimate, small groups of friends or bringing the whole extended family with them.

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1. Alpinarc 6 Chalet

Above The chalet boasts an edgy exterior (Photo: Alpinearc 6 Chalet)

This ultra-sleek chalet is designed for modernists. Boasting expansive windows, the exterior’s edgy architecture is impressive at first sight. The inside is just as stunning: the 280 sqm space is purpose-built for the grandest of gatherings, accommodating up to 16 people with its six bedrooms, four bathrooms, six toilets, a wood deck oriented to the mountains and a hinoki bath big enough for six.

Above The onsen has a spectacular view (Photo: Alpinearc 6 Chalet)

Above The sleek white kitchen features a spacious wine fridge (Photo: Alpinearc 6 Chalet)

The light-filled living space looks onto Olympic ski jumps and the Japanese Alps, and is kept toasty with a new fireplace that ignites with the touch of a button. The cherry on top? Alpinarc 6 is set in Echoland—the most popular spot in Hakuba with plenty of bars and restaurants, ski rental companies and winter attractions to keep you busy.

Above The living room features a panoramic view of the snowy landscape (Photo: Alpinearc 6 Chalet)

2. Silver Maple Chalet

Above The chalet sits on its own private winter wonderland (Photo: Silver Maple Chalet)

Japan is known for its eye-catching architecture, and Silver Maple Chalet in Hakuba is definitely part of the troop. This brand new chalet sits on a plot of land 2.5 times bigger than the standard size, providing an ideal private playground in winter and a lovely barbecue spot during green season.

Above The double volume living and dining spaces make the most of the view (Photo: Silver Maple Chalet)

Above The tranquil bedroom offers a respite from the busy world (Photo: Silver Maple Chalet)

Fitting up to 12 people, the 240 sqm chalet has an open-plan living and dining room equipped with a Miele oven, Balmuda toaster, and a Eurocave wine fridge amongst other things. There’s also a second-floor veranda and a four-person hinoki bath with an overhead rain shower for more meditative moments. Located in Echoland—which has 10 ski resorts in one area—guests can choose a different ski resort each day, and then walk to a buzzing restaurant or straight home for their après-ski session. How’s that for variety?

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Above Exposed timber structure lends warmth to the room (Photo: Silver Maple Chalet)

3. Tsubasa Chalet at Hanaridge

Above This five-room property was designed by an Italian architect (Photo: Tsubasa Chalet at Hanaridge)

Designed by architect Ricardo Tossini, the sophisticated Tsubasa Chalet is not your usual Niseko holiday home rental. This five-bedroom residence is enveloped by a protected national park forest and also features a natural onsen—a rarity even in the most luxurious chalets.

Above The view is amazing during the warmer season, too (Photo: Tsubasa Chalet at Hanaridge)

Above The chalet has an indoor and an outdoor onsen (Photo: Tsubasa Chalet at Hanaridge)

Located just a five-minute drive to the Hanazono ski resort and golf course, the chalet is hugely convenient for serious skiers and snowboarders and offers plenty of privacy. After a day at the slopes, guests can soak in the indoor or outdoor onsen before retreating to the elegant living spaces with a prized view of Mount Yotei.

Above The interior’s golden timber surface amps up the hygge ambience (Photo: Tsubasa Chalet at Hanaridge)

4. Jade Rabbit

Above The chalet paints a pretty picture at sunset (Photo: Jade Rabbit)

Large families are in for a treat at Jade Rabbit, a new five-bedroom chalet with generous gathering spaces. Equipped with a large lounge room, an open-plan kitchen and dining room, and a standalone media room perfect for Netflix binges, this is just the type of holiday home for multigenerational travellers.

Above The snowy view from the bedroom (Photo: Jade Rabbit)

Above The spacious dining room features herringbone timber flooring (Photo: Jade Rabbit)

Set in the Pavillions Estate in Yotei Village, Jade Rabbit offers the best of both worlds: it’s close enough to the action but is generally a serene escape. It’s only five minutes away from the Grand Hirafu Gondola by car, and there are many restaurants and stores nearby to keep any craving satiated.

Above The living room features Japandi aesthetics (Photo: Jade Rabbit)

5. Song Saa Chalet

Above The dark sou sugi ban exterior stands out against the snowy landscape (Photo: Song Saa Chalet)

If you travel to disconnect, the luxurious Song Saa Chalet is for you. This newly built property features an arresting dark wood exterior recalling the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban (burnt cedar) style. Inside are six large bedrooms spread over two floors—more than enough space for 16 guests.

Above The tall, lofty ceiling brings the outside in (Photo: Song Saa Chalet)

Above The bedroom features a medley of lush textures (Photo: Song Saa Chalet)

Song Saa Chalet boasts a modern, open-plan kitchen and living area that captures views of the Japanese mountain range from all angles. Located close to the Niseko Annupuri mountain base, it’s a choice spot for those on the hunt for their first taste of Japow (Japan Powder). What’s more, it comes with a built-in ski storage room.

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Above A Japanese winter experience is not complete without a tatami room (Photo: Song Saa Chalet)

6. Yuki Sugi at Intuition Chalet

Above The chalet mixes East and West influences (Photo: Yuki Sugi at Intuition Chalet)

Those seeking a chalet that mixes East and West will be impressed by Yuki Sugi Chalet. The five-bedroom home is a minimalist’s dream, featuring a sizable living-dining space overlooking Mount Yotei, a media room with a fireplace, and to top it all off, a private onsen.

Above The private onsen features a dark, intimate interior (Photo: Yuki Sugi at Intuition Chalet)

Above The fully-equipped kitchen invites one to dine in (Photo: Yuki Sugi at Intuition Chalet)

Located a few steps from the Ace Family Quad Lift, it’s a perfect base for hardcore skiers and snowboarders. After going downhill, guests can whip up meals at the fully-equipped kitchen or head to Naniwatei, Intuition’s in-house restaurant.

Above Tom Dixon pendant lights add opulence to the chalet’s in-house restaurant, Naniwei (Photo: Yuki Sugi at Intuition Chalet)

7. Sekka Sekka

Above The four-storey property is located in a very central area (Photo: Sekka Sekka)

Whether it’s a multigenerational family trip or a large group of friends, Sekka Sekka is designed to host big gatherings of all types. The chalet has five bedrooms and five bathrooms across four stories, all easily accessible through a lift.

Above The timber-clad bedroom feels warm and cosy (Photo: Sekka Sekka)

Above The outdoor onsen is partially covered (Photo: Sekka Sekka)

Located in the heart of Hirafu village, this holiday home has a top-notch kitchen and a dining area that can seat up to 12 guests, so there’s no limit to what kind of celebration you want. Its super central location means you can also take the party elsewhere—ski lifts, ski rentals, bars, restaurants, and bus stops are all on your doorstep.

Above The living room features a suspended fireplace surrounded by quilted leather sofa (Photo: Sekka Sekka)

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7 stylish ski chalets in Japan to book this winter