The best of Niseko, according to Grace Chong-Tan

When is the best time to visit Niseko?
The best times are between late December and March for the Winter. The first part of the season from late December may see more heavy snowfall with interspersed bluebird days, but this guarantees deep, voluminous powder snow ideal for that perfect ski and snowboard day.

Where are the best places to ski and snowboard for beginners in Niseko?
There are mainly four interlinked ski and snowboard resorts in Niseko: Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Village (formerly Niseko Higashiyama), Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Hanazono. For beginners, I would recommend the Ace Family and Grand Hirafu runs in Hirafu and the runs in Niseko Village (Hagashiyama). The former are wider, gradual terrains with good enough runs for beginners.

Where are the best places to rent ski and snowboard gear? 
Rhythm is the go-to purveyor of ski, snowboard and alpine gear. It has two large stores in Niseko Hirafu and also provides services in some of the hotels there.

What are some must-have essentials while skiing and snowboarding in Niseko?
Dress warmly to have a good time as the mercury can go many notches below zero—not forgetting the wind chill at certain heights and runs. Layering adequately is essential.

Pay attention to your hands and feet with a good pair of inner liners, appropriate gloves and thermal socks. A good helmet, balaclava and goggles combination will also add to one’s confidence on the higher runs as it ensures visibility through driving snow and strong winds—plus they protect one’s face from the biting cold.

Best resorts to stay at?
Most resorts have their own charm. Some of the newer ones we have tried are Setsu Niseko, Ritz Carlton Reserve Niseko and Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.

Personally, I like Park Hyatt Hanazono in terms of the expanse of space, architecture and design. Being the only hotel at Hanazono currently, it
enjoys unblocked views of the surrounding Mount Niseko Annupuri slopes and Mount Yotei. It also has sufficient and varied F&B options under one roof and this is really convenient when one prefers to stay in for the day out of the snow. However, it’s a 20-minute drive from the mainstay of action where Hirafu is.

Another favourite is Aya Niseko, which has been our stomping ground ever since it was built. Just metres from the ski lift and with full amenities, it is at one of the best locations in Hirafu and has always been a home away from home for us here.

Best restaurants and bars in Niseko?
There have been many good restaurants over the years, and the F&B scene in Niseko is always reinventing and changing. There is the Niseko Restaurant Guide online or the Restaurant and Bar Guide in hotel lobbies or in rooms where one can have an overview of the current season’s dining offerings and pick from there. You can have your concierge help with restaurant bookings while many accept direct online or WhatsApp bookings from guests.

A better alternative is to make your way down to nearby Kutchan town where you can buy fresh seafood, meat and vegetables for a home-cooked shabu shabu or sukiyaki meal. You can always mix this up with fresh sashimi, uni and ikura from the supermarket. Hot pot with great company, in front of the fireplace and with the powdery snow falling outside, is always a perfect way to spend the evening after a full day of skiing and snowboarding.

Can you share some hidden gems in Niseko?
Along with a full kaiseki menu, Rakuichi Soba offers homemade soba ala minute in front of you. While the charming restaurant is usually fully booked way in advance, it’s definitely a must-try. 

Michelin-starred-restaurant Kamimura has a French-Japanese-inspired menu. Located in Hirafu, it has been our go-to restaurant for years and still keeps its mark. If you’re looking to try it out, you’ll need to book at least a month in advance.

Best off-slope experiences in Niseko?
The streets at Hirafu come to life in the evenings and offer a myriad of dining and food options ranging from food trucks in the snow to a multitude of cuisines and Michelin-starred restaurants. There are also many bars all over the village to have a drink with friends.

Instead of skiing and snowboarding, try snowshoe walking. There’s a route that takes you through the forest and to the lovely frozen Lake Hangetsu—a half-moon-shaped lake at the base of the iconic Mount Yotei. Try lying on the ice in the centre of the lake for a surreal experience. Another recommended activity is snowmobiling. Go to the backcountry for an epic snowmobile ride. 

If your little ones are tagging along, go dog sledding which is a sure winner with all children. 

Any other tips for first-time visitors?
Most of the restaurants, nightlife, amenities and activities are centred around Hirafu—the main commercial centre of Niseko. The core is located at the main Hirafu intersection and most of the action is within 100m from it. So, consider staying at Hirafu if you’re looking for things to do off the slopes. 

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