MUWA NISEKO Spring Announcement

Let Your Tastebuds Bloom with Spring at MUWA NISEKO

Please your tastebuds with Michelin-starred gastronomic adventures at MUWA NISEKO, the newborn star in Grand Hirafu which opened its door in December 2023, providing 113 luxury rooms and wellness indulgence in all seasons.

Two gems to be uncovered on the resort’s Lobby floor include HITO by TACUBO, an all-day Italian restaurant spearheaded by Daisuke Takubo, owner-chef of TACUBO, which was listed with one star on Michelin Guide Tokyo for seven consecutive years since 2016.

The signature Hokkaido Beef Sirloin Steak prepared on sizzling woodfire, along with other coveted dishes that select only the freshest seasonal ingredients, will delight even the most discerning connoisseurs.

For those who crave for the finest beef, Sukiyaki Kappo Hiyama is a traditional Japanese fine-dining spot not to be missed. With over 10 consecutive Michelin star awards, HIYAMA from Tokyo prides itself for its specialty dish, sukiyaki, which features meaty-melty premium Kuroge Wagyu beef seasoned with homemade sauce and matching Hokkaido vegetables.

Let omotenashi, or the unparalleled Japanese hospitality, take your dining experience to the next level.

Click the link to book for your unforgettable dining experience at MUWA NISEKO.

For Inquiries:
MUWA NISEKO
+81 136 23 0955
[email protected]
www.muwaniseko.com


Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Rolls Out The Red Carpet For Niseko Film Festival 2024

Almost 1,000 Snow-loving Cinemagoers Packed the Prestigious Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono for the Niseko Film Festival 2024.

A touch of Hollywood came to Hokkaido on Saturday night as almost 1,000 snow-loving cinemagoers packed the prestigious Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono for the Niseko Film Festival 2024.

The red carpet extravaganza included both indoor and outdoor screens in Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono’s Events Village, with Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono also curating a food and drink menu especially for the event.

Niseko local Sakka Hiranuma and former BBC television presenter Jonathan Benarr hosted the event, while Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono resident entertainer Daniel Park gave a live performance.

A record high 29 films were registered by filmmakers from within Japan and internationally from countries including the USA, Canada, France, Germany and the UK.

Since its inception in 2018, the Niseko Film Festival has evolved to become the highlight of the Niseko spring calendar, providing a festive opportunity for shoulder-season holidaymakers and locals.

It also serves as a platform to showcase the stunning Niseko region through the lenses of filmmakers from around the world.

This year Powderlife and Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono joined forces to sponsor the event and bring it to life.

All the films were judged by 10 representatives from different fields including pro-athletes Eric Pollard and Torah Bright; Taro Tamai, founder of Gentemstick; Matt Hamtpon, Founder of Rhythm Japan; a long-time Niseko Film Festival supporter and current Manager of General Affairs at Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Ryunosuke Tanaka; and Kentaro Hoshi, Hanazono Niseko’s Sales and Marketing Manager/Creative Director.

Judges score each film based on 5 criterias including Niseko soul, story telling, innovation, cinematography and production & editing.

This year’s winning film was “The Tape”, a 5 minute film produced by Léo Rattez from France.

Judge Kentaro Hoshi said “The Tape” was his favourite film this year.

“It has a lot of great winter film elements and beautiful landscapes but also a nice message that made us feel humble about what we have in this place we live,” Kentaro said. “You can tell the production team can ride but they didn’t showcase any actual snowboarding scenes which I thought was quite unique, and it highlighted their message more. There were many good films to watch this year as a judge but “The Tape” stood out right away for me. They brought the short film standard higher in their creative storytelling.”

Taking second place was “Sumuzu” by the Niseko Zen team, a local snowsports company.

In third place was “Melting Mountains” by Ivy Stanton.

The People’s Choice Award was a new award introduced this year, which was determined through live voting by attendees at the event.

The winning film, ‘Yugo’ by Issac Podmore and Daniel Masion, earned them a remarkable prize: a two-night stay at one of these amazing hotels in Asia: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Hyatt Regency Bali, Hyatt Regency Bangkok, or Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island for two.

Niseko Film Festival founder Winse Heyward said “It’s exciting to see our film festival growing throughout the years. Not only do we have a record-high number of films entered, the partnership of Powderlife and Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono allows us to see the uplift of our spring event. ”

Due to time restrictions, only the top 17 films selected by the judges were shown during the night of the event. However, you can enjoy all of them on the Niseko Shootout YouTube channel.

Look out for the 2025 Niseko Film Festival details on the Niseko Shootout Website or Niseko Shootout Instagram.


Return of Rhtyhm Japan Rail Jam in Niseko

Rhythm Japan Announces Return of Annual Rail Jam in Niseko, Japan.

It’s back and it’s bigger than ever…

After a 3 year hiatus, Rhythm Japan is excited to announce the return of the annual Niseko Rail Jam for winter 2024. In celebration of the Japanese resorts pumping at full capacity again, Rhythm’s fifth annual Rail Jam will take place on Saturday March 2nd.

With 50 of the best riders chosen to compete, 2024’s event promises to be a showcase of the sickest lines, gnarliest jibs and most progressive rail riding to date. Having grown substantially in size, this year’s event will take over the iconic space of Sunsports Land, where the site will be transformed to host a specialised course with ample space for spectators, and a lineup of food trucks. Pop-up bars will be slingin’ beers, live music will be displayed on an open-air stage, and ninjas will be flippin’ through the air. Literally–that’s not just some trendy term for agile park shredders, this year’s event will actually showcase a locally sourced ninja show for added entertainment. We will also be offering free giveaways and charity fundraisers for those affected by the recent Japanese earthquakes.

Sponsorship opportunities are now open, offering companies and local businesses the chance to be a part of one of Niseko’s most anticipated events.

In terms of Niseko’s event calendar, Rhythm’s Rail Jam stands up as the biggest and best of the season, and has become a favourite amongst pros, locals and punters alike. Finish off your season right–come kick it at the Rhythm Rail Jam.

Established in 2005, Rhythm Japan offers everything customers need to embrace the ultimate mountain experience. Year-round lessons, guiding, retail, and rental offerings are paired with knowledgeable local staff who share their expertise and passion for unforgettable experiences. In Summer, the Niseko flagship store also serves as a community activity hub, featuring skate and climbing facilities, workspaces, and more.

Rhythm Japan is proud to be part of the evo family of brands. evo is a global outdoor retailer and experiences company with 11 evo stores in the U.S. and Canada, and global retail via evo.com. The evo family also includes travel and recreation businesses; evoTrip, evo Hotel, All Together Skatepark (Seattle and Salt Lake City), and Callaghan Country in BC Canada. Together, Rhythm and evo provide global access to experiences focused on sport, culture, the outdoors, and human connection.

To learn more about Rhythm Japan and their latest offerings for all seasons, visit www.rhythmjapan.com. Sign up for the newsletter and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date.

Press Contact
Alex Callan
[email protected]

General Inquiries
[email protected]
+81 136 23 0164 (JP)
+61 0 8002 0164 (AU)


TableCheck Joins Niseko Tourism

TableCheck to Boost Online Restaurant Reservations in Niseko through Niseko Promotion Board Partnership

TableCheck has officially joined the Niseko Promotion Board (NPB), a non-profit organization responsible for conducting tourism promotion activities in the Niseko area (Kutchan Town, Hokkaido, Niseko Town, and Rankoshi Town).

TableCheck will use its participation in the Niseko Promotion Board as an opportunity to further promote the spread of online reservations at restaurants in the Niseko area. The resurgence of foreign visitors to Japan has surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels and is anticipated to increase further. The optimistic outlook is supported by the recovery statistics obtained from Niseko Town’s tourist arrivals, focusing on foreign visitors to Japan during the fiscal year 2022 (April 2022 – March 2023).

TableCheck: Dining Connected in Niseko

TableCheck is committed to facilitating the ease of dining experiences and eliminating language and time zone barriers for visitors to Niseko and tourists across Japan through its seamless online restaurant reservation platform.

In November 2023, TableCheck conducted a nationwide survey among restaurant workers, revealing that the most significant obstacle for restaurants catering to visitors in Japan is offering ‘foreign language support.’ Effectively communicating in foreign languages poses a substantial challenge for restaurants, specifically when handling telephone inquiries, sending reservation reminders, and serving customers post-visit. Following closely in subsequent rankings were concerns related to ‘manners’ and ‘cancellations,’ both stemming from inadequate communication with visitors to Japan.

For PR inquiries

E-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Mikako Mochizuki (PR Manager)

Source © TableCheck Blog

Reference: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/blog/tablecheck-joins-npb-niseko-online-dining-revolution/


2023-24 Locals Card

2023-24 Niseko Tourism x Explore Niseko Locals Card is Here!

2023/24 Locals Card is HERE!!

This year’s Locals Card is here with tons of benefits for Niseko Tourism Members and their staff.

To support Niseko Tourism’s actions of achieving Sustainability Development Goals, the card itself is made from a biodegradable material, so you can reap the benefits guilt-free!

Last years card will expire on 31 October, 2023 and the new card will start on 1 November, 2023 until 31 October, 2024.

Check out all the benefits and offers on the Explore Niseko website, or download the Official Niseko App to get all the info.

To get a 2023/24 Locals Card, please apply HERE and bring your identification and proof of the company you work for to the Niseko Tourism office: map here.

Office: Mon – Fri 9:00-18:00

Who can get a Locals Card?” – Locals working for Niseko Tourism member organizations can get a Locals Card.

Who can provide offers for Locals Card holders?” – Members of Niseko Tourism are able to provide special offers for over 7,000 holders in the area. Please click HERE to submit your offers.

If your company is not a Niseko Tourism member, contact us today and find out how to join!


Mountain Lights and Fire Goddess Performance on September 16 & 23

Come Enjoy this Unique Experience of Mountain Lights and Fire Goddess Performance!

Immerse yourself in the world of “Mountain Light and Fire Goddess Performance” that will take place on stage in the spectacular light art installation “Mountain Lights“.
Come and enjoy the unique and miraculous synchronized session of the sound of Mukkuri, a traditional instrument of the Ainu people, echoing through the Hanazono forest, the collaboration of fire dances and fireworks performed to the music, and the dance of the Ainu sword covered with flames.

Schedule

Date: Saturday, September 16 and 23, 2023
Time: 18:20-18:40 (Fireworks start at 18:30)
Place: Mountain Lights venue, Niseko Hanazono Resort
Price: Admission free *Mountain Lights admission tickets are required to view the performance up close.

More details HERE


Kammui.com Welcomes International Adventurers to Its Japan Based Nature-experience Platform

Kammui.com Welcomes International Adventurers to Its Japan Based Nature-experience Platform

Kammui.com, the innovative Japanese experience platform, is a curated marketplace of delightful outdoor experiences that encompass a wide variety of carefully selected adventures, from private meditations in Kyoto to backcountry skiing in Hokkaido.

Originally launched in Japan only, the Kammui.com platform is now open to all international adventure enthusiasts, with Japan offering an incredibly rich and diverse set of nature-based activities that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime – but preferably, many times over!

Why is this important? Japan’s indigenous religion, Shinto, is characterized by a deep reverence for nature and the natural world, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Shinto teaches that humans are an integral part of the natural world and should strive to live in harmony with it, and the Kammui team believes that, in our modern, digitized and urbanized world, there is an increasing need to reassert our connection with nature. Scientific research continues to confirm that a connection with nature has important physical and mental health benefits, and so Kammui’s mission is simple: to create optimal pathways back to nature, leading to health, spirituality and sustainability.

Kammui was launched by Japanese-British entrepreneur Maximilian Mackee in 2022, inspired by Max’s love for backcountry snowboarding in the mountains of Japan.

The Kammui experience platform is the result, and provides its community with direct and seamless access to nature through its experienced guides and authentic nature based experiences, and with the pandemic now well behind us, seeing both domestic and international travel roaring back to life, people across the globe are seeking to reconnect with nature as never before.

Japan’s mesmerizing natural landscapes are amongst the world’s finest, and Kammui.com capitalizes on this in a genuinely authentic way, matching global adventure seekers with unforgettable experiences that are beautifully blended with Japanese culture.

For those seeking an even more curated and personalized experience, the company has given a sneak peek of Kammui+, which adds a new membership tier that even more discerning adventure seekers wanting the highest quality experiences will want to explore.

However, the Kammui.com platform is absolutely seeing the desire to reconnect with nature in passionately authentic ways, and we are excited to welcome not only our valued domestic users, but the global adventure seekers back to Japan to experience the best that Japan has to offer.

Not only does Kammui contribute to sustainability initiatives in partnership with Leave No Trace Japan, but Kammui is  working with a number of global ambassadors to help highlight Japan’s incredible nature. Kammui’s newest ambassador is the James Beard award winning Californian chef and author Stuart Brioza.

“Kammui takes adventure experiences to the next level, offering  deeper meaning and connection to a brilliant range of  Japanese nature experiences. Our upcoming Kammui+ service will enhance this even further, but we welcome you with open arms to see the Kammui experience platform for yourself, and to make sure you’re not missing out on the incredible world-class experiences Japan has to offer,” says Max Mackee,  Japanese-British founder of Kammui.

Kammui is proud to be backed by a number of influential individuals in the Japanese culture scene, including designer and artist Hiroshi Fujiwara, soccer star and investor Keisuke Honda, renowned product designer Ian Spalter, notable economist Jesper Koll and many more.

Kammui invites outdoor enthusiasts to visit the website at and for those interested in even more, to explore Kammui+.

About Kammui:

At Kammui, we believe in the transformative power of nature and the profound impact it can have on our well-being and spirituality. Launched in September 2022, Kammui partners with over 100 of the finest guides and operators across Japan to curate a diverse range of premium activities that allow people to connect with nature in memorable ways.

Kammui+ builds upon this solid foundation by offering access to a private concierge service, exclusive experiences and events and discounts from outdoor brands and other partners. Committed to environmental stewardship and responsible travel, Kammui+ aims to redefine outdoor experiences and foster a vibrant community while helping more people integrate nature into their lives.

Kammui+ members will also gain access to private members-only properties across Japan. These partner properties include Tokyo Classic Camp, Eat Play Works, Sunset Park Club, and Village Inc.

About the Founder

Maximilian Mackee

Max is a Japanese-British entrepreneur, lawyer and DJ who lived in Tokyo until the age 9 before moving to Europe. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Max practiced as a lawyer in the U.K while running a music label and Djing.  Upon returning to Japan in 2006, he fell in love with the mountains of Japan through backcountry snowboarding. Max started Kammui.com in 2022, with the aim to connect more people to nature and positively impact health, spirituality and sustainability.

kammui.com 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Katia Shabanova

Public Relations Manager, Kammui+

Phone: +49(0)551-4886705 (Germany)

Email: [email protected]


2023 Niseko Hirafu Green Park Starts from July 15th, 2023

2023 Niseko Hirafu Green Park Starts from July 15th through September 3rd!

The summer-long Niseko Hirafu Green Park is kicking off from Saturday, July 15th through Sunday, September 3rd, 2023.

You can enjoy local food, try out different activities including mountain bike, and special CINEMA CARAVAN from August 11th -13th.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, July 15th – Sunday, September 3rd.

*CINEMA CARAVAN in Niseko from Friday, August 11th to Sunday, August 13th.

Time: 10:00 ~18:00 (Sunday – Friday); 11:00~21:00 (Saturday and special period: 7/15~7/17、8/6~8/13、9/1~9/3)

Location: Hirafu Central Park next to Hirafu #1 Parking

*The event schedule might change pending on weather.

For more details, please check HERE


2023 Sky Bus Niseko

2023 Sky Bus Starts from July 15th.

2023 Sky Bus Niseko is scheduled to start from Saturday, July 15th, 2023.

For Niseko Panorama Line, the operation period is July 15th through September 3rd.

For Niseko Night Line, the operation period is July 22nd through August 15th.

No reservation required.

FEE: Adult 1,500JPY, Child: 750JPY. (10% off when you purchase online)

Find out more information HERE.

Check out the route and time table below.

For inquiries, please call 070.1305.7914 or email: [email protected]


GPlusMedia Inc. Supporting Niseko for Hiring Needs

GPlusMedia Inc. Supports Businesses in Niseko Finding the Best Talent for Their Multinational Hiring Needs

GPlusMedia Inc. is pleased to announce its recent admission to the Niseko Promotion Board! We are excited to help promote Niseko as Asia’s premiere year-round resort destination and to support businesses in Niseko.

GPlusMedia produces Japan’s most-used English-language employment, news and information websites, including GaijinPot, CareerEngine, JapanToday, Real Estate Japan and Savvy Tokyo.

GaijinPot, Japan’s number one website for foreigners living, working, and studying in Japan, has been a mainstay for over 25 years and has helped more than 8,000 companies advertise and hire foreign and bilingual staff across a wide range of industries.

Helping in Niseko since 2004

Over 2,150 active job seekers in Hokkaido are registered on GaijinPot. This number is growing at about seven percent a year and every month we deliver thousands of applications to businesses in Hokkaido.

Since 2004, GaijinPot has been helping Niseko businesses recruit bilingual Japanese and foreign job seekers currently in Japan and overseas.

Below are one-month application results averaged from 60 Niseko-based companies advertising job openings on GaijinPot and CareerEngine.

Hotel Guest Services 150 applications /mo

Reservation, Sales 120 applications /mo

International Marketing 120 applications /mo

Food and Beverage Staff 90 applications /mo

Bilingual Operations Staff 50 applications /mo

Real Estate Sales 40 applications /mo

Web Developer 35 applications /mo

Facility Maintenance 30 applications /mo

Experienced Ski Patrol 25 applications /mo

For more information, contact Ryan Nagle, [email protected], GaijinPot Jobs Manager