Alister

The word “Sumimasen” is used frequently by Japanese people when they ask someone something & it is the first word that many learn when visiting Japan. It can mean ‘sorry’ or ‘thank you’ & be used interchangeably.

New foreign resident support platform adopts the word Sumimasen & has been launched with the goal of making life here in Japan more comfortable for foreigners. Sumimasen.Life provides knowledge & simple tips necessary for living in Japan, as well as convenient services (with affordability in mind) to make life in Japan more simple & enjoyable.

The Sumimasen.Life website makes understanding necessary processes in Japan very simple through the use of their “Living Handbook”. Taxes, vehicle registration, insurances, housing information and much more is laid out in a manner in which anyone can easily understand what needs to be done.

The team at Sumimasen.Life hope that with their tips, life here in Japan is made much easier.

For enquiries, contact Takato Hatsuyama

Niseko Travel Design – Naia Llc offers custom travel design and concierge services for domestic and international businesses. We assist you in delivering extraordinary experiences for your guests, specializing in luxury travel and connecting visitors to the finest that Niseko has to offer.

We are a Licensed Japanese Land Operator and can provide travel logistics in accordance with Japan’s current travel procedures.

• Creating itineraries
• Air travel and accommodation bookings
• ERFS certificates and visa application

We also offer a broad range of year-round support services for domestic and overseas businesses including but not limited to:

Bespoke travel concierge – coordinating high-end experiences for your guests

• Scenic tours
• Gastronomy tours
• Mountain guides
• Photographers
• Activities
• Private transportation

Bilingual business services

• Japan based liaison
• Contract negotiation
• Price negotiation

Event planning and coordination

• Venue selection and booking
• Catering
• Entertainment – music, bands, DJ
• Photography
• Accommodation and transportation

Fixer and translation services

• Local guide for visiting companies, media crews, etc.
• Navigating Japan’s customs
• Travel and transportation logistics
• Interpreter and translation services

Media and PR 

• Event planning
• Influencer marketing
• Booking Celebrities
• Accommodation and facility bookings
• Transportation

Contact Information
Naia llc.
[email protected]
whatsapp 81(0)-90-8818-7151

20 July 2022: The Pavilions Niseko Resort, Hokkaido has announced the completion of several major development milestones ahead of its launch in 2024 – including the remarkable relocation and painstaking reconstruction of a c. 125-year-old traditional kominka. Formerly a family home in Takayama, the two-storey timber building has been given a new lease of life as the upcoming resort’s Clubhouse, continuing Japan’s burgeoning kominka movement and placing vernacular architecture at the heart of The Pavilions Niseko experience. The Pavilions Niseko also confirmed completion of four of 19 planned resort villas, and the official registration of the Pavilions Ginto Onsen by the Ministry of Environment in accordance with Japan’s “Hot Springs Act”.

A regenerative travel initiative that began in the mid-Noughties, the kominka movement aims to preserve and breathe new life into traditional wooden homes by transforming them into commercially viable guesthouses, hotels, cafes and flexible workspaces. The Pavilions Niseko’s recently completed Clubhouse kominka was first built around 120 – 130 years ago in Takayama city, Gifu prefecture – famed for its master craftsmen and carpenters – using the same construction methods as the 1,300-year-old Heijo castle. After being purchased by The Pavilions Niseko, the building was meticulously dismantled by a local traditional master builder. The 40 tonnes of individually tagged bicentennial timbers were then transported over 800 miles to the resort site in Hokkaido, before being reconstructed with sympathetic extension and additions designed by ALT-254. A second historic kominka, dating back to 1859, is also in the process of being dismantled and relocated, in preparation for its new life as the resort’s Spa building.

In keeping with Japanese custom, reconstruction of the Clubhouse kominka began with a traditional Jichinsai (地鎮祭) ground-breaking ritual. Literally meaning “pacification of the grounds”, the Jichinsai serves to sanctify the ground, calm its energy and bless the new building. Performed in this instance by a Buddhist monk – although more usually done in the Shinto style – the ceremony included the presentation of offerings such as sake, rice and salt to the spirit of the land. “Mochi” rice cakes were also scattered from the top of the kominka to bring abundance and good business.

Scheduled to open in 2024, The Pavilions Niseko is a villa resort concept built in the sukiya architectural style, where natural materials and Japanese architectural elements work in harmony with the outdoor scenery. Nestled in the Ginto Hirafu forest, close to the white powder slopes of Mt Yotei and two hours’ drive from Chitose International Airport, the finished resort will comprise 19 hotel villas; 24 private ‘Ginto Residences’, which owners can choose to purchase as an already-completed residence or build their own; the Clubhouse with restaurant, bar, lounge and reception; a Spa offering a selection of wellness facilities; and an Onsen house which will welcome guests with a traditional bathing experience.

For further information please visit www.pavilionshotels.com/niseko or email [email protected].

Sansui Niseko will be opening its doors on November 23rd 2022, offering a quiet and discerning vision of hospitality catered to contemporary travellers. Guests may arrange reservations at the hotel from July 15th, providing the opportunity to plan their journey into the renowned Japanese ski resort.

Designed by nA Nakayama Architects, Sansui Niseko has been conceived with great consideration and respect for Wa, a holistic philosophy with deep respect for natural materials and harmony. The boutique hotel presents a gentle journey of curated experiences tailored for the modern tastemaker. The vision is both modern and timeless, characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows, a visual harmony of subtle textures, luxuriously subdue interiors, and uninterrupted views of Mt Yotei.

Enveloped by the mountains, guests can wake up every morning to the pristine view of nature in their studio, one-, two-, three-bedroom suites, or penthouse accommodations. The amply-sized rooms are comfortable and confidently understated, with generous kitchen and laundry amenities.

Sansui Niseko has an assortment of facilities. This includes their signature traditional onsen with mineral-rich waters sourced from underground, restorative spa experiences, a fully equipped gym with Technogym machinery, a ski rental centre, a children’s playroom, an art gallery, and an events space. Private onsens are also available upon booking, providing in-house guests the opportunity to unwind after a day of activities.

The hotel offers a curated gastronomy experience, highlighting the local bounty of Hokkaido’s land and sea. Sushi Shin by Miyakawa is the Niseko outpost of Sapporo’s Michelin three-star Sushi Miyakawa. The restaurant’s menu is a journey through the best of Edomae sushi paired with locally-sourced ingredients. Dining by LUPICIA spotlights a selection of memorable Japanese and international classics, along with a revolving roster of dishes that continually excite the palate. Lastly, LUPICIA Boutique provides a mid-day respite with appetizing food and beverages, as well as an evening menu for an after-hours drink.

The hotel is a ski-in ski-out destination within close reach of the Grand-Hirafu ski slopes. Situated on Hirafuzaka street, the hotel is close to the Welcome Center, convenience store, pharmacy, ski shops and restaurants. It is about a 2 hour drive from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, depending on the season, or a 15 minute drive from the closest train stop, Kutchan Station. Private car transport can also be arranged through reservation.

Sansui Niseko warmly welcomes you to enjoy modern experiences in timeless Niseko.

Reservations: [email protected]
General Enquiries: [email protected]
TEL: +81-136-22-2000
Website: sansuiniseko.com

Ruji now offers professional photography services to the community – his works specialize in food, travel, and lifestyle. He also has extensive experiences with other types of visual media, both still and motion. He has been frequently featured with various clients, from some of the world’s leading brands to local boutique cafes. His fine art prints of awarded Hokkaido landscape and wildlife works are also available for those interested in decorating or exhibition. Please check his works at www.rujipart.com or contact for more details

For inquiries:
Rujipart Photography
Email:  [email protected]
Phone: 070 4332 9870

Continued investment in new developments and facilities are a sign of confidence of a strong return to tourism in Niseko. 

A number of new activities are leading the charge, with two new highlights at Hanazono, the most spectacular being Mountain Lights – an evening light art installation by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro.

During the day, visitors can fly over the ski runs at Hanazono Zip World – Asia’s longest new zip line course stretching more than 2.6 adrenaline-charged kilometres. 

Several new condo hotels are also opening this summer adding more luxury and excitement to the resort.

Events which have been canceled in recent years will also be returning this summer, including the popular Niseko Autumn Food Festival as well as Hirafu Matsuri and Kutchan Potato Matsuri.

Niseko Tourism Marketing Director Acme Wu says Niseko is geared up to provide exciting new experiences to travelers. 

“With the launch of Mountain Lights and Zipline by Hanazono Resort, Niseko certainly boosts an exciting atmosphere and is ready to welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful Hokakido summer season,” Acme says.

“There are many new accommodations or activities, which were put on hold during Covid, are now open again. We are happy to see guests coming to explore the Niseko area with all these facilities”.

Condominium style accommodation “Setsu Niseko”, has also opened for the first time this summer, after a number of years of construction. 

Setsu Niseko is located in Hirafu Village, and joins a number of other condominium accommodations in the area.

The resort is also seeing further improvements to mountain bike facilities, with new mountain bike trails being built in the area. Construction has already begun on the three trails which combined will run for nine kilometres. These trails are expected to be completed by Autumn of this year, with an additional ten kilometres of trails to be completed next year.

Video: https://youtu.be/43txsu5gi4M 

Please contact Niseko Tourism for photos.

About Niseko Tourism:

Niseko Tourism is the official destination marketing organisation for the Niseko area. It is a non-profit, member-based marketing organisation that was established in 2007 and now represents over 400 members in the region.