Lupicia

Lupicia Reopens

Due to the COVID-19 situation in Japan, Lupicia decided to take preventive measures by closing temporarily for the safety and security of our clients and staff. We are now happy to announce the restaurant will reopen from Feb 17th!  Lupicia is waiting to welcome with visitors once again with local brewed beers and delicious meals.


Niseko Restaurant Guide Winter 2020/21

Niseko has many lively restaurants and bars, and this season venues have adapted to the unique challenges that this winter has presented by altering their opening hours.

Check out our comprehensive guide and stay up to date with all the latest changes:

​Restaurants


Niseko Black Takes Over Management of Villas in Annupuri Village

Niseko Black is delighted to announce they have taken on the management of eight premium villas in Annupuri. These properties were formally managed by Annupuri Village and are located a short 6 minutes walk from the Annupuri Gondola.

The eight villas in Annupuri are an excellent addition to the Niseko Black portfolio with sizes ranging from three to eight bedroom.

Niseko Black has been operating a high end Concierge, Ski School and Accommodation booking business (2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice) for 10 years and two years ago added Property Management – complimenting its existing businesses and as ever enabling them to give their customers and owners a continuously seamless, integrated offering.

Ben Harding, CEO of Niseko Black, who has lived in Annupuri Village for 12 years said “Growing our Property Management business with a high-end portfolio plays into our strengths. We will bring the same level of focus and excellence that we have brought to our concierge and snowsports businesses and be able to continue to offer the best experiences Niseko and Hokkaido have to offer.”

These Annupuri Village Villas can now be booked through NIseko Black via the links below

– Kiraku (8 bedroom, 8 bathroom)

– Taiko (5 bedroom, 5 bathroom)

– Creekside (4 bedroom, 3 bathroom)

– Snowbird (4 bedroom, 3 bathroom)

– Gumlu (3 bedroom, 3 bathroom)

– Shirakaba (3 bedroom, 2 bathroom)

For further information on Niseko Black`s services or a press pack, please email [email protected] or call 0136 55 5852


Niseko Cherry Blossoms - 2021 Forecast

Guide to Niseko Cherry Blossoms

There’s so much to see and do in Niseko, and cherry blossom season is just another wonderful thing to experience in Niseko.

There are a number of great cherry blossom viewing spots in the region, with stunning pink cherry blossom trees filling the area.

Each year the cherry blossoms start to bloom around Golden Week – one of the most popular holiday periods in Japan.

For the 2021 cherry blossom season, the full bloom is forecast a little earlier than in previous years. The following dates are estimates only.

  • Blooming starts: April 29
  • Full Bloom: May 02

*Updated 12 April 2021

Make sure to check the Japan Meteorology Agency website for official forecasts and the latest information.

Where to View Cherry Blossoms in Niseko:


Calling Japan’s Most Glamorous to Niseko this Winter

This year it's Japan's turn to enjoy international slope style!

Niseko has become the winter playground for the rich and famous across Asia, and this year it’s Japan’s turn to glam up in the snow and experience this internationally renowned winter destination.

Niseko Tourism’s latest video campaign taps into Japan’s newfound love for glamping and other glamorous winter activities.

While COVID-19 has halted international travel, Niseko wants to let Japan know they can head “overseas” to Hokkaido for a taste of world-class glitz and glamour this winter.

The video showcases all aspects of the only modern, international ski resort in Japan, says Niseko Tourism Marketing Director Acme Wu.

“After playing in Niseko’s world-famous powder snow, Japanese visitors in the video enjoy après drinks at European cocktail bars and stay in luxurious chalets and lofts,” Wu says.

“Due to COVID-19, condos and chalets usually occupied by international celebrities have been left vacant this year, so the video takes a sneak peek at our domestic guests enjoying their stay at these accommodations."

“Because celebrities value privacy, many Niseko properties have their own private indoor or outdoor onsen – the level of luxury has to be seen to be believed. You don’t even need to ski or snowboard to enjoy Niseko these days – there’s plenty more to do on and off the snow, and it’s a dream for anyone wanting to post on social media."

“This year travelers in Japan have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see why the rest of the world has fallen in love with Niseko, and we are excited to welcome them”, Wu says.

Niseko Tourism Representative Director Ross Findlay said the organisation was pleased the video would highlight what makes Niseko one of the best international winter destinations.

"We're very proud to put out this great video," Findlay says. "This winter we've had fantastic snowfall almost every day, making it an unforgettable winter for the domestic visitors who could join us here in Niseko. We're looking forward to welcoming more guests from across Japan  - hopefully along with international visitors next winter as well."

The theme of the video is “Glamorous Snow” – the term “glamorous” relates to the surreal, luxury atmosphere of Niseko. The ski season usually runs until Golden Week.

Contact us for image gallery.

A 15-second teaser of the video can be seen below (the full version will be released soon).

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. It was selected as the 32 important DMO of Japan Tourism Agency in August, 2020.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (+81)136-21-2551


Onsen

Enjoy a Glamorous Holiday in Niseko this Winter!

Niseko Accommodation

There is nothing else like Niseko in Japan. In winter it becomes a playground for rich and famous foreigners from all over the world. Usually, Niseko is booked out all winter. This year is a unique opportunity for everyone in Japan to enjoy this premier international luxury resort within Japan.

Niseko Resort

Feel the Powder

Start your day with a mesmerizing view of Mt Yotei while gliding through unbelievably dry powder snow – the quality of Niseko’s snow is famous around the world. There are four interlinked resorts on the mountain, each offering different skiing terrain.

Find out more details on the 4 different ski resorts.

Niseko Accommodation

Stay in International Style

Niseko is different from most Japanese ski resorts – there are four resort villages with luxurious new private chalets and condominiums all within walking distance to onsen, restaurants and bars. Choose from hotels, apartments, chalets, villas and ryokans.

Check here for a detailed list of all the different accommodation options.

Toshiros Bar

Discover Unique Restaurants and Bars

Niseko has the most dynamic restaurant and bar scene of any resort in Japan. You won’t eat katsu curry here – there are Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels you can ski into for a fancy lunch or apres cocktails.

Click here to unlock all the dining and drinking information.

Niseko Shopping

Upgrade your Winter Wear

Niseko is the ski fashion capital of Japan. There are many fashion boutiques that stock the most popular European and North American brands including Moncler, Bogner, and Fendi. Popular outfits are priced at more than ¥500,000, although there are more affordable options.

Check out where the stores are located here.

Snowshoe in Niseko

Snow Play in a Winter Wonderland

Skiing is just the beginning. At the base of the ski resorts there are many more activities to try in the snow including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, snow rafting and more. There is even a year-round tree trekking course overlooking the ski runs.

Click here for other winter activities information.

Onsen

Choose your Onsen

Niseko is also different from most onsen resorts in Japan. Usually all hotels in a resort draw their water from the same underground reservoir so all baths have the same water. In Niseko each hotel or spa has drilled its own well so the minerals in each vary greatly.

Here is a list of where all the great onsen spots are.

Relaxing in Park Hyatt
Watch the full version HERE

Historical Footage Called On as Niseko Shootout Short FIlm Festival Goes Retro

Make a new film out of footage sitting on your camcorder or flash drive!

Due to limited numbers of videographers and filmmakers in Niseko this winter, organisers of the Niseko Shootout Short Film Festival are opening a potential Pandora’s box.

The Shootout team is reaching out around the world to ask professional and would-be film makers to help boost this year’s Short Film Fest with a retrospective Niseko cut.

As long as it is within five minutes, anything goes in this year’s Shootout format – just make sure it’s got plenty of Niseko soul!

Dig out your old footage – the older the better – and craft a cut that sings to a nostalgic Niseko audience in this time when we’re all dreaming of years gone by.

Registration and entry are free.

For inspiration check out last year’s entries HERE.

The Niseko Shootout Film Festival is the grand finale to this year’s Niseko Shootout series.

Finalists’ films will be shown on a big screen on Saturday, March 6. MORE DETAILS on the 2020-21 Short Film Festival actual event will be announced soon. Make sure to check out our WHAT’S ON section.

Winners will be judged and awarded on the night, along with the winners of the #NisekoShootout Instagram Contest.

JPY250,000 in cash and seriously cool prizes including 2021-22 Niseko United All SEASON Pass Roko skis and a Gentemstick snowboard are up for grabs.

Registration is free and simple Just submit the registration form; open from now until March 1st, 2021.

Prizes

  • Palm d’Powder: ¥120,000 cash prize
  • Runner Up: ¥80,000 cash prize
  • Second Runner Up: ¥50,000 cash prize

Judging Criteria

• Niseko soul

• Story telling

• Innovation

• Cinematography

• Production & Editing

*The Niseko Shootout jury will select the winning films and no discussion into the final decision will be entered into.

*The entrant acknowledges and agrees that all matters not covered by these guidelines, and questions arising from them, will be decided at the sole discretion of Niseko Shootout organisers.

The is year the Niseko Shootoout is partnering with the European – based Mountain Film Awards. Winning films will be featured on their website alongside other great films from Morzine, Tigner and Verbier.

Niseko Shootout Short Film Festival Guidelines:

Registration is free.

Entrants must fill out the Niseko Shootout Short Film Fest Entry Form by March 1st, 2021.

Films must be submitted by March 1st, 2021.

Entries can be of any duration – max 5 minutes.

Films can showcase year-round scenery, not just winter only.

Foreign language films must be accompanied by an English translation or have English subtitles.

Films must contain footage filmed in and/or around Shiribeshi region.

Films must not depict scenes of action deemed illegal by Japanese law. This includes, but is not limited to trespassing and the damage of public/private property, i.e. Avalanche barriers, rails, public/private structure, etc.

If the films contain words, captions are strongly recommended considering the native languages of the judges panel (English & Japanese).

Entrants are responsible for ensuring films have all music (festival rights) and talent permissions required for public display. Please submit relevant documentation with your film entry.

Entrants are required to supply promotional materials: 3x still images and a 10-15 second teaser clip for the purpose of promoting the film and film fest.

Entrants will be judged by the below 5 criteria:

  • Niseko soul
  • Story telling
  • Innovation
  • Cinematography
  • Production & Editing

*The Niseko Shootout jury will select the winning films and no discussion into the final decision will be entered into.

*The entrant acknowledges and agrees that all matters not covered by these guidelines, and questions arising from them, will be decided at the sole discretion of Niseko Shootout organisers.

There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners only. Each winner can come from any category. For Example: All winners can come from 1 category.

Technical Requirements:

Entrants are required to provide an HD high-resolution version of the film.

Means of submission will be discussed via email upon entrant’s registration.


Niseko Tourism News

Niseko Resort Area Partners with Leading Tech Giant

Niseko Tourism has boosted its digital marketing power after partnering with one of the world’s largest technology companies, Salesforce.

Niseko Tourism is the official destination marketing organisation for the internationally renowned resort area of Niseko, and works to promote Niseko on behalf of its members.

The use of the Salesforce technology will allow Niseko Tourism to better understand the needs of visitors, and assist local government and business to better meet those needs.

Niseko is the most internationally renowned resort in Japan, with contemporary buildings, modern chair lifts and a primarily international visitor base.

The resort is making sure to stay at the forefront of the Japan tourism industry by incorporating cutting edge technology into their marketing strategy.

This decision is in line with the area’s goal of becoming a Smart Resort, with services and marketing on par with international resorts in the USA and Europe.

Salesforce has collaborated further with Niseko Tourism by creating a video about the area and its use of the technology. The video features the stunning Niseko landscape as well as local businesses.

Niseko Tourism Representative Director Takanori Kikui, Managing Director of Chuo Bus company, which owns and operates Niseko’s Annupuri International Ski Resort, was also featured in the video.

“Our goal is to delight visitors in Niseko and inspire them to come back again and again. We’d like to make sure visitors to the area are satisfied as well as developing services by digitising data and unifying the area to make Niseko even more attractive.”

The project has gained local and international attention. A Salesforce speaker featured the project and video in an online seminar in December 2020 organized by the U.S. Embassy in Japan, which was also supported by the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA).

 

Niseko Tourism was able to undertake this ambitious project with assistance from Niseko Tourism Zone and support from Kutchan Town, Niseko Town, and Rankoshi Town.

Link to the video on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIJmsjKN9yw 

Contact us for image gallery.

Download the official press release PDF here.

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. It was selected as the 32 important DMO of Japan Tourism Agency in August, 2020.

Contact:

Email:
[email protected]

 

Phone:
(+81)136-21-2551


Kamimura Take-out Now Available!

For all the foodies out there, now you can enjoy Michelin-star meals at home!

It is with great pleasure that we present KAMIMURA AT HOME – a sophisticated home-dining experience with their tasty dinner menu. Everything is prepared by their experienced chefs, there is little bit of preparation left for you and whole decoration is up to your creativity or you can be inspired by their ideas.

Simply click HERE and place your order!

Please note there is a two-day preparation period from the time you place an order to the pick-up or shipping of the product.

Pick-up is available between 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm, excluding Mondays, at KAMIMURA or KITCHEN.

Please contact KAMIMURA team if you have a specific date and time for shipping. Also please note that the shipment will be frozen.

CONTACT:

0136-21-2288

[email protected]