Niseko Resort Area Implements AI-based Chatbot “Bebot”
Niseko Resort Area Implements AI-based Chatbot “Bebot”
Leading resort destination Niseko is introducing an innovative AI chatbot as “Bebot”, as Niseko Tourism Zone （chairman: Kenya Katayama/ Niseko Town Mayor）project to provide visitors with real-time answers and information.
December 1, 2020 – The world-famous resort of Niseko, Japan is leveraging innovation in a time of crisis. “Bebot”, the AI-based chatbot, now offers tourists reliable information and answers to frequently asked questions in real-time. The communication tool developed in-house by Bespoke Inc. is evolving into an indispensable travel tool for tourists across the globe as well as for companies in the tourist business.
“With Bebot, we are taking the next step towards a more digitally focused future for Niseko. It is essential to provide tourists with real-time, easily accessible, information and assistance, particularly during the current tourism climate”, says Alister Buckingham, Marketing Manager of the Niseko Promotion Board.
“We are very delighted to support the communication work of the winter sports region of Niseko. Winter sports enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world appreciate receiving reliable information in real-time. The introduction of Bebot in the Niseko Ski Resort represents the first time the software is being used in a Japanese skiing area,” states Akemi Tsunagawa, founder and CEO of Bespoke.
Artificial intelligence for versatile communication
The Bebot chatbot for tourist inquiries is now available in real-time in one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski areas. Tourists are provided with all kinds of tourism-related information and can get immediate responses to frequently asked questions from Bebot via their smartphones without having to call a service line or search online. Bebot also supplies real-time data on the current COVID-19 situation, lift operations and the current weather on mountain peaks to enable improved planning of ski tours and day trips in the mountains. Users can ask questions such as “Can you tell me the lift status?” or “Where can I get a PCR test in Niseko?”. Bebot can be accessed by visiting either the Niseko Promotion Board or partner websites or by using the official Niseko App. Visitors on site can also access the AI chatbot by scanning a QR code with their smartphone. Interaction with the chatbot is currently possible in English and Japanese. The tool will be expanded to include other languages in the future.
Useful customer feedback to adapt offerings
Not only does Bebot provide tourists and locals with valuable and reliable information, but it also conducts simple surveys of users. In addition, the inquiries recorded by Bebot serve as the basis for deducing trends and special needs.
The chatbot Bebot promotes interaction with target groups
The AI-based chatbot “Bebot”, Japan’s first and most widely used travel chatbot, was developed in-house by Bespoke Inc. and initially released in April 2016. Bebot provides assistance on a wide range of customer and corporate issues. It is a customizable and versatile chatbot offering
accurate information for the respective target group, from crisis management to serving as a virtual info point or analytical tool for the purpose of revenue enhancement. Numerous international airports, tourist areas, and governments already rely on the AI-based Bebot technology to provide real-time responses to their customers.
About the Niseko Promotion Board
Niseko Tourism is a non-profit organization with the aim of promoting the tourist area Niseko as a four-season holiday destination and increasing the overall number of visitors to the area. Overall, more than 400 companies such as hotels, restaurants, leisure facilities and shops in Niseko are represented by Niseko Tourism.
About Bespoke
Headquartered in Tokyo, Bespoke Inc. is the world's leading developer of multilingual Artificial Intelligence solutions serving the travel and tourism industry. Bespoke provides solutions to major airports, cities, and transport authorities to aid in congestion management, emergency communication and driving in-market spend. Bespoke's partners include Narita International Airport, Sendai International Airport, Mie Prefecture, Holiday Inn, Tampa International Airport, and Vienna International Airport. Bespoke has also developed a chatbot to combat the current coronavirus pandemic for use in Japan and globally. As of January 2020, over twelve million travelers interact with Bespoke's Chatbot annually.
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Fill Out 2020-21 Niseko Winter Guest Survey to win a 5-Day Niseko United All Mountain Pass or ¥30,000 Worth of Amazing Prizes!
13th is no longer a bad luck number! 2 lucky winners for great prizes will be annouced on the 13th of the month throughout this winter!
For the 2020-21 Niseko Winter Guest Survey, Niseko United, Powder Yoga Niseko, An Dining, Rhythm Japan, Hinode Hills Niseko Village, Vacation Niseko and Niseko Village Golf Course are partnering up and offering even better prizes for YOU, who is helping us to make Niseko a better winter holiday destination with your feedback!
Fill out the quick survey below and you might become one of the 2 lucky winners to win a 5 day Niseko United All Mountain Liftpass or monthly surprise prize (worth about ¥30,000) to enjoy in Niseko. The winners will be announced on the 13th of every month, starting December 2020 through May 2021. So fill out NOW!
Photo by Aaron Jamieson
By submitting an entry to this NPB Lucky Prize Draw, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Niseko Tourism, and that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
2020-21 Resort Map and Niseko Area Guide, Wine & Dine Now Available!
Find out all the latest Niseko area information.
The 2020-21 Resort Maps and Area Guide, Wine & Dine are Niseko's official area guides with information about local restaurants, activities, and different services.
This year's Resort Maps and Wine & Dine Guide have now arrived in Niseko and will be available at information centers and many businesses in the Niseko area.
Gracing the cover of the Resort Map are photos shot by photographer Aaron Jamieson - a year-round resident of Niseko.
The image on the cover of the Wine & Dine was shot by the team at Tasting Kitchen Magazine during their visit to the area. We have also included special coupons sections in this year's Wine & Dine to further promote different businesses.
If you haven't picked up a Wine & Dine yet, you can read the full publication online here.
Also make sure to check out all the restaurants and eateries online on the official Wine & Dine website, and all the best area activities on the official Area Guide website.
All our publications and information can be accessed via the Official Niseko App so you can get all you need to know right in the palm of your hand. Download the Niseko App for Apple devices here and for Android devices here.
Download the resort map PDF here:
Niseko Wins Big at World Ski Awards 2020
Big Win for Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono & Hakuchozan Niseko
Niseko has succeeded once again on the world stage with two of Niseko’s best accommodations winning acolades at the 2020 World Ski Awards.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has won Best New Ski Hotel at the 2020 World Ski Awards and Hakuchozan has won Japan’s Best Ski Chalet.
The annual awards celebrate hotels and ski resorts all across the world, with the presentation being held in Kitzbuhel, Austria.
Despite a challenging year for tourism, Park Hyatt Niseko in Hanazono and Hakuchozan in Hirafu have both accomplished great success with incredible services and products.
This year marks the third year in a row that Hakuchozan has won Japan’s Best Ski Chalet – an impressive feat that solidifies the stunning accommodation as one of the absolute best in the area.
Park Hyatt Niseko in Hanazono has so far been open for 10 months but has already impressed guests with world-class service, a variety of restaurants, an enticing cigar bar, and the hotel’s exquisite design.
“Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is honored to have been awarded the World’s Best New Ski Hotel 2020 by the World Ski Awards – the only global initiative to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism. This award would not be possible without the support of our guests, colleagues and local community here in Niseko.
Having only been open for 10 months this recognition goes above all to our team who have shown incredible dedication, hard work, and care — values that are at the heart of who we are.”
Click HERE for Park Hyatt Hanazono details, and HERE for Hakuchozan award information.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is also a registered participant of the GoTo Travel Campaign. Do not forget to check out more details HERE.
2020/21 Night Go Bus Schedule
SnowDog Village Now Managed by Vacation Niseko
We are proud to announce that SnowDog Village, a collection of condominiums set in the beautiful Niseko Village/Higashiyama forest will now be managed by Vacation Niseko.
After opening in 2017, this secluded yet centrally located property has become Niseko's premier dog-friendly accommodation at a reasonable price point. With a total of 34 units, this sizeable accommodation is nestled in the tranquil forest just minutes away from Niseko Village Ski resort and the Higashiyama dining scene, which boasts Hokkaido favourites like Milk Kobo, Prativo and Crab Shack. It is also home to two onsite dining options, Upashi Seta (izakaya) and 36Parlour (cafe/sandwiches), both of which are pet-friendly. A central theme of SnowDog Village is the ease of which pet stays are accommodated - with an increase of domestic interest in Niseko, we expect SnowDog Village to be popular with Japanese and international guests who love to bring their whole family, including the fur babies.
After some hard work from our owner relations team, sales team and general management team, SnowDog Village is now finally ready to launch for sales this Winter, and we are all very excited to see how our guests enjoy this property in the future and how we can best serve our newest host of owners during these turbulent times:
"Vacation Niseko has been selected to manage SnowDog Village, a property located in the rapidly growing Niseko Village area & is our first project in this area of Niseko. A product as strong and as well situated as SnowDog Village was too good for us to pass up, and we are excited to use our scale and experience to further improve its foothold in Niseko Village and the Niseko area as a whole."
Miles Zeorlin, Owner Relations
"We are delighted to be able to offer SnowDog Village to our customers from this coming season. SnowDog is a unique property within our portfolio and within Niseko with it being one of the only dog-friendly properties in the area. It also enables us to offer accommodation options outside of the main Hirafu village, with plenty on offer in the nearby Niseko Village resort. We look forward to creating a unique and memorable guest experience at SnowDog Village in the future."
Scott Mountford, Sales and Marketing Manager
"We are very pleased to have SnowDog Village join our management family in 2020 as Niseko continues to develop into a truly international resort. It's a product we believe will be great for our growing base of Japanese guests and those who wish to travel with pets. To our new owners we welcome you to Vacation Niseko and we look forward to working with you closely to ensure SnowDog Village's potential is not only met, but exceeded."
Keita Sekine, General Manager
SnowDog Village can be booked in a variety of unit types:
And all offer the same level of superior comfort, with bright scandi-inspired furnishings, views of the white birch forest outside (some include Yotei and/or ski hill views), top-quality bedding and all the necessary appliances you'd expect from a self-contained accommodation. We believe SnowDog Village is perfect for any length of stay, and we will be offering it for long stays year-round. It will also be managed and operated with the same strict hygiene and sanitation standards that come with Vacation Niseko's Safe Stay Guarantee. As with most condominiums, we believe SnowDog Village will be particularly protected against the continuing concerns around COVID-19 compared to hotels and lodges with higher dependence on common areas, and the somewhat secluded nature of the property will help guests avoid crowded resort areas.
With the pet-friendly atmosphere, great onsite facilities and comfortable minimalist feel, we're sure SnowDog Village will become many guests' home away from home in Niseko.
Original Press Release: Vacation Niseko
Powder Yoga Winter Season Passes
Get ready for another winter with Powder Yoga!
Powder Yoga has launched their winter passes!
This year, they will be holding weekly kids yoga classes too at the studio from December. They will open on November 16th in Aya Hirafu.
WINTER SEASON PASS SALE
We still have a few more weeks until we truly settle in to the life in white, but we just can't wait for the season to begin. And so Powder Yoga has decided to launch their unlimited season pass a little earlier this year. You can grab your full unlimited season pass for just 39,500JPY at their Super Early Bird Rate! This amazing price is available until November 15th. Their full winter timetable starts in Aya Hotel, Hirafu, on November 16th.
Each week we have added more classes to the timetable to get you moving. Their classes are the perfect compliment for your powder playtime activities, helping you to build strength, flexibility and balance in both your body and mind. Through a regular yoga practice you can Improve performance and prevent injury, helping you get the most of the season ahead.
For the full lineup please check out the timetable images below or visit our timetable page in the menu. Your pass will be valid for all regular timetabled classes from November 16th until March 31st. If you wish to purchase a combined Niseko Fitness and Powder Yoga pass at our epic flash sale pricing (65,500 Yen) please get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Passes can be purchased HERE.
Drop in classes are 1500JPY with locals card!
Unlimited Powder Yoga Class are priced as follows:
•November 1st – 15th: Super Early Bird Full Season Pass – 39,500
•November 15th – 30th: Early Bird Full Season Pass – 42,500
•December 1st: Full Season Pass – 45,500
Unlimited Powder Yoga + Niseko Fitness Class are priced as follows:
•November 1st – 15th: Super Early Bird Full Season Pass – 65,500
•November 15th – 30th: Early Bird Full Season Pass – 71,500
•December 1st: Full Season Pass – 77,500
For inquiries:
Powder Yoga
Email: [email protected]
GoTo Niseko - The Ultimate Guide
The best way to enjoy Niseko this Winter
For years, Niseko has been known internationally as Japan's best ski resort for it's incredible powder snow, luxurious places to stay, world-class restaurants, and above all - unforgettable experiences.
Now it's your turn to discover Niseko and have it all to yourself.
Make the most of the GoTo Travel Campaign this winter and experience the best winter holiday possible - in Niseko. We have created the ultimate GoTo Guide for Niseko, so you can enjoy the best that Niseko has to offer with local businesses that are registered with the popular campaign.
Ski Resorts:
Niseko United is made up of four world-class resorts, offering skiers and snowboarders a huge area to explore and the best powder snow on earth. All resorts have cafes, restaurants, rental and many other services, most of which can be used as part of the GoTo campaign.
Wide Variety of Accommodation:
Of all the ski resorts in Japan, Niseko leads the way in many aspects, but the places to stay in Niseko make it really stand out. There's a huge range of accommodation options across the Niseko area participating in GoTo. No matter what style you're looking for, Niseko has accommodation options for you.
Hotel & Ryokan
- Park Hyatt HANAZONO: Map HERE. Please refer to the website for more details.
- Aya Niseko: Map HERE. Find out more details upon booking.
- Bliss Lodging: GoTo travel campaign offers available with the pattern A (bookings through OTA)
- Miru: Up to 35% savings at Miru. Map HERE and check the website for more.
- Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafu-tei: Map HERE.
- Chalet Ivy: Map HERE.
- Always Niseko: Map HERE
- Niseko Village: Map HERE
Pensions, Lodge, Bed & Breakfast
- Pension Locomotion: Map HERE. Please refer to the website for more details (Japanese only)
- アルバータロッジ: Map HERE. Please refer to the website for more details (Japanese only).
- My Eco Lodge: Map HERE
- Midtown Niseko: Map HERE
- Kanon Niseko: Map HERE
- Kashinoya: Map HERE
- Matcha House: Map HERE
- Bliss Lodging: Map HERE.
- Pension Grand Papa: Map HERE
- Pension Locomotion: Map HERE
- Pension Niseko Alice: Map HERE
- Hakuunso Lodge: Map HERE
- Ramat Niseko: Map HERE
Condominium & House
- Vacation Niseko: 35% discount on the stay, plus 15% in coupons to be used at all participating locations. There are limits in place for both offers.
- MnK Niseko: Map HERE. Up to 50% discount. Check the website for more info.
- Holiday Niseko: Up to 50% discount! Check the web for more info and their properties.
- NISADE: Up to 50% discount. Check the web for more and for their properties.
- TAIGA: Discounts available at a range of properties. Check their website for more details.
- Niseko Wow: Discounts available at a range of properties. Check their website for more details.
Stunning Restaurants:
Niseko is well known for having an amazing dining scene with Michelin star restaurants, local and international cuisine, and exciting nightlife.
Enjoy dining out and discover stunning taste sensations.
- KAMIMURA: Map HERE. Accept digital and paper coupons
- TOSHIRO'S BAR: Map HERE. Accept coupons from your accommodation registered with the campaign
- Green Farm Cafe: Map HERE. Accept area coupons
- Milk Kobo: Map HERE. Accept area coupons
- Niseko Pizza: Map HERE. Accept area coupons
- Taj Mahal (Kutchan & Annupuri): Map HERE (Kutchan) and HERE (Annupuri). Accept area coupons
- Niseko Gourmet: Accept coupons for a private chef and delivery services
- Niseko HANAZONO Resort: Area coupons can be used at HANAZONO EDGE、Cafe HANAZONO308 and HANA1 Cafe. Both digital and paper are accepted.
- Bar Gyu+: Map HERE.
- Robata Niseko Naniwatei: Map HERE. Digital and paper coupons are accepted.
- Kitchen Ren: Map HERE. Digital and paper coupons are accepted.
- Niseko Sanroku Jingisukan: Map HERE.
- Elements: Digital and paper coupons are accepted.
- Kitchen Niseko: Map HERE.
- Sprout Cafe: Map HERE.
- Jojo's Cafe: Map HERE.
- Watake Sushi: Map HERE. Paper and digital coupons are accepted. Retail stores at iGATE IKEUCHI AYA Niseko and iGATE IKEUCHI niseko Hirafu
- Kashinoya Dining: Map HERE
Exciting Activities and Adventures:
There are so many ways to experience Niseko's stunning winter season - from adrenaline-pumping snowmobiling and adventurous backcountry skiing to tranquil onsens and therapeutic yoga classes. Discover the world-class experience Niseko has become famous for and make the most of a trip to Japan's premiere resort destination.
- Snow and Flow Snowsports School: Accept area coupons (both digital and paper)
- Rising Sun Guides: Map HERE. Discounts apply to guided skiing & snowboarding. CAT ski & boarding, backcountry rental equipment
- Far East Snowsports: Accept area coupons. Get in touch with them for more info.
- Hokkaido Backcountry Club: Map HERE. Up to 42% discount. Check the website for more details.
- EdVenture: Map HERE. Accept area coupons
- Niseko HANAZONO Resort: Map HERE. Coupon tickets can be used for lift tickets and winter activities.
- Rhythm Japan: Map HERE. Up to 50%. Check the website for more.
- Niseko Weiss: Map HERE. Digital and paper coupons are accepted.
- Explore Niseko
- Hokkaido Lion Adventures: Map HERE
- Powder Yoga: Map HERE
Car rentals:
- Peak Niseko Car Rentals: Map HERE.
- Toyota Rent-a-Car: Map HERE.
Additional Guides:
＊Please note that this list will keep getting updated if/when we receive new information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhi9h_puT0Y
The POW BAR, Niseko's 100% Natural Energy Bar
This Is Your New Energy Booster
Inspired by Niseko's clean and natural landscape, The Pow Bar handmakes 100% natural energy bars to keep you energized with only the healthiest of ingredients. The bars are vegan, gluten free, and have no added sugars or preservatives. They are the perfect healthy energy boost for a day on the mountains, or an on-the-go breakfast for catching the first lifts. Grab one at one of our many retail partners in the Niseko area, or visit The Pow Bar Cafe. For more information, please visit HERE.
The Pow Bar Cafe in Niseko Town is a cozy and relaxing space to enjoy fresh food that highlights the local ingredients. The cafe shares the same values of healthy and natural food as the energy bars and has a range of vegan friendly breakfast and lunch dishes, baked goods, jams and granola. Come early to get a specialty vegan donut before they sell out! It's also a great place to grab a coffee or house made chai tea latte using locally sourced milk.
La villa LUPICIA - Reopening
La villa LUPICIA restaurant is currently closed and will be reopening on Friday, 6th November 2020.
With a new range of tasty in-house beers born from the passion of the master brewer and created from crisp, clear Niseko spring water.
A new delicious international food menu, fresh & unfiltered beer and sublime views of Mt. Yotei will have you coming back for more.
We look forward to welcoming you again this winter season.
More info on the La Villa Lupicia website.
