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

by Alister

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]

by Alister

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

Pensions, Lodge, Bed & Breakfast

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.

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.

Car rentals:

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

 

by Alister

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.

by Alister

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.

by Alister

Sushi Set from Niseko Gourmet

Discover Niseko Gourmet Decadent Winter Menu

Enjoy Niseko Gourmet's take on traditional Japanese meals to delectable Thai cuisine.

​The awaited Niseko Gourmet's winter menu is out! From traditional Japanese meals to exotic Thai cuisine, Niseko Gourmet has it all. Let's check out some of their menus and pictures of enticing looking dishes by their chefs.

Sushi lovers will love the flavourful Sushi prepared fresh in front of them by Sushi Master Kamada San. Each diner can enjoy eight artfully crafted pieces of sushi served from a traditional sushi bar set up in the comfort of your home. Enjoy market-fresh scallops, salmon, chutoro, maguro, white seasonal fish, mackerel, sweet prawns and egg are included in the service. Choose either sukiyaki with Hokkaido Tokachi and wagyu beef shoulder loin, or shabu-shabu with Hokkaido Makkari herb pork shoulder loin, or Tokachi apple beef shoulder loin, Chinese cabbage, chrysanthemum, leeks, carrot, enoki, tofu, noodles and accompaniments.

Price: Starts from 67,500JPY for a group of six, plus 10% service charge

Get ready for a memorable experience as Chef Abe San meticulously prepares a Fugu Dinner. An acclaimed delicacy wherein poisonous parts of the puffer fish are removed before cooking the meat, this thrilling meal comprises a variety of fugu dishes such as hot sake flavoured with grilled fugu fins, sashimi, fried fugu and fugu hot pot. A story that you are sure to retell at many dinner parties in the years to come.

Price: 25,500JPY per person for a minimum of six people, plus 10% service charge

Chef Tanaka San’s Tempura Dinner is a tale of the freshest seafood. The meal includes three kinds of market-fresh sashimi and 10 pieces of delicate seafood and vegetable tempura (including king prawn, sea eel, squid, whitefish, rockfish, lotus root, sweet potato, eggplant, leek and shiitake mushroom) per person. This sumptuous selection is served with three varieties of Japanese salt, seasonal salad with scallops and yuzu dressing, Ten-Chazuke (tempura rice), dashi, green tea soup, and red bean steamed bun tempura.

Price: 15,200JPY per person for a minimum of six people, plus 10% service charge

Treat your tastebuds to Kaiseki, a sumptuous multi-course meal skillfully prepared by Chef Abe San. Savour fresh seasonal ingredients and sashimi followed by Hobayaki and oyster shabu nabe. End the feast with home-made vanilla ice cream paired with quince or yamabudo mountain grapes.

Price: 15,200JPY per person for a minimum of six people, plus 10% service charge

Allow Chef Tanaka San to prepare a delicious Seafood and Wagyu Dinner for you and your group. A fantastic gastronomic affair with smoked salmon, seasonal vegetables, yuzu, tomato and basil dressing, shrimp, avocado mayonnaise and crackers, grilled scallops with potage of sugar snap peas, rock fish with pine nut butter sauce, lobster with capsicum cream sauce, broccoli, seared Hokkaido wagyu beef steak, red wine sauce, gateau chocolat, berry and mango sauce. Wow, that’s quite a regal feast.

Price: 15,200JPY per person for a minimum of six people, plus 10% service charge

Try Tanaka San’s modern take on the classic Seven Course Degustation and taste the ever-changing seasons of Japan. Using only seasonal produce, Chef Tanaka San celebrates Hokkaido's bounty by deciding the menu on the day itself after seeing what local and fresh ingredients are available in the market.

Price: 15,200JPY per person for a minimum of six people, plus 10% service charge

Settle down for a delightful Thai Family-Style Dinner prepared by Chef Annie. The four-course Thai dinner is served in sharing portions and cooked using local ingredients with Thai accents. Choices include fresh spring rolls, chicken satay, grilled beef salad, prawn and squid curry powder sauce, tom yum goong, tom kha gai, duck curry, coconut curried mussels with basil, and chicken khao soi.

Price: 8,500JPY per person for a minimum of six people, plus 10% service charge

Click HERE to explore more.

The menus are subject to availability. Niseko Gourmet also offers provisioning and gourmet meal delivery services.

Niseko Gourmet have implemented strict hygiene controls and procedures in light of the current COVID-19 situation. Their staff members have undergone extensive training and safety management measures have been put into place. Hand sanitisers are available for the use of the staff and customers, dining tables and chairs are disinfected before and after dinner service, and all silverware and equipment are chemically hot washed so you can enjoy your meals stress-free.

​To get in touch click HERE.

by Alister

2020/21 Locals Card - Applications Open

The 2020/21 Locals Card is HERE!!

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

This year, the card itself is made from a more environmentally friendly material so you can reap the benefits guilt-free!

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 2020/21 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

 

Offers for the 2020-21 Locals Card program will run from 13 Nov, 2020 through 31 Oct, 2021.

"Who can get a Locals Card?" - Locals working for Niseko Tourism member organizations can get a Locals Card.

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

by Alister

Niseko United Opening Dates - Winter 2020/21

he 2020/21 winter season is coming soon! Make sure to mark these dates down in your calendar!

This season most lifts will be running at half capacity, and a few lifts in Grand Hirafu will be closed. The resort will otherwise mostly run as normal, except for a few changes in Grand Hirafu.

Here's all the info!

Annupuri 

  • Opening Date: 28 November 2020
  • Closing Date: 5 May 2021
  • Night Ski: 19 December 2020 - 7 March 2021 (till 8pm)

Niseko Village

  • Opening Date: 1 December 2020
  • Closing Date: 4 April 2021
  • Night Ski: 19 December 2020 - 7 March 2021 (till 8pm)

Grand Hirafu

Hanazono

Check out the Niseko United website for full Niseko Lift Pass pricing information.

Dates subject to change due to weather conditions.

Click here to download the Niseko United Trail Map for 2020/21.

by Alister

Edventure Autumn Camp 2020

The Kids Autumn Camp by EdVenture is now open for registrations. Activities are hands-on and nature-based to help participants to develop their language skills in a fun and safe environment.

Over the course of 3 days, participants will construct a modular scooter, take part in arts and crafts, cycling along the Shiribetsu River, visit Lake Hangetsu for an orienteering adventure, pick vegetables for an organic pizza, and more!

Discover the nature and beauty of Hokkaido this October with our EdVenture Kids Autumn Camp program. This special 3 day program is designed for families looking to escape the city and create unforgettable memories together.

​Check out more information and register for the camp on the Edventure Website.

by Alister

Niseko Autumn Food Festival 2020 - Wrap Up

The 2020 Niseko Autumn Food Festival has now wrapped up, making it the third year in a row the festival was held.

The 2020 Niseko Autumn Food Festival has now wrapped up, making it the third year in a row the festival was held.

This year's festival was more successful than ever with almost 10,000 attendees over the five-day event. Thank you to everyone who attended and for following all COVID safety guidelines. We were pleased to be able to host this event in the safest and most responsible way possible.

The purpose of the festival is to showcase the famous Niseko produce as well as the skill and talent of local chefs. The festival also focusses on being as environmentally friendly as possible, with the theme of "Less Plastic is Fantastic" - a slogan which can be seen on the shirts of all the staff and volunteers of the event!

This year certainly did not disappoint with a wide variety of internationally inspired dishes as well as Japanese classics.

 

Here's a quick recap of the festival!

​This year there were 16 food & beverage vendors offering some of the areas best culinary delights.

  • Niseko Pizzaニセコピザ
  • Bistro Re Arbor
  • Jam
  • Klass Kitchen
  • Kikozu x Pura
  • Niseko Bang Bang
  • Niseko Gourmet
  • El Asafor
  • Taj Majal
  • Hakko Ginger
  • Green Farm Cafe
  • TOSHIRO'S BAR
  • Niseko Taproom
  • Cedar Coffee
  • Niseko Green Farm
  • Official Event Drink Booth

​As well as talented chefs, there were also talented musicians, with a lineup of great DJ's and bands from around the area.

​There was fun for the whole family with the special kids play area, complete with big and small jumping castles.

Kutchan Town mascot "Jagata-Kun" also came out to enjoy the festivities!

​Niseko is famous for it's produce, and what better way to enjoy it than when it's prepared by local chefs!

​Thanks to everyone who attended and made this year the biggest year for the festival so far.

We're looking forward to hosting this great event next year!

by Alister