Winners - Niseko Summer Shootout 2020
The inaugural Niseko Summer Shootout has wrapped up, with winners announced at this year’s Niseko Autumn Food Festival.
There were so many great entries showcasing the natural beauty of Niseko. Even though there were no categories, most photographers chose to capture all the different aspects of the Niseko landscape.
Congratulations to the winners and a big thanks to all the photographers who entered the competition.
A big thanks to all the sponsors who helped support this great contest.
The contest is presented by Niseko Tourism with support from Rising Sun Guides, Niseko Nine, and Summerlife Magazine.
On to the winners!
Winning third place and ¥2,000 MTB voucher from Niseko Nine and ¥2,000 cash prize is Yuuya Okuno – @yuuyadayoo.
The clear night skies over Mt. Yotei made a big impression on judges, with strong visual lines leading right up through the foreground of the image.
Winning second place and a ¥5,000 MTB voucher from Niseko Nine and ¥5,000 cash prize is Reilly McGlashan – @reilly_mcglashan.
This hidden waterfall and pool is an instant classic that showcases just how magical the landscape can be.
Winning 1st place and taking home a ¥10,000 MTB voucher from @nisekonine , an avalanche course from @risingsunguides valued at ¥25,000, and a ¥10,000 cash prize is Takashi Okada – @oka_photo.
It’s often hard to describe the ‘feeling’ of Niseko, but this image by Takashi Okada achieves exactly that. This image has beautifully captured the ever-changing mood of the Niseko ranges. Well done to Takashi on a well-deserved first place!
Congratulations again to all the winners and we’re looking forward to next Summer!
Grand Hirafu Operating Schedule - 2020/21 Winter
Grand Hirafu Operating Schedule - 2020/21 Winter
Grand Hirafu has announced their operating schedule for this winter. There are a number of changes due to COVID-19, including operating lifts, opening dates, shuttle bus, and lift capacity. The good news is that most of the resort lifts will be operational meaning that guests and locals will still be able to have a great resort experience.
Dates:
- Planned Opening: December 05
- Planned Closing: May 05
- Planned Night Skiing: December 19 - March 7
- The above are subject to change due to weather or COVID situation
Lifts Operating:
- Ace Family Quad
- Ace #2 Quad (Center Four)
- Holiday #1 Pair
- King #3 Quad
- King #4
- Swinging Monkey
- Hirafu Gondola
- Night Skiing:
- Ace Family Quad
- Ace #2 Quad (Center Four)
Bus:
- Hirafu Village Shuttle will not be running
- Niseko United Shuttle bus will be running
Lift Capacity:
- The number of people allowed together on lifts will be halved
- Family & friend groups can get on together
Terrain Park:
- There will be no terrain park in Grand Hirafu this winter
- There will be no spring park
Please note that the above information can change depending on the COVID situation.
Please read the full announcement HERE (Japanese only).
For inquiries:
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Tel: 0136-22-0109
Introducing Intuition Niseko
The brand new hotel condominium opening this December!
Introducing Intuition, the newest and first of its kind hotel condominium within a private estate in Niseko-Hirafu, opening its doors in December 2020.
Consisting of 32 luxury apartments and 10 luxury private villa lots, Intuition is nestled on the edge of the forest at the bottom of the Hirafu slopes, accessed from the Ace Family quad chairlift. Hirafu’s vibrant atmosphere and entertainment are right on the doorstep, but not so close that privacy is impacted.
Designed by Tokyo based architect firm ALA INC, Intuition is a sister project of Elevation, a gated estate in Hirafu’s upper village, master-planned by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
This luxury hotel condominium complex is brought to you by Zekkei—the luxury international ski and beach residence developer behind Fenix Furano (Dec 2020) —in partnership with Niseko Alpine Developments (NISADE).
Intuition boasts Studios, Hotel Rooms and 1 – 3-bedroom apartments with views of Mt Yotei and Hirafu resort, culinary dining in the restaurant onsite and onsen experience. The location benefits from walking access to the contemporary town with its shopping, international dinging options, snowsports and activity stores, art galleries, coffee shops and of course skiing. In summer, tennis courts are just next door and one of the main outdoor activity centers meets for daily adventures from their Hirafu base.
Niseko’s location is 2.5hrs from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo City and 1.5hrs from Otaru’s cultural city center, Lake Toya and 1 hr from Rusutsu and Kiroro Ski Resort. Basing yourself in Niseko allows both easy access to surrounding ski areas and tourist scenic spots.
Niseko is becoming a global destination sensation with abundance of all-things-winter, including new experiences such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cat skiing and heli-skiing adventures and more.
Summer incorporates the refreshing surroundings of nature, a private setting to make the most of the surroundings with cycling, hiking, rafting and golf courses nearby and air conditioned apartments to return to at the end of the day. This is truly a landscape to suit all guests, whether they are seeking activity and adventure, or a calm, relaxing break, with a good book and bottle of fine wine. International yoga retreats have been choosing Niseko as a place to bring together their global community, where they can share in the beautiful surroundings, healing waters and fresh, clean air.
Intuition Niseko is the first exclusive onsen estate to Niseko, with its private road, generous sidewalks, natural onsen and comfortable apartments; each element has been designed with space and luxury in-mind.
NISADE—a Hokkaido-based multi-award-winning developer and hotel operator, famed for reshaping the face of Hirafu when it opened The Vale Niseko in 2009—is proud to introduce four resorts in 2020: Furano, Kiroro, Niseko and Rusutsu. Multi-resort stays are available to experience the best Hokkaido has to offer.
There are some available units at Intuition, contact our agents today if you want to own a piece of paradise where you can visit anytime when you want to getaway. Please see more details here.
Keep an eye out for the EXCLUSIVE DEALS and for further details enquire with [email protected].
Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Opening This Winter 2020
Welcome to Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve!
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will make its highly-anticipated debut in Niseko, Hokkaido on 15 December 2020 as the winter season unfolds at the powder mecca of Japan. The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve to grace Japan, the 50-room resort resides at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Niseko Village with panoramic views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding mountain ranges. The resort will offer a world-class gateway to Niseko’s adventurous mountains with 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing, and unique gastronomy, culture and traditions through its collection of authentic and affluent experiences all-year round. Luxury amenities include two distinctive restaurants and one lounge, a spa and onsen and a fitness centre.
For more information on Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and reservation enquiries, please visit HERE.
For more info click HERE.
For inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Niseko Tourism selected as One of the 32 Most Important DMOs in Japan
For Niseko's Brighter Future
Niseko Tourism, also known as Niseko Promotion Board, was selected as one of the 32 most important DMOs in the country by Japan Tourism Agency. Details Here (Japanese only)
The Japan Tourism Agency has recognized Niseko Tourism (NPB) as an essential promotion body that holds the key to a prosperous and successful future for the Niseko area. Being selected as one of the most important DMOs will improve access to government subsidies programs when applicable and strengthens our promotion efforts.
We would like to thank all of you - our members - for your support, and we look forward to continuing to work with you all.
For inquiries:
Niseko Tourism
Phone: 0136-21-2551
Email: [email protected]
The First Ever Fried Chicken And Fried Potato Shop In Kutchan Finally open!
Let's Be Honest...Fried Food Is The Best Type of Food.
Who needs this? WE ALL DO.
Go check out the newly opened Kutchan's first fried chicken and potato shop (map HERE)!
*Please note that this is take out only.
For orders and inquiries:
090-1307-0380
Niseko Village "Pure" Open
Enjoy the adrenaline at Niseko Village Pure
Niseko Village "Pure" has been open for business since July 23rd!
Prices:
- July 23rd~August 31st 9am~5pm Open everyday
- September 1st~September 30th 9am~5pm Open only Saturdays and Sundays
Super passport Adult 4,500JPY, Child 3,500JPY
After 2 passport Adult 3000JPY, Child 2300JPY (please enter after 2pm)
Tree trekking: Advanced and beginner: 1000JPY per entrance
Loose rider: 1000JPY per entrance
3 categories all you can play: 2500JPY
- October 1st~October 11th 9am~4pm Open on Saturday and Sunday (tree trekking and loose rider only)
*This year, Zip liner canceled, Summer gondola canceled and Tennis will not take place.
Inquiries:
Phone: 0136-44-3311
Bouken-Kazoku Calling For Participants
Bouken-kazoku is calling for participants for their nature programs! Come enjoy the nature surrounded by Yotei's beauty.
Program contents: (translated from PDF)
*Programs 3 and 4 are flexible and you can only chose 1 camping day if you wish
*Please note that a 100% cancellation fee applies to cancellations made 3 days prior to the program date
*They will notify you on the things to bring upon making a reservation
- Sunday August 10th: Welcome to the program (get your bearings in the woods, how to use tools, catch insects, etc.)
- Sunday September 6th: My forest (find mushrooms and wild grasses)
- Saturday October 3rd: Forest camping 1st day (find food in the woods, cook outdoor, etc.)
- Sunday October 4th: Forest camping 2nd day (make fire from scratch)
*Programs 1~5 accommodates up to 15 participants.
If you wish to enroll, please wait for a cancellation notice when the booking is full.
This program is for children in elementary school and over. Children only attendance is ok!
Participation fee: 2500JPY each day (includes insurance ¥)
Venue: Bouken no mori (map HERE)
Meeting point: Same as the venue
Program hours: 9:30~15:00 (reception starts at 9am)
For inquiries and reservation:
Bouken kazoku
145-2 Hirafu Kutchan, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0077
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0136-22-3759
Niseko Summer Shootout 2020
The Niseko Shootout photography contest is back with the first ever Summer Shootout!
Things are heating up in Niseko with the launch of the first ever summer edition of the Niseko Shootout series.
Niseko Shootout Summer Series is on the search for Niseko’s best and most unique summer moments. No matter what you’re doing - enjoying a round of golf, mountain biking down Mt Annupuri or SUP boarding on Lake Toya, we want you to share your awesome Hokkaido summer time with us.
To enter simply post your entry on Instagram and use the hashtag #nisekoshootout on your photos taken from 21 June 2020 and posted before 14 September 2020.
Winners will be announced at this year's Niseko Autumn Food Festival on 21 September 2020. Prizes will be presented on the day or can be collected from Niseko Tourism at Sun Sports Land.
| 1st Place | ¥10,000 cash, ¥10,000 MTB voucher from Niseko Nine, Avalanche Course from Rising Sun Guides valued at ¥25,000 |
|---|---|
| 2nd Place | ¥5,000 cash, ¥5,000 MTB voucher from Niseko Nine |
| 3rd Place | ¥2,000 cash, ¥2,000 MTB voucher from Niseko Nine |
The team from Summerlife will also choose one photo to fill the pages of the next issue of Summerlife magazine.
Follow @nisekoshootout to see your shots feature and get an idea of what the judges are looking for.
The contest is presented by Niseko Tourism with support from Rising Sun Guides, Niseko Nine, and Summerlife Magazine.
*Please make sure you don't tag @nisekoshootout - rather be sure to use the hashtag #nisekoshootout so the judges can see your picture.
Full contest rules:
- All images using #nisekoshootout taken and posted between 21 June 2020 - 14 September 2020 in the Shiribeshi & Iburi region are eligible.
- Three winners will be selected from all entries by a panel of judges. The contest will be run in an open format with no sub-categories.
- Judges will be asked to assess images based on the following criteria: Visual Impact, Creativity, Composition, Point of Interest, Lighting, & Originality.
- The winner is the photographer. The poster and/or subject may be credited if different from the photographer, but the winner is the photographer.
Enquiries: [email protected]
TOSHIRO'S BAR Happy Hour
Who is up for this? Well we are! TOSHIRO'S BAR is offering happy hours!
Time: 5pm~8pm
You will be able to enjoy:
Draft beers, high balls 500JPY
Glass of wine 600JPY
Also the drinks on the menu are 20% (conditions apply)
Do not miss this out!
For inquiries:
Phone: 0136-23-3377
