2019-20 Niseko United Opening Dates!

Thanks for a great season! Let's count down to another awesome winter.

Did you enjoy some epic time here in Niseko and can't wait for the next winter season? We are, too! Here are the estimated 2019-20 opening & closing dates for the Niseko United 4 Resorts:

  • Niseko Grand Hirafu: Saturday, 23rd Nov, 2019 (from 8:30-15:30, Ace Pair Lift #3) - Wednesday, 6th May, 2020
  • Niseko Annupuri: Saturday, 23rd Nov, 2019 (from 8:45-15:15, Jumbo Pair Lift #3) - Wednesday, 6th May, 2020
  • Niseko Village: Sunday, 1st Dec, 2019 - Early April, 2020
  • Niseko Hanazono: Saturday, 7th Dec, 2019 - End of March or early April, 2020

Night skiing starts from mid December 2019 till mid March 2020!

You can find the lift ticket pricing and details here as well.

*Dates subject to change due to weather condition

*Photo by Casey Purdie. Athlete: Aron Hayes


A New HANAZONO - Exciting Developments for Winter 2019-20!

The new look for one of the best all-season resorts in Asia.

Beginning December 2019, HANAZONO guests will have the privilege of experiencing HANAZONO’s transformation into what without a question will be Asia’s premier international ski and resort destination. Inspired by the beautiful surrounding nature, HANAZONO’s multidimensional approach to producing the perfect vacation experience will create memories that will last a lifetime. Read on for details about all the exciting developments coming to HANAZONO for winter 2019-20!

Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO Hotel and Residences

If you visited HANAZONO during winter 2018-19 you couldn’t help but notice the construction at the base of the resort. These new structures are the home of Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO. This includes a ski-in-ski-out Park Hyatt Hotel and Residences. This much-anticipated development will form the centerpiece of HANAZONO, overlooking the base and the beginner slopes. The development includes extensive new retail and dining options and will be the most significant and spectacular modern development in Niseko to date.

HANAZONO Edge – New Ski Center

To keep up with HANAZONO’s expansion, the resort will build a brand-new ski center. Opening for winter 2019-20, the HANAZONO Edge will boast compliment the Park Hyatt with an exciting new slopeside restaurant, café, and bar. This new 2 story ski center will accommodate more than 500 people and raises the bar for resort dining and relaxation in a ski-in-ski-out location.

Galaxy of Kidz – New Kids Activity Center

Introducing the Galaxy of Kidz! A world for children to have the ultimate freedom to play and investigate in a safe and challenging environment. The next level of exploration, the Galaxy of Kidz encompasses diverse areas to spark the curious minds of all children. 10 climbing walls (up to 5 meters) are self-belayed, promoting proud independence. A floating adventure trail connected by a cloud climb and net playground launches explorers into the atmosphere. Even our little astronauts can join in the excitement with a toddler's netball pit! Children participating in the Tic Tac Galaxy and Yuki Galaxy Group Programs will also have access to the Galaxy of Kidz during their lessons with NISS. Complete with a restaurant and chef dedicated to the children, this exciting new kids center is so fun that kids (and parents) won’t want to leave!

These cutting-edge developments are all scheduled to be completed for the 2019-20 winter season. With even more expansions coming in the following years, HANAZONO is sure to grow into one of the best all-season resorts in Asia.


Accommodation Tax Information Session

For further information, please contact General policy division, Kutchan Town Office, TEL 0136-56-8001, [email protected]


Sekka lab Summer Operation

Sekka Lab is an Italian restaurant and wine bar housed in an old renovated warehouse on Kutchan's main street directly in front of the train station.

Newly opened in Dec 2016, our simple yet refined dishes all use local ingredients and feature a selection of house smoked items.

We also have a wide selection of international wines.

Group seating up to 25 persons available on our 2nd floor.

We can cater for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.

 

Please contact us to arrange a party plan to suits your needs.

<Green Season Operation Hours>

Cafe & Happy Hour  16:00 ~ 18:00

Dinner                       18:00 ~ 22:00 (L.O 21:30)

Closed on Tuesdays/Wednesdays

 

For any enquiries regarding Sekka Lab please call us on 0136-23-1139 or email [email protected]


SOMOZA Cafe & Gallery Summer Operation 2019

<SOMOZA Cafe & Gallery>

Originally located in Tochigi, Somoza is a Cafe and Art Exhibition Space repurposed from a 150 year old Kominka. We are open from 10:00 - 16:00, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and National Holidays. You can enjoy our lunch menu from 12:00 (last order at14:00) or simply enjoy drinks and cakes with a beautiful view of the river and surrounding forest.

<Spring/Summer Operation Hours>

Cafe     10:00 ~ 16:00  (L.O 15:30)

Lunch   12:00 ~ 15:00 (L.O 14:00)

Open on Fri, Sat, Sun and National Holidays

For enquiries regarding Somoza please call 0136-55-8741 or email [email protected]


Birth of A New Ski Resort Film Festival in Niseko!

The 2018-19 Niseko Shootout - Short Film Festival attracted more than 400 attendees to this one night event.

It’s got a way to go before rivalling Sundance, but Niseko now has its own fully-fledged film festival following the hugely successful inaugural Niseko Shootout Film & Photo Festival.

Niseko Shootout combined a season-long photo contest, culminating with an awards night and film festival to announce the winners and celebrate spring in late March. More than 400 skiers, snowboarders, film and photography lovers filled Hanazono 308 (the Hanazono Ski Resort’s base complex) for the film festival and awards night.

It was a huge turn out and double the crowd expected by organisers Niseko Tourism and Hokkaido Core.

Niseko Tourism hopes the festival will grow every year to become a revered competition that will draw more international talent, foster local talent and culture, promote the wonders of Niseko, and create more reason for visitors to come in the spring shoulder season.

Niseko Shootout - Short Film Winners:

1st Place - "Japanuary"

2nd Place - "Shiro"

3rd Place -  "Yabai やばい"

Go to Niseko Tourism YouTube to view the films showcased at the Short Film Festival. Event photos by SkiJapan.com | Alister Buckingham.

Here is a recap of the event by Niseko.com

The Niseko Shootout was born from an Instagram-based photo competition in the winter of 2017/18. This winter more than 3000 local photos were hashtagged #nisekoshootout and therefore eligible to win the competition.

Niseko Shootout Winners (View all photos on Nisekoshoot Instagram)

Skiing Category Snowboarding Category Landscape Category
1st Place: @andrewstrain 1st Place: @janzy 1st Place: @thejameswinfield
2nd Place: @jeffcricco 2nd Place: @taikinaka 2nd Place: @bez_ceregieli
3rd Place: @daniel_honda 3rd Place: @flakinggoodtime 3rd Place: @andrewstrain

1st Place Skiing

@andrewstrain

 

1st Place Snowboarding

@janzy

 

1st Place Landscape

@thejameswinfield

Spring Fun in Niseko!

Find out all the what-to-do and what-to-eat in Niseko spring time!

Curious what is ON in Niseko during spring? The resorts are open till first week of May and offering special lift pass discounts starting March 21st. You can just purchase the passes at the counter easily.

There are also tons of great restaurants available and fun activities happening still. Here is a quick list for you! For detailed activity or restaurant info, you can find it in the Niseko Area Guide, Wine & Dine or SIMPLY DOWNLOAD THE FREE OFFICIAL RESORT APP "NISEKO".

The free official resort APP "NISEKO"

 

ACTIVITIES

NAME INFO SCHEDULE
Hanazono Niseko Golf Set in a beautiful natural setting featuring a spring water creek and natural birch forest with stunning vistas of Mt. Yotei. Open from May 3rd.
NAC Adventure Park Biggest adventure park on trees in Japan. Suitable for adults & kids! Open all year round
NAC Snowshoe No matter during day time, or night time, snowshoing is one of the locals' favourite sprig activities. Available till April 30th.
Niseko Golf Course Designed by Arnold Palmer and just a 15-minute drive from Hirafu, this course is the undisputed locals favorite. Open from April 21st.
Niseko Green Farm Experience the organic farm in Niseko. Open from April 27th onwards
Niseko Village Golf Course Resort golf at its best. Open from May 1st.
Niseko Village PURE Perfect activity center for diverse interests. Open from April 27th!
Paintball If you’re interested in this extreme sport, you’re in luck because one of the few paintball fields in Japan is right here in Niseko. Open from June 15th.
Rhythm Japan Japan’s one-stop shop for outdoor equipment! Winter operation till May 6th. Summer tour begins June 1st!
Rafting With the arrival of spring, the river in Niseko becomes a white water rafting paradis. Start from April 6th.
White Isle Snowmobiling Unforgettable way to explore Niseko in spring. Available till April 20th.

RESTAURANTS/CAFES/BARS

NAME INFO SCHEDULE
A-Bu-Cha With a great assortment of delicious Japanese comfort food, A-Bu-Cha is one of the top-pick spots in Hirafu. Closed on May 6th and resumes from July 2nd, 2019 for summer season.
An Dining Located in the Ki Niseko lobby, offering produce-inspired fine and casual dining. Operating till breakfast on May 6th for winter season. Open again from May 31st for dinner for summer!
Bang Bang This popular Izagaya in Hirafu offers a menu packed with top quality Hokkaido produce! Open till May 6th for winter season and start summer season from July 1st.
Bistro Re Arbor A contemporary twist with an ecletic menu, featuing seasonal and local products from Hokkaido. Open all year round (close occasionally for maintenance)
cafe HANA Located in White Isle, you can enjoy the views of Mt. Yotei, Annupuri, Iwao Nupuri, Weiss horn. You can enjoy homemade cakes. Open all year round
Crab Dining Kanon Enjoy the crab-focused course with local vegetables during your visit! Closed on April 7th and resumes from July 1st, 2019 for summer season.
Ebisutei Fantastic Izagaya in Niseko that offers oden. Closed on May 5th and resumes from June 1st, 2019 for summer season.
Elements Located in Always Niseko, Elements offers mouthwatering Japanese and Western dishes for breakfast and lunch., Open all year round
GENTEM Cafe Located in the heart of Niseko, serving dishes using fresh and seasonal local ingredients! Closed on May 6th and resumes from July 1st, 2019 for summer season.
Graubuden A great cafe not only for the delicious cakes but also sandwhiches, cookies and teas. Open all year round
Green Farm Cafe The good old cafe in a new look and location with cafe, deli and coffee roasted on one spot. Closed on May 7th and resumes from June 3rd, 2019 for summer season.
Gyu Bar + Niseko's legendary speakeasy and a must-hit spot for rare Japanese whiskies, jazzy vibes and cocktails. Closed on April 14th.
H Restaurant + Bar H Restaurant offers modern Italian cuisine using the finest ingredients from the Hokkaido region. Choose from a selection of craft beers, signature cocktails and share a plate from our sip & savour menu at the bar. Closed on May 7th and resumes from July 7th.
Hirafu Zaka Grab a bite at this Izakaya, offering enticing Japanese casual dining. Operating till May 6th for winter season. Open again from May 21st, 2019 for summer!
Jojo's Cafe Located on the 2nd floor of NAC centre, this is the place for chilling out before or after adventures. Open all year round
Kamimura Located in Shiki Niseko, Kamimura offers Michelin-starred dining experience with Japanese and French traditions in menus Operating till April 20th for winter season. Open again from July 5th, 2019 for summer!
Kitchen Located in Shiki Niseko, Kitchen provides a more intimate and more personal dining experience by Kamimura team. Operating till April 6th for winter season. Open again from July 4th, 2019 for summer!
Kumo Restaurant Located at Skye Niseko, taste the fresh flavours of summer in Hokkaido at Kumo Restaurant. Daily buffet breakfast available. Operating till May 6th for winter season. Open again from May 31st, 2019 for summer!
Lupicia Offering a gourmet experience in Niseko with exquisite dishes made from the freshest Hokkaido produce.. Open all year round
Madriano Pizza shop annexed to a cheese factory, freshly-baked pizza guaranteed. Open all year round
Milk Kobo A must visit spot for all the sweets lovers out there. Open all year round
Niseko Pizza A family run Restaurant offering a menu made with lots of love and the best quality ingredients. Close April 8th-18th & May 7th-June 30th for winter season. Open again from July 1st, 2019 for summer!
Prativo All-you-can-eat lunch buffet with a wide variety of fresh vegetable dishes overlooking Mt. Yotei Open all year round
Ren, Japanese Kitchen Extensive traditionally-styled izayaka and original Japanese menu. Operating till May 4th for winter season. Open again from July 1st, 2019 for summer!
Robata Niseko Naniwatei Embrace an authentic dining experience like no other in Niseko. Open from April 27th through November 30th.
Sekka Lab A superb place to dine with friends and family when visiting Niseko. Closed from April 6th and re-open for summer from April 26th.
Seven Star's Cafe New location with good old delicious casual food options. Open all year round
Somoza An eclectic mix of Japanese crafts, art and antiques blended seamlessly with a Chef's table serving modern Hokkaido cuisine. Closed from April 6th and re-open for summer from April 26th.
Snow Castle Located in Chalet Ivy, come experience an entirely new world of premium modern Japanese cuisine. Operating till May 6th for winter season. Open again from May 21st, 2019 for summer!a
Sushi Shin Master Chef Masaki Miyakawa’s first branch restaurant, offering world-class edomae sushi in the heart of Niseko’s Annupuri resort. Closed till April 26th and re-open on April 27th till May 6th.
Temporada Niseko's finest Tapas Bar and Wine, located in the heart of Hirafu, inside Shiki Niseko. Closed on May 7th and resumes from June 3rd, 2019 for summer season.
Toshiro's Bar -Lounge- The Best of Niseko, Best Apres Ski winner, Toshiro's Bar's sister shop, Toshiro's Bar -Lounge- is located at Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei. Closed till April 19th and re-open on April 20th till May 5th. The summer schedule resumes from July 1st, 2019.
Long Tang Chinese Dim Sum Restaurant. Only here in Niseko! Re-open on April 19th
Niseko Gelato Over 20 kinds of homemade gelato! Open from April 27th
Musu Niseko's favourite apres ski bar & bistro breakfast, lunch and tapas! Closed on May 7th and resumes from July
El Asador Enjoy South American barbecues in the heart of Kutchan downtown. Closed from April 27th and re-open on June 27th

 


Hinode Hills Niseko Village Opens 1st December 2019

“The sun does not know good; the sun does not know bad. The sun illuminates and warms everyone equally. Whoever finds himself is like the sun.” - Japanese proverb

Hinode Hills Niseko Village, the highly anticipated hotel with 79 luxury rooms and suites opens for arrivals on 1st December 2019, and is the latest addition in luxury accommodation to join YTL Hotels’ Niseko Village, alongside The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Hilton Niseko Village, and Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse.

Named to pay homage to the rising sun, the elegantly furnished luxury all-suite hotel is designed with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, unveiling its fine beauty through authenticity, natural forms, and the appreciation for nature. Blending warm contemporary style with authentic Japanese aesthetics, and complemented with luxury hotel services and amenities, your choice of multiple room and suite configurations up to three-bedrooms, provide a host of opportunities suitable for any type of merriment, from romantic getaways to large family vacations.

Situated at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, Hinode Hills occupies a prime position at the heart of Niseko Village with stunning Mount Yotei views, ski-in, ski-out access, an in-house onsen, and a host of ski services available on property. The hotel is also strategically located adjacent to the Upper Village Gondola, which provides guests with the convenience of mobility around the mountain with easy lift access replacing the need to walk, drive or take a shuttle bus.

Services at Hinode Hills are held to the usual high standards of YTL Hotels, with concierge facilities and priority privileges at your doorstep. Being part of an integrated resort managed by Niseko Village, all mountain operations and experiences are designed to be seamless and guests are spoilt for choice with the variety of convivial social settings across diverse dining and retail venues, world-class facilities, indoor and outdoor attractions at The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Hilton Niseko Village, and at the heart of the village itself.

“Hinode Hills raises the bar for luxury developments in Niseko and is committed to providing guests with a truly integrated and seamless experience. You will have the luxury of having your ski school instructors meeting you at your door, to ski-out directly to the ski area and lifts beside the hotel, the convenience of on-site gear rental and the advantage of the gondola beside the hotel to whisk you away to the village dining and shopping area.” says Luke Hurford, Senior Vice President of Strategy at YTL Hotels.

Hinode Hills opens for reservations in April, with the studio unit starting at 40,000 Japanese Yen per night, the two-bedroom units starting at 60,000 Japanese Yen per night, and the three-bedroom suites starting at 80,000 Japanese Yen per night.

About Niseko Village

Nestled at the south base of the 1308m Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village sits within the Niseko united ski area that accesses inter-linked ski resorts boasting a combined 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Often compared to world class ski resorts like Aspen in Colorado and Niseko’s sister city, St. Moritz in Switzerland, Niseko Village comprises of eight exclusive Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse that redefines alpine living, Hilton Niseko Village – voted ‘Best Ski Resort Hotel in Japan’ by World Ski Awards 2013, 2014 and 2015, The Green Leaf Niseko Village, spa and onsen facilities, a dining and retail village hub, the Niseko Village skifield – renowned for its dry champagne powder at low-altitude, variety of ski terrains, the world-class Niseko Village Snow School and Niseko Kids™ programmes.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages with a hospitality footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, and Europe including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world’s best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in Bath to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World’s collection of legendary hotels, was named the 2017 Condé Nast Traveller Awards World’s Top 100. The portfolio also encompasses the ownership management of a number of Marriott properties in Australia, Koh Samui and Kuala Lumpur as well as properties under the brand’s prestigious Autograph Collection banner.

With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Founded in 1955, YTL Corporation Berhad is an integrated infrastructure developer headquartered in Malaysia with extensive operations in its homeland, including Europe, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Jordan and China.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information and follow us on our social media platforms for #TreasuredPlacesTreasuredMoments.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ytlhotels

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ytlhotels

YouTube: www.youtube.com/ytlhotels

IMAGES:

For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com/mediagallery and register for immediate access. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre at +60 3 2783 1000 or email [email protected].

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Luke Hurford

Senior Vice President – Strategy

Email: [email protected]

Jessica Yong

Director, Marketing & Communications

Email: [email protected]


2019-20 Niseko Winter Early Bird Discounts

Book now to enjoy the great saving opportunities for your next winter vacation in Niseko!

Can't wait for the next winter vacation in Niseko? We are, too! If you are looking for some great deals for your 2019-20 winter trip, look no further! Here is a list of some great options around the Niseko area! Many of them are ending soon, so ACT FAST!

 

TELLUS NISEKO SPECIAL OPENING SPECIAL: TELLUS Niseko is raising the bar for luxury accommodation in Niseko. Primely located in Upper Hirafu, it is just minutes away from the Grand Hirafu lifts as well as local restaurants, bars, markets and shops. Celebrate this grand opening with us and save 25% off NOW.

Gear Rental

Ski/Snowboard Lesson


WIN an All-Inclusive Trip to Niseko!

Thanks to Finnair and Experience Niseko, you have the chance to win an all-inclusive trip to Niseko, including return flights, during Winter 2019/20.

To celebrate Finnair’s new direct flights between Helsinki and Sapporo, you can have the chance to win an all-inclusive trip to Niseko in Winter 2019/20.

Enter to win an amazing prize package valued at approximately ¥1,280,000 including the following:

  • 2 x return economy airfares flying Finnair from any airport in Europe which Finnair operates, to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) via Helsinki
  • A 7-night stay for two people in a Skye Niseko one-bedroom suite including daily breakfast at Kumo Restaurant
  • 6-day Grand Hirafu lift passes for two people
  • 6-day GoSnow group ski/snowboard lessons for two people
  • 6-day premium ski/snowboard rental equipment from YamaSport at Skye Niseko
  • 2 x 60-minute Deep Tissue massages at Ryko Spa
  • Return airport transfers for 2 people
  • Dinner for two people at Kumo Restaurant to the value of ¥20,000

Enter TODAY.