Free “Niseko Tourism Wi-Fi” Service in Collaboration with FON Launches in Niseko
Starting from March 2019, the Wi-Fi routers will be installed to the area’s premises accordingly!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Niseko, Japan - March 2019 - The Niseko Promotion Board is pleased to announce that the organisation decided to implement a free Wi-Fi service, which has been developed as a Wi-Fi infrastructure business in the Niseko area operating since 2015, as “Niseko Tourism Wi-Fi” to enhance its business capabilities in information provision.
The Niseko Promotion Board (Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido; hereinafter referred to as the NPB) and FON Japan (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), a subsidiary company operated in Japan by the world's largest Wi-Fi service operator Fon Wireless, Ltd., have jointly started a project to provide free Wi-Fi services for visitors, especially for inbound tourists, to make the whole “Niseko” tourism area in Hokkaido an established Wi-Fi accessible resort since 2015.
Niseko is a famed travel destination now for its world-renowned powder snow “JAPOW” which attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all around the globe. The area has also been growing as a year-round resort with full of tourism resources including the majestic scenery of Mt. Yotei (1,898m above sea level) which rises across from the Niseko mountain range, a wide variety of outdoor activities and “onsen” hot springs, and exceptionally fresh cuisine.
Through the project, the latest high-performance Wi-Fi routers provided by FON, of which more than 20 million hotspots are in service in over 200 countries, will be installed in accommodation facilities such as hotels, condominiums, restaurants, and activity facilities in the Niseko area free of charge. As a result, not only can each facility set up a global brand Wi-Fi service at no cost, guests can also use the free Wi-Fi while using and staying in the facility. Those premises will also benefit from the FON’s high profile overseas as well as a great convenience provided by the service which can give a boost in attracting more inbound tourists. Moreover, using FON's log-in functions on Google, Facebook and so on enable guests to use Wi-Fi safely without bothersome procedures such as personal information registration. Through the improvement of the Wi-Fi environment in the Niseko area, the NPB expects to enhance the digital experience of the staying guests and utilise various statistical information obtained from the users for the area marketing.
Starting from March 2019, the Wi-Fi routers will be installed to the area’s premises accordingly, and approximately 200 facilities in the Niseko area will be equipped with the latest Wi-Fi devices by the end of the year. It is planned that 50 to 100 new routers to be installed every year to expand the service area in the future.
※ Please see here about installed facilities.
- About FONWith an ambition of "covering the world with Wi-Fi”, FON was founded in February 2006 by a serial entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky. The FON's community Wi-Fi, in which the users agree and can use other members' hotspots, has expanded as a unique crowdsourcing approach and grown to become a world's most extensive Wi-Fi network with over 20 million hotspots. Partner carriers include BT (UK), Deutsche Telekom (Germany), Vodafone (Spain, Italy), SFR (France), KPN (the Netherlands), Proximus (Belgium), NOS (Portugal), Netia (Poland), Cosmote (Greece), MTC (Russia), Oi (Brazil), KT (Korea), Telstra (Australia), MWEB (South Africa) and many more. Some world leading companies, such as Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, ITOCHU Corporation, Atomico, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital to name a few, are investing in this distinguished Wi-Fi enterprise.
With an ambition of "covering the world with Wi-Fi”, FON was founded in February 2006 by a serial entrepreneur Martin Varsavsky. The FON's community Wi-Fi, in which the users agree and can use other members' hotspots, has expanded as a unique crowdsourcing approach and grown to become a world's most extensive Wi-Fi network with over 20 million hotspots. Partner carriers include BT (UK), Deutsche Telekom (Germany), Vodafone (Spain, Italy), SFR (France), KPN (the Netherlands), Proximus (Belgium), NOS (Portugal), Netia (Poland), Cosmote (Greece), MTC (Russia), Oi (Brazil), KT (Korea), Telstra (Australia), MWEB (South Africa) and many more. Some world leading companies, such as Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, ITOCHU Corporation, Atomico, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital to name a few, are investing in this distinguished Wi-Fi enterprise.
FON website:https://fon.ne.jp/
- About Niseko Promotion BoardThe Niseko Promotion Board (NPB) is a non-profit, member-based marketing and sales organisation representing the Niseko area. Formed in 2007, the Niseko Promotion Board is responsible for promoting the resort as an international, year-round destination with the goal of increasing overnight visitation. The Niseko Promotion Board represents more than 1,000 member companies and individuals who own, manage and operate properties, hotels, restaurants, activities and retail shops in the area.
Fifteen elected individuals and six appointees represent the various sector interests on the 21-member Board of Directors. Membership fees are the primary source of funding for the worldwide marketing and sales initiatives that the Niseko Promotion Board manages and directs, supplemented by net income from sponsorship, advertising and financing.
NPB website: http://www.nisekotourism.com
■ Contact
Niseko Promotion Board
TEL：0136-21-2551 E-mail：[email protected]
The Best of Niseko 2018/19 Goes To...
The Following Amazing Local Spots.
Thank you for participating and voting for your favourites for the Best of Niseko Awards 2018/19. Now running for its second year, the Best of Niseko Awards celebrates the best that the resort has to offer. The 5 categories this year are: Best Coffee, Best Food (restaurant, cafe, food truck), Best Apres Ski (nightlife, bar), Best Retail (shop, gallery) and Best Newcomer (any category).
The shortlisted nominees were selected by an advisory committee of panelists, and the winners selected by an open public online voting system. Congratulations to the winners and a massive thank you to everyone who joined this time. See you next time!
GOYOH, Exclusive Liftstyle Concierge Launched!
Get exclusive access to premium products and services in Japan.
Taking Japanese Hospitality to the Next Level
Launching in late 2018 in Niseko, the home of luxury winter travel, GOYOH is an exclusive concierge service aimed at the high net worth international tourism market. GOYOH is an IT interface that provides online consultancy for luxury lifestyle services to cater to the needs of high net worth individuals. Connecting affluent overseas guests to Japan’s state of the art service providers, we offer the next generation of hospitality.
Although our mindset and audience are global, GOYOH’s connections are local. By building a trusted network of the nation’s most innovative figures including Japanese developers, hospitality operators, and artisans, we have been able to offer access to some of Japan’s most authentic, unforgettable and hard to access cultural experiences.
How GOYOH Can Make Your Stay in Japan Better
GOYOH’s services cover all areas of your stay from shopping, activities, fine dining to booking or buying a vacation home in Japan. Through our interface customers get access to an exclusive world of Japanese hospitality that will make your stay truly remarkable and hassle-free.
We offer carefully selected high end and high performance beauty and lifestyle products from renowned Japanese and international brands. Many of which only very exclusively available on our platform such as our assorted collection of highly praised Japanese whisky and sake. Top whiskeys are becoming increasingly hard to get a hold of, and are only sold at international auction houses or through private sellers.
The best thing is: We deliver directly to your holiday residence in Japan. Even after your departure back home, GOYOH’s convenient service makes it even easier to stay in touch with Japan and international shipping to your home address can be arranged as well.
In addition, GOYOH has access to Japan’s top end restaurants many of which have been rewarded with Michelin stars and high international ratings. Only the finest ingredients are used to preserve the taste of each season and celebrate life and its beauty. Every plate resembles a fine painting with every detail carefully arranged.
Well Connected
With connections in the real-estate world, the GOYOH universe is truly multifaceted; it’s a one-stop shop for real estate, luxury hospitality and branded residences. Guests can book a stay at one of the luxury vacation homes offered by Kasara Residence, Orchards Niseko, Panorama, AYA Villas and more in the prime skiing locations in Niseko, and are also offered access to exclusive beauty services, retail opportunities, and of course culinary experiences.
Entries Roll in for Niseko’s New Short Film Festival
Take a sneak peak one of the entries already received for the Niseko Shootout Short Film Fest – Winterfox by Roxy sponsored skier Lena Stoffel.
Excitement is starting to build for the inaugural festival with some amazing movies already submitted and the official festival venue announced. The Hanazono 308 resort base building will host the event on Saturday, March 16, with free shuttle buses ferrying viewers from Hirafu to Hanazono.
A dozen or more of the best films as selected by a panel of legendary judges will be shown with prizes ¥100,000 and Niseko resort lift passes.
The event will be fully catered by the famous Niseko Pizza and is sure to be a great night out showcasing Niseko and the talent it’s cultivating. Grab your friends and make a night of it!
Winterfox_Teaser from Lena Stoffel on Vimeo.
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
The Shootout judges are looking for short, creative films that tell a story about Niseko. They don’t have to be Oscar winning standard – they just need to be put together with passion and whatever technical skills you have available to you. There are several categories: Person Profile, Culture, Nature/Environment, Park Riding, and Adventure/Exploration.
Registration is free and open from now until film submission deadline March 5.
Head over to the event webpage for full registration details and film guidelines.
Veuve Clicquot "In the Snow" to Take Place in Niseko for The First Time in Japan!
Pop-up lounge will be open in the globally recognised ski resort from 1st to 10th March 2019
It was announced that Veuve Clicquot In the Snow, a stylish seasonal event which has been adding lustre to ski resorts all around the globe, will be held for the first time in Japan for the 2019 winter season. The brand is distributed worldwide by the LVMH group including MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo K.K. in Tokyo, Japan.
Niseko, as a popular international ski resort, is proud to host Japan's first In the Snow between 1-10 March 2019 at cafés, lounges and restaurants in the resort area. Enjoy the luxury champagnes including their flagship product Yellow Label in a pleasant venue full of chic surprises.
With the theme of "Hygge" - a Danish cultural concept and value of warm, happy coziness and togetherness - Veuve Clicquot In the Snow will offer a variety of hospitality in which all the visitors can relish a comfortable and relaxing moment.
Don’t miss the chance to drop in a Veuve Clicquot pop-up lounge which will be open in Restaurant & Cafe Tanta An, located at the gondola station in the middle of the slopes in Niseko Grand Hirafu. Savour a glass or bottle of Yellow/Rose Labels and Rich on the terrace or in the restaurant. Special set menus and Verve Clicquot Special Gondola Wrapping will also be available. And Verve Cliquot champagne can be served by the glass, ask the restaurant for marriage suggestions at the Asperges in HANAZONO ski resort during 2 - 10 March.
Having kept their tradition and the finest quality, Veuve Clicquot continues to attract people with its elegant and playful sensibility. Come join us to cherish the winter season boldly coloured with exquisite Veuve Clicquot in the beautiful snowy world.
Let Life surprise you!
Only one quality, the finest - Veuve Clicquot
Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot is a prestigious Champagne House. With a demand for quality driven by Madame Clicquot, the House stays true to its heritage and is proud of its motto: "Only one quality, the finest"
Read more Brand History
www.veuveclicquot.com
facebook.com/veuveclicquot
instagram.com/veuveclicquot
twitter.com/veuveclicquot
#LiveClicquot
Inquiries:
Veuve Clicquot PR Office (SUNNY SIDE UP Inc.)
Attn: Shimizu, Takeda
Email: [email protected] TEL：03-6894-3200 FAX：03-5413-3050
Introducing "Kitchen" by Yuichi Kamimura
Yuichi Kamimura, the chef behind one of Niseko's best and most famous restaurants KAMIMURA has an exciting new venue now open at Hyatt House Niseko.
Officially open on Feb 2nd, 2019, "Kitchen" initially started as an extension of Kamimura’s existing kitchen. Soon the Kamimura team realized the new location of the restaurant was more than perfect for them as they would be able to offer their guests a more intimate and more personal dining experience. The 30-seat restaurant offers contemporary western / Japanese cuisine is surrounded by a picturesque landscape overlooking the Annupuri mountain range.
"Kitchen" offers the a la carte menu and can arrange an ‘Omakase’ menu on request at 10,000 yen / person. Groups of 6 people or more will only be able to choose the ‘Omakase’ menu.
Operation Hours in winter
18:00 to 23:00 (last order for food at 22:00)
Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays)
Contact
Telephone: +81 (0)136-21-3200
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.kitchen-niseko.com
Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/kitchen/reserve
2019-20 Good Luck Trip Hokkaido Now Available!
Find out more about what you can do, eat and explore in Niseko during non-winter season!
Published by Hokkaido Shimbun Press, 2019-20 “Good Luck Trip Hokkaido” issue is now available. You can find all the non-winter season information about Niseko, including accommodations, activities, events, dining & overall area updates in English, Chinese & Thai.
This magazine will be distributed in Niseko area and also in popular tourist spots & expos internationally and domestically. You can also read it in the official resort APP, Niseko, "E-guide" section.
The New Capsule Hotel "First Cabin Niseko" Opened!
Modeled on first class plane cabins, guests can enjoy a first class experience on a budget!
Japan’s luxury capsule hotel chain, First Cabin, has opened in Niseko for those wanting a first class experience on an economy budget.
This hotel is modeled on airline first class cabins complete with pajamas and noise cancelling headphones. Powder chasers coming to Niseko will love First Cabin and not just for the cheaper prices.
Each of the 169 capsules has a flat screen television, 120 centimeter widened, power outlet, safety box and free wifi. There’s a hot spring onsen using the famous "Kogane" hot spring water from Rankoshi Town, a 24 hour front desk, a big dining area/restaurant and free shuttle service to the ski resorts (about 10 minutes away).
If you’re traveling with friends or a family then you can upgrade to a Premium Class Cabin that features a king size bed (or two bunk beds) plus a sofa bed. These larger cabins also come with a coffee machine and fridge.
You can find more detailed info on First Cabin Niseko HERE. Prices start from ¥7,000 a night.
Patagonia Films Presents Treeline: A Story Written in Rings
Now available in full for the first time!
Quietly, patiently, trees endure. They are the oldest living beings we come to know during our time on earth, living bridges into our planet’s expansive past. Treeline is a film celebrating the forests on which our species has always depended—and around which some skiers and snowboarders etch their entire lives.
Follow a group of skiers, snowboarders, scientists and healers to the birch forests of Japan, the red cedars of British Columbia and the bristle cones of Nevada, as they explore an ancient story written in rings. READ MORE.
Directed by Jordan Manley
Supported by Gentemstick, Niseko United, Niseko Tourism & MnK Niseko
2018-19 Niseko Shootout Japow ProAm Begins!
Pep Fujas, Torah Bright and an all-star cast of pros and amateurs look set for a challenging start to the inaugural Niseko Shootout Japow ProAM.
The Japow ProAM is one of three categories under the 2018-19 Niseko Shootout photo and film competition banner.
A total of 25 professional and amateur athlete-photographer teams will take to the mountains in and around Niseko between January 10-14 with the aim of capturing the best photo of the period, with ¥200,000 (US$2,000) up for grabs.
Contest organiser Winstead Heyward said with very little powder expected during the contest window, skiers, riders and photographers
would have to get creative in order to nail the winning shot.
“That’s the beauty of this competition – it’s held on set dates so teams have to work with whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at
them,” Heyward said.
“While there may not be many fresh tracks to be found in-resort, there is endless backcountry and lots of different terrain in and around
Niseko that competitors will be able to work with to get amazing powder shots.
“And there are plenty of ways to access it too – snow cat, snowmobile, heli or just old-fashioned hiking.”
Pro Teams
| TEAM SPONSOR | ATHLETE | PHOTOGRAPHER |
|---|---|---|
| Caldera Guides | Julian Carr | Eric Sales |
| The Niseko Company | Jesse Parkinson | Shane Peel |
| The Niseko Company | Jye Parkinson | Shane Peel |
| Aaron Jamieson Photography | Robin van gyn | Aaron Jamieson |
| AJ Gallery Niseko | Aimee Fuller | Aaron Jamieson |
| Powderlife | Lena Stoffel | Aaron Jamieson |
| Powderlife | Torah Bright | Aaron Jamieson |
| Oyuki Japan | Pep Fujas | Darren Teasdale |
| Oyuki Japan | Tim Mcchesney | Darren Teasdale |
| Independent | Kimmy Fasani | Oscar Enander |
| Independent | Chris Benchetler | Oscar Enander |
| Independent | Jamie Anderson | Mike Yoshida |
Amateur Teams
| TEAM SPONSOR | ATHLETE | PHOTOGRAPHER |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Core Snow Sports | Jonas Eibenstein | George Treble |
| Hanazono | Evan Wilcox | Daniel Honda |
| Yama Plus | Toshi Pander | Jimi Oertli |
| Nisade | James Wisniewski | Alex Bradbury |
| Independent | James Winfield | Teddy Laycock |
| Niseko Black | Juan Berthold | Toni Rodriguez |
| Niseko Black | Aron Hayes | Casey Purdie |
| Dragon Alliance | Sam Nelson | Sam Ingles |
| Independent | Saki Hayashi | Nolan Yoshiaki Isozaki |
| Yama Plus | Cody Scheffelmaier | Brendan Lugg |
| Hokkaido Core Snow Sports | Cameron Bell | Bosh Bowyer-knight |
| Independent | Reilly McGlashan | Winse Heyward |
| Independent | Diana King | Winse Heyward |
Voting & judging
The public judging will take place over another five days between January 17 and 21 – voting is by liking photos that will be uploaded
into the Japow ProAM photo album on Niseko Tourism’s Facebook page! Voting ends at 23:59 on Jan 21st! So VOTE!
Winners will be announced on January 22.
For more info, SEE HERE.
