Niseko Vibes - Autumn Mix 2017 Released!
Looking for some great tune for autumn? Look no further.
Created by local artist Masaki 'mfp' Konagai, Niseko Vibes presents heart-warming tunes for chilly Niseko fall season. The journey includes a rare Italian library music, contemporary/spiritual jazz, classic Jazz funk, Hip Hop instrumentals, new/old Soul, a cover of classic Japanese soul, Lo-fi house, rare Disco, and more! Enjoy the mix with a beautiful view of autumn leaves!
Kutchan Town Aims to Host G20 Summit in 2019
From Hokkaido News, Saturday, Sep 16th
On Sep 15th, Kutchan Town, located in Shiribeshi prefecture, expressed interest to accommodate G20 summit in 2019. Japan will be the country to host the leaders from 20 countries and regions. Kutchan Town soon will make an official announcement and to seek cooperation from Hokkaido.
Japan was assigned as the next host country at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany back in July. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will be collecting public offers for the venue of the summit meeting. Known as a popular international resort, Niseko Hirafu area contains proficient resources to host foreign VIPs - sufficient accommodation options and various sizes of meeting venues; therefore, it is considered as a qualified candidate.
You can find the original article here (in Japanese only)
Undiscovered Japan 2017 Top Tour Poll
Vote for your favorite tour and get a chance to win a great trip for two!
13 special tourism zones across Japan are working together to promote “Undiscovered Japan” - 2 day 1 night stay plans. Cast your vote for the one that you would like to go the most and get a chance to win a dream trip for two!!
The top tour poll is not just a popularity vote between different tourism zones, but a head to head competition between the specially selected tour plans within the 13 areas. As each “Undiscovered Japan” plan is from different regions throughout Japan, each trip aims to provide the unique experience for the guests and encapsulates the pride of that tourism zone.
Please show your supports to the most exciting tour.Those who voted for the top 3 tours will be able to enter a draw and win a trip for two to experience that magic tour they selected.
Japan Tourism Zones★Top Tour Poll 2017 Website
Voting Period:Friday, 22nd Sept- Sunday, 24th Dec 2017
Top 3 Tour Results will be announced on Friday, 5th Jan 2018 and the winners will be announced on Sunday, 15th Jan 2018.
Winners' travel period: Jan- Jun 2018
※The actual date will be decided after consultation with each set of winners.
Any inquiries, please contact:
The National Tourism Zones Promotion Council
Secretariat : Yatsugatake Tourism Management
Kiyosato 3545-4559, Takane-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi
TEL: 0551-48-3457
E-mail: [email protected]
NISEKO UNITED TRAIL MAP 2017-18
Getting ready for the season?! Here are the 2017-18 opening dates for the Niseko United 4 Resorts:
- Niseko Grand Hirafu: Thursday, 23rd Nov - Sunday, 6th May 2018
- Niseko Annupuri: Saturday, 25th Nov - Sunday, 6th May 2018
- Niseko Village: Friday, 1st Dec - Sunday, 2nd April 2018
- Niseko Hanazono: Saturday, 2nd Dec - Sunday, 8th April 2018
*dates subject to change due to weather condition
You can download the map along with the shuttle schedule:
United shuttle bus schedule 2017-18
Pavilions Hotels Plans Aspirational Projects Across Asia, Europe
Pavilions Hotels and Resorts, a bespoke luxury hospitality brand, has announced a major project in Niseko, an exclusive mountain destination on the Japanese island of Hokkaido.
Nestled in pinewood forests at Ginto Hirafu, with access to premium ski lifts and white powder slopes, The Ginto Residences is a US$100 million (Bt3.3 billion) development comprising a total of 31 private villas, with no single plot measuring less than 1,000 square metres.
It is the first phase of a global project composed of hotel and residential villas in aspirational travel destinations across Asia and Europe. The project breaks ground in October 2017 with a completion date in 2019.
The Pavilions Phuket and The Pavilions Himalayas were the company's first two fully branded developments following the acquisition and renovation of The Pavilions Bali in 2001. Pavilions Hotels & Resorts was formed after subsequent acquisitions in Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, Lisbon and Niseko.
(article source: The Nation)
1st English-speaking Clinic Starting in Niseko in December
In December, the first clinic with English speaking doctors and nurses will open in Yamada district Kutchan Town Shiribeshi prefecture. This will be the first clinic in the district due to increasing foreign patients with ski injury or sudden sickness.
The name of the clinic is "Niseko International Clinic". It's a 2-story building, approximately 300 square meters and located on the Rankoshi Niseko Kutchan line - only a few minutes car ride from the Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort.
The Clinic Director, Dr. Kunitake Moroi (38 years old), who currently works at "Himawari Clinic Kyogoku-cho" will team up with another part-time foreign doctor. Examinations such as x-rays or ultrasounds will be available. All consulting and treatment process will be supported in English. The clinic is planning to open this winter from December to March and aiming to open all year round next year.
You can find the original article here (in Japanese only)
NAC to Open The Largest Tree Trekking Facility in Janpan!
Hokkaido News, Wednesday, Sep 13th
The Niseko Adventure Center (NAC, Kutchan), who handles outdoor activities, like rafting, ducky, mountain biking ,will open a "tree trekking" facility near Niseko Grand Hirafu ski area.
It will become the largest tree trekking facility in Japan and is scheduled to open in early October. The facility is aim to push tourism outside of the winter season in the Niseko area.
Originated from France, tree trekking travels through suspension bridges and ropes and allows participants to moves between trees. There are currently other facilities in Niseko Village, Sapporo, Furano.
The name of the new facility is "NAC Adventure Park" (tentative name). Adjacent to the Grand Hirafu Resort's "Ace family lift", which is also currently under construction, the town-owned forest is about 13,000 square meters.
You can find the original article here (in Japanese only)
JETRO And NPB To Attend 2017 Visit Japan Travel & Mice Mart
The event will take place in Tokyo from 21st Sep till 23rd Sep!
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Niseko Promotion Board (NPB) teams will join force and attend the 2017 Visit Japan Travel & Mice Mart from Thursday, 21st Sep till Saturday, 23rd Sep. The booth number is E02-01, located at the upper right corner of the PR Seller area.
Please come to the booth to receive any information to promote the Niseko area, plan a media trip for the upcoming season or just say hi!
What's Niseko? Here Is Your Answer In A Snapshot!
This useful infographic explains Niseko in 10 seconds!
First time coming to Niseko and don't know what the area is all about? This snapshot of Niseko, prepared by Niseko United, provides a quick overview explaining Niseko in the easiest way! You can download the image here.
There are four resorts for visitors to enjoy. Here are the opening dates for 2017-18 season:
- Niseko Grand Hirafu: Thursday, 23rd Nov
- Niseko Annupuri: Saturday, 25th Nov
- Niseko Village: Friday, 1st Dec
- Niseko Hanazono: Saturday, 2nd Dec
*dates subject to change due to weather condition
There are many different types of accommodation services suitable for all the different travel needs and plenty of fun activities and places to explore around the area.
Make sure to check out our What's On and Things To Do sections to find out what to do do during your visit. Feel free to reach out to the Niseko Promotion Board team should you have any questions.
Hokkaido Tourism Management confirmed as manager for luxury Skye Niseko development.
Summit Properties have announced the appointment of Hokkaido Tourism Management (HTM KK), the leading Niseko-based management company, as the hotel operator for their landmark development Skye Niseko.
Lucas Fuller, CEO of Summit Properties & Matt Dening, Managing Director of HTM, formally confirmed the arrangement on September 6, 2 017. Skye Niseko will be the first privately owned condominium-hotel located entirely within the Hokkaido National park. The property’s unique location, positioned above the village of Hirafu, forms the basis of the exclusive Skye Niseko experience, and provides skiers with direct ski in–ski out access to all major Grand Hirafu lift systems.
Due for completion in Q3 2018, Skye Niseko features 105 apartments & penthouses and extensive amenities including Hirafu’s largest restaurant & bar, delicatessen & coffee shop, onsen, spa, fitness centre, ski valet and a substantial retail offering including ski and snowboard rental.
Mr. Fuller said “The selection of the manager to deliver on our vision for this best-in-class development was made after an extensive regional and international selection process. HTM’s leading position in the local market where they operate a number of Niseko’s premier brands, including hotel and condominium management, transport and ski school made them a clear choice for Skye Niseko and we are very pleased to have engaged them in this critical role.”
Mr. Dening commented “We feel privileged to be appointed to manage Skye Niseko, it is a testament to the abilities and dedication of all our staff over many years. Skye Niseko sets many firsts for the Niseko area, not least being the first property situated entirely in the National Park and of course the location benefits this brings. Skye Niseko represents a new phase for the resort and Hirafu village, an exciting combination of services, unparalleled location and exceptional design. We look forward to delivering exceptional holiday and ownership experiences in this wonderful building."
The iconic location has been enhanced through designs provided by the combination of two premier architectural practices, Architectus of Australia and ISA Architects of Japan. Interior design, embracing a Japanese aesthetic blended with practical luxury, is supplied by both Pike Withers of Australia and global hotel interiors specialist Wilson Associates.
Unit owners of Skye Niseko will also benefit directly from being part of the ‘Niseko Owners Club’. This club entitles owners to a range of benefits provided by HTM and the resort including discounts on lift passes, lesson, rentals and more.