lemiOpposites attract in Japan—ancient traditions fuse with advanced technology while minimalism meets kitsch
Après Ski and Beyond!
Niseko
Niseko is a skiers’ paradise—not just for their slopes, but for the variety of after- or après-ski activities nearby. During winter, the powdery snow brings pilgrims from far and wide to ski. Majority of its population is transient, coming and going with the seasons. In the summer, golf and rafting offer a different thrill. Niseko’s year-long charm rests in the hospitable locals that welcome guests with open arms into the small towns. Always, Japanese culture and hospitality shine through each place, whether it’s at an onsen (hot spring bath) or in a steaming bowl of ramen.
Plunge appetite-first into a food coma over Asahikawa Ramen Tozanken’s giant bowl of steaming noodles—and tall mug of cold beer. Finish it all and see your stomach swell to rival the Niseko Annupuri mountain. The noodle shop’s owner hails from the city of Asahikawa, Hokkaido, quite known for its own ramen—particularly in Shoyu-based (soy sauce) broth. Compared to other noodle types, Asahikawa ramen uses thin, wavy ones on the springier side. Brave the line for a taste of the Specially-made Asahikawa Ramen in wintry Niseko. The hot broth, budget-friendly prices, and friendly service will warm you up from the imposing cold.
- +81 136 23 4549
190-14 Aza Yamada, Abuta-gun, Kutchan-cho, Hokkaido, Japan
倶知安町字山田 190-14
The Japanese Katsu-Curry at King Bell Hut (a mid-slope rest stop) is also a worthy contender! A thick pork cutlet, breaded and fried, lies atop a bed of freshly steamed rice and curry sauce. King Bell Hut, right on the slopes of Niseko, has a bevy of Japanese classics to choose from. After your meal, warm yourself up with a cup of coffee that you can get either from the special dessert and drinks corner (which we recommend, since they have better coffee and a separate checkout), or the drinks machine found within the area. It tends to get crowded here at times, so secure a good seat by heading down early!
- +81 136 22 0109
Grand Hirafu Resort, 204 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
ヒラフゴンドラ山頂駅舎横- https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/restaurant/kingbell.html
The mountain views of Niseko are best paired with a soul-soothing cup of coffee at The Day: Mountain Kiosk Coffee Stand. When counter space is scarce, their small deck is a fun perch to revisit your ski runs while looking out on the winter wonderland. Hirafu Welcome Center is right next door and the coffee shack receives and sends off skiers with a recharged spring in their step. The caffeine will give you a kick for sure, but the enveloping flavors of their roast seeps deep into the palate. The little café is owned by Ihara Hiromasa, a pro-snowboarder, who grew up in nearby Kutchan, just a town over. His collaborator is a former city-slicker turned roaster, and also the man behind Takano Coffee. Their tandem gives Mountain Kiosk the charm and excellence to be Niseko’s best cup of coffee.
- +81 136 22 3735
204-30 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
〒044-0081 北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田204−30- https://www.facebook.com/mountainkioskcoffee/
Milk Kobo calls out to sweet tooths like a siren at sea. Everything at the local dessert shop is done meticulously by hand, from the raising and milking of the cows at Takahashi Dairy Farm to the baking and filling of the cream puffs—and it shows. Their cream puffs are light and crisp on the outside but dense with luscious vanilla cream inside. Cheesecake tarts are buttery and decadent, creme brûléed on top. Even in freezing weather, their soft serve ice cream is always a good idea!
- +81 136 44 3734
888-1 Aza Soga, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
ニセコ町曽我８８８−１- https://www.niseko-takahashi.jp/milkkobo/
Continuing with our sweet streak, Green Saso is a quaint guesthouse and café that dabbles in Japanese green tea. Stephanie, along with her husband Junichiro, make Green Saso a home—not just for them, but every visitor that comes. The café is intimate enough to be your own living room, dining room, and kitchen. Settle in and learn from the master. Stephanie is a certified Japanese green tea sommelier, curating a menu of desserts and drinks for their café. Deepen your connection with your ski buddies over a quiet afternoon in; learn about Japanese tea; and bring home a beautiful tea set!
- +81 136 55 5934
59-35 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan-cho Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
倶知安町樺山 59-35- http://greensaso.com/
Winding down, melt into the hot spring waters of Yukoro Onsen. Soak in the natural properties of the water, said to enhance relaxation and beautifies the skin. Hot springs and communal bath houses are a local tradition that lives on to this day. The stark difference between the frigid air and warm waters creates a steamy, misty atmosphere. When it snows, the outdoor bath is an enchanting sight to behold. On heavy snow days, the stone grotto that fringes the pool is buried under a bed of white. Make sure to bring your own towels. There are available ones for rent (so are lockers), but it save the money for something else—like a beer from their vending machine!
- +81 136 23 3434
163-53 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
倶知安町山田163-53- http://www.n43.net/onsen/niseko/juel/
At Niseko Foot, the skillful hands of their masseuses unravel your body’s tight muscles hyped by the thrill skiing. The massage parlor is tucked within Hotel Alpen, quite near the main lifts. Their reflexology massages target spots on your foot you may not have known were sore due to a fun-filled day skiing. They also offer entire body treatments for a relaxing hour, from the inside out and from the base of your neck to the soles of your feet.
- +81 136 22 1224
204 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
- https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/nisekofoot/index_e.html
- Check rates and book
A red cabin amidst the white snow, warm and inviting, draws skiers inside for a hot cocoa, warm sake, or mulled wine by the fire. This is 1000m Hut. A fiery furnace radiates heat throughout the cabin. Skiers shed their sodden gloves and bonnets to lay by the fire. If it weren’t for the metal furnace, the wooden interiors and picnic tables hardly feel like winter. 1000m Hut is all the way atop the Central Chair Lifts, overlooking a breathtaking view of Niseko and beyond.
- +81 136 22 0109
Grand Hirafu Resort, 204 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
倶知安町字山田 204- https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/restaurant/hut.html
After a night-ski, hit the bars of Niseko. Bar-Gyu is a cheeky bar that will make you squeeze into a refrigerator door. Inside though, a warm, jazzy cabin with wide windows ease you into the night gently. By the bar, there are shelves of records just tempting you to peruse. Most chairs are just wide wooden stools so you can’t really lounge, but something about Bar-Gyu invites you to settle in. Whisky, cocktails, and a forest view—it’s a perfect nightcap in the skiers’ paradise of Niseko.
- +81 136 23 1432
167-21, Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
倶知安町字山田167-21- https://www.gyubar.com/
The closest to urban nightlife in rural Niseko is Edge Bar, a club that pulses with music, dancing, and all sorts of mayhem. In a tipsy state, the quilted sofas and exposed concrete walls are trendy enough to be at any nightclub around the globe. A live DJ takes the helm and leads the crowd into an adrenaline high, riding the hype of the ski trails into the club. The difference is the atmosphere, with a smaller, tight knit crowd in Niseko, every party is like a basement party at a friend’s house.
- +81 136 25 4354
167-10 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan
- https://www.facebook.com/edgebarniseko/
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