The exquisite beauty of snow-covered landscapes fused with the idyllic charm of the Japanese mountain village countryside is a winter holiday setting that only Niseko can offer. Thanks to its near-perfect skiing conditions, pristine powder, magnificent peaks, and natural hot spring baths, the once simple potato-farming village is now considered the skiing mecca of the country, and perhaps the entire continent.
Niseko now hosts a myriad of high-class accommodations all suited to satisfy the taste of elite travelers. For those looking to experience the white-washed wonders of this breathtaking winter destination, here is a list of our top 10 luxury hotels in Niseko:
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Zaborin
All of Zaborin’s 15 villa suites come with private indoor and outdoor onsens. Image: zaborin.com
Hidden in the midst of untouched forest, Zaborin offers one of the most intimate, tranquil, and exclusive accommodations in Niseko. This Ryokan’s 15 villa suites all feature their own private indoor and outdoor onsens sourced from a gensen kakenagashi, the rarest and most prized type of hot spring.
Another highlight of the place is its well-acclaimed culinary offerings described as the northern version of kaiseki. Using fresh produce sourced from the local farmers, it aims to redefine the local cuisine into a world-class dining experience.
Website: zaborin.com/en
Location: 76-4 Hanazono Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan 044-0084
Nearest ski resort: Hanazono Resort (0.9 km away)
Onsen facility: comes with room accommodation
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Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Bessou MOKU NO SHO
A foot massage at Moku No Sho comes with the sound of rushing river waters. Image: mokunosho.com
A stay at Moku No Sho is accompanied by the sound of water flowing from the Momiji waterfalls down to the Anebetsu river. This popular resort is located at the foot of Mt. Yotei, Niseko’s most iconic peak.
While the surrounding natural landscape is easily among its best features, Moku No Sho has also much to offer within its actual walls. Its warm, classic-Japanese style interiors conceal a spa, a cafe and bar, a fireplace lounge with a library, a shop, and a selection of rooms with private outdoor baths. But the guest favorite is definitely the foot bath terrace where you will be pampered with a foot massage while listening to the sound of the river waters and the fresh outdoors.
Website: mokunosho.com/en
Location: 393 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511 Japan
Nearest ski resort: Moiwa Ski Resort (1.1 km away)
Onsen facility: available in the hotel
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The Vale Niseko
The view of the ski run from the TV room of The Vale’s 3-bedroom suite. Image: nisekoalpineaccommodation.com
To win the title of World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel is certainly one proud accomplishment, but to be given the award for 4 consecutive years is something else. And yet, that is a claim that The Vale Niseko can factually state. This world-famous hotel sits along Hirafu’s best ski run and offers personalized services, stylish dining experiences, and impressive alpine views.
The hotel has 49 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. From here, guests can enjoy views of Mt. Yotei and convenient access to ski lifts.
Website: nisekoalpineaccommodation.com/en/accommodation/property/vale-niseko/
Location: 166-9 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-Cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido JAPAN 044-0081
Onsen facility: available within the resort
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Skye Niseko
The sleek modern exterior of Skye Niseko stands out from its winter-white surrounding. Image: skyeniseko.com
Conceived by some of the world’s top designers, this impressive glass-covered complex is fully equipped for ski-in, ski-out enjoyment. The Skye Niseko promises all-in-one accommodation for skiing vacationers housing its own onsens, restaurant, cafe, gym, spa, and shop. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s exclusive ski valet and rental services as well as a 24-hour concierge.
Suites range from studio units to 3-bedroom suites while penthouses are available for elite guests. The interiors combine the sleek, modern look with a subtle touch of traditional Japanese.
Website: skyeniseko.com
Location: 204-7 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, 044-0081
Onsen facility: available in the hotel
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Aya Niseko
Aya Niseko enjoys direct access to one of the best ski runs in the area. Image: ayaniseko.com
This stylish apartment-style hotel built in 2016 is right at the base of a popular ski run in central Hirafu and has established a reputation among luxury vacationers at Niseko.
In addition to its direct access to the major ski run, Aya Niseko has a wide range of accommodation and exquisite interior and exterior design. The place also features an in-house yoga center, a gym, a spa, a restaurant, and a kid’s club. One of the highlights of the place is its private onsen baths with mineral-rich heated waters sourced from 700 meters underground.
Website: ayaniseko.com
Location: 195-1 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan 044- 0081
Onsen facility: available in the hotel
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Kiniseko (Key Niseko)
Partially covered with snow, a jacuzzi tempts guests at the Key Niseko penthouse. Image: kiniseko.com
A gorgeous, boutique-style hotel with hotel rooms, condos, and a massive penthouse, and with stunning views of the Hokkaido scenery, Key Niseko holds claim to the title of Japan’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel. The establishment enjoys close proximity to the slopes and the high-speed cable car at the Grand Hirafu Ski Resort hence the tagline: “The boutique ski-in ski-out boutique hotel with doorstep access to Niseko’s world famous snow.”
Key Niseko is also known for its food courtesy of its restaurant and cafe and bar. The hotel also has its own onsen bath facility complete sauna and plunge pool.
Website: kiniseko.com
Location: 183-43 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, 044-0081
Onsen facility: available in the hotel
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Hilton Niseko Village
The Hilton Niseko Village with the snow capped Mt Yotei as a backdrop. Image: www3.hilton.com
It’s a familiar name, and reliable for consistent luxury, the same is true of the Hilton’s presence in the Niseko Village Resort. This multi-time winner of the World Ski Awards’ “Japan’s Best Ski Hotel,” is right smack next to the gondola, zipping you up the mountain in 7 minutes.
Aside from being in the center of the skiing galore, the hotel also boasts extravagant amenities which include a horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, a gym, and a spa. The Hilton also houses a number of function halls. The 13-storey high Hokkaido ballroom can accommodate up to 800 people.
Guests also enjoy access to the resort’s golf course, a selection of dining experiences and, and a large outdoor onsen facility.
Website: www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/japan/hilton-niseko-village-CTSNVHI/index.html
Location: Abuta-gun, Niseko-cho, Higashiyama Onsen, Japan, 048-1592
Onsen facility: available within the resort
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The Green Leaf Niseko Village
The rustic yet stylish interior of the Goshiki restaurant at The Green Leaf hotel. Image: thegreenleafhotel.com
Another recognizable establishment within the Niseko Village, The Green Leaf comes in to fill the last spot on our list. This similarly award-winning hotel sits at the foot of Mt. Niseko Annupuri offering excellent ski-in-ski-out accommodation during winters and outdoor activities during summer.
The interiors of The Green Leaf features hand-drawn works of Niseko’s famed local artist and affords unobstructed views of Mt. Yotei. The hotel’s guests can enjoy access to the resort’s facilities including its mineral-rich onsen and top-class golf course.
Website: thegreenleafhotel.com/en/index.html
Location: Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1592, Japan
Onsen facility: available within the resort
If you prefer a completely exclusive luxury accommodation that is ideal for families or groups, then check out our list of the 10 Most Luxurious Chalets You Could Rent in Niseko.
