Hokkaido is an outdoors destination. Visitors generally arrive expecting to spend most of their waking hours amidst nature since the island is known for this. In the winter, serious skiers and beginners alike flock to the ski slopes just near the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio. There are easy slopes for new skiers and steep slopes for the serious downhill skiers.

Outside of winter, visitors head for the hills and parks for hikes and cycling. Hokkaido is a trekker’s paradise, full of beautiful trails without crowds.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN AT THE KIRORO TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL IN HOKKAIDO

On our recent stay at the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio, we generally fell into this same enjoyable pattern. I spent my mornings on a Segway, zipping through the forests. In the afternoons, we explored some hiking trails. One of the most popular things to do in Kiroro in the summer is to do a short hike to a waterfall.

However, one day, I felt like just relaxing and doing something creative for a change. This was when the concierge said to me: “Why don’t you do some crafts at our Activity Center?”

ARTS AND CRAFTS AT THE ACTIVITY CENTER

The Kiroro Tribute Portfolio has a large activity center that’s the hub for all the fun indoors and outdoors. However, I said: “Crafts at the activity center? Isn’t that just for kids?”

The concierge replied: “Not at all. Of course we have a lot of children signing up for crafts. However, adults can also do all kinds of crafts. Many people end up enjoying these activities actually. Arts and crafts are probably therapeutic.”

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Taking his word for it, I decided to sign up for arts and crafts at the activity center. The crafts room is a bright and airy room with a center table filled with materials.

Participants choose a space for themselves and select what they wish to make from a list of options. Of course, there were several children hard at work on decorating music boxes and candles. Interestingly, I was not the only adult who’d decided to stay indoors for a change and get creative.

PAINTING CUPS AND SAUCERS IN HOKKAIDO

I chose to design my own cup and saucer, thinking this would be a good and practical memory of my stay at the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel. For this, I got a plain cup and saucer and a set of watercolor markers.

I couldn’t believe it. I said to the lady in charge of the crafts room: “We only use watercolor markers? How is this possible?”

She smiled at me and said: “The watercolor markers are non-toxic so they’re safe to use. At the same time, the color clings quite nicely to the pottery. Just make sure not to smudge your designs.”

I spent about two hours designing my cup and saucer. It was so easy to get engrossed in this task. As the concierge said, crafts are really therapeutic.

THE BEST SOUVENIR OF HOKKAIDO

When I was done, the lady carefully placed my masterpieces into a box. “When you get home, bake this in the oven for several minutes and then your cup and saucer will be fine.” She included a sheet of simple instructions along with this.

The cup and saucer turned out fine, as she promised. I use these everyday. And whenever I do, I always remember my enjoyable holiday at the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Hokkaido.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Hokkaido in Travelife Magazine.

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Hokkaido is an outdoors destination all year round. Visitors go skiing during the long winter and then hike and bike the rest of the year. As most of the activities are outdoors, many dining options are also outside. Everyone in these parts loves going on picnics or sitting on benches in parks with a snack.

WHERE TO GO FOR BARBECUE IN HOKKAIDO

Meanwhile, families who visit Hokkaido never leave without having at least one barbecue dinner. It’s the quintessential Hokkaido experience, to hold a barbecue under the stars.

Of course, we were part of the majority who were keen to experience a summer evening barbecue dinner at the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Hokkaido. This is quite famous all over Japan because the ingredients from Hokkaido are considered the best quality of food. Then there’s the fact that the weather in the summer is just amazing. You want to sit outdoors all night long.

DINNER AT THE KIRORO TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO

The Kiroro Tribute Portfolio offers a summer evening barbecue on the terrace of the hotel. It’s very popular among guests and locals, so bookings are required in advance. The hotel team sets up tables in a circle around the fountain, with a large tent in the middle. Lounge music or live music plays all night and there’s a chill vibe all around.

The team sets up a barbecue station for each group, So on every table there is a table-top barbecue grill that’s fired and ready to cook. It holds just enough cooking bricks for about three hours so guests can relax and cook and eat at leisure.

THE BEST INGREDIENTS IN JAPAN

Several trays of food come with the standard package, and it’s really a lot of food. There are assorted cuts of pork, beef and lamp. Then we also had a lot seafood. We had giant shrimps and scallops, and sliced squid. Plus bread to roast and even onigiri.

Of course, there are also vegetables for grilling like tomatoes and asparagus, and traditional Hokkaido food like corn. Dessert is also roasted on the grill, just like everything else.

DESSERT ON THE BARBECUE

Towards the end of dinner, the waitstaff brings a package wrapped in foil. “Place that on the grill and it’ll be ready to eat in a few minutes,” our waiter told us, with a smile. We did as we were told. The result was a delicious mash of warmed up marshmallows, bananas with brown sugar and some crumbled cookies. It was so good that I wouldn’t have minded getting seconds.

THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE

Aside from the dinner package, there’s also an a la carte menu. We ordered a Hokkaido Camembert cheese for roasting from this menu just to try what it was like. It arrived with slices of bread and toast. Again, we were told to place the Camembert cheese on the grill for a few minutes.

When we finally opened it up, it was warm, soft and gooey. Perfect for spreading on toasts for an appetizer. Who would have thought that grilled Camembert cheese could be so delicious?

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Just as we were enjoying dessert, there was a commotion at the other end of the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio. It turned out that the fireworks were about to start, so many people were on their way to the field to watch. Of course we joined the crowds to watch. So in this sense, we actually had two desserts.

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The entrance to the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is deceptively simple. A winding road passes through fields that are green in the summer, with houses in the distance. Then it ends at the entrance of a building inspired by somber tones and minimalism. An extreme design to complement the extreme nature of Hokkaido.

MINIMALISM AT ITS BEST

However, the stark lines of the hotel should not put the upmarket traveler off. It is precisely because the hotel is so luxurious in every sense that it can confidently create maximum space with minimum lines. It’s literally a paradise where you can leave your troubles at the door, especially during the time of COVID-19.

This was our experience, arriving for a much-needed holiday at the end of July, just as Tokyo was announcing record figures for COVID infections and fatalities. The world seemed dreary and bleak at that particular time. In contrast, the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono was like a breathe of fresh air in a world of masks and viruses.

SAFETY IN SPACE

Here, space was a big factor in the feeling of safety. The hotel is a mammoth eight-stores complex with 11 restaurants, some of the largest hotel rooms in Japan, and corridors so wide you could play football in them. In such an environment of great distances, the coronavirus suddenly felt very far.

As with many places, space is always a valuable commodity. The sheer amount of it at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is enough to make anyone’s jaw drop. Then there are the beautiful views visible from almost every room. These transport you out of the everyday. On one side is the Annapuri mountain range , while Mount Yotei is on the other.

THE INTERIORS OF THE PARK HYATT NISEKO HANAZONO

Finally, in case you ever tire of the views outside — all white in the winter and all green the rest of the year — the views inside are equally compelling. It’s a mixture of industrial materials and exquisite finishing. Basically, a most unlikely combination that works.

The impressive lobby is a massive counter in front of a giant mural in a cavernous lobby that can basically double as a running track. Next door is the lounge which is jumping with apres-ski activity in the winter. Families hang out by the sweets bar for cakes and ice cream by Pierre Herme, while couples sit by the fireplace for dinner.

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At the end of the lounge is a floor-to-ceiling bar where one can easily imagine ending the day with a shot of whiskey, happy and checking one’s phone for a next possible date to return.

Read more about the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono in Travelife Magazine.

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Everyone flies to Hokkaido in the winter to ski. However, it’s actually just as wonderful in the summer. This is when the flowers are in bloom and the trees are a verdant shade of green that represent hope and life. It’s pure happiness to stroll around, enjoying the clear skies and cool weather.

This was how we felt, staying for a few days at the Chalet Mizunara. This is a lovely four-bedroom modern villa that we found via the Elite Havens website. It’s considered one of the nicest rental villas in the neighborhood of Lower Hirafu, an area popular with tourists.

One day, we’d just had brunch and were relaxing in the living room. Niseko Gourmet offers catering for Chalet Mizunara and we’d taken them up for daily brunches and dinners. That particular day, Annie of Niseko Gourmet had made the most delicious chicken rice at my request. We’d eaten way too much and something healthy was in order.

HOME SERVICE MASSAGE IN NISEKO

This was when the idea hit me. I asked Annie: “Is there a good masseuse who can come over?”

What better way to spend the afternoon, than having a relaxing massage several hours after a relaxing meal. Annie had a quick answer. A French lady named Melody actually offered massage treatments for Chalet Mizunara guests. She literally brought a spa with her. She had a large folding massage table, a pile of fluffy towels, and even spa music on demand.

WHAT BOOKS TO READ ON HOLIDAY

We read books until Melody arrived with her paraphernalia. Entering the living room, she asked cheerfully: “Where shall we set up for the massage?”

I looked around the villa as there were several options for a massage venue. We even had extra bedrooms to turn into a spa treatment room, if needed. But the second floor terrace suddenly caught my eye. So I said: “Can we have an al fresco massage? On the terrace?”

WHERE TO PUT A MASSAGE BED

The second floor terrace of the Chalet Mizunara is surrounded by greenery so there is enough privacy. Melody replied: “That’s a wonderful idea.” She quickly set up the spa on the terrace and we took turns getting the knots kneaded out of our backs.

Melody turned out to be one of the best massage therapists I’d ever met. She had a sixth sense for aches and pains, and a skilled touch. Furthermore, it was wonderful to lie on a massage bed in the open air hearing the birds chirping around.

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When my 60 minutes of bliss were over, I couldn’t wait to have it all over again. So I quickly booked her for every afternoon of our stay. And then it became a wonderful way of spending our days at the Chalet Mizunara, living a Travelife.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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Japanese beers have long been famous for variety and quality. There are many enthusiasts around the world for Japanese beer. Fortunately, the Kiroro Resort is located near Otaru, Yoichi and Niki. These are three districts known for liquor.

So in between enjoying outdoor activities at the resort, you can go for beer tours and wine tours nearby. You’ll be spoiled for choice, too. Some of the best craft breweries, sake breweries and wineries in Hokkaido are located with a short drive of Kiroro.

Hearing about our interest in beer, sake and wine, the concierge of the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel gave me an English brochure on the places to see and the best things to do near and around the Kiroro Resort.

ABOUT THE TANAKA SHUZO BREWERY

Fortunately for beer and sake lovers, Otaru is ground zero for great craft beer and sake. One of the best sake breweries in Hokkaido is the old-fashioned Tanaka Shuzo Sake Brewery. It’s been making sake since 1899 using Hokkaido rice.

ABOUT OTARU BEER

“You should also try Otaru Beer while you’re here,” said one of the restaurant team members at the Kiroro Premium BBQ. This is the outdoor barbecue dining venue organized by the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel. He added: “We’re very proud of our local Otaru beer. And the brewery tour is worth it.”

Needing little more encouragement for this, we drove to the Otaru Beer Brewery to join their tour and buy some beer to take home.

THE BEST WINES IN HOKKAIDO

Returning to the Kiroro Resort, we decided to stop by some well-known wineries along the way. Many of Hokkaido’s best wineries are located in the Niki area. Of course, even the best wines in Hokkaido are not as famous as wines from Europe or other traditional wine-producing countries. Nevertheless, these wineries have a growing following among some serious wine lovers.

At the top of our list was the Niki Hills Winery. This was highly recommended by a waitstaff at the Alla Moda Italian Restaurant of the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel. He said this winery produced excellent local wine.

“This winery makes use only of the best quality grapes, ” the Alla Moda waitstaff explained. “The grapes are grown right in a field in Yoichi.”

ABOUT KIRORO TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL

This luxury hotel is the crown jewel of the Kiroro Resort in Hokkaido. The Kiroro Resort is an all-year round leisure destination 90 minutes from Shin-Chitose International Airport. It’s known for excellent skiing and winter sports. In the summer, it is a nature paradise for outdoor activities.

THE VERY BERRY FARM & WINERY

We also visited another winery mainly because of its interesting name. The Very Berry Farm & Winery Niki has been creating organic wine since 1999. They combine grapes and blueberries grown on the premises.

There’s also a winery in Otaru with a popular wine tour. Hokkaido Wine is made from 100% Japanese grapes. Many visitors seek out this winery because the tours are so fun. We certainly enjoyed ourselves, never lacking for interesting things to do on our stay at the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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The drive from the seaside town of Otaru to the private resort village of Kiroro up in the hills takes about 30 minutes. Kiroro is high enough so that we passed clouds and fog along the way, along with famous local wineries. The road is supposed to be a romantic wine route, and the fog and picturesque wineries certainly made it so.

KIRORO IN THE SUMMER

Once we climbed through the fog, we found ourselves in a beautiful land with greenery all around. Kiroro is a ski destination so most international travelers only get to see it covered in white. It makes for a very dramatic effect.

However summer is equally wonderful, so I hope more visitors from abroad are able to visit Kiroro when everything is green and it’s possible to enjoy it in a different way.

THE KIRORO ACTIVITIES CENTER

Everything happens at the Kiroro Activities Center, which services the luxury Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the ski in/ ski out Yu Residences open only in the winter, and the Sheraton Kiroro Hotel.

In the summer, the Kiroro activities team is out in full force, ready to teach kids and adults alike new sports and activities. It’s the perfect time to try something new, of course. The Kiroro activities team is composed of energetic and friendly young people who love what they are doing. They won’t stop until you are able to do what you signed up for.

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WHAT TO DO IN KIRORO

In the summer, there are gondola rides to the top that offer beautiful views. This is actually the ski lift that is operational in the winter. It has been put to good use for other seasons.

Active guests can also book a hiking session with one of the Kiroro activities team. Many guests hike to a nearby waterfall or around the massive property to spot birds and small animals. Then there’s tennis, mountain biking and al fresco barbecue dinners. On some days, there’s even fireworks out in the field.

RIDING A SEGWAY IN HOKKAIDO

However my favorite summer outdoor activity at Kiroro is riding the Segway. The Segway is easy to use and fun to ride. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has gone out of business so Kiroro is one of the last few places to still offer Segway experiences. Once you get on a Segway, you will be hooked on it.

TAKE THE KIRORO 1-DAY PASSPORT FOR ALL-DAY FUN

① Park golf ② Tennis court ③ Paddle tennis ④ Rental cycle ⑤ Treasure hunt ⑥ Playground equipment rental ⑦ Slack line ⑧ Table tennis ⑨ Disc golf ⑩ Hot spring. ⑪ Mountain bike (1H) ⑫ Running Ride park
⑬ Granship

LEARNING TO RIDE A SEGWAY

The ultimate Segway activity is a ride through the forest. This is truly amazing. However, Segway first-timers must spend one session getting acquainted with their machines. Then, the instructors take them to a Segway training course where you can practice riding through bumps and across narrow bridges.

Once you have passed this Segway riding test, the instructor takes you on the forest tour. This is a most incredible experience, especially for city folk who rarely get up close and personal with wilderness. In fact, we had a wonderful time at the Kiroro Tribute Portfolio. But even just for the Segway trips, I would book a stay here again.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a massive luxury resort complex. It’s so big that you’ll be forgiven for assuming it has everything a fastidious traveler could want. It has 11 excellent restaurants, after all. Also, it’s gifted with a hotel team that doesn’t seem to have never used the word “no.”

Most of the things we experienced during our stay were absolutely wonderful. Even the experienced traveler in me was slightly surprised. We were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic that had brought the world to its knees. How could this hotel still manage to make its guests so happy?

Manpower resources were low for every luxury hotel in Japan at that time. In fact, most hotel teams were operating at 30% to 50% capacity. Nevertheless the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono delivered a wonderful experience befitting, if not over, its fancy price tag. This is not a cheap hotel.

HOW TO FORGET ABOUT THE PANDEMIC

However we enjoyed ourselves so much that we actually forgot about the COVID-19 virus raging in the world outside our cocoon — even just for a few days. For the pandemic-weary, this temporary respite from the coronavirus, as offered by the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, is expensive. Nevertheless, it is worth every yen.

SWEET SURPRISES AT THE PARK HYATT NISEKO HANAZONO

Sometimes, too, the sweetest delights are the most unexpected. What a treat it was to discover that famous Parisian patissier Pierre Herme actually had an outpost for his cakes and sweets at the hotel. It was so far from civilization as we usually know it. After all, Pierre Herme has been called the “Picasso of Pastry.” Moreover, his shop in Paris along Rue Cambon is a major destination for travelers with deep pockets and a sweet tooth.

THE BEST PASTRY CHEF IN THE WORLD IS IN HOKKAIDO

Well, happily, Pierre Herme fans need not travel so far anymore for their fix. He has outlets in Japan, of course. However, this is the only Pierre Herme outlet I know of so far in Hokkaido, land of excellent cream and butter. In addition, the hotel has a sweets counter right in the lobby and it’s filled with the classic cakes that Pierre Herme has become famous for.

Of course, there are the classic assorted macarons that every Pierre Herme fan know very well. What makes the Pierre Herme counter at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono very special, however, is the extraordinary variety of cakes and tarts.

THE PIERRE HERME SOFT CREAM SUNDAE

Every cake that made Pierre Herme famous was available at the hotel when we were there. Best of all, the Pierre Herme soft cream sundae, made with pure Hokkaido milk and cream and garnished with summer berries and syrup.

This soft cream sundae, which is so characteristic of Hokkaido and yet also of the best of Pierre Herme, was so good. So I actually ordered it two days in a row. I even managed to get it delivered to the suite so I could sit in the corner living room with beautiful views of the Mount Yotei, having my sundae. II was ever so happy to disregard calories and simply live a delicious Travelife.

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The joys of renting a holiday villa with a housekeeper and a caterer should never be underestimated. It’s nice to go to somewhere new for an adventure, while basing yourself in a lovely house. However, having meals prepared every day by a professional team, who will also clean up afterwards, enables everyone to truly relax.

RENTING A VILLA IN HOKKAIDO

We booked the Chalet Mizunara of Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals and Management at the end of our two-week stay in Hokkaido amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a lovely four-bedroom house in the area of Hirafu, which is popular among tourists.

The villa comes with housekeeping services and prepared meals are offered as an option, which we gladly took. So every day, we had the delicious task of choosing what we wanted for breakfast and dinner from a wide variety offered by the Niseko Gourmet Catering company.

WHERE TO EAT HOKKAIDO CRAB

Upon arrival, for instance, we suddenly were inspired to eat crab. Hokkaido is famous for its crab, after all. So I messaged the Elite Havens team: “Can we hire a chef to prepare Hokkaido crab for us for dinner on our first night?”

As it was short notice, the chefs of Niseko Gourmet were already all booked for catering jobs at other villas. However, Therese of the Elite Havens team replied: “We can’t send any of our chefs as they’ve all got other jobs that night. But we can send over Hokkaido crab and seafood for shabu shabu. We’ll bring it over and set everything up. How does that sound?”

It sounded perfect. So we arrived at the villa mid-afternoon and at 6 PM, the Niseko Gourmet team was at the Mizunara Chalet to set the table and prepare the food. All we had to do was sit and eat. And, of course, it was delicious.

READ ABOUT THE VILLA WITH A VIEW IN NISEKO

CHICKEN RICE FOR BREAKFAST

That same night, before leaving us, Annie from Niseko Gourmet asked me: “What would you like for breakfast?”

I replied, on a sudden inspiration: “Chicken rice, please!”

This is one of the choices on offer for breakfast and it happens to be one of my favorite foods in the world.

Well, when we woke up the next day, Annie was already busy in the kitchen preparing our chicken rice breakfast. She brought all the ingredients in a large box and made our food from scratch.

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WHAT’S COOKING IN THE KITCHEN

Before going out on a short walk around Hirafu, I peeked at what she was cooking. Chicken was boiling in a large pot and fragrant rice was already in the rice cooker. There was even roast pork in the oven as an extra dish.

When we returned to Mizunara Chalet, our breakfast was ready. It was brunch, really. And it was among the best chicken rice I’ve ever tasted. As for renting a holiday villa with delicious food prepared for you every day, well, that is true luxury as far as I’m concerned.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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On holiday for two weeks in beautiful Hokkaido, we ended our stay with several days at the Chalet Mizunara of Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals and Management. Located in a quiet street of vacation homes in Lower Hirafu, it’s a lovely four bedroom house that’s ever so relaxing.

ABOUT CHALET MIZUNARA IN NISEKO OF ELITE HAVENS

Meanwhile, the Chalet Mizunara is an attractive contemporary house. It’s all concrete, polished wood and steel so it has an industrial but warm feel. Most guests reportedly like it immediately. We certainly did.

In the summer, guests can enjoy views of greenery from the terraces and big picture windows. Meanwhile, in the winter, when the big tree behind the house sheds its leaves, guests are treated to a majestic view of Mount Yotei. As far as residents in Niseko are concerned, this is the million yen view that separates premium properties from ordinary ones.

A HOUSE DESIGNED FOR SNOW

From the outside, the villa looks like a simple box-like structure. The kind you’d expect to see in Niseko. Because of its extreme winter climate, the walls are thick for heat insulation and these have the added bonus of being cool in the summer. Meanwhile, the overall shape of the house is functional for heavy snowfall.

LAYOUT OF CHALET MIZUNARA

However, when you enter, it is anything but simple. For one thing, every living space is on a different level. There are two bedrooms and utility rooms on the ground floor, and guests usually enter from a double door entrance on the first floor.

From the entrance foyer, it’s a flight of stairs up to the living room and the first terrace. Then there’s a sitting area with book shelves and a fireplace two steps up. Meanwhile, the kitchen and the long dining table are on another level.

HOUSE WITH A VIEW OF MOUNT YOTEI

Two ensuite master bedrooms occupy the top floor and share a massive terrace with the best views of Mount Yotei in the winter. Each has a spacious bathroom with a deep built-in bathtub that’s a cross between a Japanese-style soaking tub and an oversized Western-style bathtub.

The design throughout Chalet Mizunara is stylish and yet practical. Everything has muted colors and clean lines so the effect is quite relaxing.

THESE CATERERS WILL COOK FOR YOU IN NISEKO

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN RENTING A VILLA IN HOKKAIDO

It’s also constructed to house large families comfortably. For one thing, there are enough bathrooms for everyone. This feature should not be underestimated by holiday makers when choosing the best villa to book in Niseko. In general, bathrooms are always in short supply when everyone is in a rush to head for the ski slopes at the same time.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BATHROOMS

The situation is especially acute in Japanese-style homes. The idea of ensuite bathrooms plus extra bathrooms for the common areas is very much a Western concept so please make sure to ask about the number of bathrooms when renting.

There are also enough nooks and crannies at Chalet Mizunara so that every guest can find some peace and quiet without others getting in the way. I suppose this is the beauty of the multi-level construction.

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Again, this feature is especially vital for villa rentals in Hokkaido in the winter. You see, amidst the extreme cold of Hokkaido, you’re basically confined to your villa unless you are out skiing or doing adventure sports.

Meanwhile, the Chalet Mizunara is perfect in the summer. You can open all the windows and terrace doors to allow in the breeze, and everywhere you look is a fresh green. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and every day is just wonderful.

Read more about the best places to stay in Hokkaido in Travelife Magazine.

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There are ski towns, and then there is Niseko. Tucked into the mountains of Hokkaido, it is famous for powder snow so deep it draws skiers from across the globe. But I wasn’t here to ski. I came for something else: the promise of luxury at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, a hotel whispered about as one of Japan’s most refined retreats.

The drive up was all silence and snow, the kind of hush that makes you feel as if you’ve left the world behind. And then, suddenly, the Park Hyatt appeared — all sharp lines, warm light, and glass walls that framed the winter outside like paintings. Inside, wood and stone glowed with understated elegance. It wasn’t showy, but it was grand all the same. I knew I’d arrived somewhere I wouldn’t want to leave.

Corner Suite at Park Hyatt Niseko:

My room was a corner suite, the kind of place that makes you pause before dropping your bag. Two walls of glass brought Niseko’s landscape into every corner. On one side, the slopes rolled down in soft curves; on the other, the majestic cone of Mount Yotei stood against the sky.

The suite had space to breathe — a proper living room, a dedicated dining area, and the kind of silence you don’t find in cities. Breakfast arrived each morning like a still life: pastries so crisp they shattered, bowls of fruit glowing with color, coffee that filled the room with warmth. To eat it at my own table, sunlight spilling across the snow, felt more indulgent than any buffet.

La Esperanza Granada: Luxury Villa and Event Venue in Spain

Afternoons had their own ritual. The hotel arranged for Pierre Hermé sundaes to be delivered to my suite. Imagine layers of ice cream, fruit, and chocolate by one of the world’s greatest patissiers, served while snowflakes drift past your window. It was indulgence and simplicity at once — a quiet luxury that felt almost too good to share.

And then, of course, the hot spring soaking tub. Every evening I would sink into its warmth, the steam rising against the glass, Mount Yotei beyond. Watching the light fade over the mountain from the comfort of an onsen became my private ceremony.

Fine Dining in Niseko

The Park Hyatt Niseko has eleven restaurants, but one of them steals the spotlight. Molière Montagne is the mountain outpost of Chef Hiroshi Nakamichi, Hokkaido’s only three-Michelin-starred chef.

Dining here is theater. The courses arrive in sequence, precise and surprising, each plate a story of Hokkaido told through Nakamichi’s imagination. There was shellfish encased in a black squid crust — dramatic, almost sculptural — that broke open to reveal the sea itself. There was grilled pork, juicy and fragrant, laid over fresh tree branches that carried the scent of the forest right to the table. And finally, Nakamichi’s famous cheese with berries, a dish I first tasted in Sapporo but which felt even more poetic here in Niseko.

It wasn’t French. It wasn’t Japanese. It was something in between — or beyond — and it reminded me that the very best chefs don’t cook in categories, they cook in voices. Nakamichi’s is unmistakable.

Read about Nagatacho Ohka: Tokyo’s Best Restaurant

Spaces at Park Hyatt Niseko

What struck me most about the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono wasn’t only the food or the architecture. It was the sense of space. Lounges opened into wide views of the mountains. Fireplaces crackled softly as guests sank into armchairs. Service appeared before you asked, and vanished just as quickly.

Every detail was considered — the hush of the snow outside, the warmth of the interiors, the ease of knowing everything was quietly in place.

The Best Hotel in Niseko

When I left Niseko, I didn’t carry shopping bags or souvenirs. I carried moments. Breakfast at my own table while Mount Yotei glowed in the morning sun. A spoonful of Pierre Hermé ice cream as snow thickened outside. A final evening in the onsen, steam rising as the mountain faded into twilight.

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is not just another five-star hotel. It is a destination in itself, where Japan’s northern landscapes and world-class hospitality meet. For travelers seeking the finest experience in Niseko — whether they ski or not — this is the address.

Read more about the best hotels in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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