First Time in Niseko: How I Would Spend 10 Days
For a first Niseko trip, I would spend five nights at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono and five nights in Hirafu. Choose Setsu Niseko if you plan to explore the village at night, or MUWA NISEKO if skiing is the priority and you do not mind walking downhill into the village.
(above) Emilia at Hokkiadian Homestead, Lake Toya
You need to experience both Hanazono and Hirafu to understand Niseko properly. I would also ski and dine in Niseko Village and Annupuri, with one day trip to Rusutsu.
How I Would Plan the Food
Japanese food should be the foundation of the trip. Break it up with Italian, French, Vietnamese, pizza or burgers, but never plan two non-Japanese meals on the same day.
I would also plan at least three dinners at home. After a long ski day, nobody necessarily wants to dress up and navigate icy roads for dinner.
My favourites are:
Seafood and sushi from Ezo Seafoods
Niseko Vietnamese
Pre-ordered burgers and chicken burgers from Sidepiece
Days 1–2: Hanazono
Settle into Park Hyatt and begin with seafood and sushi from Ezo Seafoods at home.
Spend the next day skiing Hanazono, with pizza at B.C.C. White Rock for lunch and Japanese omakase at Rikka in Kutchan for dinner.
Day 3: Niseko Village
Ski Niseko Village and stop at Baby Crosta for Roman-style pizza by the slice.
Near Koa, The Parlour is another excellent quick stop. It operates from a container in the snow, but its sandwiches and cheesecakes are genuinely good.
For dinner, return to Japanese food with sushi at 千春鮨 (Chiharu Sushi).
Day 4: Annupuri
Ski Annupuri, followed by tonkatsu and an onsen at Yugokorotei. Check the restaurant’s winter schedule before visiting.
For dinner, choose Rakuichi for handmade soba and one of Niseko’s defining Japanese dining experiences, or J’ai la Patate for a wonderful French-style dinner tucked away in Niseko Town.
Day 5: Hirafu
Ski Hirafu and have an Italian lunch at Locanda in Hirafu East.
For dinner, drive into Kutchan for 炭火焼鳥 とまり木 (Sumibi Yakitori Tomarigi), my new favourite yakitori restaurant. It is popular with locals, so booking is essential.
Day 6: Kutchan and Dinner at Home
Choose Yotei Soba, Ichimura Soba or the potato udon and tempura at Yukitei for lunch.
Café Crepe Riz, opposite Kutchan Station, is also worth visiting for coffee and a gluten-free rice-flour crêpe.
After skiing, collect your pre-ordered burgers from Sidepiece and have an easy evening at home.
Day 7: Japanese Lunch and Italian Dinner
Keep lunch Japanese and casual, then book Cucina Santo for dinner. It is my favourite Italian restaurant in the area, but he also cooks an incredible steak and has an excellent selection of natural wines.
Day 8: Follow the Snow
Leave this day flexible and ski wherever conditions are best.
Order Niseko Vietnamese for dinner and stay home. After several restaurant nights, warming food in front of the fire is exactly what everyone will want.
Day 9: Rusutsu and Maccarina
Take a day trip from Niseko to ski Rusutsu.
On the return journey, book a long late lunch at Maccarina in Makkari. It is particularly beautiful during the daytime, with French cooking centred on Hokkaido produce and views towards Mount Yotei.
Day 10: Final Ski and Hokkaido Lamb
Return to whichever Niseko mountain has the best conditions.
Finish the trip at Loft Club Niseko for jingisukan: lamb grilled at the table and one of Hokkaido’s traditional meals.
Other Day Trips from Niseko
If you have more time, consider:
Cat skiing in Iwanai followed by sushi at Take Zushi
A cooking experience at HOKKAIDian Homestead near Lake Toya
A seasonal pop-up at The Destination Lake Toya
The kaki-goya oyster hut in Suttsu, followed by an onsen in Rankoshi
Niseko Classics and Other Local Favourites
If your hotel or chalet host can get you into Bang Bang, Ebisutei or Bar Gyu, I absolutely recommend them. They are Niseko classics for a reason. This guide is intended to introduce some of the other excellent options beyond the names everyone already knows.
I love the cocktails at Toshiro’s, while Magic Mountain is fun when you want something livelier. Izakaya Ren in Izumikyo is another good option for relaxed Japanese food.
For a major celebration, plan an evening around TAKAZAWA Private Reserve Niseko.
Where to Buy Local Food and Wine
Buy local eggs and produce from Niseko View Plaza, bread from Boulangerie Jin or Shiawase Pan, cheese from Niseko Cheese Factory and wine from Cave de Bambou.
I also keep Hako Ginger sodas and Yotei Stock spring and sparkling water at home.
Book the genuinely difficult restaurants early, pre-order several dinners for home and leave enough space to follow the snow. That is how Niseko feels like a holiday rather than a reservation schedule.
