Think of a secluded and quaint holiday escape… Niseko is a natural perfection of crystal white powder snow, natural hot springs, striking nature, a Japanese cultural experience and delightful cuisine. The area appeals to both sports-lovers looking for action and leisure-seekers with a thirst for tranquility.

Niseko Unveiled

The Niseko region famed for its “Champagne powder” and amazing amounts of snowfall was barely known to foreigners, outside of a few dedicated snowboarders and skiers, 15 years ago. As an increasing number of travellers came to experience the regions fantastic winters, the area began to open up and the world put Niseko on the map. In the recent years, Niseko has become a premier winter destination not only thanks to its amazing environment and abundant world-class produce but, more importantly, the people of the area who have a welcoming, relaxed take on Japanese culture.

Champagne Powder

Starting in early December and ending in early April, Niseko’s five-month ski season is one of the longest in the world and for that reason, is Japan’s A-list resort attracting English-speaking international personnel with experience from top global resorts.

The Niseko region is rated the second snowiest in the world by Forbes Traveller with falls of up to 15 metres and its powder snow has water content of just 8%. Higashiyama is part of Niseko’s largest ski area which also includes Grand Hirafu, Annupuri and Hanazono, where a single lift ticket provides access to more than 48 km of ski runs serviced by 38 lifts. A total of nine ski-fields are within one-hour’s drive.

All four resorts are inter-skiable by riding lifts to the top of the peak and skiing down to the next resort. Regular shuttle buses linking the resorts make it easy for beginners to experience Niseko’s enormous variety.

Local infrastructure is in excellent condition with top notch ski lifts while snowboarders are well catered for with half pipes and parks. A huge range of off-mountain activities are available including snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing and heli-trips -- as well as snow parks for the restless lads...

From Michelin To Private Chef’s Table

This now globally acknowledged resort destination has even more enticement for your palette. Dine at Michelin-rated international and Japanese restaurants featuring seasonal local specialities; or host a private chef’s table gathering at one of the many beautifully renovated traditional inns equipped with all the modern amenities.

Immersed in nature in Niseko, there is Somoza -- a gallery, a cultural showcase, a place for gastronomy...a traditional kominka moved piece by piece from Fukushima, a discreet favorite with the international creative set seeking to commune with nature, and nurture their creativity.

Now, a 24 year resident of Niseko, the co-founder and creative inspiration behind Somoza, Shouya P.T. Grigg states, “We offer what we like to refer to as, ‘experiential dining’, bringing in the best seasonal produce, a local chef, accompanied by arts and stories that takes one on a journey of Hokkaido through the ages”.

Niseko’s true delight is indeed its people.

Shouya P.T. Grigg
Co-founder & Creative Director
Zaborin + Sekka + Somoza

Excerpts taken from http://www.sekkastyle.com and http://somoza.jp/discover/niseko/