Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will open in YTL Hotels’ Niseko Village, Hokkaido on 15th December 2020 as the winter season unfolds at the powder mecca of Japan.
The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan, the 50-room resort resides at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Niseko Village with panoramic views of Mount Yotei and surrounding mountains. This exciting new opening will offer a world-class gateway to Niseko’s 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and extensive backcountry skiing.
Guests will enjoy unique gastronomy, culture and traditions through authentic experiences year-round. Luxury amenities will include two distinctive restaurants, one lounge, a spa and onsen and a fitness centre.
Strikingly diverse landscapes, fascinating adventures and an abundance of fresh produce lures skiers and snowboarders from around the world to Niseko’s famed powder runs and spectacular backcountry skiing in winter while warmer months entice epicureans and outdoor enthusiasts to explore varied recreational activities and relaxation.
Winter
The integrated alpine destination sits at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri within the Niseko United ski area with direct access to inter-linked ski resorts boasting a combined 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and extensive backcountry skiing. State-of-the-art ski lifts and gondolas provide all-season connectivity to the village centre where speciality restaurants, bars and shops are situated.
The first snow-capped mountain peaks are sighted as early as October, signalling the anticipation of Niseko’s signature powder in the coming weeks that lasts late into spring. Before gaining international recognition as one of the best winter sports arenas in the world for powder hounds, Niseko was famous for the plethora of ‘onsen’ natural hot springs available and soaking in their rejuvenating qualities is a time-honoured tradition in any season.
Spring
As spring breaks through the all-encompassing white, beautiful mountain colours emerge from the snow, and so too does the diverse wildlife that is hard to come by during winter months. Skis are packed away, whilst adventurers can rejoice at a variety of outdoor gear suited to mountain exploration. The Shiribetsu River that flows through the centre of Niseko comes alive with water sport devotees and avid fishermen attempting to hook a fresh catch. “Hanami” (flower viewing) picnics beneath cherry blossom trees are also a main attraction as Niseko bursts to life.
Summer
With coastlines less than an hour’s drive from Niseko, spectacular lakes, lush landscapes in full bloom and a collection of lively villages and towns, there is much to discover in summer. Just some of the activities on offer include:
Golf
Hiking
Mountain biking
Outdoor activity park
The longest zip line tour in Japan
The nation’s only Rail Sider
Tree trekking
Horseback riding
Autumn
Autumn brings about dramatic colours in every imaginable hue painted by nature with clear iridescent blue skies forming a gorgeous backdrop for hikers and leisure seekers. As September creeps in, Niseko Village offers a paradise for keen photographers as the foliage begins to transform, blanketing the mountains with tinges of red, gold, brown and orange
Embodying the spirit of Kachou Fuugetsu, the resort’s team of experts known as Higashiyama Reservists will lead inspiring journeys to discover nature’s fleeting beauty and creating opportunities for independent discoveries. Be it mountain orientation programmes to seek the best powder stash and
groomed runs to summer biking with farmland and café visits savouring seasonal produce, trail hiking or an immersion into the onsen culture, their intimate knowledge of the environs will enrich experiences for Reserve guests no matter what the time of year.
Rates from JPY 65,000 in the summer season and JPY 120,000 in the winter.
Comments