Planning a High-End Holiday In Niseko
Want to check out world-famous Janapese mountains like Niseko but don't want just a standard on-snow experience?
We get it, holidays should be a time to rest, relax and enjoy a bit of luxury – even if you’re doing action packed activities like skiing and snowboarding.
The good news? Japanese mountain resorts like Niseko offer much more than just deep powder and Rhythm stores (although both of those things are pretty epic).
From private omakase sushi experiences to in-room onsen facilities and luxury high-end fashion options like Moncler, Niseko is an incredible place to seek out those finer things in life.
But until you’ve visited, knowing exactly what’s in town can be difficult. So here’s a little insight, offering some of our recommendations for booking a high-end holiday in Niseko – and what to do once you’re in town.
General Tips
Private Transfers
While there are multiple transit options from New Chitose airport, including buses, trains, taxis and private car hire, we want to make this list suitable for those seeking luxury – so for this leg we are going to recommend a private luxury transfer. Champagne and sake, hot towels, wifi, the perks of a private transfer don’t stop, allowing you to sit back, take in the sights and start the holiday celebration from the get-go.
Buy In Town
Don't make the mistake of buying your gear in a city close to home to get all the way over here and find out you’re rocking last season’s setup. We’re going luxe this trip, so naturally, we need the hottest of the hot, directly off the shelves of this year’s line.
Butttt, you also don’t want to get to town and find that you’re struggling to find a good retail store anywhere around.
So, what’s actually on offer?
Moncler, Burton, Rhythm Summit, The North Face Gravity – the list goes on.
Private Onsen Experiences
While there are a lot of different luxury hotels and apartments with private in room onsen facilties, they can often be hard to secure due to demand. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to enjoy a room with a private onsen?
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re hunting for a private onsen but struggling to secure one, don’t let it be a dealbreaker. There’s a lot of different bookable private onsen experiences for you to enjoy.
Simply book in a time slot and the amount of people in your booking, rock up and it’s all yours.
Accommodation Tips
Work with Travel Agents
Struggling to find a high-end option for peak season dates like mid January and early spring?
It can be difficult, with luxe properties which offer epic access and amenities like on-site onsens and ski-in, ski-out access, often filling up incredibly fast. Or at least, so it seems...
Normally, travel agents have an in can help you find an epic option without compromising any of your standards.
Check Out Your Favourite Influencer and Celeb Accounts
Over the past couple of seasons, A LOT of celebrities and influencers have come to enjoy the Japanese alps. Over the last two seasons alone Blackpink’s Lisa hit up Hakuba, while the likes of Tony Hawk, Dom Dolla, Max Verstappen, Vicki Jett and Chris Hemsworth have all popped their heads in our stores.
Do a deep dive and check out their Instagrams. It’ll give an epic insight into high end accommodation options and give you an epic spot to start searching.
What’s on offer?
We’re going luxe this trip, so our accommodation choices should reflect nothing but high-end luxury! That’s why we recommend:
Accommodation Options
High-end accommodation options such as the ones listed below normally include services like massage and onsen facilities, in-room unpacking services and private transfers around town. On top of that, they normally feature very highly revered restaurants on-site.
Dining Tips
Bespoke Isn’t Always Award-Winning
In Japan, a restaurant doesn’t have to be Michelin starred to offer a Michelin star experience. More often than not, some of the best traditional omakase experiences are actually the more lowkey, family-run businesses in town. Although the kicker, most of these don’t actually advertise online.
Explore around the town, ask your hotel concierge or local Rhythm worker. Guaranteed, they will know somewhere off the beaten track that you won’t find online but will 100% be the standout dining experience of your trip.
Book Early
Chances are, if you’re researching a high-end/bespoke experience like a highly revered restaurant or personal omakase experience, other people are as well… and spots are limited.
Get in early. If you’re waiting until the season rolls around and you are in town before you start booking, you will miss out. Research your desired preferences early and book it in before it’s too late!
Riding Tips
Ride in March
Tell you what’s not aesthetic? Injuries and blizzards.
If you’re chasing those ultimate Instagram shots with Yotei in the background, don't go for peak season, the beginning of March is your best bet. Not only is the snowfall slightly less intense, making it easier to ride for the everyday intermediate rider, it also offers the best chance of scoring bluebird days.
Plus, as a result of the warmer weather, more open-air venues and epic events tend to pop up over the beginning of spring.
Get the best gear and get a lesson
There’s two things that’ll really disrupt your skiing and snowboarding progression: riding on the wrong gear for you and learning incorrect techniques. By renting, you’ll save the hassle of lugging gear around while in transit, while also guaranteeing you score the most premium gear for Niseko’s unique conditions, while a private lesson will ensure you receive the correct instructions to properly learn the essential techniques, while also giving you access to the best pow pockets in Niseko.
Get The Explorer Upgrade
Want to explore more than just the Niseko United resorts? Why not look into our Premium Explorer Upgrade.
Providing private transport between ski areas and access to the epic post-ride facilities like apres venues and restaurants, an Explorer Upgrade guarantees that not only will you be access the best snow all day throughout your lesson or guiding experience, it’ll also mean that you have the best access to a whole lot more during your stay.
Book online to score epic savings on your rentals!