If you look up any celebrity chefs’ favourite place to eat, more often than not, the answer is Japan. Known for its fresh ingredients, delicious barbecued meats, and, of course, famous noodle and rice dishes, Japanese cuisine is renowned as one of best and most popular worldwide.
So when you visit Japan this winter, don’t spend your time counting yennies and budgeting every meal, splurge out and discover the cuisine that makes this part of the world so famous!
Worried about overspending? Save big now and then enjoy the extra funds when you finally get here! For the next week, if you book in your rentals, lessons or guiding services for the upcoming winter, you’ll score 20% off with our huge early bird sales!
Mmmmmm, think of all the ramen you can get with those savings.
Niseko
We promise, we say this with no bias – Niseko has one of the most vibrant, accessible and diverse food scenes in the world. Where else can you dine at a Michelin-star restaurant, stop by a konbini afterwards for some takeaway Strong’s, and then head out onto the slopes to night ride some of the deepest powder in the world?
Niseko is truly one of a kind, in terms of snow conditions and experiences around town. It’s also a resort that offers up something for all kinds of travellers, from budget-friendly quick eats to luxurious multi-course dinners, we can guarantee you won’t be leaving Niseko hungry.
Budget Friendly Dining Options In Niseko
High-End Dining Options in Niseko
Maccarina (Makkari)
A sister restaurant of the 3-Michelin starred, Asperges Furano, Makkari, delivers gourmet five-course French-inspired meals made with the highest quality of local ingredients.
Please note: Children 12 and under are not allowed during dinner service.
Robata Naniwatei
Niseko’s finest kaiseki ryori offering, Robata Naniwatei Niseko, an extension of its beloved Sapporo based restaurant, serves up set menus of fresh sashimi, all made with locally sourced seafood.
Hakuba
Out of all three locations, Hakuba offers the most variety in their dining options for western travellers, with restaurants serving up everything from traditional Japanese cuisine such as ramen and sushi to more western-friendly options such as burgers, pizzeria’s and steakhouses. Although, due to the spread out nature of the Hakuba valley, some options may be inaccessible without a car or transport option.
Budget-Friendly Dining Options In Hakuba
High-End Dining Options In Hakuba
Mimi’s
Run by Italian-trained husband and wife duo, Kazu & Yuki Shinamoto, Mimi serves up classic European dishes with a Japanese twist.
Traumerei
Amazing French inspired-cuisine served over 8 courses in a refurbished manor? That’s a dining experience that you can count us in for.
Furano
While Furano is slightly less built up as a resort, there’s still a tonne of awesome options for those looking to head out for a meal. From quaint family-run restaurants to traditional sushi options, Furano is a great place to explore Japanese cuisine.
Budget-Friendly Dining Options In Furano
High-End Dining Options In Furano
Asperges
From farm to table, Asperges is all about serving up the best of Hokkaido’s locally grown, in-season produce, offering up dinner sets featuring premium beef cheek, pork loin and fillet steak options. As far as Japanese dining experiences go, you can’t get much better than Asperges surrene location right on the Ishikari River.
Furano Wine House
A picturesque venue perched on top of a hill, offering up some of the best views of Furano valley.
Tips for Deal Hunters
Now, we understand that this list is mainly targeting the adventurous traveller looking to splurge out on dining experiences (OR the smart traveller who saved enough money with our early bird deals to have the extra cash to splash), although we also wanted to offer up some unreal tips for deal hunters looking for more conservative spending this holiday.
For the best cheap eats around each village, make sure you check out:
Supermarkets
Japanese supermarkets offer up HOURS of fun, different food options, and a great way to save a buck, whether you’re after huge cuts of premium meat, fresh locally sourced seafood or massive share platter bento boxes Japan’s supermarkets offer up some phenomenal budget-friendly options for much cheaper than you’d find at restaurants, konbini’s or vending machines.
You’ll be amazed by the quality of Japanese cuisine you’ll find at both the convenience stores and food trucks around the resort, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option on the go, konbini’s will offer endless cheap choices.
Pharmacies for Great Deals
‘Pharmacy’ is a term used very loosely in Japan. While they do stock all of the standard medicines and cosmetic products you’d expect, they also double up as fully-fledged supermarkets offering some of the best deals on food in the region.
Farmers Market
For great deals on produce, we recommend checking out any of the locally run and operated Farmer’s markets. While they may not be an option in peak winter, if you’re planning on coming to town for some spring skiing, you’ll be arriving just in time for the start of farmers market season.
Things to keep in mind When Dining Out In Japan:
Trust us, whether you go to Niseko, Furano, or Hakuba, you’ll want to book your restaurants in advance! With such a high tourism demand over the winter months all restaurants around the village normally book up months in advance.
Spring Is King
It is a lot easier to secure restaurant reservations in spring, so if you want to make the most of your time skiing and eating out around the resort, spring is your best bet!
Try Something New
You’re in Japan, you won’t always know what you’re about to eat, but more often than not it’ll be delicious! Branch out, try something new and find your new favourite meal.
Want to come to Japan and enjoy all these amazing dining options this winter? Pre-book over the next week and score 20% off lessons, guiding and rentals with our huge early bird sales!
