7 of the Best Hotels in Niseko
If I made several lists of areas in the world where I love to snowboard and would recommend snowboarding, I would find it difficult not to put Niseko at the top of each and every one of them. This breathtaking destination is wonderful to experience in every season, but it’s the powdery slopes that call many locals and travellers to this winter wonderland.
In this article, I’m going to be sharing seven of the best hotels in Niseko with you. Hopefully they fill you with inspiration for your own trip.
Learn More: 10 of the Best Things to Do in Niseko
Choosing the Best Hotels in Niseko
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in Japan, Niseko is one of the best destinations for them. Mount Yotei towers in the distance, surrounded by nature on all sides. There are thousands of acres suitable for snowboarding here, but many find themselves venturing off-piste and weaving through the trees.
After a long day on the slopes, you’re going to want somewhere comfortable to sleep. There are lots of different options in Niseko, from luxury hotels to traditional ryokans with private onsens.
1. Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
A luxury mountain resort, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers one of the best locations for snowboarding. The Hanazono side of Annupuri is attractive for so many different reasons, but it’s the powder-like snow that really captures the attention of most travellers.
The season here runs from the start of December until the start of April. While many will travel for those winter months, the area surrounding Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is also incredibly beautiful during the warmer months of the year. You can go hiking through picturesque areas, relax in natural onsens, go rafting down Shiribetsu River (尻別川) and even try your hand at fishing.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers a number of spacious rooms, each with amazing views of the surrounding area. But, it’s the suites with private onsens that really capture the attention of those who stay in them. There’s something wonderful about being able to warm up in privacy after a long day of exploring.
Learn More: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono (Official Website) | Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono (Booking.com)
2. Skye Niseko
Full of ski-in, ski-out luxury accommodation options, Skye Niseko stands as one of the best places to base a snowy adventure frm in Niseko. When you’re looking for a holiday amongst the slopes, you do have to be quite careful when choosing a hotel. You have to make sure that plenty of opportunities for fun surround you.
Hirafu is easily one of the best places to stay in Niseko when it comes to places like this. It has one of the best lift systems in all of the resorts and lots of off-piste options for those who want to venture out and make their own trails. There are also a lot of amazing restaurants in the area, meaning that you don’t have to rely solely on the options your accommodation provider offers.
All the rooms here are incredibly comfortable and well-appointed. When you stay, you have the choice between rooms, studios, suites and penthouses. The latter really are second to none, complete with their own private outdoor onsens and dedicated firepits.
Learn More: Skye Niseko (Official Website) | Skye Niseko (Booking.com)
3. Niseko Konbu Onsen – Tsurugu Bessou – MOKO NO SHO
Are you looking for a slightly more traditional experience? Niseko Konbu Onsen – Tsuruga Bessou – MOKU NO SHO is one of my personal favourites, a secret hideaway located by the base of Mount Yōtei.
This is where I would recommend staying if you love to relax, but you can also easily stay here to have fun in the snow. There’s a free shuttle service for guests who are staying at this charming ryokan, but you should check the timetable and plan your day with it in mind if you’re using it.
There are many different rooms here to relax and unwind in. Some have their own private onsens and some have onsens that offer postcard-worthy views. There’s something truly magical about sitting in a hot onsen while soaking in views of snowy trees surrounding you.
Learn More: Niseko Konbu Onsen (Official Website) | Niseko Konbu Onsen (Booking.com)
4. Ki Niseko
Do you enjoy boutique getaways? Ki Niseko offers exactly that, all wrapped up with a sophisticated bow. It has a ski-in, ski-out location and can be found nestled just at the foot of Grand Hirafu Resort. From here, you can admire the spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks and be on the slopes in no time.
There are two public onsens at Ki Niseko, separated by gender. With indoor and outdoor options available, there’s bound to be one you love, even if the onsen environment takes a little bit of getting used to. There are also saunas and plunge pools, offering plenty of opportunities to relax.
From comfortable rooms to luxurious penthouses, there are lots of different accommodation options available at Ki Niseko. Many rooms here offer striking views of Mount Yōtei and Mount Annupuri, which are beautiful year round. In under a minute, you’ll be at the Hirafu Gondola and making your way up the slopes from this hotel.
Learn More: Ki Niseko (Official Website) | Ki Niseko (Booking.com)
5. Hilton Niseko Village
One of Niseko’s many award-winning ski hotels, Hilton Niseko Village is a comfortable option from a world-renowned name. This is another charming ski-in, ski-out hotel, set right at the foot of Mount Annupuri.
From here, the gondola can take you to the top of the slopes in approximately 10 minutes. It’s right outside of the front door and that makes it incredibly convenient. It’s almost impossible to get over the natural beauty that surrounds you while you’re making your way up.
One thing that really makes this hotel wonderful is the onsen options. Hilton Niseko Village is home to both indoor and outdoor onsens that offer views of Mount Yōtei. There’s something truly special about relaxing in an onsen while soaking in a beautiful view, especially when you spot wild animals running around.
Learn More: Hilton Niseko Village (Official Website) | Hilton Niseko Village (Booking.com)
6. Chatrium Niseko
One of my favourite things to do when travelling is explore. I love to dive into all of the local restaurants, find little hidden backcountry spots and see everything there is to see. When it comes to local restaurants and shops, Chatrium Niseko is surrounded by them. By foot, you can reach amazing bars and restaurants in just a few minutes.
There’s something for everyone here and the location really does make it special. You’re close to the ski slopes, but also close to the town centre. The staff are often more than happy to make recommendations regarding what you could do and where you could go.
There are thirteen different accommodation options at Chatrium Niseko, each varying in size and design. The suites are all spacious, modern and comfortable, offering views of either the cityscape, Mount Annupuri or Mount Yōtei. There isn’t an onsen on site, but you can go to one of the neighbouring hotels and use theirs if you wish to.
Learn More: Chatrium Niseko (Official Website) | Chatrium Niseko (Booking.com)
Special Pick: Zaborin
In each of these articles, I like to include a special pick. This is always somewhere unique and somewhere I would happily go back to. There are many hotels in the world that truly captivate, but Zaborin 坐忘林 is one that will always hold a place in my mind that I would happily recommend to you.
This traditional ryokan offers a finely-tuned blend of luxury and authenticity, complemented by scenic views and delicious food. When I say delicious, I mean it. Here, you can find a form of kaiseki affectionately dubbed Kita Kaiseki. It embraces nature and the seasons, aiming to bring the simplistic beauty of our surroundings into fine dining. This ryokan is quite expensive, but it offers an environment that, in my opinion, isn’t really rivalled.
There are two different accommodation options here. The Washitsu Villas are traditional in style, while the Yoshitsu Villas are much more western. I would recommend the Washitsu Villas if you’re happy to sleep on futons in a room with tatami flooring. Both villa types offer indoor and outdoor private onsens.
Learn More: Zaborin (Official Website) | Zaborin (Booking.com)
Staying in the Best Hotels in Niseko
Whether you’re in Niseko to take to the slopes or to explore the natural beauty that summer brings, I’m certain that you will have a memorable stay. It’s worth having an idea of what you want to do and timing your trip to match. If you travel early in the season, you’ll find that you avoid some of the crowds, but off-piste options will be a little limited. From the back end of December to the middle of February, conditions are perfect, but prices reflect this.
I hope that my picks for the best hotels in Niseko have helped to fill you with inspiration.
Do you have a favourite place to stay in Niseko or a hotel that you would love to share? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
