Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Niseko is famed for its champagne-powder snow – Japow to those in the know – that draws expert skiers and families alike. Beyond the lifts, the appeal of the ski resort runs deep: restorative onsen for weary legs, hidden cocktail dens pouring inventive drinks, and a food scene that spans from rustic ramen that will redefine the staple for you to refined tasting menus, using local produce, at hard-to-book counters.
This ski season now draws to a close, but those with a passion for the sport will know it’s not too early to lock in winter plans in Asia’s most sought-after snow destination. Looking for a place to call home in Niseko next season? Here are four Luxe Nomad villas to book on your next trip to Japan’s alpine destination of dreams.
Intuition Niseko
The Luxe Nomad’s condo-hotel Intuition Niseko (see featured image above) sits in Hirafu, the heart of the resort-town action, with restaurants and nightlife at your doorstep. This six-storey property keeps up with the Luxe Nomad standards – attentive service, modern interiors and central locale – without breaking the bank. It’s right across the street from the ACE Family Lift.
The modern serviced apartments range of rooms to suit different sized groups and complete with anything you might need during your stay – plus floor-to-ceiling windows framing the landscape that makes Niseko a living postcard.
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Start the day with breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Niseko Amaya, or drop by for a warming shabu shabu (Japanese hotpot) dinner after a day powering through the slopes. But before that, go for an aprės-ski soak in the onsen – split into his-and-hers and open to the sky.
Upgrade to one of Intuition’s penthouses and you’ll get your own private onsen, plus uninterrupted views over Mount Yotei, a snowcapped beauty that’s been called a lookalike of Mount Fuji.
Niseko Kyo
Just 30 metres from the Ace Family Quad lift, condo-hotel Niseko Kyo‘s location is unbeatable for winter sports enthusiasts seeking a hassle-free ski-in, ski-out experience – especially families with young children.
The team at the ski valet is on deck from 7 am till 10 pm to handle your gear and make sure it’s all set when you’re ready to hit the slopes again. Staffed by an enthusiastic international crew, this service makes the experience a breeze.
Niseko Kyo houses 22 fully-equipped residences decked out in soothing tones with tasteful pops in the form of artworks – and each with a private onsen overlooking the powdery slopes.
Following an action-filled day on the mountain, you might not have it in you to venture too far for dinner. Luckily, Masonry, the Mediterranean leaning restaurant right by the ski valet, offers convenience and a smart menu of sharing plates and cocktails. The restaurant is the Japan outpost of the first location in Bali’s Canggu area, and brings cool Bali vibes (and upbeat playlist) to Japan’s top snow destination.
Tsubasa Chalet
Named Japan’s Best Ski Chalet 2024 at the World Ski Awards, Tsubasa Chalet is an architectural marvel in the form of a glass house with the signature of architect Riccardo Tossani – the name behind some of Niseko’s most coveted properties. Designed in a Y-shape, this five-ensuite residence mixes luxury with a spacious yet intimate feel, all brought together by modern Japanese aesthetics.
As much as you have the itch for snow sports, just like we do, you’ll find it hard to leave this retreat set in the woodlands of Hanazono. First, there’s the 40-square-metre onsen on ground level begging for an indoor or outdoor soak – there are few feelings like sinking into warm spring water while snowflakes melt on your shoulders. Then there’s the fireplace around which to curl up with a book, or the cutting-edge gym to squeeze in a workout.
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What else makes this chalet the winter playground of dreams? Personalised butler service and two chauffeured cars that will come in handy when going out for a day on the mountain or night out. Plus, it’s just a 10-minute drive from the much-happening village of Hirafu and its myriad of dining and bar options.
Corniche Hirafu
Surrounded by a silver birch forest and a 3-minute drive from the Ace Gondola, Corniche Hirafu is a four-bedroom chalet nestled on a cliff edge in what’s fittingly known as Niseko’s “Millionaires’ Row” – a one-week stay can fetch up to US 90,000 during peak season.
And with a private onsen filled with natural hot spring water, sauna, cold plunge, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces, it’s easy to see why it deserves a spot on this coveted row. This is as lavish as you can go up on the Luxe Nomad portfolio – another alpine masterpiece designed by Riccardo Tossani – and perfect for a multi-generational family getaway. Guests flow with ease, whether enjoying downtime in cosy nooks or lounging as a family in the stunningly modern open-living areas.
Need another reason to take the plunge? How about butler service? You’ll wake up to freshly made breakfast, have your restaurant bookings handled, and return after a day on the runs to a crackling fireplace. All of which will make checking out very, very hard.
Visit the Luxe Nomad website to discover more villas and locations in Niseko.
