Japan, THE holiday destination of the year

As it hosted the Rugby World Cup this year and will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2020 summer, Japan has become the trendiest holiday destination of the year. A holiday in Japan is usually associated with Tokyo, Mount Fuji or Kyoto, but Villanovo would like to introduce you to another kind of thrill in Japan: skiing.

>>>Summer 2020 trendiest destinations

Niseko, a white paradise

Welcome to Niseko, Japan’s most famous snow resort, located on the northern island of Hokkaido and made up of 4 smaller resorts which are all interlinked: Niseko village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono and An'nupuri. Its fame is primarily due to the reputation of its exquisite snow with an average snowfall of 15 metres per year, which ranks it amongst the snowiest ski resorts in the world. To get there, it is advised to fly to New Chitose airport to then either organise a transfer to the resort, which is just over 2 hours away, get a direct train or rent a private car. Once in Niseko, transport between the resorts is facilitated by various taxi companies, shuttle buses and the fact that the majority of people communicate in english.

>>>3 reasons to rent a Chalet in the mountains for the winter holidays

The Niseko 'special'

As well as having incredible snow and a gastronomy to die for, Niseko resort offer night skiing for 4 hours a day, with the last lift being at 20h30. The middle to lower half of the slopes are equipped with stadium lights which provide enough visible lights to ski safely into the late hours of the day. Knowing that European resorts shut their slopes at around 4 o’clock around christmas time due to the lack of natural light, being able to ski for longer and making more of the day is a real bonus.

After a day of enjoying the fresh snow, Niseko offers the privilege of bathing in hot springs, called Onsen in Japan. These are said to have a natural healing power, which makes the moment even more magical.

>>>Sea or mountain, which holiday to choose?

Our adresses

Ezo seafoods Oyster Bar:  This restaurant holds the title of best seafood in Niseko and has done so since 2009. The seafood there is of divine quality because almost every day, the owner drives to the coast to pick up fresh products. A 10 hour journey which is definitely worth it as the restaurant’s success means tables are booked months in advance.

Address: 170-165 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081

Bar Gyu: This bar has a peculiar entrance, which is made out of a fridge door which is a little smaller than 5 feet tall, meaning customers have to bend down to enter the bar! Due to its large selection of Japanese whiskeys, it is claimed to be Niseko’s best bar.

Address: 167-21 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081

>>>Why rent a villa in Asia?

Where to stay?

Chalet Seshu, in Hirafu, one of the 4 interconnected resorts in Niseko can host up to 10 people with its 5 high-standing bedrooms, ideal for a family holiday or a bonding trip with friends. After a trip to the Onsen (hot springs) or a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi, why not come home and gather around the fireplace to enjoy a glass of bubbly and appreciate a cosy moment? The original design as well as the alpine architecture not to mention the spectacular views Mount Yotei bring a harmony of peace for a perfect holiday. In addition, Villanovo offers a driver with the chalet, as well as free shuttle buses, to facilitate transportation around Hirafu.

Though the focus of this article has been on skiing, Niseko is just as pleasant in the summer and offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, golf, rafting, cycling and mountain climbing while enjoying some pleasant temperatures which range from 20 to 15 degrees celsius.

>>>Find out more about our luxury chalets in Niseko