Japan's dramatic snow-capped peaks promise ample opportunity for adrenaline-pumping winter sports. Whether you venture to the ever-popular Niseko, set on Hokkaidō Island and famed for its almost 18m of snowfall each season, or to Hakuba, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen and Karuizawa on the main island of Honshu, the country's resorts offer well-maintained pistes and excellent ski schools. The other big draw is the après-ski scene, which often involves lively bars (with plenty of karaoke!) and top-notch restaurants serving local specialities. Many of the top ski hotels in Japan also have rejuvenating hot spring baths, saunas and soothing spa treatments for unwinding after big days out. There's also a good range of accommodation options to choose from, whether you like modern luxury, traditional ryokans or something at the cheaper end of the scale!
Niseko (Yamada)
Located in the heart of Upper Hirafu Village, Chatrium Niseko offers spacious, contemporary accommodation just a short distance from the slopes. Chic apartments are ideal groups or families, the the restaurant serves wonderful cuisine! Car rentals can be organised. A smart and stylish spot.
Niseko (Higashiyama Onsen)
A contemporary property located at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri. Offering ski-in ski-out access to some of Japan's best skiing. Spend evenings unwinding with a cocktail in the glamourous bar or being pampered in the spa. The service is slick and rooms boast simple chic design. Superb.
Niseko (Hokkaido)
Contemporary apartments boasting stunning mountain views and located a short walk from the ski lifts. Minimalist design throughout; think plenty of glass, clean lines, soft hues and polished wooden floors. The sophisticated concierge are eager to lend a helping hand. A chic choice.
Hokkaidō (Akankohan)
A boutique property comprising of 25 individually designed suites. Rooms are contemporary yet the style is traditional. Find floor to ceiling windows, large terraces with outdoor free standing baths, tatami mats and shoji paper screens besides all the mod-cons. An utterly spoiling stay.
Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture )
A luxurious rural escape built to resemble a small village. Chic individual cottages have minimalist traditional interiors and architecture making the most of the epic views. Rooms feature natural spring hot tubs, western beds and paper shutters. The perfect countryside hideaway for adults.
Niseko (Kutchan-cho)
A few miles outside Niseko, the boutique Zaborin features 15 villas situated directly above the Zabo natural Spring. The villas offer minimalist and chic accommodation boasting wonderful views. Enjoy wonderful traditional local cuisine in their restaurant! A stunning and truly rejuvenating stay.
Hakuba (Nagano)
A luxury resort set amidst a picturesque forest and boasting access to no less than four ski resorts. Rooms are chic and contemporary with large windows allowing the outside in, crisp white linen and indulgent bathrooms. A number of onsens and expansive outdoor pool aid utter relaxation. Fabulous.
Hakuba (Nagano Perfecture)
A contemporary hotel offering rooms and self catered apartments with easy access to the slopes. Chic design includes plenty of glass, modern art, sink-into beds and polished wooden floors. A chic restaurant and cosy lounge provide the ideal spot to unwind post a day on the slopes. Superb.
Zao Onsen (Yamagata-City)
A historic and luxurious ryokan situated in the Zao Hot Spring area. Traditianal rooms are atmospheric and authentic with floor level dining tables, delicate paper shutters and tatami mats. Unwind in the healing onsens and feast on regional Hana no kaiseki cuisine. A spoiling stay.
Minamiuonuma (Minami-uonuma-shi)
A small luxury hotel in a spectacular & secluded mountain location. Chic, minimalist rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and light wooden walls. The exemplary restaurant serves delectable organic fare, and there's a strong focus on art & design. Unwind in the hotel's superb onsen. A spoiling stay.
Niseko (Hokkaido)
This boutique hotel is located opposite the Michelin Star restaurant Kamimura on Niseko's popular central promenade. Contemporary guest apartments have stylish wall art and panoramic Mount Yotei views, plus cosy fireplaces. Enrol in ski school with the help of the friendly concierge.
Madarao (Madarao )
This boutique chalet is nestled in the heart of Madarao village. Originally constructed from local cedarwood, the property has undergone a full renovation and offers cosy, alpine-style interiors with Japanese accents. Enjoy après-ski by the open hearth after a day on the slopes.
Niseko (Abuta-gun)
A smart hotel set in Japan's famed ski area, Niseko Village. Sleek minimalist rooms are decorated in cool grey hues, with sharp lines and large floor-to-ceiling windows framing mountain views. With a gourmet restaurant & soothing massages to return to after a day outdoors, this is a luxury stay.
Karuizawa (Karuizawa)
A stylish small hotel that cleverly blends with the surrounding nature, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Expect light open spaces, soft curves, and plenty of wood. Ten expansive rooms have outdoor space, high ceilings, and gorgeous minimalist style. Perfect for a weekend escape.
Hokuto (Hokuto-shi)
A family-friendly hotel set amidst mountain peaks and forests in rural Yamanashi. Spacious rooms are light and airy with pale wood furniture, crisp white linen, and mountain views from vast windows. With a host of activities, an enormous pool complex, and a spa — the whole family will be happy.
Hakuba (Kitaazumi District)
A boutique tented camp set in the Japanese Alps. Tents are cosy and rustic with feather-down duvets, simple minimalist furniture, and large private deck spaces. Gourmet cuisine is Italian with well-chosen wines. A rejuvenating outdoorsy stay with fire pits, stargazing, and wonderful mountain views.
Niseko (Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun)
A chic collection of houses set in the foothills of Hokkaido’s mountains. Residencies include three bedrooms, a stylish kitchen, and even ski storage. The concierge is on-point while the design (a modern spin on Japanese heritage townhouses) doesn't disappoint. A hip option for an outdoor getaway.
Nasu (Nasu-Machi)
A stylish agriturismo set amongst mountains, farmland, forests and hot springs just an hour (by bullet train) outside Tokyo. Chic rooms are contemporary in design with sharp lines, and plenty of glass and wood. There are two restaurants, a spa, and hot springs. A family-friendly escape to nature.
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