Hirafu-zaka Even Developing !

by Kazu

I've never seen The Maple Niseko being swamped by the tourists from all over the world in green season but the design of the facility looked so simple and sophisticated. The pizza restaurant set up its flags beside the pavement in front of the hotel.

I've never tried this Genghis Khan BBQ restaurant "Yotei" but it seemed to be popular for the guests staying in the hotels beside Hirafu-zaka slope. 

Some accommodations beside Hirafu-zaka slope showed the sign of "For Sale" but I am not sure if the whole building was for sale or some rooms in the building were. The prices of the real estate in the area skyrocketed but there seemed to be more lands to be developed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Hirafu-zaka 2026 !

by Kazu

Mt. Yotei often wears white drape or chapeau of clouds. The changing countenance of the mountain and the surroundings always makes us forget the time passing. The rooms facing Mt. Yotei are popular and put the premium.   

Some new hotels were built on the hillside of Mt. Niseko Annupri, making the most of the landscape including Mt. Yotei. All the hotels seemed to be successful and got over the peak season.

I've never stayed in Hotel The Maple Niseko and can't imagine the inside of the hotel. If possible, I would like to try to stay once. There are many hotels we would like to try on the other side of the mountain and we will be able to get some support from our company to do that this year. 

 

Hotel Skye Niseko 2026 !

by Kazu

Hotel Skye Niseko stood at the top of Hirafu-zaka slope but new resort hotel seemed to be under construction on the upper side of Hotel Skye. This hotel is in the same group with Hotel "Ki" Niseko. So a shuttle bus connects between the hotels.   

It has been a while since we stayed in Hotel Skye Niseko last time but we love the fireplace on the ground floor of the hotel as much as the one in  our favorite Hotel Setsu Niseko. Hotel Skye Niseko doesn't have outside hot spring spa but the design of the hotel is superb. 

I've never stayed in the penthouse of the hotel but have seen the inside on the web. Well-heeled rich people can stay there. The in-house restaurant "Kumo" provides the guests with culinary delights sourced locally. The dinner course "Kasa-gumo" which means the cloud shaped like an umbrella satisfy all the guests everyday.  

 

A New Resort Hotel under construction in Hirafu-zaka !

by Kazu

Yellow flowers of narcissus were blooming near Hotel Setsu Niseko we stayed in last April.The color of green plants conquered the brown ground partially covered with white snow. The color of yellow gave the scenery energizing twists. 

"Hirafu-zaka" slope was so calm, compared to the white season but to be honest, it was so comfortable for us to enjoy the scenery of the area in spring. Some hotels were closed after the peak season of winter.

A new hotel was under construction at the higher end of Hirafu-zaka slope. These signs were on the fence surrounding the construction area. To be sad, a worker in the area died of landslide on the hillside of Mt. Niseko Annupri. I hope his devotion contributes to the success of the new hotel.

 

Hotel Setsu Niseko 2026 !

by Kazu

The shade of the cloud shaped like a chapeau of Mt. Yotei seemed to be colored blue. The climbers should be equipped amply for winter trekking even in spring. Until the end of June, we should prepare for snow trekking when we enjoy strolling around mountains in Hokkaido.    

The landscape of the mountainous area covered with blue sky and white clouds was breathtaking every time we visit Kutchan/Niseko Area of Hokkaido. I would like to invite my friends again before we have to say last "Good bye", to be honest.    

We were so pleased with our first stay in Niseko Hirafu this year that we took photos around our favorite hotel Setsu Niseko. The windows and walls of the facade reflected the blue sky and white clouds. We will visit there again and again. Our next visit will be in July. 

 

A Room in Setsu Niseko 2026 !

by Kazu

We stayed in a cozy room of Hotel Setsu Niseko at the beginning of spring. It had been five months since we stayed last time. This room was small but very comfy and amply equipped with cutlery, microwave oven, laundry machine and utensils. 

I was not able to make the most of the IH system of the kitchen but the microwave oven worked wonder to fill us up with culinary delights sourced locally without making the room oily. 

I heard that the planner of the hotel stuck to the design, materials and functions to draft the blue print of the total design. It was comparatively calm in the hotel but soon as many tourists as in winter will come to this hotel even in green season. The hotel was awarded internationally.

 

Hospitality Crystalized in Hotel Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono!

by Kazu

I could not help imagining how tough to clean up the shelves and displays in the hotel every day. It must require many staff but the famous Hyatt Group may have the special way to clean up every nook and cranny in the building. 

Some special air cleaner may be working around the clock in the hotel to take away the dust and odor. Cleaning up the walls and windows outside must be tougher than inside. The hotel never discourage the guests. 

I really admire the well-organized system to welcome the guests and the nature. The collaboration of the nature and the artificial building, art works and hospitality work wonder in this area.