Buckweat Noodle Bar Naritaya in Niki Town !

by Kazu

We dropped by the buckwheat noodle bar and auberge "Naritaya" in Niki to have lunch for the first time this year. My wife chose the cold buckwheat noodle topped with deep-fried aubergine, grated Daikon radish and chopped reek. 

The owner and chef of the bar also makes wine in their friend's winery. The labels of the bottles were designed by our common friend illustrator who also creates the children's picture books "Obake no Maaru", The Ghost Maaru that is loved so many kids and adults. 

On the both bankof Yoichi River, so many cherry trees were expressing their beauty of blooming blossoms.Their colors of pink were comparatively stronger than the ones in Niseko. 

 

Cherry Blossoms Blooming around the Museum!

by Kazu

The pale pink cherry blossoms blooming so high made fabulous contrast with the blue sky and white clouds floating over them. A small cafe is in the museum where the citizens are reading books and relaxing.

Some small vineyards were also there  around the Memorial Museum of the Autor Arishima Takeo in Niseko Town. Taking care of the grapevine seemed to be so tough for me because the heavy snowfall may damage them. 

The adjacent town "Niki" and Yoichi" produce so nice and delicious fruit such as grape, apple, cherry, pear, fig, plum, peach, black currant, blueberry  and gooseberry. Awarded whiskey Nikka "Taketsuru" and "Yoichi" also welcome the guests from all over the world.  

 

The Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum in Niseko !

by Kazu

The Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum also has so nice open space with beautiful cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei to stroll around. The famous author who established agricultural community in this area took root in the town decades ago.

He wanted to build the self-sufficient community based on the efficient agricultural system. The gorgeous landscape with a small creek that was nurturing huge in-land salmon "Itoh" seemed to be alluring many tourists and citizens.   

Some farmers were selling their produces near the museum and a small shrine was on the hillside beside the road. The design of the museum was so fantastic that it seemed to have costed millions of dollars decades ago. 

 

Breakfast in Meli Melo, Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

Other than the beefsteak rice bowl, the restaurant "Meli Melo" in Hotel Setsu Niseko provided the guest with the sandwich plate on that day. In case of fewer guests, such selected breakfast is much better than buffet style for the guests and chefs.   

I am not an aficionado of espresso and cafe latte but one of the staff from Italy Fernando kindly made so refreshing and inspiring cafe as usual. I was very happy to see him and have the privilege to have his coffee. 

Niseko Town has some fabulous and cozy park in its area. This park with the great landscape of Mt. Yotei and ample parking lot is located beside the road from the National Route to the train station of the town. Day camping facility is available and beautiful cherry blossoms welcomed us on that day.

 

Relaxation in Hotel Setsu Niseko !

by Kazu

We make a point of staying in Hotel Setsu Niseko on my wife's birthday every year. A compliment birthday cake for my wife was waiting for us every year. We really appreciate the hospitality of the hotel staff headed by the Manager Ms. Tamoto.  

The relaxation room in front of the hot spring spa in the hotel was decorated in so relaxing and sophisticated way but it must be tough to keep the shelves and items clean, spic and span.

I've never seen many people are chatting in this area but some people are waiting for their partner or family, drinking the fruit water. No automatic massage machine in the room because so nice relaxation and aesthetic room is on the same floor.  

 

Skunk Cabbage Blooming !

by Kazu

I found a new accommodation in Niseko/Kutchan Area, in front of which a monument-like metal sign stood.The metal sign showed the number 1998 or other. I didn't seem like a hotel but the design seemed to be not for apartment.   

A small pool was in a bush and seemed to be nurturing some skunk cabbages blooming. They were the earliest green color in the area. Soon the real estate will also be developed for resort hotel or the place of activities. 

We visited and stayed in Hotel Setsu Niseko again for the first time this year.Mt. Yotei and comfy hot spring spa and resort hotel welcomed us as usual. We would like to visit and stay there again and again for good. A birthday cake for my wife was waiting for us in the fridge.

 

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.