Canada isn’t the only winter wonderland; a weakened Yen and dramatic amounts of powder are bringing ski-bums to Niseko, Japan. The Niseko United resort offers over 48km of groomed runs and they keep most of their 38 lifts and gondolas open from 8:30am to 9pm – which means huge calories burned off, and oh so many options for putting them back on. We focused our foodie adventures on Hirafu ski village (one of three in Niseko).
Where to snack…
The rice ball is the Japanese equivalent of a cheeseburger: cheap, tasty and it goes down fast and delicious. We recommend Komekichi at the Hirafu Gondola station for a quick break in between ski runs. The Bonita fish and cheese rice ball (180 Yen) is like a hand grenade of flavour.
Where to lunch…
The Syokusai Hirafu sushi bar is a must. Our favourite lunch special is the Greedy plate: three pieces salmon, three pieces tuna, three pieces tempura, three inside-out pork rolls, plus a soup, salad and hot tea (2800 Yen).
Where to dinner…
Kamimura restaurant is named after (and blessed with) Chef Yuichi Kamimura. The modern Japanese-fusion cuisine incorporates the finest local delicacies, and the menu can be adjusted for particular tastes (a set course dinner is 13,000 Yen). On this visit our pick of the courses were the Spanish caviar and snow egg tartar of Hokkaido salmon, the grilled scallop with black truffle crème, and the roasted wagyu with Niseko potato puree. If you’re heading there, phone ahead; the waiting list can be longer than your vacation.
Where to drink…
For after-hour drinks and entertainment, nearby bar Loaf Lounge features a full indoor skateboarding pool which barflies watch while sipping Sapporo on draft (drinks start at 500 Yen; 1000 Yen to skateboard while you drink!).