Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Niseko during the winter months, know that one visit is never enough. If it isn't for the powder, it's the food, culture, and exquisite views - not to mention gorgeous Mt Yotei, our own special Mt Fuji, as the backdrop for your winter adventures. This sentiment has never been more true than for the upcoming winter in 2024/2025. With a new gondola, a forecasted La Nina weather pattern, and an abundance of restaurants for you to enjoy, we are looking forward to another exciting winter.
Grand Hirafu's new gondola
Returning visitors can now consider themselves as part of Niseko's history as Japan's oldest quadlift, Ace Quad #2 Center Four, ended its 38-year reign at the close of this past season. Since 1985, the commonly known 'Center Four' chairlift provided picturesque rides from .Dot Base in Grand Hirafu, transporting over 25 million skiers and snowboarders. Despite no longer operating, the Center Four chairs have not been completely retired as a charity auction was held, selling 33 chairs largely to local business owners and individuals. It has been cited that many of these chairs have been relocated to local stores or yards, so keep an eye out to see if you can spot their new homes.
The .Dot Base ski area is currently undergoing a dramatic remodeling to make way for Grand Hirafu's brand new 10 person gondola. Due to open for the 24/25 season, this new gondola is set to transport almost double the amount of visitors each hour, a significant upgrade getting you to the slopes that much faster. Next season's riders can look forward to enjoying modern comforts such as heated seats and Wi-Fi, while taking in panoramic views through the gondola's large windows. Additionally, the introduction of a bike rack will cater to summer mountain biking enthusiasts, a revolutionising addition to the appeal of Niseko as a year-round destination.
60 new restaurants in the Niseko region
In the final few months of 2023, around 60 new restaurants opened up for the first full winter post COVID-19, providing you with endless dining options for visits to come. For yearly returners, understandably, you may have returned to your old favourites such as Koharuya, Rakuichi Soba, and Bang Bang, however, below are a few new venues we recommend trying next season.
Yakiniku Kuroushiya
Serving A5 wagyu beef and fresh, local seafood, enjoy grilling your own meal over a hot plate, Japanese style! A fun and engaging way to enjoy dinner, Kuroushiya offers 3 different course menus for you to choose from. Welcoming kids and larger groups, this is the perfect venue for the entire family.
Dan
Located in central Hirafu, Dan restaurant specialises in a traditional omakase dinner course. Now known for their selective wine pairings and Japanese sake, Dan is one of the few locations serving omakase-style in Hirafu - a slice of Japanese culture that will unfold at the hands of an experienced chef right before your eyes.
Shabu Shabu Mori
As one of the most requested meal types in Niseko, we are happy to share the recent opening of Shabu Shabu Mori. As an outpost of an already renowned restaurant in Hong Kong, Mori offers a culinary journey including premium beef, pork, and seafood for you to indulge in. We recommend bringing a group and reserving one of their private dining spaces for the ultimate experience.
Rikka
Offering an intimate omakase experience and led by a local chef, Rikka is a hidden gem located in Kutchan. Providing seasonal course menus, as well as a kids menu, enjoy a family night out in the local town for a more authentic, cultural experience.
Toshiro's Bar
An old favourite in a new location. Originally opened in 2014, Toshiro's is a whisky and cocktail bar famously run by a seasoned barman turned bar owner, and Lady of the House traditionally dressed in a Japanese Kimono. Having recently moved to Sansui Hotel, Toshiro's bar is an experience that comes highly recommended.
La Nina forecast for 2024
Since early 2023, the world has been subject to an El Nino weather event, meaning warmer temperatures across the globe. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, these increasing warmer temperatures are showing signs of coming to an end and a La Nina pattern is set to take action.
Characterised by cooler ocean surface temperatures across the equatorial Pacific Ocean, a La Nina weather event typically suggests good news for fellow snow chasers. Historically, these cooler patterns have brought about positive rates of snowfall, especially in the Hokkaido region. Our most previous La Nina, occurring through the years 2020-early 2023, brought about some of our greatest recent consecutive snowfall records since the years 2013-2015.
The Japan Meteorological Agency is predicting an increased likelihood of a La Nina weather pattern to begin in autumn 2024, cooling the local area just in time for winter to begin. With the potential for increased snowfall in a cool and more dry climate (which preserves our famous powder!) we could be looking forward to an even more snowy upcoming season. Nonetheless, even an average winter in Niseko is nothing short of magnificent.
