After Okinawa, in the fifth and final part of our guide to luxury hotels in Japan, we will be looking at luxury hotels in Hokkaido.
The second largest island in Japan and its northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs, and ski resorts.
Generally colder than the other parts of Japan, summer in Hokkaido is mild with low humidity while winters are snowy with an average temperature that is below zero degrees Celsius. Autumn arrives before the rest of Japan and Spring, on the other hand, comes late, and cherry blossoms can be seen in Hokkaido long after they have disappeared from the rest of the country.
Major cities of interest in the prefecture include the capital Sapporo, Asahikawa, which is famous for its zoo, as well as Furano, known for its powder snow and lavender fields.
If you’re planning to visit Hokkaido, here are some (in no particular order) recommendations for luxury hotels in Hokkaido:
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Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse
Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse is located in the heart of Niseko Village at the foot of Mount Annupuri, Niseko. Boasting pristine surroundings and stunning scenery, Niseko Village has plenty to offer everyone.
The townhouse is a short walk from the ski slopes and close to three ski lifts, making it convenient for guests who want to ski in the winter. There is also a golf course and an outdoor tennis court for guests visiting in the summer. The property is about 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse has a total of 8 townhouses equipped with three bedrooms that spans two floors and comfortably accommodates up to six people. All townhouses have designer kitchens fully equipped with appliances and utensils.
There is no restaurant on-site, and guests may instead travel to Niseko Village for various dining options.
Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse features a spa, hot spring baths, and a Japanese hot spring pool. Niseko Village’s complimentary scheduled shuttle service to and from The Green Leaf Niseko Village and Hilton Niseko Village operates during winter and summer.
Address:
Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1592, Japan
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za is a resort situated in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, about 60 minutes by car from Sapporo city. The property, which opened in 2019, overlooks Lake Shikotsu, which is the second-deepest lake in Japan.
The resort is a short walk from Yamasen Bridge as well as the Chitose Lake Shikotsu Snow Festival grounds during winter. The property is approximately 35 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
There are only 25 rooms in this resort, all of which comes with panoramic views of Lake Shikotsu and are equipped with a private Onsen.
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za has only one restaurant and one bar. Restaurant Mizushiro serves Kaiseki-style meals in private rooms. The bar lounge, Seiran offers coffee in the morning and drinks at night.
The property has a spa and offers free workshops such as indigo dyeing and an experience of a Japanese Tea ceremony. The resort also offers a free shuttle bus which runs between the resort and New Chitose Airport, Chitose Station, and Minami Chitose Station.
Address:
Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0281, Japan
Chalet Ivy Jozankei
Chalet Ivy Jozankei is a luxury ryokan in Hokkaido that is next to the Toyohira River and nestled in the surrounding forest.
The ryokan is located in Jozankei, and close to several of the island’s attractions, such as Jozankei Shrine, Jozangensen Park, Sapporo Lake, and Kappa Daio Statue. The property is approximately 80 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Chalet Ivy Jozankei’s 26 suites offer beautiful views of Jozankei’s surrounding nature. All rooms are equipped with natural hot springs, which are rich in minerals. Guests can enjoy the beautiful soft snow-covered forests in the winter and greenery in the summer from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the suites.
Chalet Ivy Jozankei has only one restaurant. ZUI restaurant offers classic Japanese cuisine as well as teppanyaki kaiseki.
The property has a spa, 24-hour gym, and natural hot springs.
Address:
231 Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3 Chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 061-2302 Japan
Suiboku
Suiboku offers stylish apartment-style accommodation. The property’s name is derived from Suiboku-ga, which is a form of Japanese monochrome ink and inspired the design of its apartments. Covered in grey, these loft-style apartments exude an industrial aesthetic.
In the heart of snowy Hirafu, it is right next to the Ace Family chairlift and within a minute’s walk to local restaurants, bars, and shops. The hotel is approximately 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Suiboku has only 10 lofts, each with views of snow-capped Mount Yotei. Each loft is configured differently, with units ranging from 3 bedrooms to 5 bedrooms.
There is no restaurant on site, but guests would have no lack of options due to the property’s proximity to many restaurants and bars.
Suiboku offers a ski equipment rental service and a bicycle rental service. Housekeeping is upon request, but two minor cleanings and a major cleaning are carried out in a week.
Address:
044-0081 Hokkaido, Niseko, 191-29 Aza Yamada Kutchan-Cho Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido, Japan
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
With breathtaking views of Annupuri and Mount Yotei, the relatively new Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, which opened at the start of 2020, is surrounded by nature and it is a destination worth visiting all year round despite being a mainly winter destination.
Located in Abuta-gun, the resort is close to famous ski resorts such as Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU. In the summer, guests can enjoy rafting, golfing, and hiking in the nearby UNESCO Global Geopark, Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The resort is approximately 150 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono has 100 guest rooms, including 9 suites with semi-open-air baths. Some suites have private hot spring baths.
The property has 10 lounges, bars, and restaurants. Nine of these restaurants are helmed by Michelin-starred chefs and offer a range of cuisines, from Chinese to French to Japanese, offering guests a first-class dining experience. The bar features a curated selection of the best local whiskeys and gins, as well as original cocktails created by master bartenders.
The resort has a gym, a 25-meter indoor pool with an integrated jacuzzi, a kids club, and a spa. There is also a free evening shuttle bus between Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono and Hirafu/Kutchan.
Address:
328-47 Aza Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan, 044-0082
Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu
Perched on the hilltop near Tomamu train station, Hoshino Resorts Risonare Tomamu is one of the two properties at Tomamu Ski Resort, with the other being Tomamu The Tower.
Located in Upper Hirafu Village, the resort is close to attractions such as Hotalu Street, and Ice Village. The property is approximately 90 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
The resort has 200 suites, each with a private sauna and whirlpool with spectacular views. It has large windows with panoramic views of the ski slopes below and the surrounding mountains.
Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu has six restaurants and bars. OTTO SETTE TOMAMU serves the regional cuisine of Piedmont and Liguria in Italy. SORA offers wagyu and seafood. Nininupuri is a popular meat buffet in a square surrounded by white birch trees. Paysage is the venue to go to for freshly baked bread. On the top floor of the resort is the buffet restaurant Platinum, which is surrounded by a coniferous forest. Free self-serve coffee is available 24 hours a day at Cafe & Book on the ground floor.
The resort has a pool, an open-air bath, a family lounge, and a spa.
Address:
Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun 079-2204 Hokkaido
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
One of the five Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world and the first in Japan, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is an exclusive, luxury sanctuary that opened only in December 2020.
The resort is located in Niseko Village, close to the famous Niseko Village Ski Resort. The property is approximately a two hours drive from New Chitose Airport (CTS).
The resort’s 50 guest rooms and suites offer stunning views of nearby Mount Yotei and Mount Niseko Annupuri. All rooms have private jacuzzi baths.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve features three restaurants and bars. Yukibana offers international cuisine with beautiful views of Hokkaido. Ume Lounge serves coffee, cocktails, local beers, and Japanese hot whiskeys with round stone tables and a fireplace. Sushi Nagi is an intimate restaurant with six seats at the counter catered by chef Taira Tsuneyoshi.
The resort has a spa and a 24-hour gym.
Address:
919-28 Aza Soga, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun 048-1522 Hokkaido
Location map of luxury hotels in Hokkaido
To give you a better idea of where our picks for luxury hotels in Hokkaido are located, we have created a map from Japan-guide for your reference.
Do let us know if we have missed out on any luxury hotels in Hokkaido. We would love to hear from you too if you have stayed at any of the luxury hotels listed and would like to share your thoughts!
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