Jan 28, 2020
With the famed ‘Niseko Express’ refreshing plentiful powder daily, Japan’s winter capital is on every downhiller’s list. Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono brings serene sophistication, exceptional dining experiences and their signature service to this resort town—which has plenty of summer draws, too.
DO
These are Asia’s most iconic slopes, so grab your skis and snowboards from Park Hyatt Niseko’s ski valet, and hit the trails—or book a Weiss Cat to truly own the mountain. Snowmobiling and snowshoeing offer other wintery fun. And come summer, this year-round mountain retreat turns emerald and you can dive into the outdoors by biking, hiking, rafting, playing the links on the famed Hanzono Golf course. Day-trips to Otaru and Sapporo also offer great culture.
SEE
Cute, nearby Kutchan town has its share of off-piste diversions. Be sure to visit the Shu Ogawara Art Museum, dedicated to the work of the famed surrealist artist who was from here, and the Kutchan Natural History Museum next door. You’ll also love Somoza, quintessentially Japanese woods-tucked complex made up of an art gallery, crafts shop, seminar space, tea room, chef’s table and more.
EAT+DRINK
Baby, it’s cold outside! No need to bundle up and out when Park Hyatt Niseko has so much goodness to warm the belly. The showstoppers are Molière Montagne, from Michelin three-starred chef Hiroshi Nakamichi, a champion of locavore fare cooked in the French method, and Sushi Mitsukawa, for the eponymous Michelin-starred chef’s delectable fish from Kanazawa’s Omicho market. Classics include Teppan or Robata; or country-hop to China Kitchen or Italian Olivio. The Bar and Cigar Lounge seduces with local gins and premium whiskies—so let’s toast to a good day on the powder.
STAY
Pamper yourself in a spacious suite with semi-outdoor onsen bath. 
Every suite comes with a private onsen and a stunning view.
Up in the Mount Annupuri ranges, a sense of place means a sense of peace, and the graceful Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono exudes that in spades. Ski in and and out of this stunning resort designed by Melbourne’s BAR Studio in a nouveau-Midcentury style, which nestles serenely in its natural surrounds. Take in the expansive views from the picture windows on all sides. All 100 guest rooms feature separate bedrooms and living areas, and the suites have private onsen baths for the holistic hotspring experience. Or head to the spa, because nothing beats a soak and a massage after a few great runs.
See more at travelandleisuresea.com/hyatt/
