As I not too long ago wrote about, I’ll shortly be taking a evaluate journey to Sapporo, Japan, to be able to fly the brand new enterprise class merchandise of Korean Air and Japan Airways. Within the feedback part, a reader requested if I had any plans to journey to Niseko, which is one in all Japan’s hottest ski locations, and close to Sapporo.
The timing of that query is humorous, as a result of I began planning precisely such a visit a few week in the past. So I figured I’d share what I have already got deliberate, after which I’d love some suggestions and concepts about learn how to make the journey even higher.
We attempt to go on one ski journey per yr
Full disclosure upfront — I’m not a skier. I imply, I attempted to ski in Dubai in 2015, considering it will be simple, however that didn’t finish effectively. Then I attempted to study to ski a few years in the past in France, which really labored out moderately effectively. Nevertheless, I believe I may be too outdated/danger averse to do that constantly, and at this level perhaps I ought to simply give attention to après snowboarding.
Nonetheless, Ford and I attempt to go on one ski journey per yr. Ford likes to ski, and you already know, blissful husband, blissful life, or one thing. Moreover, I do very a lot benefit from the tradition round snowboarding. What’s to not love about the fantastic thing about snow, fireplaces, and heat drinks?
Whereas the US objectively has nice snowboarding circumstances, we definitely don’t have the superb tradition round snowboarding that you just’ll discover in lots of elements of Europe, from the service, to the meals and drinks, to the final environment. France has some unimaginable ski resorts, and to at the present time, Airelles Courchevel might be my favourite lodge I’ve ever stayed at (although Airelles Val d’Isère is superb as effectively).
That’s fairly a distinction to my final expertise at a US ski resort in winter, which was on the St. Regis Deer Valley. Anyway, that’s neither right here nor there. This yr we’re not snowboarding in the US or Europe. As an alternative…
This winter we’re snowboarding in Niseko, Japan!
We’re going to combine issues up this coming winter, and shall be snowboarding in Niseko, Japan. For these not acquainted, Niseko is outdoors of Sapporo, and it appears to be one in all Japan’s premier ski locations. It’s superb how a lot development the realm is seeing.
Amongst main luxurious lodge teams, there’s at present the Park Hyatt Niseko and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko, with a number of extra luxurious properties on the best way, starting from a Hoshinoya, to a Rosewood, to a Six Senses. With the course issues are headed, this place will ultimately be as concentrated of a luxurious lodge market as Kyoto.
We determined to e-book the Park Hyatt Niseko, provided that I’ve heard nice issues in regards to the property, and I even have a powerful choice for World of Hyatt over Marriott Bonvoy. I’m ridiculously excited to take a look at this lodge.
I am keen on Japan, so I can’t wait to see what Japanese ski tradition is like, and the way the vibe differs from the US and Europe. If anybody has any ideas or recommendations on the property or Niseko typically, I’d love to listen to them. Are there any experiences which are a should? Any nice eating places on or off property? Is the group largely Japanese, Australian, or…?
Some features of the journey we’re nonetheless deciding on…
The Park Hyatt portion of the journey is confirmed, although every little thing else is open as of now. With that in thoughts, I’ve a few issues I’d love suggestions on, each based mostly on firsthand expertise, and by way of what y’all want to examine.
Initially, is it value trying out the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko as effectively? In concept, you’d suppose a Ritz-Carlton Reserve could be higher than a Park Hyatt (it’s undoubtedly a extra boutique and splendid model), but I’ve heard many say that the alternative is true right here? We’re contemplating including on an evening or two to take a look at this property, particularly since you may redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties these days.
Subsequent, we’re most likely going to have a stopover in Tokyo on the best way out. So, which Tokyo lodge would y’all most wish to examine? I’ve reviewed the Andaz Tokyo, and I’m excited for the Park Hyatt Tokyo to reopen after an in depth renovation, however that’ll solely occur after our journey.
We’re tempted to remain at one of many two EDITION properties, because it’s a very good alternative for redeeming Marriot Bonvoy factors. There’s each the Tokyo EDITION Ginza and the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon. Any ideas on which is healthier? Or some other lodge particularly that you just’d most wish to examine?
Backside line
I’ll be heading again to Japan for a “correct” journey within the coming months, which I’m wanting ahead to. Up till now we’ve solely executed ski journeys in North America or Europe, so it’ll be enjoyable to see how the expertise compares in Asia. I’m wanting ahead to trying out the Park Hyatt Niseko, and am open to different concepts on the journey, if there’s extra that you just’d wish to examine…
Any ideas or ideas for our Niseko journey?
