Top 10 Lunch Options for Day Skiing in Niseko

Skiing and snowboarding can be tiring activities. They are estimated to burn up to 450-500 calories per hour. Getting enough fuel during your lunchtime break is important if you want to get the most out of your day.

Thankfully, there are many great lunch spots perfect for that midday refuel session that taste as good as they sound. Hirafu offers a wide variety of cuisines to try, including everything from traditional Japanese fare, French, Italian and even Indian street food.

Our team at Setsu have compiled a list of our favourite options that are easily accessible from the Grand Hirafu or Hanazono ski resorts for a day out on the slopes. All you need to do is catch the Setsu Niseko shuttle from the Gondola or the Welcome Centre to Setsu, or walk a short distance from the ski lifts to the relevant local eatery.

Hanazono EDGE

Located at the base of Hanazono Lift #1, Hanazono Edge is a spacious, modern cafe and restaurant perfect for on-the-hill dining. Serving a mix between Japanese and Western cuisine, Hanazono Edge is a one-stop-shop for a quick lunch whilst skiing the Hanazono ski terrain. Try their tasty katsu curry for a traditional Japanese style meal.

Rhythm Base

Rhythm Japan’s Base Shop is located within close proximity to the Welcome Centre and Grand Hirafu Gondola. Inside, you will find their retail and rental services, as well as a small but delicious selection of toasted sandwiches and baked goods. They also offer coffees and a small seating area to enjoy a quick bite before heading back to the slopes.

AFURI

AFURI’s freshly made ramen is second to none. The famous yuzu ramen is well loved throughout Tokyo, and recently brought their freshly made noodles to Hokkaido. Located in Setsu Niseko, AFURI can be accessed easily by catching a Setsu Ski Shuttle Service from the Grand Hirafu Gondola or the Welcome Centre directly to Setsu. Why not try their Spicy Karaage Don or their Yuzu Shio Ramen?

Green Farm Cafe

Green Farm Cafe is located on the main street running through Hirafu, with a spacious, modern decor and a western style menu. They offer a range of options such as avocado toast, pasta of the day and fish of the day.

Cafe Cubanos

Cafe Cubanos is a small eatery located on the main road of Hirafu. With coffee, toasted sandwiches and snacks, you can grab a quick bite to eat before heading back to the slopes or your next adventure for the day. Their menu features Cuban inspired toasties such as their ‘The Cubanos’ toastie with pulled pork, ham and cheese, or their ‘100% Beef Burger’ served with chips.

méli mélo -Yuki No Koe-

méli mélo -Yuki No Koe- is led by Michelin-starred Chef Hironori Sato in an exciting new culinary collaboration by Chef Sato with Masaya Ishii from Hokkaido based coffeehouse ‘Baristart Coffee’, well-known for their signature Hokkaido dairy dishes and Sapporo roasted coffee. méli mélo is located at Setsu Niseko, with a modern, sophisticated interior space with incredible views of Mount Yotei during clear days. Enjoy French and Italian inspired cuisine, featuring Hokkaido’s best produce.

NEST813

Grand Hirafu’s latest addition to the slopes, the NEST813 is the newest restaurant located at the top of the mountain in the Ace Gondola Summit Station. Perfect for a midday break, NEST813 offers savoury dishes made from local Hokkaido ingredients, including Kutchan’s famous potatoes, as well as sweeping panoramic views of Niseko and Mt. Yotei.

Taj Mahal Food Truck

Located in the heart of Hirafu village, Taj Mahal operates a dine-in restaurant and a food truck that is perfect for quick grab-and-go lunch options. Nestled amongst the food truck park between Seicomart and across from Tamashii Bar on the main street of Hirafu, the Taj Mahal truck serves a range of popular Indian dishes, including curries, biryani, naan and other Indian snacks.

Kumo

Experience Japanese Izakaya-style dining at Kumo restaurant, located in close proximity to the Hirafu Welcome Centre. Soak up views over the ski hill while you dine on Japanese style fare such as fried chicken and potato, chicken curry or ramen noodle salad.

Tempura Araki

Tempura Araki is the ultimate authentic Omakase dining experience, headed by Sapporo’s two-Michelin star chef Araki. This intimate dining experience is centred around a beautiful Cypress counter, and promises a feast for the senses with delicate tempura created to perfection like precious art pieces right in front of your eyes. Feast on either a ¥27,500 and ¥33,000 set course menu. True to the tradition of omakase dining, the dishes served on the day will vary depending on the freshest catch and seasonal produce available.