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Magical Winter Wonderland

Day 1: Arrival Day

Welcome to Setsu Niseko. Toast the start of your holiday in any one of our restaurants and enjoy a Welcome drink on us. Get your equipment fitted at our on-site rental shop, Rhythm Setsu, offering convenience without stepping outside. Keep your snow gear at your private ski locker enabled with your room key exclusively for hotel guests. This one-stop service means you’re ready and prepared to hit the mountains without ever leaving the hotel.

Have a cup of Lupicia tea whilst soaking in your own in-suite onsen (available in selected suites only). Setsu Niseko offers one of the largest selection of dining venues to choose from in Niseko. Which will you try first? Sushi, Tempura, Spaghetti or perhaps a steaming bowl of Ramen? Let us know your preference and our Concierge team can book you in for a culinary feast every night of your stay.

Day 2 & 3: Ski Fun Time

Morning & Afternoon

Whether you’re up early in time for the first lifts or enjoying a more leisurely pace to your day, start off with an early buffet breakfast at méli mélo - Yuki No Koe -. We take our breakfast spread very seriously at Setsu offering a wide variety of Western and Asian dishes lovingly created from Hokkaido's amazing seasonal produce. With the added promise of some of the best coffee to be found in Niseko courtesy of Baristart.

Pick up your gear from your private ski locker, chat with the Ski Concierge on the best runs for the day or meet your private instructor before heading off to the slopes with our convenient door-to-door shuttle service. Grand Hirafu is the largest resort within Niseko and an awesome place for all: from first timers to the most advanced powder hounds who want to explore the area and ride some of the best powder snow in the world. 

Tips for first timers:

Family and holiday courses have the perfect gentle slopes for you to start off with. They are great for those wanting to practice their turns and stops, whilst enjoying the views of Mount Yotei. Once you build up your confidence, why not explore the upper parts of the mountain and discover other areas of the resort like Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri.

We highly recommend taking a ski/snowboard lesson to start your stay. That way you will learn the basics correctly and have a much more productive time on the slopes. You’ll be able to ski in no time! Please consult our experienced Ski Concierge team for the most suitable lesson for you.

Evening

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, it's time to treat yourself in one of our private onsens to relax those aching muscles. Don’t forget to book a slot before you head out! Flick through your photos and videos of the day and share with us on social media at @setsuniseko #setsumoments, we would love to see how you did on your first few skiing days in Niseko!

You deserve great food and we have plenty of that at Setsu Niseko. All our restaurants incorporate world famous Hokkaido ingredients as the main part of our menus, paired with local wine and sake. Have you tried the fresh seafood Japanese kaiseki experience at Sushi Kato? Or the crispiest tempura omakase course at Tempura Araki? There’s sure to be something for everyone.

Day 4: Alpine Wellness Retreat & Experience Japanese Culture

Morning

After a couple of days of skiing, it’s a good time to take a short break and relax. An alpine wellness retreat is the way to go and Setsu Niseko offers one of the largest Spa and Wellness Centres in Niseko with a full range of services for your indulgence.

Start off with a session at our private yoga studio Studio En, and join a group lesson or book a private class with your friends and family. Choose from a variety of classes from pilates to stretching, or even a meditation class with our local experienced yoga instructor. After a good stretch, it's time to unwind with a range of spa treatments from facials to full body treatments. Allow our experienced therapists to curate a spa and treatment programme to meet your individual wellness goals.

Finish off your morning in the healing waters of Setsu’s private onsen bathing pools (don't forget to pre-book your slot). Continue your indulgent wellness journey by relaxing in the Onsen Lounge, releasing tension in our sauna or taking a plunge into the cool dipping pool to boost circulation. 

For guests with kids, the kids playroom is always available for some indoor bonding time. 

Afternoon & Evening

Relax in your in-suite tatami with a glass of high quality Hokkaido wine before heading off for dinner. Dinner promises to be another feast for the senses as you explore the Niseko landscape through your stomach. Try the incredible ocean-to-table experience at Sushi Kato INORI and have a front row seat to see the art of sushi-making at work. Let us help you secure your reservation by contacting us beforehand.

One can never get bored of finishing your day in the comforting heat of the onsen, and its therapeutic benefits are good for your heart and soul.

Day 5: After a Break, Ski (Again)

Morning & Afternoon

Challenge yourself by exploring the other areas of Niseko United Resort like Hanazono, Niseko Village or Annupuri, if you have the confidence for riding on all terrain types. Or why not experience the adrenaline rush of heli-skiing at Mt. Shiribetsu - definitely an alpine experience you will never forget. Consult with our Concierge team to help arrange your alpine ski adventures.

Evening

After an intense day riding the slopes, make your way to our onsen and alternate between the hot spring water pool and cool dipping pool to loosen up your muscles. Unwind in your in-suite tatami with a glass of beer or head down to Park90 for a glass of wine.

If you would like to explore other options outside of our on-site restaurants, our private chef would be happy to arrange for a specially customised dinner with all your family favourites for a truly curated experience. For special occasions we can organise cakes and flowers, be sure to let us know in advance.

Day 6: On-Snow Winter Wonderland

Morning: Snowmobiling Tour

Be adventurous and ride your own snowmobile with our experienced local guide through Niseko's renowned powder snow. The snowmobile experience takes you to beautiful hidden forests, through snow-covered pastures with some of the most breathtaking views of the Niseko ranges and beyond. It’s a great way to spend your time with family and friends whilst experiencing Niseko's incredible winter wonderland.

Afternoon: Snowshoeing Tour

To save you time, enjoy a takeaway lunch prepared by the team at AFURI. We recommend visiting them in store to collect some kakuni pork buns or a karaage don, leaving you stress-free to enjoy your day.

Snowshoeing tour: Head down to Lake Hangetsu, one of the most popular spots for snowshoeing and reconnect with nature. This stunning half-moon shaped lake is frozen in winter and offers an abundance of bird life, spectacular views and enough elevation to hone your kick-and-glide skills as you walk across the lake.

These tours can be done on the same day or spread out over two different days. There are also other activities to choose from such as horse-riding or tree trekking, which are great fun for all ages!

Evening

Sit back, relax and enjoy the live music performed by local musicians in the lobby in front of the roaring fire. A great spot to hunker down with a glass of red wine for a warm and toasty evening. Complete your day with the famous yuzu ramen and creative cocktails at AFURI.

Day 7: Explore Hokkaido and go shopping!

Morning & Afternoon

No holiday would be complete without a touch of retail therapy and to bring back some holiday mementoes. Private tours can be arranged to Otaru, a 60-minute drive from the hotel. We recommend visiting the Otaru Canal as your first stop. The canal makes for a nice stroll during the day where you can see the local artists at work. A short walk from the canal brings you to Sakaimachi Street, an old preserved merchant street constructed with impressive western style buildings bustling with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, museums and local glass making shops. Try out squid rice crackers, a tasty snack for a reasonable price; visit penguins, dolphins and over 250 varieties of marine life at the Otaru Aquarium.

A stop at Kiroro ski resort can also be scheduled. If you are interested in another day skiing but with a change of scenery, then check out this nearby ski resort perfect for families and famous for the most snowfall within Hokkaido. Private tours to other nearby towns can be arranged for you upon request. Talk to our Concierge team about your interests.

Evening

Reserve a private dining room to make the last night of your trip extra special with your loved ones at our main restaurant méli mélo -Yuki No Koe-.

Although these are some of our personal suggestions, you are welcome to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and schedule. Our Concierge team is here to curate your best adventure in Niseko. We would recommend a stay of at least a week to enjoy a true experience of Niskeo's winter wonderland.

This is only one example of a fun itinerary you can experience while staying at Setsu Niseko, there is so much more for you to explore and enjoy!  Let our dedicated concierge team know about your interests and preferences and we will create your own personalised journey full of cherished holiday moments just for you.

Share with your cherished Niseko moments with us during your stay on social media and tag @setsuniseko and #setsumoments