The Niseko ski region is famed for its “champagne powder”, aka the driest and lightest snow in the world. The area also offers some seriously schmick chalets to match their champagne surroundings. Here are our picks for the most extravagant luxury chalets in Niseko, designed for the powder getaway of a lifetime.
1. Glasshouse
True to its name, Glasshouse’s ample rooms are lined with full-wall windows looking out to Mount Yotei. But the cool and funky architecture is just the starting point, as this luxury chalet offers more than enough fun and games to keep large groups entertained after a day of skiing. The fabulous glass-lined living room lounge comes with a unique suspended fireplace and the upstairs bathtub is built using fragrant hinoki timber. The wow factor, however, is provided by the huge outdoor Jacuzzi!
The gorgeous Mukashi Mukashi delivers the full package with its cutting edge design, luxury facilities and the perfect location in the very heart of Hirafu ski village. Built over three spacious floors, Mukashi Mukashi (the name means “once upon a time” in Japanese) mixes sleek modern architecture with Japanese details – be sure to greet the samurai statue in the hallway! This luxury chalet comes with six bedrooms, including a bunk room for the kids. The gorgeous designer fireplace is a work of art in its own right.
The aptly named Hideaway on Escarpment might not be huge in size but what this powder pad lacks in square metres it more than makes up in sleek design and luxury inclusions. Part of the prestigious Escarpment Estate on the outer edge of Hirafu Village, Hideaway on Escarpment features one of the most lavish onsen style baths we have ever seen – or soaked in, which was the first thing we did after checking in! Our stay in Hideaway on Escarpment was one of the highlights of our last trip to Niseko. Overall, the chalet is designed like an origami – hello, fold-away gym and third bedroom revealed behind sliding doors!
4. Jun
This one’s for the style connoisseurs. If you have a soft spot for high design and mountainside views, Jun is more than up for the challenge. Lavishly built over two floors, Jun is a designer dream come true with elegantly style rooms lined with full-wall windows looking out into Mount Yotei and the Niseko United ski hill. Jun’s state-of-the-art entertainment systems include Apple TV and guests staying during the winter season are treated to a complimentary four-wheel drive rental vehicle. And of course, there’s a funky designer fireplace to keep you warm at night.
5. Kazahana
At Kazahana, it’s all about the views. Built into the sought-after heart of Hirafu Village, Kazahana serves up fairy tale level views of Mount Yotei from its sumptuous outdoor Jacuzzi perched out on the second floor balcony. Though the hot tub is definitely a scene dealer, the interiors include some gorgeous design, too. The chalet comes with six bedrooms and lavish living areas, all designed to the nines with Hirafu’s best restaurants and ski slopes just a minutes’ walk away.
6. Greystone
Greystone is one of Hirafu’s grand old ladies. The chalet started its life as a traditional local pension but don’t let Greystone’s humble beginnings fool you. Today, Greystone has been fully renovated into a contemporary luxury chalet while still maintaining the property’s architectural integrity. Housing a whopping seven bedrooms which can sleep up to 18 guests, Greystone is ideal for a huge family getaway or a powder escape with your entourage. Available mod cons include Apple TV and complimentary shuttle service to the slopes and you can get a feel of the Japanese way of life thanks to the onsen style bath. Our team was lucky enough to stay here – read more about our epic stay at Greystone.
7. Annabel
If you’re looking for alpine luxury with lavish Asian influences, Annabel is the place to stay. Offering magnificent views of Mount Yotei, Annabel features six bedrooms and a fun playroom for the kids, making this epic powder pad ideal for families and large groups. This luxury chalet is the perfect place to chill after a day of skiing with its stone fireplace and full-sized pool table. Though Annabel has a lot to offer, the real wow factor is provided by the stunning onsen style bath attached to the master bedroom.
8. Kasetsu
Kasetsu’s beautiful rooms are filled with natural light and designer furniture, offering an extravagant backdrop for your next powder getaway. The three-storey chalet can accommodate up to 17 guests in its six bedrooms. The large balconies offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, while the complimentary rental van will make exploring Niseko a breeze. The living area include a designer fireplace and a 52-inch TV, with a peaceful onsen style bath looking out into the snow.
9. Panorama
The name says it all – Panorama is the place to stay if you can’t get enough of Niseko’s epic mountainside views. This gorgeous luxury chalet features impossibly large windows along with impossibly high ceilings, filling the rooms with space, light and snow covered vistas. Panorama gives out a luxe alpine feel thanks to natural materials and warm earth tones used throughout. The fabulous master bedroom offers the chalet’s namesake views and the bathroom features a sumptuous bathtub.
10. Soseki
Soseki is one of those rare places where everything is done juust right. Built on the border between Middle and Lower Hirafu Village, Soseki features a gorgeous outdoor fireplace built on the chalet’s generous balcony which doubles as a cool outdoor lounge. The interiors are fitted with Italian furniture and oh yes, a second fireplace! The kitchen includes Miele appliances and the chalet has a fun bunk room for the kids, making Soseki perhaps the most designer savvy family chalet in Niseko.
Ministry of Villas specialises in curating the best chalets and villas across Asia. Contact our team to get your personalised shortlist – we’ll help you find chalets that tick all the boxes for your next powder getaway.
