Niseko never fails to impress. The Japanese ski town has gone through a stunning transformation in recent years, while still staying true to its Hokkaido roots. Both the central ski resorts and their picturesque outskirts have seen a real renaissance of new luxury chalets and global resort chains making their mark in the region.
Join us for a tour of some of the most inspiring, innovative and aesthetically appealing architecture that’s reshaping the face of Niseko.
Inspired by Hokkaido
Though much of Niseko’s architecture might seem strikingly bold and modern, a lot of the buildings have actually been inspired by the area’s rich cultural heritage and unique natural landscape. The distinctive shapes of Andaru Villas Niseko were inspired by the homes of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people, while Tamo was built using its namesake, the Tamo Ash, which is used extensively throughout the property – it’s also one of the world’s rarest and much sought after timbers.
Another impressive nod to local Hokkaido traditions is Shin Shin which immediately catches your eye with its winding entrance walkway. This rustic timber chalet turns all the more impressive once you learn that it was built from logs floated down the river without using a single bolt. Instead, local craftsmen applied a tongue and groove construction method which allows the structure to expand with Niseko’s extreme weather.
A Fresh Twist on a Classic
One of the overarching themes of Niseko architecture is a subtle yes stunning marrying together of the old and new, of East and West. The sensational Panorama Niseko captures these themes by giving nods to timeless Alpine chalets while also adding a fresh new twist on the classic. Largely built using natural materials, Panorama Niseko’s eye-catching façade includes subtle touches of Japanese design – and is equally impressive at night with the chalet all lit up.
Sweet Seclusion
Though many visitors automatically look for accommodation in the heart of the action, there is something to be said for going against the grain and opting for a chalet that lies beyond the beaten path. In fact, many of the most impressive chalets in Niseko are surrounded by the great outdoors, affording guests an added sense of privacy and unparalleled views of the Hokkaido landscape.
The more remote locales provide these luxury chalets with the ultimate backdrop while indoors, seemingly endless windows turn into living works of art, framing the ever-changing Niseko landscape.
An interesting design detail in the secluded Setsu-in chalet is the private courtyard hidden inside this U-shaped structure, completely invisible from the outside. With full-wall glass used extensively throughout the building (save from its full-on concrete facade), guests can enjoy serene views of snow falling to the courtyard, even without getting out of bed. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Makoto Nakayama, Setsu-in is a prime example of Niseko’s penchant to marry cutting edge modern aesthetics with ancient local traditions – Setsu-in also takes cues from Japanese traditions of Zen and tea ceremonies.
The luxuriously remote Hiyoku is the perfect example of a Niseko chalet that was designed to both complement and make the most of its stunning surroundings. Featuring extensive stretches of full-wall glass, the chalet’s exterior resembles a life-size sculpture while on the inside, guests are guaranteed picture-perfect views of the nearby Shiribetsu River and on clear bluebird days, vistas looking over to the imposing Mount Yotei. Hiyoku’s name translates as “flying wing“ and indeed, the chalet’s light-as-air roof does appear to be taking off.
Seemingly endless stretches of full-wall glass are another signature feature of modern Niseko chalets. The twin Shakuzen chalets feature a full wall of glass spanning two floors, with their unique cantilevered design only adding to the striking appearance of these mirror-image structures.
A New Age of Luxury
Niseko’s real estate boom has introduced a new era of fully fledged mega chalets to the area. These immense structures are often built in remote locales or on the outer edges of the main ski resorts – both locales ensure the best possible, unobstructed views of Mount Yotei. These views then inform the very structure of the property, with wrap-around balconies and full-wall windows positioned to face this looming giant. Tsudoi is a prime example of this new age of jaw-dropping Niseko chalets, spanning three floors and near 800 square metres, with absolutely stunning views of Mount Yotei visible from both the living areas and some of the six bedrooms.
Concrete and glass are omnipresent in modern day Niseko. Chalets like Mukashi Mukashi (Japanese for Once upon a time) and the aptly named Glasshouse are stunning examples of this design persuasion.
Where Concrete Meets Powder
And while we are on the topic of concrete – we have to give special mention to a design and construction approach that has become an iconic part of the Niseko landscape. We are talking about konkuriito. You will see these idiosyncratic concrete chalets dotted across Grand Hirafu, offering an edgy mix of concrete and glass which during the winter months is beautifully juxtaposed by piles of fluffy snow piled on the streets outside. These modern chalets are a key part of Niseko’s unique appeal: a bit of the old, plenty of new and something that feels like nowhere else in the world.
For more inspiration, explore our collection of hand-selected chalets in Niseko.
