RUMOUR has it the six-star Capella Niseko resort has perked the interests of U2’s frontman, Bono. This could well be because Capella Niseko – to commence construction in May this year – was designed by one of Japan’s greatest living architects, Tadao Ando, who also drew up the plans for one of Bono’s houses.
WHILE we’re on the topic of rumoured celebs, someone told us they spotted movie star and the Gladiator himself Russell Crowe, in Niseko the other week? Apparently he was en route to Yuki Bar. Did anyone else see him?
SKIING, boarding, biking… been there, done that. The inventor of 3ski Snow Bikes, Kiwi Jason Buckley (pictured), came to Niseko to road test his bikes in our world-famous pow. How did they handle? The verdict is a big thumbs up, with the 3ski as good as he could hope for in the deep – super-manoeuvrable and confidence-inspiring, he says. A fusion of skiing and mountain biking, 3ski are hoping to blast out into the Japanese snow scene next season, so keep an eye out.
SEKKA has a new Otaru Beer on tap. It’s a smoky, English-style ale, but be quick, because there are only a couple of kegs left! Sekka’s the only place you can get the Bavarian-influenced Otaru Beer on tap in Niskeo. Psst! If they’re sold out of Smoky Ale, Otaru Beer also makes a very drinkable Pilsener and Dunkel!
EVER wanted to walk on water? Lying at the foot of Mount Yotei, Half Moon Lake is stunning all year round, but you can snowshoe across it during Niseko’s winter. Local tour companies run regular trips out there and will provide all the gear, so go check it out. You won’t fall in – we promise!
HOKKAIDO Tracks last month kicked off what is sure to become another popular annual event on the Niseko calendar – the Niseko Toboggan Run and Candle Light Walk. Take a dozen toboggans, an equal number of daring participants, one of Hirafu’s steepest streets (running from the Fridge Door Bar to HT’s The Escarpment development), line the snowbanks with candles, and there you have it. Hang on to your hats… or should that be beanies?
A TENDER, marbled Wagyu steak is a delicacy that must be experienced while in Japan, but for many it’s just too darned expensive! Fortunately Downtown Café in Hirafu this season offers a 2cm-thick, 300-500g Wagyu at amazing value for only ¥3800. The Downtown chefs used to work in famous restaurant Makkarina in the neighbouring town of Makkari too. At that price, it would be a crime not to claim your steak today!
KARAOKE is another must-do when you’re in Japan. One of the best places to belt out a few tunes Nihon-style is Northwind, in Hirafu’s Middle Village. There’s a seemingly endless list of Western and Japanese hits from yesterday and today to help you look the fool. And if you require a little Dutch courage before grabbing the mic, every night Northwind does a three-hour ‘nomihodai’ (all you can drink) for only ¥3000!
ALONG with renovations last year, Niseko-Moiwa resort has a brand new logo. In case you were wondering, the large ‘I’ in the centre of ‘Moiwa’ apparently has three meanings: ‘I’ (ai) is the Japanese word for ‘love’; ‘I’ also means ‘No. 1’; and ‘I’ as in ‘just for mine’. With Moiwa’s increased popularity this season, it won’t be ‘just for mine’ for long…
EVER fancied eating a pizza with salad on top? Yummy’s izakaya in the Middle Hirafu Village does just that with their very yummy Taco Salad Pizza – but we’re still pretty sure pizza’s not a health food. Nicely balancing the salad option is a steak pizza with whole slices of tender steak on top!
THIS cute little place on Hirafu-Gondola Street is affectionately known to locals as ‘The Smurf House’ – for obvious reasons. There’s every chance most of the mushroom of snow building up on its roof will have dropped off by the time this edition hits the streets, but this pic was snapped back in the peak of yet another epic winter in Niseko. Like something out of a cartoon, isn’t it amazing The Smurf House hasn’t collapsed under those literal tonnes of snow?!