Kasetsu: Perfect Snow Inspires Niseko Family Home Away From Home

It didn’t take long for the Hong Kong-based owners of Kasetsu to decide they wanted to build a house in Niseko.

“We started looking for land on the second day of our first visit,” they said.

“Now each time we return to Kasetsu, we feel like we’re home in a way that is similar to being in our home in Hong Kong.”

The family now comes to Niseko several times a year to relax, enjoy the natural environment in both summer and winter, escape the heat and hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, and to enjoy the local cuisine. “And most importantly, creating wonderful and new family memories for our kids, each and every time we visit.”

The home’s name itself ties Niseko in with the family. The children’s names all share a common Chinese character 佳 (ka), which means ‘excellent’. The second character 雪 (setsu, or yuki) is ‘snow’. The Japanese kanji character combination of these two characters therefore has the meaning ‘excellent snow’.

The local dining options are a big part of Niseko’s appeal for the family, along with the incredible variety of family activities available year round. “The Niseko area is like an onion – we’re constantly discovering new layers. We love exploring the outdoors with our kids, whether in ski boots, hiking boots or sandals. Also, enjoying the fabulous culinary offerings at local restaurants or just cooking at home the amazingly fresh and delicious local produce.”

Having spent time in ski resorts like Whistler, Breckenridge and Squaw Valley, the family knew what they wanted. “We sought to maintain the comfort and function of a traditional alpine lodge, while infusing the design with modern themes and Japanese elements. Our overriding design objective was to make Kasetsu warm, cosy and family-friendly.”