In a sea of sleek designer chalets and concrete condominiums, Shin Shin certainly stands out.
This idiosyncratic ski chalet was built in the traditional Japanese log house style. The property has what is undoubtedly one of the most unique entrances in Hirafu Village, with a winding, covered walkway welcoming guests on arrival.
Shin Shin was built by local craftsmen using logs floated down the river. All the more impressive, not a single bolt was used in building the house. Instead, the property’s unique tongue and groove construction allows Shin Shin to expand with Niseko’s ever changing, extreme weather.
“With its sturdy log exterior and cosy ski lodge feel, Shin Shin feels warm and rustic yet unmistakably Japanese.”
Before social distancing and #stayhome became the norm, we enjoyed a two-night stay at this Hirafu standout, relishing in its warm comfort and easy access to all the village has to offer.
Cosy comfort
Right from the start it’s clear that Shin Shin was designed for families. The chalet is built over three floors so there’s plenty of room to spread out.
The unique entrance brings you to the living room which simply feels like the dictionary definition of cosy: sink-in leather lounges, sturdy exposed beams, a stone fireplace (which, to be fair, is mainly decorative these days), stocked bookshelves and snow-covered views… The only thing missing was a cup of hot cocoa and a pair of woolly socks.
This cosy home-like feel runs through the whole property and it was just what we found ourselves craving after a long day out in the snow.
Family friendly features
Shin Shin’s bedroom setup is exceptionally well-suited for families. There are two master bedrooms on the lower ground floor (along with a third double bedroom) just below the main living areas, which means parents can have their own space.
One floor below these three rooms are the chalet’s two bunk rooms which can sleep up to eight kids – yes, eight! These two bunk rooms share a large bathroom with a huge, onsen style bath between them. There’s also a simple yet comfy TV lounge on this floor, so the kids can have their own space to #netflixandchill.
Hello, Hirafu!
Before checking in, I had the idea that Shin Shin was nestled somewhere remote, surrounded by picturesque forest but just a bit, well, far from everything. I was thrilled to be proven wrong! While the chalet does sit on the edge of a pretty escarpment with windows looking out to the trees, the snow and yes, Mt Yotei (in fact, the views were one of the highlights!), it’s also right on the cusp of everything that’s cool and exciting in Hirafu Village.
We had rented a car to explore the larger Niseko area and there was plenty of space to park in front of the chalet. But even if you don’t feel like driving in the snow and ice, it’s only a quick 20-metre stroll up to the shuttle bus stop which gives you direct access to all Hirafu has to offer. The closest lifts are the ACE Family Lifts, located some 600 metres away. Even without hopping on a bus, Shin Shin is neighboured by some great little eateries: we love Ebisutei and Nagomi for cosy izakaya vibes and The Baddies Niseko for an après-ski drink (or three) – and they are all within a 100-metre radius of the chalet.
Final verdict
We think Shin Shin is the perfect Hirafu chalet for a large family: there’s space for the grownups to relax and unwind while the two bunk rooms can hold up to eight kids. We were surprised at how easy it was to explore the village with the shuttle stop just a hop and skip away. And we’re still missing those views!
