Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Opens In Japan’s Legendary Winter Wonderland

Higashiyama Niseko Village, the newest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, is thrilled to welcome guests to Japan’s top winter sports destination of Niseko. Located in the country’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Higashiyama Niseko Village offers an exceptional escape for guests seeking personal and physical exploration. The resort, owned by YTL Hotels, is a stunning ski-in/ski-out property that interweaves the highest level of personalised service and care with the charm of Japan’s local history, culture and cuisine. Higashiyama Niseko Village is only the fifth Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world, and the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan.

Higashiyama Niseko Village, positioned at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the heart of Niseko Village, is an integrated all-season alpine resort hailed as one of the world’s premier powder snow destinations. The resort is set within the Niseko United ski area that offers 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing. The area also has an international ski school, chairlifts and gondolas, a dining and retail venue, an outdoor activity park and two world-class golf courses.

Unfolding over a vast landscape with panoramic views of Mount Yotei and Mount Niseko Annupuri, the inspiration behind the ultra-luxury resort lies in the Japanese proverb “Kachou Fuugetsu” (Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon) that encourages reverence for the transient beauty of nature and wellbeing through self-discoveries. Expressions of heartfelt emotional connections, indigenous aesthetics, unique cuisine and sensory-rich journeys characterise every element of the guest experience.

Higashiyama Niseko Village features 50 elegant guest rooms and suites appointed with refined amenities. A sense of cultivated beauty infuses all the spaces in the resort, with natural polished marble, fragrant cedarwood and flame brushed finished granite. Every space is designed to frame nature, showcasing the transitions of light and the seasons on the nearby mountains.

Its culinary ethos focuses on the philosophy of “shun”, the celebration of seasonal produce harvested at its peak. Guests can expect delectable cuisine that mirrors the seasons with the finest locally sourced vegetables, prized cuts and seafood served at Yukibana, or quintessential dining experiences at Sushi Nagi that observes the omakase tradition of entrusting the “Itamae”, or head chef, with his delicate creations. Customised cocktails, single malts and local brews may be savoured by the fireplace at Ume Lounge, with an eclectic array of Izakaya-style dishes.

Bringing to life the Reserve brand’s commitment to intuitive and heartfelt service, a trusted personal host or “Do San” (a person of Hokkaido) will assist guests in a highly personalised stay through a single touchpoint to access every service, amenity and offerings. Their sense of genuine care and responsibility, known as “omotenashi”, is the gold standard of Japanese hospitality, driven from the purity of heart and mutual respect with no pretence or expectation, that has evolved over the centuries as a subtle art form.

With a holistic focus on wellness, the bespoke spa offers tailored treatments to provide respite for the body and soul. The resort also features a traditional Japanese onsen for guests to luxuriate in the rejuvenating mineral-rich waters of Niseko’s natural underground hot springs. For guests who wish to maintain their workout routines during their stay, the resort offers a fitness centre complete with high-end Technogym equipment.

Leveraging Niseko’s heritage and varied recreation, Higashiyama Reservists, the resort’s creative curators are familiar with the locale, terrain and natural wonders, and offer a crafted collection of unforgettable excursions and self-discovery experiences. Reservists are always on hand to provide guests with the best insider tips, exclusive access and priority privileges that span nature, adventure, culture and gastronomy.

For more information on Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and reservation enquiries, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/higashiyamanisekovillage or email reservation.higashiyama@ritzcarlton.com. Images are available for download here.

About Higashiyama Niseko Village
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a rare sanctuary of bespoke luxury nestled in the premier powder snow destination of Niseko Village in Hokkaido, northern Japan. This is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Japan, and the fifth in the world. Higashiyama Niseko Village welcomes guests to explore and discover the area’s more than 2,100 acres of skiable terrain, groomed slopes and backcountry trails in the winter. In the summer, Niseko’s emerald green forests and lush landscapes invite golfers, cyclists, trekkers and other outdoor adventure seekers to come and play. With a design aesthetic inspired by the beauty of its natural surroundings, the resort’s 50 rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of nearby Mount Yotei the "Mount Fuji of Hokkaido" and Mount Niseko Annupuri. Guests will be pampered with the ultimate in luxury at the resort, which features a traditional Japanese onsen, or hot spring spa, fed by the mineral-rich waters of Niseko’s natural underground thermal springs. Dining at Higashiyama Niseko Village is elevated to another level, where highly skilled chefs interpret the exquisite culinary traditions of Japan with ingredients that reflect the changing seasons. Connect with us on Instagram.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.