Holiday Advice from 9 Niseko Locals
Meet some of the people who are lucky enough to call Niseko home.
Bevan Colless
Founder and Owner, Niseko Physio and Massage
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Years in Niseko: My first trip as a tourist was 1994. This season will be the ten year anniversary of Niseko Physio.
Favourite Niseko experience: Snowshoeing on Hangetsu ko (Half Moon Lake). The whole family can do it together, it’s so peaceful and serene. We often swim in the lake in summer too.
Local tip: Get spikes for your shoes! We see a lot of injuries from people slipping in the street.
What do you love most about Niseko? It’s rural Japan but international, sophisticated and exciting.
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: Torimatsu in Kutchan
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: If the lifts are running and gates open, somewhere between Annupuri and Moiwa. If they aren’t, then at Rusutsu. The lifts rarely close there.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: On my road bike enjoying the plentiful smooth, quiet roads in the area.
Tatsumi Kono
Maintenance Supervisor, HTM Niseko
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Years in Niseko: 11
Favourite Niseko activity: Snowboarding, soccer and BBQs.
Local tip: Try hiking Mt. Yotei!
What do you love most about Niseko? The nature and turning of seasons.
Where would you likely be found…
…after work: In summer, playing soccer.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: Cleaning out the snow around my house.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: Having a BBQ or surfing in the Pacific Ocean.
Ross Findlay
CEO, Niseko Adventure Centre (NAC)
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Years in Niseko: 25
Favourite Niseko activity: Skiing powder all day (before all the Australians came).
Best local dish: Potato mochi.
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: At home looking at the surf report for Saturday.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: Hitching a ride on the NAC cat.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: On the river, rafting.
Shaun and Jacinta Sonja
Designers, Sanctuary Niseko
Hometown: Singapore
Years in Niseko: 2.5
Favourite Niseko experience: Being in close proximity with nature.
Local tip: For those who are little squeamish about public onsens, there are private family onsen rooms at Yuusen Kaku Onsen (behind Konbu JR Station), Kiran no Yu (at Niskeo Town) and Akahane Onsen (favourite mud onsen at Goshiki) available for just an additional 1,000JPY.
What do you love most about Niseko? The fresh spring water, fresh local produce and the holistic way of living!
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: Trying a new recipe at home.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: At work?!
…on a beautiful summer day in July: Rolling in the park with our dogs.
Masaya Yamamoto
Ski Patrol, Tokyu Resort Service
Hometown: Shiga, Japan
Years in Niseko: 13
Favourite Niseko experience: Camping in the summer. Skiing and telemarking in the winter.
Local tip: Try Japanese food and visit an onsen.
What do you love most about Niseko? Being able to experience four distinct seasons.
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: Staying at home with family.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: At Hirafu ski resort or one of the nearby mountains.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: At a campsite or festival ground.
Ryan McKay
Director, Studiomochi
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Years in Niseko: 2.5
Favourite Niseko experience: Cycling in the mountains.
Local tip: Being the first customer at Guzu Guzu when everything is fresh and piping hot. The smell is sublime.
What do you love most about Niseko? A combination of fresh food, clean air, safety and cycling.
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: At home with the family.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: Fatbiking secret trails.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: BBQ with the kids.
Tomomi Nishimura
Director, Rhythm Snowsports
Hometown: Kochi, Japan
Years in Niseko: 10
Favourite Niseko experience: Snowboarding, downhill MTB and eating the local food.
Local tip: Onsen power is magical, it helps relax your tight muscles after skiing.
What do you love most about Niseko? The diversity of people from around the world (and food).
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: Sakaba restaurant in Kutchan.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: Onsen Yukokorotei.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: Mountain biking at Rusutsu’s downhill MTB course.
Mr Slicey
Maître d’ – It’s slice to meet you, Lava Lounge Pizza
Hometown: Niseko, Japan
Years in Niseko: 2
What do you love most about Niseko? It may sound cheesy but the beautiful nature stole a pizza my heart.
Favourite Niseko anecdote: Finding an elderly couple struggling with large suitcases in the middle of nowhere late at night. They had gotten off the train at Hirafu Station instead of Kutchan. I gave them a ride back to the resort. It was theyeast I could do.
Where would you likely be found…
…on a Friday after work: I’m bit of a fungi so I like to go out for a drink.
…on a stormy Niseko powder day: Working on my powder technique. There’s always mushroom for improvement.
…on a beautiful summer day in July: Walking my PUPeroni.
