GBP
The Vale Niseko
PRICE: Worth maxing out for
The Vale Niseko stands as an architectural statement in the heart of one of Japan’s premier ski resorts. Nestled at the base of Mount Annupuri, in the town of Hirafu, it offers guests an unparalleled fusion of modern luxury and the rugged beauty of Hokkaido’s mountains.
This sleek, contemporary property seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, giving visitors direct access to the slopes and offering an experience that combines world-class skiing with sophisticated alpine living. The Vale’s design is unmistakable, with its bold, geometric lines softened by the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and glass. Its low-rise structure is expansive, stretching across the landscape while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment. Inside, the atmosphere is one of refined simplicity, with vast windows framing dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. The warm, organic materials used throughout the hotel—rich timber panels, stone accents, and plush furnishings—create an inviting yet polished atmosphere. The feeling is both modern and cozy, and integrates the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, where beauty is found in simplicity and imperfection.
For those here to ski, The Vale offers an ideal location with its ski-in, ski-out access. The lifts are mere steps away, and the powder, famously deep and light in Niseko, is literally at your doorstep. Skiers and snowboarders can take full advantage of the expansive terrain of the Niseko United ski area, known for its powder snow and a vast network of pistes catering to all levels. The Vale also offers ski storage and rental services, as well as access to private instructors, ensuring that every guest—from novice to expert—has access to the best Niseko has to offer.
The hotel’s amenities complement the ski experience. After a day on the slopes, the spacious outdoor hot spring baths provide the perfect way to unwind, the steaming water surrounded by snow-capped trees creating a tranquil scene of pure relaxation. The Vale also boasts a stylish, modern restaurant and bar where guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine infused with the region’s flavors. The intimate dining space, with its open kitchen and locally sourced ingredients, is a nod to both Hokkaido’s rich culinary heritage and contemporary dining trends.
Whether you come for the snow or simply for the serene beauty of the mountains, The Vale Niseko offers a refined, yet relaxed, setting that captures the essence of this extraordinary ski destination. Here, design, nature, and luxury merge effortlessly, offering an experience that is both thrilling and restorative, all with the slopes of Niseko just outside your door.
For guests seeking an even deeper connection to the region, the ryokan offers access to the surrounding natural beauty of the Kiso Valley. The area is abundant in hiking trails, ancient cedar forests, and old merchant towns, offering a glimpse into the history of the Nakasendo Trail, one of Japan’s most famous old routes. After a day of exploring, returning to the tranquility of Urara Tsutaya is the perfect way to unwind, with its onsen baths offering the ultimate in relaxation—hot, mineral-rich waters that soothe both body and soul.
With its impeccable design, reverence for tradition, and deep connection to the natural world, it offers an experience that is as much about personal rejuvenation as it is about immersion in the quiet beauty of Kiso-Fukushima.
The Vale Niseko: The Gallery
