Higashiyama Niseko Village – the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Japan – has opened its doors.
Located in the country’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Higashiyama Niseko Village is a 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.
Inspired by the Japanese proverb “Kachou Fuugetsu” (meaning flower, bird, wind, moon), the resort features 50 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.
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 through a single touchpoint to access every service, amenity and offering. 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.
The resort’s culinary ethos focuses on the philosophy of “shun”, the celebration of seasonal produce harvested at its peak. Yukibana serves cuisine that mirrors the seasons with the finest locally sourced vegetables, prized cuts and seafood, while Sushi Nagi observes the omakase tradition of entrusting the ‘Itamae’ (head chef) with his delicate creations. Customised cocktails, single malts and local brews are served at Ume Lounge, alongside an eclectic array of Izakaya-style dishes.
Positioned at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the heart of Niseko Village, Higashiyama Niseko Village is an integrated all-season alpine resort 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.
With a holistic focus on wellness, the resort features a bespoke spa offering tailored treatments, a traditional Japanese onsen for guests to experience the rejuvenating mineral-rich waters of Niseko’s natural underground hot springs and a fitness centre complete with high-end Technogym equipment.
“YTL Hotels’ illustrious portfolio continues to expand in Japan and globally, and it is a pleasure to work with Marriott International on this exceptional property,” says Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels. “We have immense commitment and dedication to making an even greater mark on the world with Japan’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Niseko Village. Higashiyama Niseko Village offers a world-class gateway to Niseko’s adventurous mountains, renowned gastronomy, culture and traditions. With every privilege and convenience afforded, our guests can look forward to being pampered and cared for in every way conceivable through its evolving seasons. YTL will continue to build on the area’s natural attractions to strengthen Niseko Village’s reputation as the most sought-after and snowiest award-winning ski resort in Asia over the next ten years.”
“Marriott International’s luxury brand footprint continues to expand in Japan, and we are very excited to be opening the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the country, the latest property in our long-standing partnership with YTL Hotels,” comments Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “Despite the challenges of the past year, we have seen a strong growth in demand from the luxury travel sector. With the opening of Higashiyama Niseko Village, we look forward to providing our guests a warm and familiar welcome, a luxurious home away from home when they travel to Niseko, Japan’s amazing winter wonderland.”
“There are presently five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, each one a rare destination in itself, set aside for those who appreciate a sanctuary of bespoke luxury in some of the most beautiful places on earth,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “The exceptional Higashiyama Niseko Village is one such place, where our guests are able to enjoy the beautiful alpine surroundings, and then come home to be pampered by the impeccable luxury, amenities and service that only the Ritz-Carlton Reserve can offer.”
