Our CEO and Chief Nomad spills her personal tips to experiencing the best of Niseko
Living out of a suitcase and forgetting which timezone you’re in — those are some of the occupational hazards when you own and run a business in the travel industry. For Stephanie Chai, Founder and CEO of The Luxe Nomad, being Chief Nomad means she’s perpetually on the go.
Life on the road, however, does come with superpowers (like the ability to evade jetlag) and of course, perks such as trips to Niseko every season. A huge fan of Hokkaido even before she established The Luxe Nomad’s Japan office in 2023, she’s the perfect person to share tips on how to make the most of Niseko, the jewel in the crown of Hokkaido’s Powder Triangle.
Here, she shares her travel dossier to Niseko.
Read also: Want To Invest In Niseko? Read What Jonathan Martin Has To Say First
Before going to Niseko, I make sure to book…
My ski instructor and the restaurants I want to dine at. The good restaurants in Niseko always get booked out early so it’s important to reserve ahead.
The first thing I do when I arrive in Niseko is…
Get my ski rentals and head up to the mountain. On my last trip, I arrived on a Sunday at 7am and I was up on the mountain by 11am. Never waste the weekend!
If you only did one thing in Niseko, make it…
If you’re an absolute beginner, please, please do get a ski lesson. Skiing is not like playing padel! It does require some practice and technique. I heard of someone’s husband who said ‘it looks easy’ and ended up breaking his leg on his very first run because he zoomed straight down the hill and didn’t know how to stop!
If you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder, spend a day trip to Rusutsu resort, or better yet, stay there (*ahem* we manage The Vale Rusutsu, a ski-in ski-out property). Rusutsu is a fantastic ski resort just 40 minutes from Niseko with wide long runs, you never feel like it’s busy here.
Read next: Exploring The Slopes Of Rusutsu, A Ski Instructor’s Fave Hokkaido Spot
My top dining spots in Niseko are…
MASONRY. located in Niseko Kyo, which is just next to the slopes in Upper Hirafu. It has great food, a good vibe — perfect for a fun night out! For something more casual, I love Rin Izakaya in Middle Hirafu, which is super cosy and has friendly staff. My other favourites include Bang Bang for yakitori and Del Sole in Annupuri for pizza. When I’m in the mood for fondue, nothing beats The Alpinist.
Read also: Après-ski in Niseko: The Best Restaurants and Bars This Season
A truly local activity is…
Collecting water from the spring water fountain at Fukidashi Park. It comes straight from the mountain and tastes amazing! I do this in spring or summer when I visit. And no, in case you’re wondering I did not get any tummy bugs.
My secret for the ultimate reset is…
Wrapping up the day in the onsen. It’s great for muscles and for some meditation. At one of our properties, Niseko Kyo, there’s also a sauna which is a plus! Intuition has my favourite onsen though as it’s outdoor and indoor.
Lastly, I always pack...
My mini ‘sleep pouch’ which includes an eye cover, ear plugs, relaxing ointment and melatonin. If ever I’m jetlagged from a long flight or end up staying somewhere without blackout curtains it’s my saviour. It’s good to have melatonin on hand though I only take it max 1 to 2 times for Europe/USA jetlag.
Finally planning that Niseko trip? Read these first:
The First Timer’s Guide to Niseko: 10 Things to Know
Après-ski in Niseko: The Best Restaurants and Bars This Season
Photo Lover? Go To These 5 Must-Visit Mount Yotei Spots For The Perfect Frame
The Complete Guide to Skiing In Hokkaido, Including Secret Backcountry Spots