Niseko is serving its best season yet with new openings, local favourites, and après-ski spots you won’t want to miss.
Skiing may draw you to Niseko, but the food will make you stay. What was once a sleepy ski town has evolved into one of Asia’s most exciting dining destinations, where Hokkaido’s local produce gets the spotlight. From Michelin-starred restaurants to inventive newcomers, every season brings something fresh to the table — quite literally.
This winter, expect everything from soul-warming shabu-shabu to chic alpine izakayas made for the gram. Here’s where to eat, drink, and toast to Niseko’s most delicious year yet.
NEW ARRIVALS
From buzzy bar openings to headline-worthy restaurants, Niseko’s latest dining spots are stirring up the scene this winter.
MASONRY. Japan
Why go? One of the first true ski-in, ski-out restaurants in Niseko, this is perfect for a delicious lunch or to celebrate after your first night ski run
This season, chef Ben Cross brings his acclaimed Bali dining concept to Niseko marking its first international outpost. Located in Niseko Kyo, ski-in and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired cuisine that highlights Hokkaido’s exceptional produce — from house-made halloumi crafted with local milk to Furano Wagyu grilled over Binchotan charcoal. Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails by award-winning bar director Zac de Git, complemented by a curated wine list.
Address: 3-2, 1-Jo 4-Chome, Niseko Kyo, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Reservations: masonryjapan.com
Read next: MASONRY. Japan Opening Soon: Chef Ben Cross Brings His Acclaimed Bali Dining Concept to Niseko
Niseko Confidential
Why go? This stylish après-ski spot serves up cool cocktails, fine food and a fun ambience you’ll remember long after you leave Niseko
From the award-winning creators of Tokyo Confidential, Niseko Confidential brings an urban touch to the slopes. This stylish pop-up bar is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts, featuring expertly crafted drinks and an indulgent Furano A5 Wagyu course menu to match. Whether you’re winding down after a day on the slopes or having an intimate celebration, Niseko Confidential strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavours and a laid-back après-ski vibe.
Address: 2-Jo 1-Chome 3-20, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: 070-3311-7260 or nisekoconfidential.com
Tepache
Why go? If tequila is your spirit of choice, there’s no better place to hole up than here
The newest concept from the creators of both Niseko and Tokyo Confidential, Tepache is a festive hideaway that’s bringing Mexico’s heat to Hirafu. Home to Hokkaido’s largest agave collection, it’s where mezcal and modern Mexican plates meet mountain air to spark a tequila-fuelled fiesta.
Address: 2F, 1-Jo 3-Chome 21, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Reservations: tepache-niseko.com
AóRA Niseko
Why go? For the nights you want to look good, eat well, and flirt over a wine list.
Another outpost by the brains behind Niseko Confidential, AóRA brings a refined culinary experience blending the best of Italian, French and Pacific Northwest cuisines with premium Hokkaido produce. Set within the Chatrium hotel’s former Kamimura space, the restaurant pairs sophisticated plates with a curated wine list and creative, seasonal cocktails — ideal for lingering over long winter evenings.
Address: 190-4 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Reservations: +81 136-55-6522
CASUAL EATS
Between ski runs or lazy afternoons, these bistros and cafes serve comfort on a plate.
Ebisutei
Why go? If you’re looking for variety and vibes, bookmark this well-loved spot
Eat like a local at Ebisutei, a laid-back izakaya just below the Hirafu intersection. This is one of the few places in town serving oden — a comforting dish of daikon, eggs and fishcakes in soy-dashi broth that’s a true taste of winter in Hokkaido. The menu also tempts with sashimi, salads, grilled fish and crispy Hokkaido fried chicken (zangi, in local speak). Don’t miss the deep-fried oysters on the half-shell, best paired with an ice-cold Yebisu beer.
Address: 155-132 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: +81 136-22-6544
Akaru
Why go? Those looking for culinary artistry alongside visual art will be satisfied right here
Blending Hokkaido’s seasonal produce with creative expression, Akaru is both a restaurant and a gallery. The husband-and-wife-run space serves handmade hotpots, sushi and sashimi alongside local sake and wine — all while showcasing works by local artists and art brut. It’s a soulful fusion of flavour and artistry in the heart of Hirafu.
Address: 6-9, 1-Jo 3-Chome, Yama Shizen West 1F, Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Reservations: +81 136-23-2023 or tablecheck.com/shops/niseko-akaru/reserve
Mūsu
Why go? Comfortable seating and delicious plates come together in this local favourite
Just steps from the slopes, Mūsu is a bistro and cocktail bar where alpine comfort meets cosmopolitan flair. By day, it serves hearty bistro fare; by night, it transforms into a lively après-ski spot with global tapas, craft cocktails and weekend music performances. Set around a crackling fireplace with plush sofas, it’s the kind of place you’ll linger long after your last drink.
Address: 3-12, 1-Jo 3-Chome, Odin Place 2F, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080
Reservations: Walk-in only
Him Kee Hong Kong Hot Pot
Why go? Perfect for luxe hotpot nights with a smashing view of Yotei-san
Perched in Upper Hirafu with sweeping views of Mount Yotei, Him Kee’s Niseko outpost brings two decades of Hong Kong hotpot heritage to Hokkaido. Led by executive chef Yoshizawa, the restaurant serves premium Cantonese broths paired with A5 Wagyu beef, top-grade seafood and fine sake—best enjoyed around a bubbling pot with good company. Private dining rooms and delivery options are also available.
Address: 5-Jo 2-Chome 6-15, Crossroads Niseko 2F-A, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0086
Reservations: +81 136-55-6337 or tablecheck.com/en/shops/himkeeniseko/reserve
Cafe Cubanos
Why go? It has everything for everyone, from the digital nomad looking for good coffee or a group of friends in search of a laid-back local bite
A funky, friendly café in the heart of Hirafu, Cafe Cubanos is a longtime local favourite known for its barista-quality coffee, quick bites and famously tasty carrot cake. The menu features signature Cuban sandwiches, hearty breakfast plates and café classics, plus smoothies, shakes and a touch of booze for good measure. Upstairs, the new dining space offers room for groups, remote work or a cozy après-ski cocktail.
Address: 2-Jo 1-Chome 5-23, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: +81 136-55-5729 or @cafecubanos_niseko
Teuchi-Soba Ichimura
Why go? Handmade soba doesn’t get better than this revered spot
A Niseko favourite for good reason, Teuchi-Soba Ichimura serves freshly made soba crafted each morning from organically grown Kitawase buckwheat, hand-ground on-site for that perfect texture and flavour. The menu features delicate soba and perfectly crisp tempura made with local ingredients from Kuromatsunai, Takikawa and beyond. As it’s open for lunch and walk-in only, you’ll want to be quick — they close as soon as they sell out.
Address: 68-4 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Reservations: Walk-in only
Kougetsu
Why go? Get a taste of Hokkaido’s famous fresh flavours in a single place
A family-run izakaya and bar, Kougetsu prides itself on using the freshest Hokkaido ingredients. Its wide-ranging izakaya menu includes sashimi, homemade gyoza and other Japanese staples. With traditional tatami seating alongside table and bar options, it’s an inviting spot to savour authentic local flavours.
Address: 2-Jo 1-Chome 8-4, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: +81 136-22-6028 or tablecheck.com/shops/kougetsuniseko/reserve
JoJo’s Café & Bar
Why go? From breakfast flat whites to evening pizzas, enjoy comfort food and mountain views
A true Niseko staple, JoJo’s Café & Bar is framed by windows that open to soaring Mount Yotei views. By day, it’s a cosy café serving barista-made lattes, homemade cakes and hearty western dishes like Hokkaido beefburgers, pastas and pizzas. By night, JoJo’s Izakaya takes over, serving fresh local seafood, meats and vegetables alongside sake, wine and beer.
Address: 4-8, 1-Jo 2-Chome, NAC Building 2F, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080
Reservations: +81 136-23-2220
Read next: One, Two, Ski: The Official Opening Dates of Niseko and Furano Ski Resorts – WanderLuxe
OMAKASE HITS
Intimate counters, artful plating, and the freshest Hokkaido catch — omakase dining at its most refined.
ICARO NISEKO
Why go? When you’re in the mood for something fancy, this Italian spot delivers
After earning acclaim by holding on to a Michelin star for a decade at his restaurant Icaro in Tokyo’s Nakameguro district, chef Yoshitaka Miyamoto relocated to Niseko to embrace a lifestyle intertwined with nature. Combining his Italian culinary roots with Hokkaido’s seasonal bounty, Icaro Niseko offers a refined dining experience rooted in tradition and innovation.
Address: 144-13 Satomi, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1551
Reservations: tablecheck.com/shops/icaro-niseko/reserve
Dan at The Select
Why go? A splash out omakase meal worth every penny
A gem among Niseko’s most coveted omakase and kaiseki restaurants, Dan’s 10-seat counter invites guests to an intimate dining experience that showcases modern Japanese cuisine crafted from Hokkaido’s finest seasonal produce. Each course is plated with precision and artistry — from Hassun-style seasonal sashimi and abalone with lily bulb and kuzu sauce to Matsusaka Wagyu sukiyaki. The seven-course tasting menu offers a beautifully paced journey, complete with a charming ritual of choosing your own sake cup and bowl.
Address: 2-Jo 1-Chome 9-41, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: +81 090-2816-0023 or book at tablecheck.com/shops/dan-niseko/reserve
Sushi Shin
Why go? There’s nowhere better than here for a luxe sushi night in Niseko
Take a front-row seat at Sushi Shin, where chefs work behind a pristine hinoki counter to craft traditional Edomae-style sushi with skilful mastery. Each piece highlights the delicate umami of premium seafood sourced daily from Hokkaido and Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market. An offshoot of chef Masaaki Miyakawa’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Sapporo, this intimate outpost mirrors the same menu and meticulous standards in a serene, minimalist setting.
Address: 5-32, 1-Jo 4-Chome, Sansui Niseko, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080
Reservations: +81 136-56-8560 or book at sushishin-niseko.jp/reservations
Sushiya No Saito
Why go? Perfect for a hands-on sushi experience at a more affordable price point
This newly opened sushi restaurant brings the finest seafood prepared with traditional Edomae techniques, with both counter and table seating options. For those seeking a more immersive dining experience, Sushiya no Saito also offers guests the chance to make sushi while wearing traditional attire before enjoying a sushi course meal.
Address: 5-Jo 4-Chome 4-9, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0086
Reservations: +81 136-55-6226 or sushisaito.net/index.html
Read next: 8 Best Ski Chalets in Hokkaido For Stylish Snow Holidays
LOCAL SPOTS
Where the locals go for hearty bowls, homestyle flavours, and that unmistakable Hokkaido warmth.
Otsukisama and Bar moon
Why go? With late-night ramen upstairs and a lively izakaya bar downstairs, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of night here
Located just below the Hirafu junction, Otsukisama and Bar Moon is a beloved Niseko hideaway combining hearty ramen, classic izakaya bites, and a great cocktail list. Guests flock to the cozy upstairs dining space for steaming bowls of spicy miso ”Devil Ramen” and other comforting dishes before dancing the night away at the lively bar downstairs.
Address: 2-Jo 170-280, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: +81 136-23-2265
Homemade Udon Gokoro
Why go? Udon just tastes better when you’re slurping it with Mount Yotei right in front of you.
Just a five-minute drive from Hirafu Ski Resort, Gokoro serves authentic Shikoku-style udon made fresh daily. From the east-facing windows, diners can take in sweeping views of Mt. Yotei, while the west side looks toward Niseko Annupuri. Each bowl is crafted with house-made noodles and toppings featuring vegetables from the restaurant’s own farm and locally sourced Hokkaido ingredients. Open only for lunch and until the noodles sell out—so get there early and savor a bowl with a view.
Address: 5-Jo 1-Chome 8-4, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0086
Reservations: Walk in only
Hiddenstand
Why go? Excellent coffee, warm pastries, and Kobe — their adorable bar(k)ista.
Tucked away in Hirafu, Hidden Stand is a hidden gem run with heart, style, and a whole lot of passion. Known for serving some seriously good coffee in Hokkaido, this cosy café also offers a wide assortment of homemade pastries from croissants to banana bread to matcha brownies. The minimalist interiors and warm hospitality make it a crowd-favourite—along with Kobe, the resident pup who’s just as famous as the flat whites.
Address: 2 Jo 1-Chome 8-8, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: Walk in only
Elvis Kebabs
Why go? Who can resist a late-night, steaming pocket of doner in the snow?
A true Hirafu institution, Elvis Kebab keeps the village fueled and happy well into the night. Serving up juicy Halal meat wraps, crispy chips, and fresh local cabbage, this food truck in the Hirafu Food Market is the go-to for après-ski munchies. Expect good vibes, hearty portions, and party tunes spilling onto the street till close.
Address: 170-43 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Reservations: Walk in only
Izakaya Koharuya
Why go? Cosy vibes, thoughtful plates, seasonal flavours and plating so pretty your phone will definitely eat first.
Serving beautifully prepared Japanese pub fare using carefully selected Hokkaido ingredients, each dish at Izakaya Koharuya reflects the owner-chef’s passion for showcasing seasonal flavors through simple yet refined cooking. Whether it’s yakitori, kushiyaki or izakaya-style small plates, make sure to pair your meal with drinks from their extensive menu for a quintessential Niseko dining experience.
Address: 2-Jo 2-Chome 9-21, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0089
Reservations: +81 136-25-4009 or https://www.tablecheck.com/en/niseko-koharuya/reserve/landing
Hungry for more? Read these next:
The first-timers Niseko guide: 10 things to know when planning your ski trip – WanderLuxe
Meet Kazahana at Hanaridge: Luxury Ski Chalet in Niseko | Wanderluxe
Postcard From Here: See Bella Koh Find Snowy Serenity and Slow Living in Hokkaido – WanderLuxe
Additional text by Kissa Castañeda and Marbbie Tagabucba