YouTube personality Joe Chang shares his family’s first Niseko trip— from his kids’ first day in the snow to a side trip to Otaru.
A familiar face in Malaysia’s nightlife scene and a recognisable name across social media, Joe Chang has built a following as a local DJ and as one half of The Chang Family — the YouTube channel he co-hosts with wife Mia Chai. Chang has built a loyal following around the warm, mostly unfiltered moments of family life. For him, the best holidays are the ones that pull everyone together and give his kids something they’ll remember long after they’ve gone home.
A proper winter holiday had been high on his list, and Niseko — with its powder-perfect reputation and family-friendly atmosphere — was finally on the cards. Joe brought his wife and the kids along for their first taste of snow, splitting the trip between Intuition Niseko and The Maples Niseko, which were both well-equipped to cater to family needs.
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In between morning runs on the mountain, snowmobile adventures, and a slower-paced day exploring nearby Otaru, the holiday delivered on every front. Below, Joe shares what made the Chang family’s first Niseko trip one to remember.
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Why did you choose to travel to Niseko?
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I chose to travel to Niseko because I wanted to experience a proper winter holiday with my family — something very different from our usual trips. It was also a chance for the kids to see snow for the first time, which made it extra special. This was my first time in Niseko, and it exceeded my expectations in every way.
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What did you love most about your trip with The Luxe Nomad?
What I loved most was how seamless everything felt. Travelling with family — especially with kids — can get quite hectic, but The Luxe Nomad made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. From the accommodation arrangements to the overall comfort of the stay, everything was thoughtfully handled, which allowed us to focus on simply enjoying our time together.
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What was the most impressive part of your stay?
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My favourite part of both Intuition Niseko and The Maples Niseko was the space and layout. Having multiple bedrooms and bathrooms made a huge difference for a big family like ours! Everyone had their own space, yet we could still gather comfortably in the living area. The location was another big win: convenient enough to get to activities easily, yet still private and peaceful. Waking up to the winter scenery every morning is something I won’t forget anytime soon.
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Can you share a few personal tips for those who are planning a trip to Niseko?
- Start your day early on snow activity days — whether it’s skiing or snowmobiling, mornings are less crowded, and the experience is much better.
- Plan at least one slow day, and don’t overpack your itinerary. Some of our best moments were just staying in, enjoying the space, and spending time together as a family.
- Finally, explore nearby towns like Otaru. It’s a nice change of pace from Niseko, with good food, shopping streets, and a more relaxed vibe.
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Winter is still months away. Enjoy a coolcation in Hokkaido this summer:
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