Cheat Sheet: Niseko’s Newest Dining Spots to Know

From intimate cocktail bars to kitchens led by Michelin-starred chefs, Niseko’s dining scene just keeps raising the bar, blending Hokkaido’s pristine local produce with world-class culinary talent.

This season, prepare to feast on everything from sleek pop-ups and cosy shabu-shabu joints to elegant sushi counters and contemporary Italian trattorias. Whether you’re here for après-ski bites or a multi-course indulgence, Niseko has something to satisfy every craving.

Here’s our roundup of the latest restaurants and bars to know in Niseko this winter.

From Bali’s sun-kissed coasts of Canggu and Uluwatu comes MASONRY. Japan. With a focus on Mediterranean-style sharing plates, the 60-seater restaurant celebrates wood-fired creations and produce-driven simplicity with locally sourced ingredients from Hokkaido and the smoky depth of Binchotan charcoal cooking.

Enjoy the venue’s prime slopeside position in the Niseko Kyo ski-in ski-out condotel, located in Upper Hirafu. A la carte and multi-course menus are available in the lunch and dinner service; Niseko Kyo guests enjoy exclusive access to the breakfast menu.

WHERE: 4-CHOME-3-2 NISEKO HIRAFU 1 JO, KUTCHAN

RESERVATIONS: 080-594-015-06 or TABLECHECK

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.

WHERE: 1-3-20, Niseko Hirafu, 2-jo 1-chome

RESERVATIONS: 070-3311-7260 or nisekoconfidential.com

Known for his Michelin-starred establishment in Sapporo, Chef Hironori Sato brings his signature Japanese modern French cuisine to Niseko with unique dishes that showcase Hokkaido’s finest ingredients and seasonal produce. With only 12 seats available daily, make sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out on this exclusive dining experience. 

WHERE: 217-8, Kabayama, Kutchan-cho

RESERVATIONS: 090-6269-5556 or omakase.in/en/r/jj116780 

Making its debut just last season, Icaro Niseko brings Northern Italian cuisine to Hokkaido. 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.

WHERE: 144-13 Satomi, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1551

RESERVATIONS: tablecheck.com/shops/icaro-niseko/reserve

Led by Pizza Maker of the Year 2023, Chef Yuichi Ito, and the team behind Baby Crosta and Bianca Omakase, Nani Kore Kani is a refreshing addition to Niseko’s dining scene. Enjoy a flavourful seafood donburi for lunch, then return in the evening for a cool izakaya experience. From scallops to snow crabs, Nani Kore Kani highlights Hokkaido’s best catch, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

WHERE: Nani Kore Kani, Higashiyama, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

RESERVATIONS: 090-3668-3055

Read More: 5 Best Restaurants in Niseko, According To Paula Taylor

Trattorìa R is the latest sister establishment of the acclaimed Pizzeria R Niseko in The Maples Niseko. Housed in a home-like setting, this authentic Italian spot offers a prix fixe course menu crafted with Hokkaido’s finest seasonal ingredients by a chef trained in Ginza. Perfect for a more personal dining experience or a gathering of up to 12, this restaurant promises sumptuous Italian cuisine with a local twist.

WHERE: 4-11, 4-chome, Hirafu, Niseko, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

RESERVATIONS: 0136-55-6603 or tablecheck.com/en/trattoria-r
 

This newly opened sushi restaurant brings the finest seafood prepared with traditional Edomae techniques, with both counter and table seating options. For those who seek a more immersive dining experience, Sushiya no Saito also offers a unique chance for guests to make sushi while wearing traditional attire before enjoying a sushi course meal. 

WHERE: 4-9, Niseko Hirafu 5-jo 4-chome, Kutchan-cho

RESERVATIONS: 0136-55-6226 or sushisaito.net/index.html

Enjoy a relaxing dining experience featuring wagyu beef shabu-shabu in fragrant Kyoto dashi or small plates of “obanzai” at this cosy bar. During the day, take in spectacular views of Mount Yotei from the exclusive lounge. In the evening, the bar transforms into a quiet, private speakeasy where you can savour Kyoto’s traditional flavours in a tranquil setting. 

WHERE: Odin Place 3F, 3-12, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo 3-chome, Kutchan-cho

RESERVATIONS: 090-9631-0017 or https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/shops/theflats/reserve 

Hokkaido’s seasonal bounty takes center stage in PIN’s shabu-shabu and sukiyaki dishes, featuring delicious Wagyu beef, fresh vegetables, and hotpot broth made from pure local water. The sophisticated interior blends classic Japanese aesthetics with modern touches, creating an intimate setting perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners.

WHERE: 187-27 Tatsumi, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0074

RESERVATIONS: 050-8883-2700

Enjoy handcrafted temaki (hand-rolled sushi) made with fresh, high-quality Japanese ingredients delivered right to your accommodation. Niseko Temakisushi Tatsujin offers a unique dining experience, allowing you to become a sushi chef in your own space. Delivery includes everything needed for an authentic sushi dinner, such as selected ingredients, traditional Japanese cutlery, and sake that pairs perfectly with sushi.

WHERE: 9-19, Niseko Hirafu 2-jo 2-chome, Kutchan-cho

RESERVATIONS: https://niseko-tatsujin-sushi.com/

Opening in late December, the renowned Yakiniku Restaurant Arirang from Yokohama brings its exceptional flavours to Kutchan Station. Known for premium A5 rank Kuroge Wagyu beef, its signature Kuroge Wagyu beef sukiyaki offers rich, melt-in-your-mouth cuts and expertly balanced flavours. Perfect for an indulgent meal, Arirang is a must-visit for meat lovers in Niseko.

WHERE: 13－6, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Kutchan-cho

RESERVATIONS: 0136-22-1173

Another dining spot set to open this month near Kutchan Station, this shabu-shabu restaurant is a dream come true for hotpot lovers. Its signature 60cm Yotei pot is perfect for sharing — it features an original recipe featuring Rusutsu Yotei pork and other locally-sourced produce, promising a dining experience you’ll only find in Hokkaido. 

WHERE: 13-1, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Kutchan-cho

RESERVATIONS: 0136-22-1737