{"id":38876,"date":"2017-07-14T09:18:52","date_gmt":"2017-07-14T01:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/?p=38876"},"modified":"2019-05-24T08:19:30","modified_gmt":"2019-05-24T00:19:30","slug":"where-to-eat-in-niseko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/2017\/07\/where-to-eat-in-niseko\/","title":{"rendered":"WhereTo Eat in Niseko, Hokkaido"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2016 December (yes Winter), we did our very first free and easy, self-drive trip to Hokkaido with 2 young kids (age 8.5 and 2.5 years old)).  As it\u2019s a DIY trip, knowing where to get food is important. Moreover as it\u2019s Winter, where to get WARM cooked food is even more critical. Unlike Singapore, eateries in Niseko are not located near each other and one has to sometimes brave sub-zero temperatures to drive\/catch a shuttle bus\/walk there. Some eateries require reservations while others would require you to queue. Hokkaido food in general is good but when faced with so many choices, it’s good to have at least a list of restaurants\/cafes you know won’t go wrong.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our list of recommended eateries in Niseko (based on our dining experiences there last year). Hopefully it will make your stay in Niseko an enjoyable gastronomic adventure too.  <\/p>\n

1. Ryunabe Niseko \u9f8d<\/span>\u934b<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine: Fusion \u2013 Hong Kong and Japanese<\/p>\n

What we tried: Cantonese Hot Pot and Jap Sashimi<\/p>\n

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Ryunabe specializes in premium authentic Chinese hot pot. Chef Alex and majority of the staff are from Hong Kong. The cuisine here is a cross between the best of Hong Kong hot pot using traditional homemade soup bases combined with top quality ingredients of Hokkaido.<\/p>\n

Must try:  The Sashimi, especially the Uni.  We\u2019ve never tasted Uni that is so sweet!  The ocean fresh Sashimi platter truly made our day!<\/p>\n

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The hotpot with milk: The stock is slowly brewed over 36 hours without any MSG. Added with Hokkaido milk, it is one sensational stock.  The Wagyu Beef and Iberico Pork Shoulder are fresh and tender.  Simply shabu-shabu them in the stock for 2-3 mins and they literally melt in the mouth!<\/p>\n

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We ended the dinner with the chef Alex’s specialty – Soup Rice. This is one dish which you would not want to miss\u2026even if your bellies are full. Premium Japanese rice and other condiments are slowly poured into the soup base, then slowly stirred to infuse with the soup.  Served straight from the hotpot and consume. Really flavorful!<\/p>\n

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The service here is top-notch.  The staff are warm and hospitable. Most that we spoke to, including Chef Alex hail from Hong Kong and they are ever ready to indulge in some chit chat about Hong Kong, Hokkaido and everything in between!  We would definitely return.<\/p>\n

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Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, Kutchan, Yamada, 191  <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-55-5304<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 Website: http:\/\/www.ryunabe.com\/ <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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2. Yukitei Niseko \u96ea\u5ead<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine: Japanese. Serves Shabu Shabu (Hot pot)<\/p>\n

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A Shabu Shabu place that serves exceptional Hokkaido Wagyu Beef and Kurobuta Pork (Not all wagyu are created equal!) Very tender and fresh, the meat absolutely melts in the mouth. You can request for a fresh egg to dip your meats ala sukiyaki style. Fresh Hokkaido veggies complement the hot pot meal very well.<\/p>\n

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We ended our meal with their Macha Ice-Cream and Yuzu Sherbet which sweetened the dining experience.  Both ice-creams were delicious particularly the zesty Yuzu which was so refreshing!  This is one eatery is mid-sized and chic. Service is friendly. We would return.<\/p>\n

Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012044-0081 Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, Kutchan, Yamada, 170-144<\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 90-3117-1001<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www.nisekoland.jp\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Teuchi-Soba Ichimura  \u624b\u6253\u854e\u9ea6\u3044\u3061\u3080\u3089<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine: Japanese Handmade Soba<\/p>\n

What we tried: Soba and Tempura<\/p>\n

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The original ramen restaurant we wanted to go does not allow children below 12 years old. The hotel concierge recommended this alternative and it was a blessing in disguise!<\/p>\n

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We were well rewarded with excellent handmade Soba that soaks up the flavourful miso soup \u2013 the perfect Japanese noodle meal for a cold winter\u2019s day.  We also love their freshly fried tempura. The batter was fried crisp but the vegetables and prawns inside are still succulent! Goes so well with the miso dip.<\/p>\n

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This little restaurant is located in the middle of a beautiful winter-scape. Step outside to have a look at the ethereal landscape of pure powder snow dotted with Alpine trees and you\u2019d feel like you\u2019ve stepped into a winter calendar.<\/p>\n

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Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012044-0081 Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, \u5036\u77e5\u5b89\u753a\u5c71\u753068-4<\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-23-0603<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Website:  http:\/\/niseko-ichimura.jp\/menu_english.html<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

4. Guzu Guzu Hirafu Bakery & Caf\u00e9 <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine: Japanese Western Menu and Bakes<\/p>\n

What we tried: Coffee and Croissants<\/p>\n

Right next to Teuchi-Soba Ichimura  <\/strong>is a quaint little bakery caf\u00e9 with a simple sign, \u201cCaf\u00e9 and Bakery\u201d. Located on the outskirts of Hirafu, Guzu Guzu<\/a> is somewhat of a local\u2019s secret. The memorable name is Japanese slang for \u2018an action that happens slowly and lazily\u2019.<\/p>\n

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Step into the shop and you feel as if you are in grandma\u2019s kitchen. A charming wooden interior, the aroma of freshly baked bread and relaxing, soulful music makes Guzu Guzu a true gem. Don\u2019t be surprised to find loyal Japanese customers inside sipping their coffee and savouring their fine home made pastry creations. We love the croissant and the bread. As this cafe shares the same ethereal winter-scape as Teuchi-Soba Ichimura, <\/strong>linger longer to admire the scenery.  You may want to walk around within the shop to appreciate some of their knitting crafts which are on sale. <\/p>\n

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Address<\/a>: 68 \u2013 5 Yamada, Kutchan cho, Abuta gun, Hokkaido<\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: 0136-21-4855<\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/guzuguzu.com\/index.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Prativo  <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine: Japanese Western Fusion<\/p>\n

We tried:  The semi-buffet lunch   <\/p>\n

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This is slightly out of the way from our hotel at in Niseko but we threaded through the snow and wind to try this and the bakery next to it \u2013 Milk Kobo. We not only lived to tell the tale but we highly recommend a visit. <\/p>\n

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This relatively large eatery serves dishes ala carte main courses with salad and desserts in buffet style.  We tried the pasta which was perfectly done \u2013 al-dante and light. A perfect dish for the kids too.<\/p>\n

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Then came the pork steaks. The medallion sizes were a little small for my tummy but they were well-seared on the outside but yet tender and tasty within.  The salad and dessert buffet complements the mains very well.  Some items stood out \u2013 the Jap potato salad, the tofus, the steamed sweet potato, the butter cake, the award \u2013winning milk yogurt among others is a must try \u2013 thick, creamy yogurt\u2026yum!  Paired with their free flow of coffee or tea, a meal here can convince you to linger indoors and not venture out into the cold!<\/p>\n

Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012048-1522 Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, \u30cb\u30bb\u30b3\u753aSoga, 888_1 <\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-55-8852<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www.niseko-takahashi.jp\/prativo\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6. Milk Kobo <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine:  Fusion: Western\/ Japanese bakery<\/p>\n

We tried: Hokkaido Cheese Tarts, Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Japanese Pastry <\/p>\n

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This mid-sized bakery housed in a red barn-like house has its name reaching far and wide.  Surrounded by snowy landscape and knee-high snow, we trudged 5 mins across from Prativo to taste their famed tarts and choux puffs.  It would have been faster without the thick snow; nevertheless, it was worth it.  The cheese in their legendary cheese tarts are so silky smooth yet we can \u2018feel\u2019 the cheese swirling around the taste-buds. How did they do that?<\/p>\n

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This is a mid-sized caf\u00e9 which, like its neighbor Prativo has a commercialized feel.  It does pack a bit of a crowd coming in to buy their tarts and pastries.  Apparently it\u2019s a hot favourite among Singaporeans.  If you have the time, do order a few pastries and sip away the afternoon with coffee of tea while soaking in the ethereal view from the window. Don\u2019t rush!<\/p>\n

Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012048-1522 Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, \u30cb\u30bb\u30b3\u753a\u66fd\u6211 888_1 <\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-44-3734<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www.niseko-takahashi.jp\/milkkobo\/ <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7. Niseko Ramen Kazahana \u30cb\u30bb\u30b3\u30e9\u30fc\u30e1\u30f3\u98a8\u82b1<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine: Japanese (Ramen and Gyoza)<\/p>\n

We tried:  Potato Foam Ramen and Chicken Wings<\/p>\n

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I will always remember this eatery which was recommended by the hotel concierge.  Our hotel shuttle had dropped us at the edge of their route \u2013 the local convenience store \u2018Lawson\u2019, and we walked on foot, with 2 kids in tow for 10 minutes on the dark icy road.  And then there it was, a small wooden hut of sorts, warmly glowing in the dark \u2013 kind of like a beacon of warmth in the little match girl’s story! <\/p>\n

This small, intimate eatery is set in a wooden house reminiscence of an old Hokkaido cottage. When we arrived at 6.30pm, the eatery was already full. Fortunately, there was one last table for us. What joy!<\/p>\n

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The locals highly recommend the Potato Foam Ramen and that is exactly what we tried.  In fact, the ramen alone is dope! Fresh, twangy ramen bathing in rich, flavourful stock. The layer of potato foam on top gave the broth a creamy, fuller texture. So unique, so tasty, a must try!  This eatery gave an authentic homey Japanese feel. The staff are friendly and efficient as they served their patrons.  We would return!<\/p>\n

Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012044-0081 Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, \u5036\u77e5\u5b89\u753aYamada, 179_36  <\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-23-3444<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www7.plala.or.jp\/nisekoramenmount\/index-e.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8. Tsubara Tsubara  \u30b9\u30fc\u30d7\u30ab\u30ec\u30fc\uff06\u548cDining \u3064\u3070\u3089\u3064\u3070\u3089 <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cuisine:  Japanese (Curry Soup Rice)<\/p>\n

We tried:  Curry Soup with Rice, Sashimi<\/p>\n

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We overheard the local shuttle bus driver recommending this place to a passenger on the bus and took note of it.  We then heard about this place again from our concierge.  We were intrigued \u2013 two locals had recommended this place on separate occasions.  Surely we have to hunt it down\u2026and we did!  This is a mid-sized Japanese eatery with staff that spoke mainly Japanese.  We tried the soup curries which comes in various spiciness \u2018strength levels’ ranging from 0 to 10.  The staff recommends that we try ‘level 2’ as we were sharing the meal with the kids.<\/p>\n

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We chose different varieties of curries and unanimously we agree that they were all Oishii!!!! For my Pork Curry Ramen, they lightly toasted the greens (capsicum, carrots and bean sprouts).  That tinge of charcoal-roast gave the ramen the extra bit of depth! The Sashimi starter set we ordered came with juicy seared scallops and thick tuna slices which we paired with Sake. <\/p>\n

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Now for the curry. The curry stock is very uniquely delicious.  There was no coconut milk or milk of any kind added which makes this curry more of a soupy gravy.  In addition to the expected Jap curry taste, they seem to have added some Italian herbs (I thought I tasted oregano!).  The herbs gave it that special twang which made us go \u2018wow\u2026what was that?\u2019  The vegetables used (brinjals, carrots, lotus roots, potatoes etc.) are grown and harvested in Hokkaido, so sweet and fresh. Now we know why the locals recommend this place!<\/p>\n

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The staff speak mainly Japanese but they were friendly and with a bit of hand-waving, our requests get met. We will return for the curry. Slurp!<\/p>\n

Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012044-0081 \u5317\u6d77\u9053\u5036\u77e5\u5b89\u753a \u5b57\u5c71\u7530132-14 <\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-23-1116<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Website: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tsubara2<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n

9. Asahikawa Ramen Tozanken \u65ed\u5ddd\u30e9\u30fc\u30e1\u30f3\u767b\u5c71\u8ed2 <\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/strong>Cuisine:  Japanese (Ramen, Gyoza)<\/p>\n

We tried:  Ramen<\/p>\n

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This was our last eatery before we headed to the airport.  The one cafe we had wanted to visit was closed and we needed somewhere for lunch. This was just right next to the shuttle bus stop and below a popular souvenir shop \u2013 read: convenient.<\/p>\n

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This was clearly a commercialized ramen shop and very popular with tourists due to its prime location. They serve genuine Asahikawa Ramen made from 100% Hokkaido wheat noodles, served in a smooth and rich soup. The ramen and gyoza here are about the same quality as what we would get in a Japanese restaurant within a commercial mall in Singapore. Serving is huge and service is fast and prompt.  It\u2019s a safe bet if you need a quick meal.<\/p>\n

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Address<\/a>: <\/span>Japan, \u3012044-0081 Hokkaido Prefecture, Abuta District, Kutchan, Yamada, 191-31  <\/span><\/p>\n

Phone<\/a>: <\/span>+81 136-23-4549<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

10. Seico Mart Niseko Hirafu<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Not every meal in Hokkaido has to be a sit-down meal. If you are budget-conscious (like we do), Seico Mart has a hot food section that provides ready-made meals. This quintessentially Japanese convenience store, or combini,<\/em> is a gold mine of random snacks, beverages and everyday essentials. Its location in the centre of downtown Hirafu makes it a popular stop on the way to pretty much anywhere.  We bought lunch there on 2 afternoons and consumed it back in our apartment hotel. The bento sets are cheap and delicious.  <\/p>\n

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To the right of Seico Mart is a line of food trucks selling pizzas, kebab wraps and other take-aways, these make good alternatives for lunch and dinner too. <\/p>\n

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Address: Japan, \u3012044-0081 \u5317\u6d77\u9053\u867b\u7530\u90e1\u5036\u77e5\u5b89\u753a \u5b57\u5c71\u7530190\u756a\u5730<\/p>\n

Phone: +81 136-23-3271 <\/a><\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www.seicomart.co.jp\/ <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Eateries that didn’t make the list:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Abuchan 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Angie did an extensive research on Trip Advisor to see which eateries came recommended by online travellers.  While most met or exceeded our expectations, we found Abuchan 2 highly over-rated. The Shabu Shabu set and Ikura Don which we ordered were both too salty.  There are many better restaurants in Niseko so either give this a miss or order other items on their menu. <\/p>\n

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Cafe If<\/strong><\/p>\n

We heard rave reviews of this cafe from our Niseko-loving friends but lady luck wasn’t shining on us. It remained closed throughout our 1 week stay in Niseko. We’ve to KIV it for our next visit. <\/p>\n

P.S. Most of the popular eateries in Niseko require reservations and you need to provide credit card details to confirm (a small penalty may be charged in the event of a no-show). For those that do not require reservations, it\u2019s best to arrive early (around 6 to 6.30pm) before the peak dinner crowd starts streaming in at 7 pm. Some eateries open throughout the day while others only open for dinner.  Check the opening times daily. You wouldn\u2019t want to be stuck out in the freezing cold waiting for a restaurant to open. Our list is far from being exhaustive, we have a ton of restaurants yet to check out in Niseko. If you have a personal favorite, do drop us a note too!<\/p>\n

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<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In 2016 December (yes Winter), we did our very first free and easy, self-drive trip to Hokkaido with 2 young kids (age 8.5 and 2.5 years old)).  As it\u2019s a DIY trip, knowing where to get food is important. Moreover as it\u2019s Winter, where to get WARM cooked food is even more critical. Unlike Singapore, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":39090,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,74,35,411,24,323,37,25,416,2],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Ichiran-Soba02.jpg?fit=1140%2C749&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p59hHF-a72","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38876"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38876"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38876\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46068,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38876\/revisions\/46068"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}