Niseko

A charming hideaway in Upper Hirafu. Wood fires warm the space, rare vinyl spins, and on some evenings live music fills the room. The drinks menu is impressive - Japanese whiskeys, local cocktails, and more. Stop in for a quiet one… and don’t be surprised if you stay until close.

The perfect pit stop before first tracks. This local coffee stand, just steps from the Hirafu Welcome Center and Grand Hirafu Base Building, serves up top-notch brews from a cosy little shack - grab it to go and hit the slopes.

With the happening Bar Moon downstairs and izakaya Otsukisama upstairs, this diner is a always good bet for a cosy meal when you don’t have a reservation. Located right in the village center, the ramen is a local-favorite!

Tucked away on a quiet East Hirafu back street, this long-loved soba joint is just the ticket after a morning on the mountain. Traditional tatami seating, nostalgic vibes and steaming bowls of handmade noodles ready to dip and slurp. Don’t skip the house-made tempura - it’s a winner.

Tucked inside a cosy log cabin built for après, this spot lives up to the hype with a chilled vibe, great staff and drinks flowing all night. Think craft beers, cocktails, fruit sake and a DJ spinning tunes ’til late.

Ebisutei is the best spot in the village to try oden, a classic Japanese winter comfort. Think hearty stews bubbling with everything from meat-filled cabbage rolls to tender daikon and perfectly cooked eggs - and that’s just the start. The menu also features fresh sashimi and a wide selection of drinks.

Tsubara Tsubara is the go-to for Hokkaido’s famous soup curry while you’re in Niseko. Think rich, Japanese-style broth, chunky local veggies (with options to add meat), and a calm, laidback vibe. Choose your spice level - but word of warning - it can get seriously hot! Hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm (last order 2:00pm) and 6:00pm - 8:30pm (last order 8:00pm)

This hole in the wall bar has a tropical, warm and welcoming vibe and you'll know you've arrived when you see the surfboard hanging from the balcony at the front. A great place to relax and get to know the friendly locals and learn a few Japanese words whilst sipping one of Barunba's specialty cocktails. Try the Bruce Lee or Bruce Willis if you dare!

When in Niseko you really should find this gem of a speakeasy bar. Hidden behind the entrance which is a fridge door you'll find a fabulously quirky bar serving amazing cocktails and whisky based drinks. Try a warm cocktail from their Hot Toddy selection whilst listening to the in house DJ. You'll be back each night!

Great draught beer on tap, delicious food, friendly service, and a good atmosphere makes this an ideal choice to refuel after a day on the slopes. Niseko Taproom is intimate and cosy and not only serves local and Belgian beer but the food is hard to beat too. We highly recommend the Rotisserie Chicken and fried potato resulting in THE best hot chips!

This popular café, originally called Gloorious Coffee is perfectly located inside the Rhythm ski rental shop. This is where the locals go for a good coffee, although busy, the atmosphere is chilled and we recommend for your caffeine hit and a muffin or baked treat before you shed some carbs.

Try not to leave the area without trying the delicious local creamy and fluffy Niseko potato ramen now famous throughout Japan. Loved by locals and visitors alike and some say this is the best ramen they have ever had. Try this authentic dish using two local specialties, Miso ramen which is originally from Hokkaido and locally grown potatoes.

Karabina nails cosy vibes and friendly service in a charming two-story wood cabin full of character. Feel like you’ve popped over to a friend’s place for dinner with tables set around a central fireplace. Expect simple, tasty, affordable izakaya-style dishes to share - highlights include smoked mackerel, potato cakes, cheesy shiitake, and a warm baked cheesecake that’s hard to beat.

If you are lucky enough to dine at Rakuichi Soba you must have made a reservation early! This famous soba house has become known as one of, if not, the top soba restaurant in Japan. An intimate restaurant with seating for 12 diners Operated by soba master Tatsuru Rai and his wife. Dinner is a multi-course affair with small seafood and vegetable plates topped off with the handmade soba course where you can see Chef Rai knife his famous soba before you.

Located on the ski slope in Grand Hirafu Bo-yo-so has become a bit of an institution for lunch. Serving inexpensive, tasty, authentic comfort food such as delicious Ramen, Tempura and Katsu-don. Well known for great food and mountain atmosphere in a cosy setting, be prepared to wait for a table and for one of your group to order while the rest hover for a place to sit. Best to make sure you plan an early or late lunch to ensure getting a table.