Niseko, on Japan ‘s northernmost island of Hokkaido, is coveted by skiers and snowboarders for its powder and its luxurious wintertime retreats—from the Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (from about $1,820 during winter season), to the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono (from about $581 during winter season). It wasn’t exactly quiet, but in terms of scale, it wasn’t competing with the big North American mountain resorts like Whistler or Vail, either. That’s all changing.
The region is about to undergo an enormous growth spurt, with a who’s who of luxury groups joining the action in Niseko within the next several years. Aman Niseko is currently slated for a 2027 debut on the slopes of Mount Moiwa, after initially having targeted a 2023 opening prior to the pandemic. Fresh off the heels of debuting its first Japanese property in Kyoto, Six Senses is reported to be targeting a 2027 or 2028 opening for a Niseko location near Hirafu.
Japanese luxury brand Hoshinoya, known for its swanky minimalist spin on ryokans incorporating traditional style with modern amenities, is planning to open its ninth outpost and first hotel with residences. The Hoshinoya Lodge Niseko has planned ski-in/ski-out access and is slated to open in 2028 in Kutchan. Offshoot brands under big-name umbrellas are also in the works, including the New World La Plume Niseko Resort , a luxury brand under the Rosewood Hotel Group banner set to open this year, while Marriott is planning to build a.