Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island, is a fascinating destination to explore as it is lavish with various cultural, natural, and historic attractions. From the Asahiyama Zoo, Farm Hokkaido Museum, and Moerenuma Park to Odori Park, Niseko Resort, and 6 national parks to explore, the island brims with uniqueness, surprises, and indulgences. Beyond the natural treasures, Hokkaido’s luxury hotels stand out as destinations in their own right. When chosen perfectly, they are more than just a place to relax, they offer a chance to plunge into another world filled with discovery and unparalleled charm. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Hokkaido.
Zaborin 坐忘林
Zaborin is an exclusive Ryokan inn tucked away in the vast wilderness landscape of Hokkaido, where it offers undisturbed luxury, serenity, and rapport with nature. All 15 rooms are suites, split into Japanese and Western styles, featuring minibars, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, futon and mattresses, and luxury bathrooms with essential amenities. Their charms are elevated by breathtaking views of the splendid Mount Yotei, Annupuri, and Weisshorn. Indoor and open-air baths have been outfitted in each room so you can enjoy the hot springs in their privacy. Savour the sensational tastes of Zaborin's kita-kaiseki cuisine courtesy of Hokkaido-born lead chef Yoshihiro Seno, inspired by locally grown ingredients. After a long day of exploring the neighbouring mountains, kick back at the massage room to relax frayed nerves or calm your feet in the foot bath in the courtyard. There’s also a library available for bookworms and a boutique for shopping local items.
Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu
The Hoshino Resorts dwells on a hilltop, secluded from chaos, and promises 3 enchanting offerings - views of four seasons, the taste of Hokkaido, and intimacy with nature. Across 200 guest rooms, enjoy stately and soothing amenities such as private saunas and jet baths, separate showers, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, air purifiers, luxury bath amenities, and TVs. Gastronomic affairs here come in an assortment of options featuring 19 different restaurants with distinct culinary offers from the region and beyond. After exploring the surrounding attractions, there's Minaminabi Beach - the largest wave pool in Japan, measuring 30m x 80m! Enjoy both parallel waves and slightly bigger rough waves during designated times. an outdoor pool and another public bath facility to immerse in, relax with wine, or take soothing laps. There is also a world-class spa where you can enjoy massages and various body treatments to relax and sleep better.
Winter is a great time here. Located within the resort is a magical Ice Village where everything is made of ice - from the entrance slider to the tables, chairs, cups and even the chapel! There are horse riding, snow sledding, snowmobiling, snow rafting, and other winter sports adventures on offer.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Enjoy a serene escape into the core of Niseko’s natural abundance on this alpine luxury retreat where nature and culinary adventures unite. Find solace, luxury, and sweet comfort in one of its 50 rooms and suites, with striking natural views of two imposing mountains from floor-to-ceiling windows. Each interior features king beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, minibars, and TVs. The marble bathrooms are more iconic, designed after the traditional onsens, with expansive windows for mountain views, separate rain showers, and oversized bathtubs. 3 restaurants - Yukibana, Sushi Nagi, and Ume Lounge are responsible for local and international culinary forays, with regional fares created from local farm produce. Enjoy signature treatments and massages at the spa, or relish a relaxing dip in the outdoor and indoor onsen baths with mineral-rich water and mountain views. Boost blood circulation at the fitness centre For outdoor adventures, explore the nearby Mount Yotei and Niseko Annupuri or the Niseko ski resort.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
Regarded as one of Japan's finest mountain resorts, the Park Hyatt is a luxury, enchanting retreat for those exploring Niseko's peculiar natural charms, like the Yotei and Annupuri ranges. The resort offers 100 rooms, including 28 suites as cosy nests featuring hedonistic appointments like walk-in closets, ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs and separate rain showers, Wi-Fi, king, and double beds, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, windows with mountain views, and mini-fridges. Relish gourmet dining with the freshest local ingredients and extraordinary craftsmanship across 10 dining venues, showcasing Japanese, French, Italian, Chinese, and Tappan fares. An indoor 25-metre-pool sets the stage for body recreation, and a spa with 6 treatment rooms and a private onsen does it for relaxational treatments, facial rejuvenation, and soul serenity. Perform your routine at the fitness centre with world-class gym equipment and embark on winter sports at the resort's ski facilities featuring some of the world's softest snow powders.
Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection
Find rest, encounter unique memories, and experience luxury at the Hotel Sosei, a chic hotel nestled in the capital, Sapporo, where it stands as an enduring tribute to the city's roots and regal pioneer residences. Rooms and suites reflect the majestic characters of pioneer residences but with a dash of contemporary elegance, as classic meets modern. They feature basic and enhanced amenities such as Wi-Fi, king beds, bathtubs and rain showers, mini-fridges, smart TVs, and marvellous views of the city. The restaurant and bar features locally inspired fares with subtle international flavours thanks to Chef Noriyuki Shimizu, and the bar is the epitome of Sapporo's reputation as the birthplace of Japanese beer with an assortment of wines and drinks. Nestled in the heart of the city, guests can explore nearby attractions such as Sapporo Beer Museum, Moerenuma Park, Sapporo TV Tower, and more.
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Besso Ao no Za
Perched along the charming blue and crystal clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, the Ao no Za is an invitation to nature's seductive beauty and an immersion into hospitality that feels surreal. All 25 suite rooms overlook the gorgeous blue lake to facilitate the synergy with nature and are equipped with individual open-air onsen baths for exclusive immersions. Other in-room amenities include private jet baths, sunroom beds, TVs, refrigerators, humidifiers, and essential bath amenities. The culinary scene here is inspired by the seasons of the North and their distinct flavours, which are aptly represented in each plate and served in private dining rooms or the comfort of your room. A treatment spa room ensures guests experience renewed wellness through massages and a special Japanese tea that enhances mental and physical beauty. Enjoy lighthearted moments with other guests at the lobby or bar lounge, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony or a free indigo dyeing workshop.
Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu
Built on the concept of "Modernism meets Japanism," Bourou Noguchi evolved from a 160-year-old revered Japanese hot springs to a contemporary retreat. Featuring only suites with Noboribetsu forest views, each interior is an enclave of serenity and warmth with onsen baths for mindless relaxation. Each room has a massage chair, beverages in a refrigerator, air purifier and humidifier, a coffee maker and grinder, and king or twin beds. Savour delectable cuisines carefully crafted from local ingredients in Noboribetsu and Hokkaido in a private dining space with some highlights like Shizakana, Sashimi, and Yumepirika rice. Spend time at the sauna relaxing with the therapeutic ambiance, or sign up for various relaxation treatments in private rooms where aromatherapy and other body care methods pamper the body and soul. For bibliophiles, there's a Noguchi library/—otherwise, lose track of time at the Bar Zero or Lounge Komorebi.
The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort and Spa
Prime luxury, exceptional hospitality, refined exclusivity, and a charming ambiance are the hallmarks of the Windsor Hotel Toya Resort and Spa. Find these offerings across two room categories - Casual and Premier styles. The premier style is a suite-only category with Wi-Fi, valet parking, a premier salon, and free access to the pool, library, and hot springs. The Casual style option only offers access to the hot springs, Wi-Fi, and pool. Across 7 restaurants, including a pizzeria and a bar, culinary indulgences cut across Japanese, French, and Chinese options, with each bite reflecting expert craftsmanship. The Windsor Bloom Spa, with 12 treatment rooms, is recommended for soul relaxation and body recreation. At the Crystal Blue Club, the 25-metre pool and workout gym sets the stage for renewing physical vigour, while the jacuzzi is just perfect for lounging with wines. An outdoor, glass-walled hot springs bath calls for peaceful relaxation with views of the sparkling natural scenery.
The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort
Overlapped by one of Japan's most photogenic views, Lake Toya, the Nonokaze Resort is an oasis of beauty, rest, luxury, and magic in Sapporo. Guests experience the best stays in Hokkaido within interior spaces offering charming views of the Blue Lake Toya, overlooked by Mount Yotei. The Japanese and Western rooms are replete with basic amenities like Wi-Fi, luxury bathrooms with shower rooms, and air-conditioning that redefine comfort and style. Some suites feature private hot springs rooms and saunas. Relish lips-smacking delicacies at the Lake View Buffet and Japanese and French restaurants. Recline at the open-air hot springs baths or bedrock sauna to soothe your soul and heal from worries, or laze in any of the public baths with lake views. The lake itself is a wonder, occupying a caldera in an active volcano - Mount Usu, and setting the landscape for magical outdoor experiences like nightly fireworks displays and winter illuminations.
Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza
The Hinanoza operates on the "Hina or Homecoming" theme, featuring interiors that inspire nostalgia in the hearts of guests who travelled far away. However, it can also be a "home away from home" for everyone with its chic ambiance, luxury amenities, and natural setting by Lake Akan. All five rooms are suites, with charming views of this majestic lake or the cityscape and basic amenities such as coffee makers, refrigerators, TVs, and bath amenities. Meals appeal to the five senses at the Japanese restaurant, and in-room dining experiences feature highlights like the Kaiseki dinner, which is prepared with seasonal ingredients handpicked by the chef. Relish the warmth of Hina at the public indoor bath and hot stone sauna, as well as an outdoor hot springs public bath overlooking Lake Akan. The spa treatment room offers various body and facial treatments and massages to rejuvenate and relax the body. Enjoy downtime at a foot bath, the bar lounge with drinks, the wine cellar, and the lobby lounge, just watching time pass by slowly as you indulge in wines and beers.
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel and Resort
Set amid the density of nature in Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, this exotic resort overlooks the grand Okhotsk Sea, treating its guests to a feast of natural views at every turn. Experience the hotel's premier heartfelt hospitality across its rooms, with some featuring distant sea views, fireplaces, private saunas, and hot spring baths. Regular in-room amenities include LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, shower booths, toilets, and washrooms. For rooms without the hot springs, there's a bath hall with panoramic views of the sea. Meals reflect the finest flavours of Shiretoko mountains and green lands as the chef offers a wide selection of exquisitely crafted local options. You can also create your own Shiretoko buffet menu from various freshly prepared dishes in the open kitchen. When it's time to relax, enjoy scenic views, and interact with other guests, communal spaces like the terrace, lounge, and cigar lounge are open to everyone.
Hokkaido: Charms, Indulgences and Luxury Stays
Experience the best of the Hokkaido region, one of Japan's largest islands, from exclusive luxury hotels laid at the backdrop of majestic natural landscapes. Find warm hospitality, experience soul serenity and peaceful rest, savour amazing local cuisines, and recreate your mind and body within the walls of these elegant retreats. Hokkaido expresses its charms in many forms, and the retreats are just one of them.
Please contact us for a tailor-made Hokkaido itinerary if you wish to include luxury or unique stays in Hokkaido.
