Niseko Gourmet Stories

Where is the heart of gourmet?

Gourmet dining can encompass a wide range of venue types and is defined not by lavish settings, but by the passion and craftsmanship behind every dish. From charming local spots to genuinely lavish settings, these recommendations celebrate the art of food where care, creativity, and quality reign supreme. Each short story below invites you to savor unique flavors, whether you're dining at a bustling local institution or having a Michelin starred experience. If you're ready to discover where gourmet truly lives, read on for a feast that goes beyond the expected.

Teuchi-Soba Ichimura

Every morning at 6am, Maki-san, Morohoshi-san and the crew unlock the front doors and the quiet hum of craftsmanship begins at Ichimura Soba, where local ingredients come together to create a dish steeped in tradition. The flour is created from unpolished buckwheat harvested locally. This strain is know for its small seeds that are packed with a rich aroma and natural sweetness. From this, thin noodles are expertly cut, each strand smooth to the touch and perfectly matched to the light, fish-based dashi that complements every bowl. By 11am, the restaurant in Hirafu is buzzing, quickly filling with eager diners who know that once the soba is sold out, the doors close early.

For over 30 years, Ichimura Soba has captured the hearts of locals and travelers alike, with favorite dishes like Kake soba, Tempura soba, and the indulgent Kamonanban soba with pan-fried duck and leeks. Here, every bite reflects a deep connection to tradition, care, and the land, embodying the essence of gourmet where flavor and history reign. Ichimura is a dining experience that warms the heart.

Ichimura Soba Contact details here.

China Kitchen

A dim sum eating experience is like a delightful culinary journey, where each small dish brings a burst of flavors and textures. As the bamboo steamers are set down on the table, you're greeted with the aroma of freshly steamed dumplings, buns, and rolls. Delicate hargow (shrimp dumplings) glisten with a translucent wrapper, while suimai *shrimp and pork@ dumplings covered in salmon roe that gleefully burst in your mouth with every bite. The crispy edges of pan-fried dumplings contrast with the soft, pillowy textures of steamed BBQ pork buns *char siu". Every dish is designed to be shared, creating a lively and communal atmosphere, where each bite adds to the joyful discovery of tastes. It’s a perfect balance of tradition and indulgence, offering comfort in every bite.

We recommend you start your experience with a homestyle soup, followed by flavorful dishes like Cantonese sweet and sour pork, Mapo tofu made with Kutchan tofu and Hokkaido beef, and a spicy Sichuan-style wok-fried chicken with peanuts and dried chili. Rounding it out with simple yet elegant vegetable dishes, such as stir-fried spinach with garlic and tender broccoli served with a light Chinese soy sauce. And of course, a generous selection of dumplings in-between. We are confident that the delicate yet robust flavors of Chinese cuisine will be a highlight of your visit.

Dim Sum brunch is served on weekends and holidays and is enhanced by the refined ambiance of the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.

China Kitchen at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono. Reservations are required. Niseko Wine & Dine has the contact details here.

Kamimura

The snow drifted down like whispers outside the slight frosty windows of Kamimura, silencing the buzz of Niseko's lively ski village. Inside, things felt different. The soft lighting bathed everything in a warm, golden hue. Tables sat like little islands of elegance, offering refuge from the cold—a scene too perfect to disturb.

I was here for my first dinner at Kamimura. This place had a reputation, the kind that makes people speak of it with reverence. You could feel it in the air. Conversations were mere murmurs, never daring to rise above the relaxed hush that hung around the room.

Then, with the kind of timing you don’t question, a server appeared by my side. She placed a ceramic plate before me and bowed slightly, "Please enjoy." There it was—Hokkaido’s finest—scallop sashimi, dotted with caviar and a touch of cucumber, finished with a sprinkling of Chrysanthemum leaves. I had to take a moment to admire it, this little work of art before me.

The courses followed in a beautiful rhythm. Grilled fish that melted the moment it hit my tongue, Hokkaido pork so tender you’d think it was raised on buttermilk, and roasted wagyu sirloin that could only be described as pure perfection. Each dish seemed to appear at the exact right time, paired with wines chosen as if they knew my thoughts.

By the time dessert—roasted Yoichi apple and Hokkaido ice cream—landed, I was fully immersed. Glancing out the window, the snow was still falling, blanketing the world in soft silence. This meal wasn’t just about taste, though. It was a full-on journey, one where I walked away lighter, both in body and spirit. I understood then—this wasn’t just food; this was a gift.

Kamimura is a Michelin starred restaurant and reservations are required. Niseko Wine & Dine has the contact details here.

Sushi Kato

Each dish at Sushi Kato tells a story, showcasing the freshest seafood in an authentic kaiseki experience.

The restaurant itself feels like a hidden sanctuary, seating just 14 guests in an intimate setting. You might find yourself at the 6-seater sushi counter, watching as the chef's skilled hands transform ingredients into art, or nestled in the cozy 8-seater private dining room, savoring every moment in quiet luxury.

Warm hospitality greets you, along with carefully selected wine and sake pairings that elevate the meal to new heights. Whether you're at the “Inori” Setsu Niseko location or Vacation Niseko’s Hinzan venue, you’re in for a treat. Sushi Kato isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing sushi in its most refined form. And here’s a little secret: while Tokyo may be the traditional home of sushi, it’s Hokkaido's seafood that truly sings with unparalleled freshness and flavor.

Imagine stepping into a world where every bite is a testament to decades of mastery. Chef Kato, with over 50 years of expertise, has perfected the art of sushi through his renowned crab markets and celebrated restaurants in Sapporo and Niseko.

Sushi Kato Inori at Setsu Niseko or Sushi Kato Hinzan. Niseko Wine & Dine has the contact details here.

Conclusion

Gourmet dining is like collecting stories—each meal is a chapter in the book of your culinary journey. There's no need to compare them; each one adds something new to your experience, like a lesson that leaves you a bit richer. Don’t limit yourself to just one style or cuisine. Explore it all, because in Niseko, the world of food is wide open and full of possibilities—like a fresh field of snow awaiting your footprints!

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