The snowy slopes of Japan’s northern Hokkaido island are now home to Higashiyama Niseko Village, the country’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel.

Only the fifth property – and the first in Japan – to join the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, the exclusive luxury brand from Marriott International, Higashiyama Niseko Village has certainly set the bar high in Hokkaido.

Intuitive heartfelt service

Owned by Malaysian hospitality outfit YTL Hotels, the ski-in/ski-out property flies the luxury flag for the Reserve brand’s ethos of excellent, personal service. “YTL Hotels’ illustrious portfolio continues to expand in Japan and globally, and it is a pleasure to work with Marriott International on this exceptional property,” said Dato’ Mark Yeoh, executive director of YTL Hotels.

“Marriott International’s luxury brand footprint continues to expand in Japan, and we are very excited to be opening the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the country, the latest property in our longstanding partnership with YTL Hotels,” added Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International.

Celebrating nature

Set at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the heart of Niseko Village, the 50-room hotel takes its cues from ‘Kachou Fuugetsu’, a Japanese proverb that translates as ‘flower, bird, wind, moon’. In short, this means a philosophy that ‘encourages reverence for the transient beauty of nature and wellbeing through self-discoveries’.

As such, the aesthetics of the hotel unfold over a design inspired by the light of the seasons and its surroundings, using natural materials like polished marble, fragrant cedar wood and flame-brushed granite.

This same philosophy continues into the hotel’s three dining spots, which all celebrate local, seasonal produce, harvested at its peak. At Yukibana, fresh seafood, meats and vegetables are served against views of the beautiful Hokkaido landscape; the itamae – or chef – at Sushi Nagi serves up bold, yet delicate flavours omakase-style; and for something a bit more casual, Ume Lounge delivers izakaya-style dishes alongside customised cocktails, single malts and local brews.

The hotel openings are anticipated to mark the introduction of five new brands in the country: Autograph Collection, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Element by Westin, Le Meridien and Marriott Executive Apartments, according to a press statement.
The six properties will include five new-build hotels - Le Méridien City Center Doha, Delta Hotels City Center Doha, Element City Center Doha, Element Doha West Bay and Al Samriya, Autograph Collection - in addition to a conversion property that will be rebranded to become Marriott Executive Apartments City Center, Doha.