Niseko, JapanKabayama
Raku Suisan
Timber onsen ryokan
Kabayama Niseko, Japan
Opened
2020
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
Authent HotelsTimber onsen ryokan
The property strips the traditional Japanese inn down to natural timber, hot spring water, and views of Mount Yotei.
What it’s good at
Notable
Single-story timber pavilions by Takenaka Corporation connect through covered walkways framing mountain views.
Notable
Chefs craft seasonal multi-course dinners using fresh Hokkaido seafood and Shiribeshi wagyu beef.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The hotel’s 18 rooms come in both tatami and Western varieties, and each one has its own private spring-fed onsen bath.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Quiet woods surround the grounds in Kabayama, and the ski slopes of Grand Hirafu sit a short drive north.
The rooms
Western bedrooms and tatami suites feature heated floors, extended-stay laundry setups, and private terrace baths facing Mount Yotei.
The spa and gym
Soak slowly.
Botanical bodywork in Relaxation Room Kū uses warm jojoba oil, and the gym looks straight out onto the woods.
At the table
Kaiō grills Shiribeshi wagyu on teppan iron plates, and Irifune seats just four for seasonal Japanese dishes.
Nestled between Mount Yotei and Mount Annapurni on the Shiribetsu River, Raku Suisan’s 18 ample rooms are equipped with baths filled with alkaline-rich water sourced directly from a natural hot spring.
Niseko
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.