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Aya Niseko offers ‘ski-in ski-out’ apartments, set at the base of Grand Hirafu’s most popular ski runs, on Hokkaido Island. The word AYA is a Japanese weaving technique and Koichi Ishiguro, the renowned Hokkaido architect intended to use as a metaphor to convey the building’s interlocking design with the surrounding natural beauty. Built in 2016, AYA is the latest of the high-end, ‘ski-in ski-out’ hotels, offering the ultimate luxury powder-ski holiday experience in Japan.
The accommodation at Aya Niseko consists mainly of apartments that range in size from studios (47 sqm) to four-bedroom (373 sqm with maid’s room) penthouses. Two ground floor residences have their own ski-in entrance and all the residences and penthouses have their own open-plan kitchens, seating areas and private onsen baths. Floor to ceiling windows will keep you linked with outside beauty of Mount Yotei, Grand Hirafu Resort and the National Park Forest.
There is a restaurant that serves up a hearty breakfast and an excellent ski valet storage service. If you have young children AYA Niseko is a great choice as there's kids club that takes day care for children ages 12 months to six years. Additional facilities include a gallery, full service spa, retail stores and gym. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, guests can go snowbiking, reindeer sledges, snowmobiling, horse rides, snow rafting and snow shoeing.
Amenities
Stay Aya Niseko features 79 luxury apartments; ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments with ski valet. All feature heated hard wood floors, kitchen and state-of-the-art technology. Residences are located on the ground floor and therefore offer direct ski-in access with a ski boot room and a private onsen. The penthouses accommodate up to nine guests and are on the top floor and feature large private terraces with an outdoor onsen and views of the forest or Mount Yotei.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Aya Niseko. There is a Niseko Kids Club located on the third floor, which provides care for children aged 12 months to six years from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm which can be booked for morning, afternoon or all day.
Dine All studios and apartments at the Aya Niseko have fully equipped kitchens. There is a small super market but if you do not wish to cook there are many popular restaurants and bars nearby.
Relax Facilities at the Aya Niseko include the Aya spa offering a range of massages services to relax and rejuvenate aching muscles. There is also Powder Yoga that holds a host of yoga classes from early morning stretching to power yoga that strengthens the core. The Aya Onsen – heated hot springs, one of Japan's most famous traditions – have women only and men only baths, available to guests with a choice of indoor or outdoor baths from 6 am - 9 am and 1 pm - midnight.
Experience The Aya Niseko has excellent access to the slopes with its ski-in / ski-out location next to the lifts for the Grand Hirafu ski resort. Niseko is the best ski resort on Hokkaido Island and comprises of four interlinked ski resorts; Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An'nupuri. There are plenty of other activities on offer which mainly centre around the snow, including deep powder cat skiing, snowbiking, reindeer sledges, snowmobiling, horse rides, snow rafting and snow shoeing.
Location Aya is located at the base of Grand Hirafu, one of the four resorts in Niseko in Hokkaido.
Getting there Middle Hirafu is well served by the New Chitose Airport, the largest commercial airport in Hokkaido, operating a large number of both domestic and international flights on a daily basis. From Chitose Airport to Middle Hirafu is approximately 2.5 hours and will vary depending on weather conditions.
When to go The main ski season runs from the end of November through to Easter. January - April sees the highest snowfall and the lowest temperatures will be felt in February when it can reach -7 degrees.
Destination
Hokkaido, JapanFeatured
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