Niseko’s nature has been secretly nurtured by the eternal flow of time.  The ever-changing facial expressions of power and tens of thousands of endless repetitions created the landscape of Niseko. “Raku Suisan” overlooks Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annupuri and blends in with the quaint woodland scenery that fuses with the nature of Niseko. Raku Suisan is a new hot spring inn adding to the history in this area.

A quiet world isolated from the city. When you get out of the car, a simple wooden door opens, and a soft light illuminates your feet from an alley-like approach to a private house. When the next door opens, the field of view expands at once, and Mt. Yotei, which is cut out by the windows on the entire surface up to the high ceiling, looks like a wide picture. It has an overwhelming presence and fascinates the viewer. The welcoming sight is a luxurious space surrounded by the warmth of light-filled trees. A charcoal fire is burning in the hearth, and steam rises gently from the iron kettle. The gallery is furnished with   antiques and aspirations of Hokkaido.

This land is blessed with ingredients brought about by the four seasons with different temperatures. Everyone knows, there are few native ingredients during winter in Hokkaido.  These ingredients are delicately connected to nature. For example, cows feed on green grass in summer and hay in winter. Therefore, the milk in summer is lighter, and the milk in winter is sweeter and richer. Even the taste of milk has four seasons.

The characteristic of winter vegetables in Hokkaido is sometimes described as “earthy”. It is a word you don’t hear often in other areas. However, the earthiness gives us a variety of foods that are typical of the untouched woodland.

Various beans are harvested in　Shiribeshi as well as Makkari area around Niseko. Imagine when these are mixed with the sweet and rich milk. Sauces, purees, garnishes, desserts are dishes inspired by our skilled chef. A variety of delicious dishes prepared by our chefs maximizing the produce from the blessings of the sea and mountains of Hokkaido. You will be amazed by the once-in-a-lifetime dish that makes full use of seasonal ingredients.

Free yourself from daily routine and become one with nature. Challenge Mt. Yotei and reflect on yourself. The ever-changing expression of the scenery is soothing.   When reminiscing the scenery and people who once lived in this land will arouse your desire to stay in this untouched woodland.

The beginning of a hot spring inn, which will carry on its eternal life like a traditional inn that has continued for hundreds of years, has just arrived.

I miss it though it is new. It’s my first time but I’m back. Raku Suisan ――― Taishi.

Writer Yayoi Yoshida / Photographer Hajime Sakakiyama