Yama No Oto

A Ski-In/Ski-Out Villa on Hokkaido

With floor-to-ceiling windows offering big views across the Furano Valley and the dramatically rugged Tokachidake and Asahidake volcanoes, this contemporary ski chalet was designed by Hikokonishi Architecture and sits at the base of Furano Kitanomine Ski Resort.

The home is comprised of two separate apartments that can be booked individually or together. Together, the entire house offers five bedrooms and double kitchen/living and dining areas across three levels, while the separate apartment options are rentable as three-bedroom or two-bedroom chalets, each with its own living and kitchen space.

The tri-level property’s interior is starkly minimalist and modern, featuring wood-burning fireplaces, sharply angular contemporary furnishings, and black-and-white art photography as ornamentation. The natural beauty of Japan’s Furano Valley extends through oversized picture windows in the bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, and the villa’s kitchen and dining zones are no-fuss modern areas with big views, too.

Around

A winter playground for powder enthusiasts, Furano receives over 10 meters of snow on average per season, and Hokkaido is sought after for its ultra-light, dry and fluffy snow. The resort has nearly 900 meters of vertical and runs for skiers and boarders of all skill levels. The resort is one of Japan’s most famous, though it’s lesser known outside the country. Its location on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, means the area benefits from Siberian storm systems that cross the Sea of Japan and dump untracked powder promising first tracks for days. The resort is home to 11 lifts, including Japan’s fastest cable car, and is surrounded by Daisetsuzan National Forest. Night skiing is open till 8 pm, and there are several ski-in/ski-out bars and cafes where you can order without stepping out of your bindings.

There’s plenty of back country to explore, too, with fewer crowds than rival resorts like Niseko. Multiple other resorts can be reached from the property at the base of Furano Kitanomine, including Kamui Links, Sahoro, Tomamu and Asahidake volcano, with its actively smoking summit. Nearby backcountry areas include Tokachidake, Furanodake and even cat skiing at Otoe Powder Cat.

The warmer months turn Furano into a verdant region of flower-filled fields and paths ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The area is rich agriculturally, with abundant locally-grown fruits and vegetables, and the annual springtime cherry blossom and striking autumnal leaf change ensure the area as a destination in shoulder season. The region’s mountains are almost always snow-capped at their highest elevations, adding to the striking seasonal landscapes. Food-wise, the region is a standout in Japan, Furano itself known as a farming town with an array of excellent restaurants within a five- to 10-minute drive, among them izakayas, shabushabu, soup curry spots, and even fine international dining from French, to Italian, and some of the best pizza in Japan!

Location

Furano Kitanomine, Daisetsuzan Valley, Hokkaido, Japan. Nearest airports: Asahikawa (45 minutes), Sapporo (2 hours)

Best time to visit

Year round, depending on activity