Zaborin

If the snowy slopes of Hokkaido on Japan’s northernmost island are calling your name, you would be hard pressed to find a better place to stay than Zaborin. An intimate ryokan (meaning traditional Japanese inn) of only 15 villas, Zaborin offers its guests tranquil serenity nestled in the quiet of a private forest in Hanazono. Combining all the best of Japanese tradition, nature, and cuisine with a contemporary style, Zaborin encourages its guests to revel in and embrace the Japanese way of living while finding comfort in well thought out and luxurious modern amenities.  

Top Tips

• All the 15 suites of Zaborin are equipped with everything you’d expect of a 5 star inn; this includes free WiFi throughout the property, flat screen tv’s, Zaborin’s personalised toiletries and, the pièce de résistance, a private indoor and outdoor natural onsen kakenagashi. Picking a room just boils down to how many people are travelling with you and what views you prefer. While Zaborin prides themselves on their contemporary take on Japanese living, if you’d like to experience a traditional Japanese stay, book one of the Washitsu suites as they come with typical futons, as opposed to Western-style bed.

• Many of Zaborin’s guests stay at the inn to explore and ski the nearby powdery slopes, as the inn is only a five minute drive away from the Hanazono Resort (a ski resort rated  number one in Asia year in and year out). While there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the area during the summer season, it is worth noting that Zaborin occasionally closes during the low season. With that in mind, if you’re planning a stay at Zaborin during the summer months, it is worth giving them a call to ensure that they are still accepting guests.

• Beside the in-room onsens, there are plenty of activities and offerings to keep you close to Zaborin. These include wine and sake tastings in the hotel’s cellar, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese fine dining, a cigar lounge, an irori traditional room, a well-stocked library, a bar, and of course, Teppanyaki. We wouldn’t blame you if you never stepped foot outside Zaborin.

• Even though the snowy surroundings of Zaborin may suggest that you’re on a remote mountain miles and miles away from civilisation, you’re actually a lot closer than you think. While the New Chitose International Airport is a two hour drive away from the hotel, Kutchan station is only 20 minutes away by car. Transfers to the airport can be arranged at a price but transfers to and from Kutchan train station come free of charge. Of course there’s always the option of getting a hire car if you’re hoping to explore the nearby slopes and towns.

• While Niseko is famed for its perfect powdery ski slopes, there’s plenty to do in the area that doesn’t involve strapping on skis or a snowboard. You can explore Lake Hangetsu nature park that is only 8.5 kilometres from Kutchan, trek through Hanazono forest, spend a day shopping for trinkets in Kutchan, visit the Yoichi distillery to learn about all things Nikka whisky, or have your fill of local cuisine at Homemade Udon Gokoro (for udon) and Izakaya Jisaku (for local classics such as yakitori king crab and plum wine).