- Zaborin
- Zaborin overview
- Washitsu villa
- Yoshitsu villa
- Washitsu with additional tatami room
- Private onsen
- Dining in Zaborin
- Kita Kaiseki
- Hot Springs
- Onsen
- Mount Yōtei
- Momijigari red leaves viewing
- Skiing
Zaborin
Niseko, Japan
Niseko, Japan
The core of the name 'Zaborin' is made up of the zen meditation word meaning to sit and forget (4). Together with the character for 'woods' (M), it encapsulates the essence of our purpose: to sit, to forget, to unwind, and to absorb the natural beauty within the woods. To breathe... in mind and body.
A ryokan is about exceptional food and onsen quality. Throughout history, traditional Japanese inns are destination experiences that include an evening meal of fine Japanese cuisine, an elaborate breakfast, and the restorative benefits of bathing in an onsen (hot spring).
Zaborin’s dining experience includes the unique and award winning multi-course ‘kita kaiseki’. All Zaborin villas offer the luxury of two private hot spring baths – one indoor and one covered open-air onsen.
Born of a desire to capture the spirit of the ryokan in a new and relevant way, Zaborin combines contemporary Japanese luxury with an extraordinary ryokan experience, together with the heart of Japanese service (omotenashi).
The design is an integral part of re-interpreting the meditative side of a ryokan but bringing with it modern comforts. Internationally recognized and winner of multiple awards (from Japan, Europe and USA), Architect Makoto Nakayama and talented Creative Director Shouya Grigg, have interwoven the old with the new, the perfect with the imperfect, light with shadows and blended it into its natural surroundings. And, unlike the more introspective designs necessary in Japan’s history, Zaborin is not only a part of its surrounding nature but extends the feeling of inclusion with unparalleled views.
Zaborin is approximately two hours’ drive from New Chitose Airport Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Part of the extended Niseko Resort including Hirafu and Annupuri, Zaborin is closest to the Hanazono ski area which includes a large ski school, rentals, ticket sales and the base lifts that connect to the rest of the Niseko ski areas.
Private transfers are also available from the airport.
Soak in the peacefulness of your own private outdoor (and indoor) onsen, and absorb the energy and smell of the woodlands in some of the best hot spring waters in Japan. Regarded for centuries as both a necessity and a luxury, the communal onsen (hot spring bath) is a corner stone of Japanese culture.
At Zaborin, each of the 15 villa suites have their own private indoor, and own private open-air baths, all supplied with free-flowing hot volcanic spring water from Zaborin’s own spring source.
Inhale and take in the soothing scent of pines and indulge in the energy of the forest – also known as ‘forest bathing’ [Shinrin’yoku].
The extraordinary views, the exceptional water quality, and serenity of the moment will soothe both mind and body.
The volcanic waters of Zaborin come from almost a kilometre below ground, arriving at the perfect natural temperature. The unadulterated waters are a specialty and revered across Japan as the best in onsen bathing luxury: gensen kaikenagashi
The quality of our spring water has been tested and awarded the top 10% in the country. Rich in minerals, water that is also surrounded but such abundant nature is considered to have absorbed the ‘qi’ – the energy or spirit – of those surroundings.
For guests who would like to arrange a massage therapist to visit the ryokan, we can provide you with a double room equipped with 2 massage beds, towels and privacy. Please contact our staff to assist with therapist bookings.
The living room is a place to gather and relax. With floor to ceiling windows and views to Yotei san and our modest lake, the world of nature becomes a living cinema. The pivot point of the Living Room is a double sided open fireplace. One of two such fireplaces on the property, it offers the same cohesion and role of gathering that was played by the traditional 'irori'.
Ranging from Japanese classics in English, to European favourites in Japanese, to poetry and books on nature, the Library is a place to discover a gem of literature. Eclectic films and board games are also complimentary and available for guest use.
Across Japan, there are free public foot baths 'ashiyu' for the weary traveller and searching for them can be a pastime on its own. Hidden in plain view in Zaborin's central courtyard is one such treat. In some winter months, tunnels are carved through the huge snow drifts to a glowing candle-lit retreat for your feet.
Browse a selection of local ceramics, Zaborin soaps and our specially designed 'samue', 'hanten' jackets and pyjama outfits.
Lots of places beyond Zaborin are awaiting to be discovered.
Located in the western part of Hokkaido, Niseko is surrounded by lakes, rivers and mountains, most notably Mt. Yotei, known as the northern Mt. Fuji and Shiribetsu, the purest river in Japan.
Although Niseko is best known as Asia's most awarded ski resort, and one of the snowiest resorts in the world, it is also an all-season destination of summer activities, onsens, and exemplary culinary experiences.
The cold storm winds from Siberia over the Sea of Japan guarantee snow that is not only abundant in the winter months, but also some of the very lightest power in the world. Skiers and boarders from North America to Europe flock to join the local visitors and Asian connoisseurs to revel in the sublime champagne powder.
Though a ski haven in the winter months, Niseko also offers a plethora of treats throughout the year-long appreciated by the Japanese tourists, and less known to international travelers.
The extraordinary quality of Hokkaido produce ensure that a gourmet tour is well rewarded with some of the finest cuisine not only in Japan, but also in the world. Niseko is also well placed to access other gourmet destinations - hidden sublime local bakeries and Michelin-starred restaurants - as well as the famous Nikka Distillery in Yoichi, the seafood mecca of Otaru, as well as local vineyards, various markets and fruit orchards bursting with the most succulent and sweetest produce.
For active visitors, Niseko has a wealth of choice for all ages and fitness levels: from golf and fly fishing to whitewater rafting, canyoning and kayaking; from zip lining and tree trekking, road cycling and mountain biking, to beautiful hikes and walks through woods and up mountains. Gentle horse riding, park golf, fishing and inflatable slide parks are also popular with younger visitors.
Serious golfers will be thrilled by the world class courses available - Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Niseko Golf courses, as well as others in neighbouring resorts.
Located in Hokkaido, the northern-most island of Japan, Zaborin is surrounded by the best that nature can provide throughout the seasons. From an abundance of the finest produce in the world, to one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, there is much to explore.
Scroll down for seasonal activities beyond Zaborin.
While spring skiing in the Niseko resorts is available up until May, there are plenty of other activities in the area to enjoy, from gentle vegetable picking to more action options like cycling.
As the snow starts to melt, the rapids are at their highest and fastest and rafting is open from April.
The town of Niki, approximately 1 hour’s drive from Zaborin, has many vineyards and orchards – full of flowers blooming for their cherries, peaches and apples. Further on is Otaru, famous for its canals and old stone warehouses. Besides the historical streets, there are many restaurants specialising in fresh seafood – cooked or raw – as well as sweets that are Otaru specialities
The cool summer climate is perfect for golf and cycling and there are several golf courses located near by, with stunning views of Mt Yotei and Annupuri Mountain range. Many world-class cycling competitions such as Niseko Classic (140km Union Cycliste Internationale event) and Niseko Hill Climb (16km climb on the road in front of Zaborin) are also held during summer season.
Picturesque Toya Lake is located only an hour away from Zaborin. Its “Windsor Great Peak of Toya” golf course offers stunning vistas and “Michel Bras Toya Japon” which was awarded three stars in the Michelin Hokkaido edition. We also recommend driving around Shakotan Peninsula known for its memorable seascapes and succulent sea urchin in season in June and July.
With one of the shortest seasons for Momijigari (紅葉狩り) – red leaves viewing – in Japan, Hokkaido also has one of the most spectacular. Those lucky enough to time it just right, Zaborin is perfectly positioned in the midst of its own little wood, surrounded by beech leaves of burnished gold and red, and an air cool and crisp with warm woody fragrances.
The weather makes it an ideal time for trekking, with the obligatory post-walk soak. Those eager to try onsens beyond Zaborin, there are many in the local area, from newer onsens like Goshiki onsen to traditional ones like Konbu onsen.
There are also many trekking courses of varying levels near Zaborin: from an easy boardwalk strolls, the Shinsennuma swamp, to trekking through the ridges of the Annupuri mountain ranges, and many others.
If you are a whisky lover, we recommend you to visit Nikka Whisky Distillery made famous by a popular TV drama in Yoichi town, which is about 1 hour’s drive from Zaborin. Founder Masataka Taketsuru learnt his craft in Scotland in 19th century before introducing it to Japan.
Located in one of the snowiest region in the world, the Niseko resort is world-famous for its champagne light powder snow.
The Niseko resort encompasses Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri – all on Mount Annupuri and interconnected with an all mountain pass and includes almost 50 kilometres of ski runs. In addition to the many resorts of Annupuri, day trips to neighbouring Moiwa or Rusutsu are also popular.
Those less inclined to see will enjoy visiting Otaru for the Candle lit path festival or Sapporo’s famous snow festival. Savour the winter delicacies of seafood and meats, such as local game.
Inspired by the origins of the most formalised of all culinary traditions, kaiseki, Zaborin’s signature “Kita kaiseki” brings a northern interpretation to the art of Japanese fine dining.
All ‘washoku’ (Japanese cuisine) aims to feed body and soul, particularly embracing the seasonality of ingredients, its themes and appreciation of nature’s bounty and “Kita kaiseki” indeed explores how to capture nature’s original and simplistic beauty while simultaneously elevating it in the art of fine-dining. To follow the cycle of the growth from seed to plate and give it the full appreciation it deserves.
Kita kaiseki is a northern interpretation of the rigorous Kyoto kaiseki meal, considered one of the most formal and exceptional forms of cuisine in the world. Hokkaido born engineer turned chef Yoshihiro Seno's exquisite and deceptively unadorned dishes embraces the seasonality, the simplicity, flavor and beauty of the local products.
Zaborin's signature kita kaiseki can be enjoyed in our intimate dining room. For guests staying longer, alternatives can be arranged, for example an exclusive robatayaki omakase menu in the Irori room.
Following in the tradition of old Japanese homes, the Irori room provides a quiet and private dining haven. Pre-book for a special robatayaki omakase experience.
The bar is made of one solid piece of wood and facing the majestic 'Fuji of the North', Yotei san. Sample the local whiskies, and soak in the view.
Literally 'tea's seat', the chanoza is normally a formal tea room. We hope to demystify this ancient tradition by making it part of the daily movements and flow of the ryokan. Guests are welcome to take a seat and participate the meditative quality of a beautifully brewed cup of Japanese matcha.
Zaborin is a luxury retreat for discerning travelers seeking privacy, authentic Japanese culture, and unforgettable natural experiences. Perfect for those who value high-end comfort, spiritual immersion, and an exclusive escape in harmony with nature.