Haruka

Firefly Squid Salad

Kinki Fish Soup

Chef preparing Sashimi Course

Sashimi: Tuna, Shrimp, Sea Urchin

Abalone, Shungiku

Hokkaido Venison

Lily Root Rice Pot

Dessert of the day

Dinner at Hakuba, the intimate omakase restaurant at Chalet Ivy Weiss, was one of the most memorable culinary experiences of our time in Niseko. Seated at the sushi bar, we had a front row view of the artistry unfolding in the open kitchen, where the talented chef carefully prepared each course with precision and quiet confidence.

The omakase menu showcased the very best of Hokkaido’s seasonal ingredients, with each dish highlighting a different technique and flavor profile. One of the standout courses was the firefly squid salad, delicate, slightly briny, and beautifully balanced. The kinki fish soup followed, deeply comforting with its rich, umami packed broth that felt both refined and soulful.

The sashimi course was nothing short of exceptional. Presented with elegance, it featured an indulgent selection of sweet prawn, toro, and uni, each piece impeccably fresh and expertly sliced. The sweetness of the prawn, the rich buttery toro, and the creamy decadence of the uni created a perfect harmony of flavor and texture, one of those moments that makes you pause and fully appreciate the craft.

A highlight was the Hokkaido venison, remarkably tender, subtly gamey, and cooked to perfection. It added a depth and richness to the meal that rounded out the experience beautifully.

From start to finish, dinner at Hakuba was a masterclass in craftsmanship and flavor. The seamless blend of technique, premium ingredients, and warm attentive service made it an unforgettable gourmet dining experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Niseko’s evolving food scene.

www.chaletivy.com/weiss-hanazono/

79-2 Hanazono, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0084, Japan

+81 136-55-6080