Zaborin

Zaborin faces the same birch forest as Shiguchi. For some reason, although the room is 70 m²—half of Shiguchi’s 155 m²—the view through the windows feels almost panoramic and utterly breathtaking. The public areas also draw in abundant outdoor scenery; natural light gives the entire building a rhythm from day to night, and at every turn you’ll find a picture-perfect, poetic scene.I personally think this is a place best visited when snow blankets the mountains. With snow walls enclosing the courtyard, it embodies an unspoken, simple Zen-like calm. All fifteen rooms are named after different crystalline forms of snow—making the design concept unmistakably clear.Created by Shouya Grigg as well, Zaborin places special emphasis on baths that can be enjoyed with unobstructed views both inward and outward. Every room comes with an indoor bath and an open-air onsen bath, both featuring exceptionally high-quality free-flowing hot spring water direct from the source. One night with two meals and three baths (or more!)—pure indulgence.Awarded two Michelin Keys, Zaborin is remarkable not only for its architecture and hot springs; for me, the cuisine was what I looked forward to most. Executive Chef Yoshihiro Seno—Hokkaido-born, formerly a design engineer turned chef with experience in New York and Tokyo—returned home to create “Kita-Kaiseki,” highlighting Hokkaido’s finest ingredients. Paired with beautifully crafted tableware by local artisans, each dish becomes an artwork that whets your appetite.I ended up staying in Niseko far longer than planned—not for anything else but to experience a complete stay from start to finish.Both Sansui Niseko and Zaborin are works by architect Makoto Nakayama; and since Zaborin—as well as Shiguchi and Somoza—share the same owner, Shouya Grigg, it all feels like a northern poem with echoes from beginning to end.Or you could call it pure self-indulgence.

This ryokan exceeded all expectations in terms of facilities, rooms, dining, and service. The rooms offer a breathtaking view of the natural hills, and the meals were highly satisfying in both quality and quantity. What stood out the most was the exceptional hospitality and service provided by the staff, leaving us truly impressed by their attention to detail. Everything was so perfect that it felt like there was nothing more one could wish for in an accommodation. Although access may be slightly inconvenient, this facility is well worth visiting. I would definitely love to stay here again if given the opportunity.