Why We Bought a Home in Annupuri

A Place That Felt Like Home is the answer when we are asked why we chose Annupuri instead of one of Niseko's busier villages.

When we first visited Niseko, we explored all four ski areas. Hirafu was lively and exciting, but every time we returned to Annupuri, we found ourselves slowing down. The pace was gentler, the scenery more peaceful and the atmosphere more relaxed. It was the kind of place where we could truly switch off, spend time together and enjoy the mountains without feeling rushed.I did not want to be locked in traffic, or queue up for food , and I was not up to staying late anyways because of the fun skiing the next day.

That feeling stayed with us long after our holiday ended—and eventually led us to buy a home here.

A Destination for Every Season

Although Niseko is famous for its incredible winter snow, we didn't choose Annupuri just for skiing.

We chose it because it is beautiful all year round.

Winter brings some of the world's finest powder snow, while spring reveals fresh alpine landscapes. Summer is perfect for hiking, cycling and outdoor adventures, and autumn transforms the mountains into vibrant shades of red, gold and orange.

Every season offers something different, giving us another reason to return.

Why Annupuri?

Annupuri has a character all of its own.

The skiing is exceptional, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming. Lift queues are generally shorter, families feel comfortable, and experienced skiers can still enjoy fantastic terrain. My husband is swiss and could ski before he could walk. Annupuri has different difficult of slopes for everyone. He does his back country skiing , I love the easier slopes and night skiing to see the sunset. I usually ski for two hours , walk home , eat something and go back at 5 for sunset skiing. Mark our 12 year old loves skiing across to Hanazono, have lunch there and ski back.

From our home, we can easily walk or drive to the ski lifts, enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery and finish the day with one of our favourite traditions—a soak in a natural Japanese onsen.

One of the simple pleasures we look forward to every visit is spending an evening at Iroha Onsen, just a short distance from Cove Niseko. Relaxing in the outdoor hot spring while snow falls quietly around you is an experience that perfectly captures the magic of Japan

A Home Our Family Loves

As parents, we began travelling differently once our son, Mark, was born.

Hotels no longer gave us the freedom and space we wanted. We looked for places where he could play outdoors, have his own bedroom and enjoy nature from the moment we stepped outside.

Cove Niseko offered exactly that.

The immense garden becomes a playground in summer, while winter brings endless opportunities to build snowmen, play in fresh powder and begin another day on the slopes. When I take the day off from skiing , I am walking and playing in the endless garden. I come out at night on my own to marvel at the incredible height of snow.

There is a separate annex just for having fun ! There are arcade games, table tennis , darts, mahjong table and a super big TV. Often times,Mark and his friends would have fallen asleep in the games room after a heavy day of skiing. oh! I forgot to day there is a gym, a sauna and an onsen.

It is a home where our family can simply be together. We have celebrated birthdays and Chinese new year there year after year. My parents are in their 80s, not as mobile and do not ski. I have entertained them by getting private chefs who would prepare and cook with us and have dinners that last all night. There is no tax on alcohol in Japan so you can imagine the good wines (usually French ) and sakes we have every night. There are restaurants that we drive to and they have their ramen and sushi fix without having to walk too much.

More Than Ski

Some of our favourite memories have nothing to do with skiing.

They include quiet walks through the snow, discovering small cafés, enjoying wood-fired pizza after a day on the mountain, visiting local onsens and watching Mount Yotei appear on a crisp winter morning.The cafes and famous restaurants, gin distillery and the best outdoor onsen are walking distance to Cove Niseko.

Lucky supermarket is where we go to stock up the fridge and we would have the sweetest strawberries, cook and have really fresh meals after skiing.

These moments remind us that Niseko is not only a ski destination—it is a place to slow down and enjoy life.

Sharing Annupuri With Others

When friends visit, we rarely begin by talking about ski runs.

Instead, we tell them where to enjoy the best onsen, which restaurants we return to every trip, where to find peaceful walking trails and how to experience the quieter side of Niseko.

That is why we created our Curator's Guides.

We wanted to share the places and experiences that have made Annupuri so special to our family, helping others discover more than just a ski holiday.

We Hope You'll Love It Too

Buying a home in Annupuri was never just about owning a property.

It was about becoming part of a destination that continues to inspire us every time we return.

We hope that when you stay at Cove Niseko, you'll discover the same peaceful mornings, unforgettable powder days, relaxing evenings in the onsen and simple family moments that made us fall in love with Annupuri.

Perhaps, like us, you'll leave already planning your next visit. Best ski time is mid Dec to end March