A stylized graphic with a red sake cup and white plates, with Japanese characters, above the text 'SUSHI & SAKE' and stacks of sake bottles.
A Japanese calligraphy character written with black ink on white paper.
Vertical Japanese calligraphy of the characters for 'inner peace' or 'peaceful mind'

Local Sushi & Sake

Local Sushi & Sake

Close-up of two pieces of sushi with wasabi on a ceramic plate, chopsticks holding one piece, kitchen in the background.
Black Japanese calligraphy character on a white background.

Ichi Sushi brings a more intimate, local-style dining experience to the heart of Hirafu. Focused on quality, simplicity and authenticity, the restaurant showcases locally sourced Hokkaido fish and seasonal produce in a setting that feels relaxed, traditional and genuinely rooted in the area. It is the kind of place to slow down, enjoy carefully prepared sushi, and experience the freshness and character of local ingredients.

Located on the same street as Après Bar, Ichi Sushi is an easy choice whether you are planning a proper sushi dinner, a relaxed evening meal, or a stop before or after drinks. For those looking to enjoy fresh local seafood in a smaller, more personal setting, Ichi Sushi offers a warm and memorable dining experience in the centre of Hirafu.

A close-up of a piece of tuna nigiri sushi on a black ceramic plate, with wasabi and more sushi in the background on a red plate.
Three stacked sushi's
 
Two chopsticks
Black Japanese Kanji characters on a white background.

1-chome-170-5 Nisekohirafu 2 Jo, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0089

Monday–Saturday
5pm–10pm

Close-up of a sushi platter with assorted sashimi and nigiri, with a person in the background in a restaurant setting.
Red sake and sushi
Vertical Japanese calligraphy characters in black ink.

Our Chef

Our head chef has around Twenty-five years of experience working in hotels and traditional inns across Tokyo, Chiba, Hyogo, Miyagi, and Hokkaido. With a style closest to traditional Edomae sushi, he is committed to doing the basics properly and constantly improving his craft. He places great importance on freshness, carefully selecting each ingredient, with premium produce such as tuna sourced directly from the market and Hokkaido scallops, prawns, sea urchin, and salmon roe chosen for their outstanding quality. Through his food, he hopes guests will enjoy not only the pairing of sushi and sake, but also the richness of Japanese customs and culinary culture.

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Hokkaido produce is widely respected across Japan for its quality, freshness and strong connection to the island’s natural environment. With clean air, rich soil and distinct seasons, the region is known for producing exceptional vegetables, rice and dairy, all shaped by Hokkaido’s cooler climate and expansive farmland. This focus on carefully grown, seasonal ingredients gives Hokkaido cuisine its simple but deeply satisfying character, where freshness and natural flavour speak for themselves.

Our Produce

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Our Fish

Fishing in Hokkaido is equally important to the island’s identity, with the surrounding cold northern waters providing some of Japan’s most prized seafood. From fresh fish and shellfish to rich seasonal catches, Hokkaido has built a reputation for quality and variety that is recognised throughout the country. This close relationship with the sea is a key part of local food culture, and it is one of the reasons seafood in Hokkaido is so celebrated for its freshness, purity and flavour.

Close-up of a piece of tuna nigiri sushi with white rice underneath, placed on a black decorative plate on a wooden table. In the background, a red rectangular plate holds wasabi and additional sushi pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Chopsticks
Three pieces of sushi with white rice and red fish, arranged in a triangular formation.
Two wooden trays filled with assorted sushi, including salmon, tuna, shrimp, and other fish, served with wasabi and ginger, on a dining table with several cups and bowls, surrounded by people at a restaurant.
A long black serving plate with assorted sushi pieces, wasabi, and pickled ginger on a wooden table. Two glasses, one filled with beer and the other with soy sauce, are beside the plate. The background shows a bar area with bottles, a tablet, and various bar tools.
Digital illustration of three glasses of sake with a red origami crane, a pair of chopsticks, and a small red plate with Japanese characters.
Vertical Japanese calligraphy text.
Seven pieces of sushi with pink, fatty tuna on a black rectangular plate, garnished with a small amount of wasabi on the side.
Two pieces of sushi, one with a pale pink fish and the other with white fish, served on a green leaf on a dark rectangular plate, with a small mound of wasabi nearby.
Assorted sushi on a black rectangular plate, including raw fish, shrimp, fish roe, and pickled ginger, with wasabi on the side. In the background, there is a glass of water, soy sauce, a small dish of soy sauce, a bottle of soy sauce, a bowl of green vegetables, and a glass of water on a wooden table.
Assorted sushi on a wooden serving board with wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce, with a glass of water and a small dish of soy sauce in the background.
A sushi chef preparing an assortment of sushi and sashimi on two wooden boards in a restaurant, with customers seated in the background.
Japanese calligraphy characters for 'Sushi' and 'Preparation' vertically arranged.
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Discover Niseko

Discover Niseko

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Après Bar is widely known as one of the most popular and busiest bars in Hirafu, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Niseko’s nightlife. Voted the best bar in Niseko, it has built a reputation for its lively atmosphere, great drinks and strong social energy right in the heart of town. Conveniently located on the same street as Ichi Sushi, near Seicomart and the local food trucks, it is the perfect place to continue the evening before or after dinner.

With local Hokkaido beers on tap, a wide selection of Japanese and Western spirits, plus pool, darts, live music and DJs, Après Bar offers a fun and memorable setting for a night out in Hirafu. Whether guests are looking for a few relaxed drinks or a busier late-night atmosphere, it is one of Niseko’s standout venues. For the latest events and weekly happenings, guests can also check out their Instagram.

Temporada is a great choice if you are looking for a more refined cocktail and dining experience in Hirafu. Located inside Chatrium Niseko, it brings together high-end tapas dining with a stylish bar atmosphere, making it ideal for a date night, a relaxed evening with friends or the start of a more sophisticated night out. The setting feels polished without being too formal, offering a balance of quality food, creative drinks and a comfortable, modern atmosphere.

The menu blends Mediterranean-inspired tapas with Japanese influences, using fresh Hokkaido produce and classic local ingredients in a more modern and inventive way. It is a venue for people who enjoy good food made for sharing, alongside expertly prepared cocktails in a smarter setting. If you are after something a little more elegant than the usual bar scene, Temporada is a strong recommendation.

Neon sign of the words 'LAVA PIZZA' with a cartoon pizza slice outline next to the word 'PIZZA'.
Close-up of a red and white circular sticker or logo with the word 'Freddies' in red script, and 'NISEKO JAPON' below it, indicating a brand from Niseko, Japan.

Phoenix Niseko offers a more elevated night out in Hirafu, bringing together several different spaces under one roof to create a refined mix of dining, wine, cocktails and late-night atmosphere. It is a venue that suits a range of moods, whether you are after a high-end dinner, a relaxed lounge drink, a carefully made cocktail or a more energetic evening setting. With its different rooms and changing atmosphere throughout the night, Phoenix feels designed for people who want a more polished and premium experience.

Inside, you will find everything from modern fusion dining to sophisticated cocktail bars and curated wine spaces. Kamado focuses on Japanese ingredients blended with international influences, while Kaguya offers an elegant cocktail and lounge experience. Hikari Wines is ideal for those wanting to enjoy a glass in a relaxed setting or pick up a bottle to take away, and Yūgen brings a warmer, more laid-back lounge atmosphere with cocktails, wine, Guinness and DJ-led evenings. For visitors looking for style, variety and a more upscale side of Niseko nightlife, Phoenix Niseko is a standout choice.

Phoenix black and white logo of a stylized bird with wings inside a circle.

Lava Pizza is a popular choice for those wanting hearty food, a lively atmosphere and live sport all in one place. Combining American-style Italian comfort food with a sports bar setting, it is a dependable option for groups, casual dinners and anyone who wants to eat well while catching a game. The atmosphere is social, easy-going and well suited to visitors looking for a fun and familiar night out in Hirafu. It is especially good if you are craving pizza, filling comfort food and a more laid-back bar setting with screens showing sport. For casual dining and sport, it remains one of the area’s most popular picks.

Freddies is one of the best-known late-night venues in Hirafu, with a reputation that shifts from relaxed daytime food spot to full-on party destination after dark. During the day it serves American-style food, but by night it becomes an infamous rave-style club with a retro disco feel and a lively, anything-can-happen atmosphere. It is the kind of place people head to when they want the night to properly kick on.

The venue is known for its high-energy crowd, people dancing on the bar, and its famous Fridays at Freddies party nights, when the place gets especially busy. It normally stays open until 2am, with some special nights running even later. For anyone looking for a louder, wilder and more iconic late-night Hirafu club experience, Freddies is a must-mention.

Discover Niseko

Discover Niseko