What You Get
Internet (WiFi)
TV (Satellite/Cable)
Washing Machine
The Experience
Located in laid-back Soga, Birchwood Chalet is a wonderfully private three-bedroom chalet, away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring tourist centres. Featuring a sleek and modern cubist design, minimalist interiors and Scandinavian-inspired décor, it provides a harmonious, highly contemporary home away from home for a family or group of friends.
The chalet is beautifully appointed and supremely comfortable. It gets its name from the thick forest of birch trees surrounding it. In Japan, white birch trees are called Shirakaba, which loosely translates as ‘pure elegant beauty,’ and these graceful trees with their ghostly white trunks create a mesmerizing winter landscape. Summer visitors will be equally captivated with the bright green foliage framing stunning views of Mount Yotei – an active volcano. Birchwood’s forest views are best enjoyed from the spacious open-plan living area which features large picture windows, a dining table and a comfortable lounge area. Home cooks will love preparing meals in the well-appointed kitchen, but with so many great restaurants in nearby Niskeo Village and Hirafu Village, you may be just as happy dining out.
When it comes to the great outdoors, Birchwood Chalet is ideally positioned to access all the ski fields of Niseko United (with gondolas easily reached by the chalet’s courtesy on-call driver, available in winter). Yet, you don’t need to be a winter sports enthusiast to enjoy the marvellous mountain scenery. Come in spring to avoid the tourists and witness sakura, the vibrant blossoms that Japan is famous for, or in the summer to soak up the sunshine while hiking, biking or white water rafting down the mighty Shiribetsu river. Travelling with kids? Birchwood Chalet is just minutes from Pure at Niseko Village, which has the longest zipline in Japan, as well as horseback riding and hot air ballooning.
One thing is certain, no matter what time of the year you vacation at Birchwood Chalet, you will never run out of things to do.
Our review
- Overall Rating:
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8.1
- Reviewed:
- 02-Aug-2019
Modern chalet surrounded by a birchwood, close to all Niseko’s slopes
Staying in a brand new holiday home is always a pleasure and we were lucky enough to be amongst Birchwood’s first few visitors. The minimalist design and décor made it feel extra crisp and fresh, and we liked the fact that there was nothing to distract from the gorgeous views of the wintery forest, which looked like something out of a fairy tale – especially when the snow was falling and we were warm and toasty inside. We travelled as a family with two fussy eaters, so the kitchen was a real plus, not to mention a genuine pleasure to cook in, with all the sparkling new appliances. Getting groceries delivered via Niseko Gourmet was another drawcard – who wants to bother with supermarkets on holiday? Or household chores for that matter, and we were thrilled to have a daily housekeeper.
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 8 | Location: | 8 | Outside Area: | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 7 | Bedrooms: | 8 | Bathrooms: | 8 |
| Kitchen: | 9 | Facilities: | 7 | Staff: | 9 |
| Value: | 8 |
Highlights
Being on the edge of a forest creates a genuine back-to-nature experience, and the chance to unwind and relax. What better way to enjoy the scenery than from the comfort of a brand-new luxury chalet?
Surprises
Birchwood may be too peaceful for those who wish to be right in the thick of the action. Having said that, Niseko Village is so close that it’s easy enough to come and go whenever you want.
PROs
- Scenic and serene
- Modern design and decor
- Fabulous kitchen
- Large bedrooms
CONs
- Very quiet
- Countryside living
Guest reviews (7)
- Joao P, Portugal checked out on 30-Jan-2023
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 09-Feb-2023
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
- Maneerat K, Thailand checked out on 14-Jan-2023
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 09-Feb-2023
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
- Ben G, United States checked out on 23-Jan-2023
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 09-Feb-2023
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
- Jo F, Hong Kong checked out on 18-Jan-2020
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 16-Feb-2020
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
- Diana & Tom, United States checked out on 31-Jan-2020
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 16-Feb-2020
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
- Carrie Z, China checked out on 17-Dec-2019
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 26-Dec-2019
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
- Joy Y, Taiwan checked out on 03-Nov-2019
- Overall Rating:
-
0
- Reviewed:
- 16-Nov-2019
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 1 | Location: | 1 | Outside Area: | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 1 | Bedrooms: | 1 | Bathrooms: | 1 |
| Kitchen: | 1 | Facilities: | 1 | Staff: | 1 |
| Value: | 1 |
Gallery
Location
Set on a quiet residential street, Birchwood edges into a forest and has fantastic views of Mount Yotei. Soga’s quiet country lanes are ideal for walking and gentle cycling in the summer months, and several restaurants lie within walking distance. Mandriano, a pizza restaurant adjoining the cheese factory at Takahashi Dairy Farm is closest (1.7km) and also sells farm fresh dairy produce and home baked goods.
Places of Interest(KMs) |
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| Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm | 1.7 |
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| Green Leaf Hotel | 2.7 |
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| Hilton Hotel | 3.5 |
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| Bar Gyu+ | 3.5 |
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| Niseko Village Golf Course | 3.5 |
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| Hirafutei Hotel Onsen | 4.6 |
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| Kamimura Restaurant | 5.0 |
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| Hirafu Welcome Centre | 5.0 |
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| Hanazono | 19.0 |
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| Mt. Yotei Makkari Entrance | 20.0 |
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| Lake Toya | 40.0 |
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| Otaru City | 73.0 |
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| Sapporo City | 100.0 |
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About Niseko Village
A three-hour drive from Sapporo airport, Niskeo Village is a glamorous yet serene hamlet surrounded by farmlands, flower fields, and forests of birch trees, with fantastic views of Mount Yotei looming in the distance. Our Niseko Village chalets offer guests a relaxed, back-to-nature setting, just minutes from all the action of the four interconnected ski resorts (Niseko Village, Hirafu, Hanazono, and Annupuri) that make up Niseko United. Known as the powder capital of Japan, Niseko receives a fresh blanket of snow nearly every day of the ski season (December to April) luring winter sports aficionados from around the world.
Our chalets in Niseko Village are less than four kilometres away from Niseko Village Ski Resort, and all elite havens here include a complimentary on-call driver for the short trip to and from the gondolas of both Niseko Village and neighbouring Hirafu Village (winter only).
Though each Elite Havens' chalet has a well-equipped kitchen for your use, you may prefer to order delicious meals or provisions for cooking via Niseko Gourmet. They also offer private dining experiences and can set up a magical meal within your villa, with a professional chef crafting a delectable meal, just for you.
Niskeo Village and neighbouring Soga area are home to several restaurants, including Niseko Loft Club, a fun Mongolian barbecue-style experience, and Mandriano, a pizza restaurant adjoining the cheese factory of Takahashi Dairy Farm, which also sells a variety of fresh farm produce and homemade treats. The atmospheric Crab Shack has a great selection of fresh local seafood, and Michelin-starred Japanese eatery, Raukuichi Soba is always busy. Those in search of exciting nightlife will enjoy the buzz of nearby Hirafu Village, which has steadily risen to become a trendy, world-class tourism centre. You can sing your heart out at a traditional karaoke bar, or head to quirky Bar Gyu for live jazz and rare Japanese whiskeys.
Although the ski season stretches well into late spring, the forests of Niseko Village are the gateway to spectacular backcountry, offering plenty of outdoor activities all year-round. Bask in the sunshine and enjoy glorious views as you play a round of golf at award-winning Niseko Village Golf Course, soak in one of the many onsen (thermal hot springs) that the region is famous for, or treat the kids to tree-top adventures and horse riding at Pure in Niseko Village. Adrenalin junkies can climb breathtaking Mount Yotei, cycle down volcanic slopes or experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Shiribetsu river. One thing is for sure, no matter what the season, you will never run short of things to do in Niseko.
About Niseko
Known as the world's second snowiest ski area, Niseko is famed for its incredible forested slopes and huge powder fields. Located a three-hour drive from Sapporo airport, the area's four interconnected ski resorts – Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri – cater to all levels, from budding first-time skiers to accomplished off-piste snowboarders. Although the ski season stretches well into late spring, Niseko's awe-inspiring nature makes it a hub for outdoor activity all year-round.
Rooms
The open-plan living room separates the master bedroom from the guest bedrooms and incorporates a kitchen, lounge and dining areas. The heart of the chalet, this is the perfect place for everyone to gather after a day on the slopes. Large windows allow plenty of natural light and frame memorable views of the birchwood that edges the property.
The professional kitchen is immaculate and well-equipped with everything you would need to prepare a gourmet feast, while the elegant dining table for six is the perfect place to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The lounge section has comfortable sofas, casual chairs and a flat-screen Apple TV. A dry room and ski storage area is located next to the entrance of the chalet.
Large and private, the master bedroom is minimalist in design, with wood accents, snowy white bed linens and a queen-sized bed, convertible to twins. A sleek ensuite bathroom has gleaming white tiles, a walk-in shower and counter-top sink.
The two guest bedrooms sit side by side, and are similarly designed, with blonde wood floors, pristine white bed linens and split king-size beds that can be converted to twins. These rooms share an elegant modern bathroom with a walk-in shower and counter-top sink, and a separate powder room (with a toilet.)
Key Amenities
- Close to bars and restaurants
- Elite Concierge
- Free Wifi
- Great views
- Grocery starter pack
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Internet (WiFi)
- Niseko Gourmet
- Ski Shuttle Service
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TV (Satellite/Cable)
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Washing Machine
Other Amenities
- Apple TV
- Baby Cot (On Request)
- BBQ (Extra)
- Bed Linen
- Blender
- Bread Toaster
- Car Parking
- Central heating
- Coffee Machine
- Dish Washer
- Emergency Phone
- Equipped Kitchen
- Fire Extinguisher
- Hairdryers
- High Chairs (On Request)
- Hot Water
- iPod Dock/Speakers
- Iron/Board
- Juicer
- Microwave
- Oven/Hotplates
- Refrigerator
- Smoke Detector
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Tumble Dryer
- TV (Local channels)
Villa Staff
- Chef/Cook (Restricted hrs) (Extra)
- Concierge
- Driver (Extra)
- Masseuse/Spa Therapist (Extra)
Villa Rates
| Period | Price per night | Min stay | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01-Mar-2023 to 13-Apr-2023 | US$ 474 ++ | 3 Nights |
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| 14-Apr-2023 to 22-Nov-2023 | US$ 362 ++ | 2 Nights |
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Gazing out the window, watching the snow falling on white birch trees, you may think you were in a winter paradise. This is the beauty of Birchwood Chalet, a stylish three-bedroom chalet in Soga, just minutes away from the famed ski slopes of Niseko Village Ski Resort, Hokkaido.
http://www.thevillaguide.com/villa/birchwood.aspx
