The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko (Higashiyama) Review

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve is located in Higashiyama Niseko Village, a quieter, more refined area of Niseko. It’s about a 2-hour ride from New Chitose Airport (CTS). You can get there by bus (recommended for value), train, or splurge on the hotel's luxury transfer.

It's within walking distance of Niseko Village restaurants, lifts, and the Hilton adds convenience, but this is definitely a tucked-away destination geared towards peace and powder.

Once on-site, the arrival was warm and luxurious. Luggage was immediately handled by staff, and check-in happened fireside with a welcome drink in hand. That said, the pre-arrival concierge experience was underwhelming, especially compared to other top-tier brands like Park Hyatt. No proactive outreach or itinerary support was provided.

As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum member, no elite benefits were provided—not even breakfast or a room upgrade. This is standard for Ritz-Carlton Reserves, which operate independently from the traditional Bonvoy perks. If you’re expecting to leverage status, you’ll want to temper those expectations here.

The standard room was minimalist yet luxurious, blending modern and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The highlight was the onsen-style soaking tub in a cooler, stone-lined bathroom that mimicked a traditional bathhouse vibe.

The complimentary mini bar was a standout feature, fully stocked with local drinks like Sapporo Classic, sake, and teas—all refilled daily. Cozy reading nooks and a decent work desk made it comfortable for lounging or working.

With just 50 rooms, the property felt intimate and exclusive. The lobby features a library-like lounge with views of snowfall—great for non-skiers to relax.

Amenities included an onsen, a small gym, and a ski locker room. The lockers were generously sized but could use better upkeep (some had musty smells). No pool here, which might be a letdown for some.

Dining was a highlight if you’re willing to pay. The Omakase at Sushi Nagi was a memorable experience—set in a private room with a master chef who’s opened multiple Ritz restaurants globally.

Elsewhere, we ventured to Niseko Village for ramen (excellent and well-priced) and the Hilton for hot pot (a skip—mediocre quality and overpriced). Lunch at the Niseko-Yo pizza shop was surprisingly expensive, so eat earlier to avoid limited options and sticker shock.

🎿 Skiing + Tips

Ski-in/ski-out access is smooth once you know your way around. Niseko Village has a lift right outside the hotel. You can easily access Annupuri, Hirafu, and Hanazono with a bit of navigating. The Mori-no chairlift is a hidden gem—fast and uncrowded.

Pro tip: hit the slopes early to avoid bottlenecks, especially for the gondola at Hilton. If you’re adventurous, gate 11 to Manno-no-Sawa offers a fun challenge.

Other Tips:

• Pre-book restaurants, especially during peak seasons.
• Don’t wait until late afternoon for lunch—most spots close between lunch and dinner.
• You can replicate the onsen experience in your room using the deep tub and cooler bathroom setup.

Overall, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko nails the hard product: beautifully designed rooms, excellent amenities, and one of the best locations for intermediate to advanced skiers. The soft product—especially pre-arrival support—could use some polish. If you’re looking for ultra-luxury and don’t care about Bonvoy benefits, this is a stunning choice.