We've been to Niseko a few times now and have always thought the Green Leaf looked like a nice place to stay. So this time we booked it, and it was everything we could've hoped for and more. The quieter location away from Hirafu, ski in/out was perfect for us. The hotel facilities are great. A nice mix of all the things you need, restaurant, bar, onsen, gift shop, ski storage, in a fairly small and relaxed establishment. The onsen in particular was a life saver. Nothing quite like soaking in an outdoor hot pool with snow falling all around you. The staff were fabulous, warm, welcoming and helpful. But to be fair I've never had a bad experience with hotel staff in Japan. The room was a good size, beautifully appointed, warm and cozy with a lovely snow covered vista through the massive window. The bed was sooo comfortable after a hard day on the slopes. I don't think I've ever slept so well on a ski vacation. They provide an excellent breakfast in the large restaurant overlooking the slopes, and a reasonably priced and varied lunch menu also if you feel like skiing back to the hotel during the day. We had dinner in the restaurant a few times, and we would've liked a bit more variety in the evening menu. But the restaurant staff were fabulous, particularly the manager who went out of his way to look after us. The location away from Hirafu might not be for everyone, and getting around between the hotel and Hirafu after the lifts close is a bit of a challenge. It's virtually impossible to book a taxi, and although Niseko United and Niseko Village provide free shuttle buses they probably need to be a bit more regular and run later. But we made it work and the bus ride home after night skiing was a nice way to wind down. All in all The Green Leaf is a fabulous location, a wonderful place to stay, and we will definately be booking again in 2024.
Excellent
17 Reviews