Updated on August, 18, 2025
On top of its fantastic ski and snow activities, authentic Japanese food is also the best way to relish the winter holiday in Niseko. Niseko is widely popular because of its iconic natural beauty and vast mountains that are covered with meters of powdery snow during winter.
Visitors from around the globe travel to this winter wonderland–particularly from November to March–to experience some of the best ski pistes in the world. Whether you’re looking to fuel up for your next ski session or cap off an adventure-filled day, there’s nothing better than a filling meal to get you going. You’ll never run out of delectable meals to try in Niseko.
Taste the Authentic Japanese Warmth in these Culinary Delights
Every restaurant in Niseko, from local izakayas to Michelin-star establishments, takes advantage of the abundance of fresh ingredients and local produce from the Hokkaido region, ensuring each dish’s excellent quality and flavor.
If you’re planning to visit this winter, you don’t have to worry about the icy climate because Niseko is home to several restaurants that will delight your taste buds and keep you warm and cozy at the same time. Check out this list of the best dishes to keep you warm and satiated during your visit to Niseko.
1. Nabe
Nabemono, more commonly known as nabe, is warmth and comfort personified in a steaming bowl of soup. It is a hotpot dish cooked in a traditional clay pot, made with streaming dashi (savory broth), vegetables, tofu, and meat or seafood. It is usually served with a portable gas stove to keep it hot and steamy – perfect for a cold winter day.
Where to Eat
Niseko A-Nabeya is a nabe restaurant that’s changing its name to PIC-Dining last 2022-2023 winter season. It offers delicious nabe made with fresh Hokkaido seafood and often paired with local sake and sashimi. However, if you want to level up the spice, check out Tsubara Tsubara’s soup curry nabe hotpot.
2. Shabu-Shabu
One of the most famous Japanese hotpot dishes, shabu-shabu, is made of thinly sliced meat and fresh vegetables cooked in broth. The ingredients are usually served raw, and you can cook them in the broth at the table. The name shabu-shabu came from a Japanese onomatopoeia for “swish swish,” an ode to swishing and cooking the meat in the boiling broth before eating. It is often served with ponzu or sesame dipping sauces.
Where To Eat
Enjoy Akaru‘s homemade hotpot signatures, or try Niseko Sakura’s signature pork, wagyu, lamb, or lamb shabu-shabu that are best paired with sake or wine.
3. Sukiyaki
If you prefer something sweet and hearty, then you should try sukiyaki. Like nabe and shabu-shabu, sukiyaki is also a one-pot dish consisting of meat and vegetables simmered in broth and served piping hot on the table. However, sukiyaki is different because it is made from a sweet broth and served in a shallow iron pot. Once cooked, you can dip the meat and vegetables in beaten raw eggs for added flavor and texture.
Where to Eat
A-bu-cha 2 serves a wide selection of hotpots and local Hokkaido favorites in a cozy and spacious area. It is perfect for families because its sukiyaki and hotpot servings are good for two or more people. Similarly, Izakaya Sakae is a classic Japanese restaurant serving heartwarming and homey Japanese cuisine for over 50 years. Make sure to check out their Hokkaido Wagyu Sukiyaki.
4. Ramen
We cannot talk about authentic Japanese food without mentioning one of the most famous comfort dishes in the world–ramen! This warm and comforting noodle soup consists of a broth base, thin noodles, and a variety of toppings such as chashu, egg, scallions, sliced bamboo, and seaweed. The broth is often made of chicken broth seasoned with salt or soy sauce, but ramen broths made with miso and simmered pork bones are also crowd favorites.
Where To Eat
Ramen is one of Japan’s staple delicacies, so it’s no wonder that Niseko is home to many shops serving authentic Japanese ramen. Some well-known ramen joints in Niseko are Asahikawa Ramen Tozanken, Tam Tam Ramen, Kobito, and Tamashii. For a unique ramen experience, check out Niseko Ramen Kazahana, famous for its one-of-a-kind creamy potato ramen.
5. Udon
Another popular authentic Japanese food is a noodle dish called udon, made with thick and chewy wheat noodles in a light and delicate dashi-based broth. Because of its subtle flavor and straightforward ingredients, udon is the healthier noodle option. Udon can be served in a steaming bowl of soup or with various dipping sauces.
Where To Eat
Discover Niseko’s finest udon by seeking restaurants that showcase authentic local ingredients, typically using Mount Yotei spring water and premium Hokkaido-grown wheat. Some of the most popular Niseko restaurants that serve delectable Udon dishes are Houzuki Udon, Sobadokoro Rakuichi, and Udon Gokoro.
6. Oden
Oden is a classic Japanese winter comfort food consisting of simmered ingredients such as daikon radish, boiled eggs, konjac, and various fish cakes stewed in a light soy-based broth. It is similar to shabu-shabu but they differ in the way they are cooked and the choices of ingredients. An oden’s flavor becomes richer the longer it simmers, making each bite deeply warming. It’s simple yet hearty, perfect for warming up during cold days in Japan.
Where To Eat
In Niseko, oden is best savored at local izakayas tucked around Hirafu Village, where chefs prepare it with regional ingredients. Some luxury chalets and private dining experiences also offer oden prepared tableside, paired with fine sake for a refined touch. It is similar to shabu-shabu but they differ in the way they are cooked and the choices of ingredients. For a cozy yet elevated experience, head to boutique restaurants in Niseko Town that reinterpret oden with seasonal Hokkaido produce.
7. Oshiruko
Oshiruko is a warm, velvety red bean soup served with soft mochi or rice dumplings, enjoyed as a sweet ritual during the coldest months. Its smooth sweetness is balanced by the chewy texture of the rice cakes, creating a treat that is both nourishing and nostalgic. A bowl of oshiruko is like being wrapped in warmth and tradition.
Where To Eat
Luxury cafés and dessert salons in Hirafu and Kutchan serve oshiruko with a modern twist, often pairing it with artisanal mochi and locally grown azuki beans. Upscale ski resorts in Niseko also feature oshiruko on seasonal menus, offering guests a comforting treat by the fireplace. Tea lounges within luxury hotels provide an especially refined setting, where you can enjoy this dessert with panoramic mountain views.
8. Okayu
Okayu is a simple rice porridge made by slow-cooking rice in extra water until soft and creamy. Traditionally served as a soothing dish for those feeling unwell, it’s also enjoyed as a warm and light meal in winter. It can be flavored with pickled plums, fish, or herbs for added taste and comfort.
Where To Eat
Upscale ryokan-style accommodations offer beautifully prepared okayu as part of traditional Japanese breakfasts. Some fine-dining restaurants highlight gourmet variations enhanced with seasonal seafood or truffle, creating a balance between wellness and indulgence. For a truly exclusive experience, private chefs in luxury chalets can prepare bespoke okayu tailored to your taste.
Enjoy Warm Winter Indulgences in Niseko
In Niseko, winter dining goes beyond hearty sustenance—it is an immersion into Japanese tradition reimagined with Hokkaido’s natural abundance. Whether it’s oden infused with regional flavors or okayu elevated with local seafood, these dishes capture both warmth and refinement. If you’re planning to visit Niseko soon, here’s a comprehensive guide on Japanese etiquette to help you better understand their culture. We also advise guests to please do your due diligence to research updates on the mentioned restaurants to know more about their hours and menu.
For accommodations, look no further than our collection of luxury chalets in Niseko. These fantastic ski-holiday homes are located in the most sought-after locations in Niseko and are serviceable by a private chef who can prepare steaming dishes to keep you warm during your stay.
Read more on Niseko Travel Guide for more tips and insights.
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