The best restaurants in Niseko, according to chef Willin Low

Explore these restaurants and cafés in this village in Hokkaido, Japan after a long day of skiing, as recommended by the acclaimed forefather of Mod-Sin cuisine

Heading to Niseko this winter for a ski holiday? If you find yourself among the snow-capped mountains in this village in Hokkaido looking for something to eat, chef Willin Low knows where to go. The Singaporean chef is known for coining the term “Mod-Sin”, short for modern Singaporean cuisine, which he explored to great acclaim at his now-closed restaurant Wild Rocket. During winter season, you will find him temporarily based in Niseko with his restaurant, Roketto, a noodle bar which also offers omakase dinners. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him exploring the picturesque village for a good, hot meal. Here are his favourites.

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1. Ichimura Soba

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“I eat here more than any other restaurant as it’s near my restaurant, and we love the soba here. I prefer cold soba (more bite) and always order it with mixed tempura. Don’t forget to order a side of maitake or oyster tempura (depending on what is in season). There are long queues, so get here early.”

Ichimura Soba
Address: 68-4 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081, +81 0136-23-0603

2. Niseko Sanroku Parlour

Above One of the many sandwiches at Niseko Sanroku Parlour (Photo: Powderlife)

“Near the Hilton Niseko Village hotel, there’s a quaint shipping container converted into a café with good sandwiches. It’s run by a local family—the husband works at the back-of-house, and the wife and daughter run the front-of-house. Try the venison burger with home-baked buns for something different.”

Niseko Sanroku Parlour
Address: 19-19 Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1521, Japan, +81 136 55 8918

3. Jamii Niseko

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“Soup curry is basically a Hokkaido speciality—sometimes it’s easy to forget that when you’re surrounded by resort restaurants. This popular local restaurant & bar located next to Niseko train station has a laid back Jamaican charm. Besides great soup curry, live music is available some nights.”

Jamii Niseko
Address: 142-5 Chuodori, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1512, Japan, +81 136-44-2113

4. Sushi Shin by Miyakawa Niseko

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“So far the best sushi-ya I have been to in Niseko. From the hinoki counter to the seasonal fish sourced mainly from Hokkaido, this refined Edomae-style sushi restaurant is a luxurious delight and a good break from the crowds.”

Sushi Shin by Miyakawa Niseko
Address: 4-5-32, 1 Jo, Niseko Hirafu, Kuchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080, Japan, +81 136 56 8560

5. Roketto Restaurant & Bar

Above Snow crab broth laksa udon at Roketto (Photo: Facebook / Roketto Restaurant & Bar)

“Of course I have to recommend my own restaurant. During the day we run a casual self service noodle bar with either snow crab broth laksa udon, or rotators pork bak kut teh ramen. For dinner, we transform into a Mod-Sin omakase restaurant utilising seasonal local ingredients.”

Roketto Restaurant & Bar
Address: 204-27 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun 044-0081 Hokkaido, +81 136 56 8800

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Niseko Hokkaido Japan Where to eat in Niseko