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When you think of Niseko, winter might come to mind first - but summer in Niseko is a hidden gem. A complete contrast to the lively ski season, the warmer months are blissfully quiet, with sweeping mountain views, crisp air, and virtually no crowds. It's the perfect time to explore Hokkaido’s natural beauty - and indulge in some seriously good food.


View of a distant mountain under a cloudy sky, framed by lush green foliage in the foreground, creating a serene and natural scene.
The majestic Mount Yotei amidst lush greenery and soft summer skies

HITO by TACUBO at MUWA NISEKO


Located on the ground floor of MUWA NISEKO - a ski-in-ski-out property perched at the base of Grand Hirafu - HITO by TACUBO brings the elegance of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred TACUBO to the serene alpine charm of Niseko. Opened in December 2023, this refined destination draws on both the wild abundance of Hokkaido and the quiet precision of Japanese-Italian cuisine.

Fork twirls tagliolini spaghetti with thinly sliced zucchini and summer truffle shavings on a brown speckled plate.
Handmade tagliolini with zucchini flower and summer truffles at HITO by TACUBO

At the heart of HITO’s menu is a commitment to seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, prepared with Italian techniques and Japanese precision. The result is a dinner course that feels thoughtful and balanced, with a quiet focus on craftsmanship. The undisputed highlight? The woodfire-grilled Tokachi Herb Beef sirloin steak, slowly cooked with a gorgeously crisp crust and an incredibly tender, juicy centre. Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the full umami of the premium local beef to shine.



Niseko Confidential


Just a 15-minute walk from MUWA, Niseko Confidential is the younger sister to Azabujuban’s Tokyo Confidential. After a hugely successful debut over the winter ski season, the bar is back for its first-ever summer run - open throughout July and August. Tucked inside a cozy wooden cottage, the space pairs alpine charm with bold personality, thanks to an eccentric pop art mural splashed across the wall behind the bar counter. The vibe is intimate and relaxed, perfect for unwinding after a quiet day outdoors. We went for the drinks… but stayed for the food.

An eccentric pop art mural splashed across the wall behind the bar counter at Niseko Confidential
An eccentric pop art mural splashed across the wall behind the bar counter at Niseko Confidential

Standout cocktails included the Karai Margarita (tequila, jalapeño, hot honey, mango, citrus) - spicy, tropical, and vibrant - and the Blueberry Smash (shochu, blueberry, elderflower, mint, citrus), which was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. As for the food, it was a complete surprise in the best way: the Fattoria Bio Ricotta Cheese with Cantaloupe & Prosciutto was a sweet-and-savoury delight, while the Summer Vegetable Curry, made entirely from scratch with Hokkaido corn, paprika, onion, and potato, was deeply comforting and full of flavour.


A plate of curry with summer vegetables like corn, white rice, and garnish.
Summer Vegetable Curry, made entirely from scratch with Hokkaido ingredients

Wagyu to Worldwide


Near Kutchan Station, Wagyu to Worldwide serves some of the most satisfying hamburgers in the area. Their patties are crafted from 100% wagyu beef, nestled in buns baked in-house with premium domestic butter, and finished with a signature house-made sauce. We savoured the Classic Burger with a Kobe Beef upgrade and the indulgent Quattro Cheese Burger, layered with kuroge wagyu and four kinds of cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan.


Two burgers on plates with small flags. Front burger: Quattro Cheese Burger with Kuroge Wagyu patty and four kinds of cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan. Back burger: Classic Burger with a Kobe Beef upgrade
The Quattro Cheese Burger, featuring 100% kuroge wagyu and a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan

Ruhiel


If you’ve rented a car, be sure to drive over to Ruhiel after your burger for the perfect gelato dessert. This must-visit gelato spot in Kutchan is famous for its luxurious Italian-style gelato made with fresh Hokkaido milk, pristine spring water from the foot of Mt. Yotei, and perfectly ripe seasonal fruits, juiced fresh for every batch. We tried two gelatos with two flavours each: Golden Kiwi, Watermelon, Plum, and Cantaloupe - each incredibly delicious, with every bite bursting with the natural, refreshing taste of fruit.


A delightful duo of gelato cones, each featuring a refreshing blend of Golden Kiwi and Watermelon on the left, paired with Plum and Cantaloupe on the right.
A delightful duo of gelato cones, featuring Golden Kiwi and Watermelon on the left, paired with Plum and Cantaloupe on the right

Niseko in Summer: A Culinary and Scenic Escape


Summer in Niseko offers a peaceful escape where nature’s beauty and exceptional cuisine come together perfectly. Whether you’re savouring the smoky flavours of a woodfire-grilled steak, sipping on creative cocktails made with local ingredients, or indulging in the freshest gelato around, this quiet season is full of unexpected delights. For anyone looking to experience a different side of Hokkaido, Niseko in summer is not to be missed.



A huge pile of caviar on a blue container sits on a white cloth.
A lavish presentation of all-you-can-eat caviar

Previously reserved exclusively for regulars on Saturday mornings (and booked out a year in advance!), Kurogi’s legendary “Breakfast Omakase” is now available to the public via OMAKASE on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Starting at 9:30AM and wrapping up by 11AM, this 90-minute morning feast is the most extravagant way to start your day in Tokyo.




The undisputed highlight is the Caviar & Butter Toast - freshly baked bread from Ginza Nishikawa, topped with unlimited Échiré butter and caviar (!!). For the ultimate luxe sandwich, add sweet dashimaki tamago (rolled omelette), house-made tartar sauce, and tender wagyu slices.



You get to choose from six types of premium eggs, which can be served raw on rice as tamago-kake-gohan (egg over rice), boiled, or as a fluffy rolled omelette. The rice is cooked in donabe clay pots, featuring two prized varieties: “Ryu no Hitomi” from Gifu, known for its glossy grains and subtle sweetness, and “Yumegokochi” from Kyoto, prized for its fluffy texture and aroma.


Bowls of six types of eggs with labels on a wooden counter, chefs in white uniforms working in a blurred background.
A selection of six different types of eggs on display

The menu also includes dishes like handmade tofu, chilled kamonasu eggplant, octopus and mozuku seaweed, hearty nikujaga meat and potato stew, grilled seasonal fish, and a comforting miso soup with giant shijimi clams from Hokkaido.


Assorted fish and salmon fillets on a wicker tray with green leaves, displayed on a wooden surface. Colours: silver, orange, and green.
A display of three types of fish - salmon, sandfish and horse mackerel

Most dishes - except raw items and soup - can be taken home, so you can enjoy this luxurious feast at your own pace. If you’ve been dreaming of a breakfast that blends luxury and tradition, now’s your chance - but book soon, as spots are limited!


Hand holding a sandwich with steak, omelette, tartar sauce, and caviar in a slice of freshly baked bread.
The ultimate luxe breakfast sandwich, featuring unlimited caviar, sweet dashimaki tamago, house-made tartar sauce and roasted wagyu chateaubriand


Calling all Pokémon lovers! Grand Hyatt Tokyo has launched the ultimate summer collaboration - a luxury Pokémon-themed experience featuring immersive stay packages, gourmet burgers, dreamy desserts, and adorable exclusive merch, available from today through August. Whether you're travelling with kids or just a lifelong fan like myself, this is one of the most adorable pop-ups of the season.



Pokémon-Themed Stay Packages


Pokémon-Themed Stay Packages are now available at Grand Hyatt Tokyo, running from June 20 to August 31, 2025. The Pokémon Beach Resort Suite Stay offers a luxurious 120m² Chairman Suite styled like a tropical hideaway, complete with giant Lapras and Snorlax plushies, themed meals (like the Bulbasaur tropical burger and Pikachu fruit pancakes), and exclusive take-home goods including plushies and Pokémon collab items. For a more accessible option, the Pokémon Beach Resort Stay includes a 42m² room with summery decor, a mini Lapras plushie, a buffet breakfast with Pikachu pancakes, and special gifts.

A luxurious hotel suite is transformed into a tropical island escape, complete with giant Pokémon plushies and tropical-themed décor.
Credit: Grand Hyatt Tokyo ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Pokémon-Inspired Food & Dining


There are plenty of Pokémon inspired dining options at Grand Hyatt Tokyo this summer as well - and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy them. From playful burgers to giftable sweets, this collaboration is packed with fun seasonal treats. Our picks:


  • The Oak Door: Bulbasaur Tropical Burger Set (¥6,600) - A juicy beef patty, smoky pork shoulder, and grilled pineapple come together inside in-house made green buns for a tropical Pokémon feast.

  • Fiorentina: Squirtle Ricotta Cheese Tart Set (¥3,520) - Smooth and creamy ricotta tart served with a vibrant coloured Piplup Blue Soda.

  • Fiorentina Pastry Boutique: Pokémon Summer Sweets Selection Box (¥5,940) - A colourful assortment of tropical sweets in a Pikachu box, complete with an exclusive tote bag.

Bulbasaur Tropical Burger Set at The Oak Door – a green-bunned burger filled with beef patty, smoked pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, served with Piplup Blue Soda on a Pokémon-themed placemat.
The Bulbasaur Tropical Burger Set

This Pokémon collaboration offers a refreshing blend of nostalgia and creativity - a chance to enjoy playful flavours and thoughtful design, all set within the luxury of Grand Hyatt Tokyo! Find out more information here.



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