Summer in Niseko: Woodfire Steak, Artisanal Gelato and Surprising Sips

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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, 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.