Soga/Higashiyama

Run wild and free.

Savour the love at Picnic restaurant, Niseko

Picnic is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in Niseko. Picnic is located in the midst of a sprawling, well-tended garden, filled with beautiful flowers and herbs on Route 66 on the way to Makkari. A decagonal-shaped cottage with a double-storey entrance way that connects the garden into a immaculate, well-lit, homely space. Whether you are seated in a private dining room upstairs or at a communal table at the lower level – you will be able to savour a gourmet 8-course entreé with a salmon pate or Philly steak sandwich in a basket with a spectacular view of the landscape beyond. At the entrance, there are two pairs of scissors and some ribbon ties for you to take home some flowers and herbs as mementoes of your meal at Picnic. 

There's an overwhelming feeling of love and joviality at this place – everything is super fresh, home-made and delicious. If the idea of a picnic is manifested into space, this could probably be it.  

Lake Toya

Nature walk at Nakajima Island, in the middle of Lake Toya. The island is known for its nature park and free-roaming Ezo deers. You can buy a packet of deer feed at the entrance to be park. Entrance is free but remember to register your name at the park ranger's office. To get there, take a ferry from the jetty (¥1,420 per person) at Lake Toya to Nakajima Island.

Aromatherapy Spa Salon and Cafe, Tetote, serves great coffee and herb tea. It's a gem of a find off Route 230 at Toya.

traditional mud onsen - textures and details at Akahane Onsen

There's something so beautiful, raw and earthy here at Akahane Onsen (紅葉音) in Niseko. Here we get to the experience the smells, textures and visual qualities - and of course, the wonderful healing properties of this traditional Japanese mud bath. 

Take Route 66 towards Goshiki, you'll pass the scenic mountainous landscape of Chisenupuri and natural sulphur mud pools.

Morning light - Soga/Higashiyama, Niseko

transitions - Suttsu Bay and Otaru Bay, Hokkaido

Campana Rokkatei, Furano

Campana Rokkatei (カンパーナ六花亭) is a newly opened cafe, gallery and shop by one of the finest and most famous sweets and confectionery brands in Japan – Rokkatei. Located on an elevated site that overlooks the Taisetsu mountain range in the midst of a picturesque landscape in Furano, Hokkaido, Campana Rokkatei not only serves its usual range of sweets and biscuits (and its popular complimentary cup of coffee), it also offers a unique experience that allows you to marvel at the beauty of the wondrous landscape and be part of the architecture that is at once quiet, yet magnificent and beautiful.

Beautiful nature - Fukidashi Spring Water Park, Kyogoku

Situated off Route 276 in Kyogoku, and just 15 minutes from Kutchan Town, Fukidashi Park is a gem of a find even in a country with an abundance of natural beauty. Famous for its fresh spring water from Mt Yotei, Fukidashi Park is also widely known to locals and visitors as the most beautiful park in Hokkaido.

Lake Shikotsu

Beautiful lake on route 276 near Chitose. We recommend a night's stay at Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa –  Mizu no uta – and a Healthy Buffet Lunch at the restaurant. Reservations required. 

Mount Yotei in summer

Shiribeshi River

Summer afternoon in Niseko - at the water's edge, watching the insects play.

Suttsu Bay - paradise beach

It's everything you'd expect from a beach - soft white sand, clear sparkling water, and, yes, it's (almost) entirely yours. 

The Experience Of Soba - Rakuichi

"Rakuichi has taken a simple meal and turned it into an art form. The soba is delicate and refined, and the experience is stimulating, deliciously poignant, and nothing less than a supreme, poetic culinary experience. "

We did a little story on the experience of Soba at Rakuichi for Cubes Magazine (Oct/Nov 2013 issue). Text and photos by Jacinta Sonja.

Morning light at Kyoto Train Station