Trailblazing Tales: Interview, The HakuLife Experience

Picture this: waking up and looking out at white snow-capped mountains in a luxurious villa with your own private chefs and butlers pampering you during your stay. If you think that’s something out of a movie, I can assure you that it’s not! At HakuVillas, found in the Upper Hirafu Village, this dream can be made into a reality! But don’t just take it from me. Today, we’re going to learn a little more about HakuLife experience at HakuVillas from the source themselves! Let’s jump right in shall we?

Hello! Before we begin, can you please introduce yourself?

H2 Group is in the lifestyle real estate business, nestled in the heart of Niseko, Japan’s premier ski destination. We specialize in real estate, development management, property management, and hospitality, offering a comprehensive suite of services to meet diverse needs.

H2 Christie’s International Real Estate specializes in buying and selling land and properties, offering comprehensive value throughout the development process.

In property development, we bring innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship to life, creating premium properties that stand the test of time.

Our property management services ensure that every aspect of ownership and guest stay is handled with care—from maintenance and housekeeping to concierge services—offering a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Our hospitality services offer a wide range of accommodations, and beautiful properties such as chalets, condominiums, and apartments across three unique collections.

Whether you are looking for a holiday retreat, a long-term investment, or professional property management, H2 Group is your trusted partner in Niseko, delivering excellence and satisfaction in every facet of our business.

I’m sure our readers may be wondering so, can you explain to us what exactly is HakuLife?

HakuLife is the ultra-luxury arm of H2Group and the pioneering force behind Niseko’s ultra-luxury hospitality sector. We proudly present a new benchmark of excellence and international alpine luxury with its two flagship properties nestled in the heart of Hirafu Niseko—HakuVillas and Hakuchōzan—and a recent addition, HakuKelo in Hawaii.

How was the concept of HakuVillas born and what makes it stand out from other villas?

The concept of HakuVillas was born from the founder’s vision of bringing Swiss Alpine hospitality for the ultra-high-net-worth to Niseko. Following the success of our flagship property, Hakuchōzan, we sought to expand our offerings to this elite clientele, leading to the development of HakuVillas, which has a 1 x 3-floor penthouse (6,117 sq. ft, 16 pax capacity), and 3 x full-floor villas (3,197 sq. ft, 10 pax capacity).

Hirafu village is renowned for its snowy paradise found in Hokkaido. What can guests expect to experience in and around the village and at the villas?

Hirafu Village, a snowy paradise nestled in Hokkaido, offers guests a wealth of experiences both in and around the village and at HakuVillas. In Hirafu Village, visitors can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding, with some of the best powder snow in the world. The village itself boasts a vibrant après-ski scene, featuring gourmet dining, lively bars, and unique shopping opportunities.

At HakuVillas, guests can expect unparalleled luxury and comfort. Each villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene retreat with expansive views of Mount Yotei. The villas offer spacious living areas, private onsens, and a personal team of private chefs and chalet hosts to cater to every need. Our team at HakuLife are artisans of luxury experiences, focusing on every detail of the service provided within our luxurious properties. Every experience is crafted with precision and care to ensure that our guests feel pampered, valued, and indulged throughout their stay, building lasting memories of living the HakuLife. Whether exploring the charming village or relaxing in the opulent villas, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in Hirafu.

We are very much foodies at Arigato Travel, so it would be a crime to not ask: What is the food experience like?

At HakuVillas, the food experience is a true highlight of your stay. The day begins with a delightful breakfast as you wake up to the crackling firewood. Guests can choose from a variety of Asian and Western breakfast options, with coffee made exactly to their liking.

Over a 7-day stay, we provide three exceptional dine-in dinners, each crafted using Hokkaido’s freshest ingredients. For dinner, our private chef team offers an exquisite variety of menus, including an 8-course Western menu, the most sumptuous Nabe (hotpot), and many other gourmet selections, ensuring a culinary journey that delights every palate.

We also cater to guests’ special requests whenever possible, tailoring every meal to meet your personal preferences and dietary needs. Additionally, our daily après-ski has become a highlight for our guests, offering a perfect way to unwind and enjoy gourmet snacks and beverages after a day on the slopes. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family feast, dining at HakuVillas is an experience of indulgence and culinary excellence.

Can you run through a typical day with the HakuLife experience?

At HakuVillas, the day begins with guests waking up to stunning white-out sceneries and, in most rooms, a majestic view of Mount Yotei. Breakfast, freshly cooked and served by the chalet host and private chef team, starts the day. The host reviews the day’s itinerary, ensuring guests are well-prepared. After breakfast, guests get ready for the slopes with all ski equipment packed into the car by the staff. A car and driver are ready to drop them off at their chosen resort.

When skiing is done, the driver will be waiting to take them to lunch, either back at the villa or at a pre-booked restaurant. Around 3 pm, après-ski is served in the villa’s bar area or the Mancave for Penthouse guests. This is the perfect time to relax in the outdoor private onsen, play in the golf simulator room, or enjoy a massage in one of the three spa rooms or their own spa room in the Penthouse.

In the evening, a sumptuous dinner is served in-house, where everyone gathers around the dinner table to share stories and memories from the day. After dinner, guests can break into smaller groups to play board games, sit around the firepit to enjoy marshmallows, or simply relax by the fireplace with whisky. For ultimate relaxation, a pre-bedtime massage can be arranged to perfectly end the day.

Of course, I am sure your guests visit you during winter for skiing. But can you please tell us more about the other seasons? What are the available activities in Summer for example?

While Niseko is renowned for its winter skiing, it transforms into a vibrant playground of activities in the other seasons, particularly in summer. Temperatures in Summer are considered mild—between 15°C and 25°C—perfect for outdoor activities. Guests can explore the lush greenery and stunning vistas of Mount Yotei through hiking and nature trails, or enjoy scenic cycling and challenging mountain biking routes. Golf enthusiasts can play on world-class courses set against breathtaking backdrops, while the region’s rivers offer exciting rafting and kayaking experiences. Fishing in Niseko’s rivers and lakes provides a serene escape, and horseback riding tours allow visitors to take in the beauty of the landscape. Farm visits and fruit picking, especially during berry season, offer a taste of local produce. Onsen (hot springs) remain a year-round attraction, perfect for relaxing amidst the lush summer scenery. Wellness seekers can join yoga and wellness retreats, and cultural experiences like local festivals and tea ceremonies provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Niseko offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy beyond the winter season.

Are there any features that are your favorite or any that you would highly recommend to guests?

This is difficult, as we love so many things in and around Niseko. But if we had to pick one feature, it’s the onsens. In addition to your own private onsen with a view of Mount Yotei, there are many other public onsens that are set up very differently, all of which have their own charm. We highly suggest guests try a few of these during their stay here in Niseko.

It’s been lovely meeting you and learning more about the HakuLife experience! Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

Well, staying at HakuVillas or Hakuchōzan is an experience that cannot be fully described in our answers above. As our objective is for our guests to have a home away from home while basking in luxury and pampering, the experiences we curate and create for them can vary between guests, but ultimately, we would like them to feel totally spoilt, comfortable and maximize their enjoyment of Niseko while staying at the HakuLife properties.

Thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions! I’m sure our readers have found it just as insightful as I did. If anyone is looking for a unique Japanese experience please don’t hesitate to check out the HakuLife experience!

And if you want to learn more don’t hesitate to check out their SNS linked below:

Website: www.hakulife.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/S24EmeLBmTWDvwVr/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h2lifejapan?igsh=MXd4bmdyM3lvNHprNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Featured Photo Credit: Hakulife

If you’re traveling to Japan this spring, come join one of our Cherry Blossom tours for an unforgettable experience!