The brand-new international Nozo Hotel, which is owned by the Malaysian LGB Group, officially opened in Hokkaido’s powder snow paradise of Furano on 19 December 2023, in time for Japan’s ski season. It is the first international ‘lifestyle hotel’ to open in Furano.
Nestled between the Yubari and Tokachidake mountain ranges, Nozo Hotel is not only a winter ski resort but a retreat for all seasons, with activities extending to biking, hiking, and water rafting in summer, amid the beauty of nature that overwhelms visitors year-round.
Furano itself is a location that appeals to travellers throughout the year. In spring, witness the gushing water flow of the rivers when the snow melts. In summer, the land is adorned with a variety of colours. You can even ride in a hot air balloon to overlook the vast, fascinating lavender fields. Furano is also known for its abundance of agricultural produce and autumn brings the harvest festival. Then in winter, the area is enveloped in high-quality white powder snow.
Complete with spacious Japanese hot water baths and saunas, the chic but homely 78-room Nozo Hotel is just a three-minute walk from the world-famous powder snow and snowboarding slopes of picturesque Kitanomine, Furano.
With less than five floors, the hotel is respectfully designed in natural colours and materials, serving as a place to ‘live the moment,’ celebrating local culture, adventure, and nature.
Bright, minimalist guest rooms are styled in light wood tones with calm grey stone flooring and blue-toned bathrooms, representing the spirit of Hokkaido.
With a relaxed outdoor terrace, Nozo Hotel’s Shirakaba (Birch) Restaurant serves a western and Japanese breakfast buffet; lunch ranges from pizzas and sandwiches to sushi and local seasonal specialties. Dinner choices include French-inspired international cuisine, fresh seafood treasures of Hokkaido, premium teppanyaki, and specialty ingredients from nearby fields and pastures. Guests can indulge in the tastes of local ingredients directly from farmers with options at the sushi or teppanyaki counters.
Homely ‘Buna Bar Lounge’ is a social ‘living room’ hub around a large fireplace; for coffee, tea, and snacks – backed by a chic nostalgic bar serving trendy cocktails, Hokkaido beer, and a wide collection of whisky, wine, and sake from local brewers and international winemakers.
At Cou Cou Bakery, freshly baked bread is served daily using local Furano and Biei wheat flour for authentic hard-style Japanese bread.
There are two communal hot water baths in the spa, with one of them pleasantly adorned with a tree as well as a skylight for natural lighting, combined with a sauna for soothing warm relaxation.
For bigger group events, there is an open-plan event room that accommodates up to 50 for small-scale private social gatherings, weddings, corporate events and exhibitions. Facilities extend to a Kids Room with toys and games – along with a gym for workouts, coin laundry, ski lockers, shop for daily necessities and Hokkaido souvenirs, and the convenience of an ATM.
The Nozo Hotel is easily accessible by a two-hour drive from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, which is also served via domestic flights from Tokyo or Osaka. Its closest domestic airport is Asahikawa Airport, a one-hour drive from the hotel.
