Ryokan Zaborin Niseko

Experience authentic ryokan traditions by unwinding within the serenity of nature, absorbing the minerals of a natural spring onsen, and indulging in exquisite Japanese haute-cuisine. Zaborin is a contemporary luxury ryokan in Hanazono, Hokkaido, Japan.

Our award-winning kita kaiseki cuisine is a northern interpretation of the the ancient traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining, celebrating local produce and seasons. Each guest suite (villa) has its own private indoor and outdoor hot spring bath. Breathe. Soak. Savour.

A ryokan is about exceptional food and onsen quality

Throughout history, traditional Japanese inns are destination experiences that include an evening meal of fine Japanese cuisine, an elaborate breakfast, and the restorative benefits of bathing in an onsen (hot spring).

Zaborin’s dining experience includes the unique and award winning multi-course ‘kita kaiseki’. All Zaborin villas offer the luxury of two private hot spring baths – one indoor and one covered open-air onsen.

A contemporary experience of Japanese traditions

Born of a desire to capture the spirit of the ryokan in a new and relevant way, Zaborin combines contemporary Japanese luxury with an extraordinary ryokan experience, together with the heart of Japanese service (omotenashi).

The design is an integral part of re-interpreting the meditative side of a ryokan but bringing with it modern comforts.

Internationally recognized and winner of multiple awards (from Japan, Europe and USA), Architect Makoto Nakayama and talented Creative Director Shouya Grigg, have interwoven the old with the new, the perfect with the imperfect, light with shadows and blended it into its natural surroundings.

And, unlike the more introspective designs necessary in Japan’s history, Zaborin is not only a part of its surrounding nature but extends the feeling of inclusion with unparalleled views. A place to sit.

GUEST VILLAS

There are two private onsens (one indoor, one open-air) of hot, natural, spring water in every villa, as well as all the modern amenities. Inhale the heady scent of birch trees from the encompassing woods, and listen to the water and the trees.

Offering a choice between ‘washitsu’ and ‘yoshitsu’ sleeping arrangements, each villa (suite) has a different configuration. Some rooms also benefit from an additional tatami space, ideal for small families.

In appreciation for the unusual snow of the area – delicate and light powder created by the freezing Siberian winds – the name of each villa follows a winter ‘kamon’ (Japanese crest) representing the various types of snow. Indulge in a hidden retreat of modern simplicity, enveloped by the serenity of nature.

WASHITSU
Japanese sleeping arrangement on the tatami floor with futons. Washitsu villas are Japanese in style with beautiful tatami mats in the bedroom and thick modern futons, Washitsu rooms allow for a luxurious version of the Japanese authentic sleeping experience.

Each washitsu villa suite has its own private indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, modern amenities and mini bar in its living area.

Surrounded by the beautiful white birch woods with the views of Hanazono farm, Mt. Yotei, or Annupuri and the Waisuhorn mountain ranges, whichever room you choose will offer a peaceful retreat all year round.

YOSHITSU
Western bed sleeping arrangements. Yoshitsu villas are suites with bedroom, spacious living areas and bathrooms. This includes its own private indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, modern amenities and mini bar, similar to the Washitsu villas.

The Western style configuration is perfect for guests who prefer to sleep on a bed with the choice of an additional extra soft mattress top, or choice of pillows.

Surrounded by the beautiful white birch woods with the views of Hanazono farm, Mt. Yotei, or Annupuri and the Waisuhorn mountain ranges, whichever room you choose will offer a peaceful retreat all year round.

AMENITIES
Each villa is a suite with generous living area, bedroom and bathroom.

Bathe
Japanese onsen bathing is a very important part of Japanese culture, one that is usually a shared experience.Unusual to many ryokans, Zaborin offers a choice of two private baths – one indoor, one outdoor – with every villa. Also available in guest bathrooms:

• A daily toiletry bundle for men including toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, razor, and shaving gel.
• A daily toiletry bundle for women including toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair accessories and a travel cleansing set.
• Zaborin’s original Hokkaido pine scented shampoo, conditioner and soaps.

Japanese usually wash in the shower before enjoying their hot spring baths so that it remains soap-free for a purer relaxation.

Sit
It is customary to wear traditional Japanese casual wear (‘samue’) around the ryokan. In cooler weather the ‘hanten’ is used as an outer layer, which has a removal fleece lining. These have been provided in the bedrooms for your convenience.

• Contemplate the views or write on the Zaborin stationary
• Flatscreen TVs, DVD players and Apple TVs
• Bluetooth sound systems with iPod connectivity
• High-speed wireless internet connections
• Mini bar includes selection of wines and local whisky (please ask if you’d like to arrange for more)
• Fridge includes complimentary local Hokkaido juices
• Complimentary teas and in room Nespresso coffee machines

Sleep
Whether you sleep on a futon or in a Western style bed, our mattresses have been selected as the top quality in sleeping comfort. Together with the traditional ryokan wear available in your rooms, we have also provided each guest with a set of Western pyjamas to sleep in during your stay.

KITA KAISEKI

Inspired by the origins of the most formalised of all culinary traditions, kaiseki, Zaborin’s signature “Kita kaiseki 北懐石” brings a northern interpretation to the art of Japanese fine dining.

All ‘washoku’和食 (Japanese cuisine) aims to feed body and soul, particularly embracing the seasonality of ingredients, its themes and appreciation of nature’s bounty and “Kita kaiseki” indeed explores how to capture nature’s original and simplistic beauty while simultaneously elevating it in the art of fine-dining.

To follow the cycle of the growth from seed to plate and give it the full appreciation it deserves. Itadakimasu.

YOSHIHIRO SENO

Gifted Yoshihiro Seno’s career began as engineering designer before he decided to change paths and pursue the long road to mastering ‘washoku‘.

Having worked in many Japanese restaurants in New York City, he subsequently moved back to Tokyo to continue his craft. It was in Tokyo, with its accessibility to all ingredients, that highlighted a need to return back to his roots and examine the true meaning of ‘locality’.

Here in Hokkaido, with the abundance of exceptional local ingredients, and our own in-house forager, chef Seno felt is able to nurture his attention to detail, his thoughtful and emotional approach to the earth and fresh ingredients.

At Zaborin he has been able to fulfil his passion and precision with the freedom of interpreting Kita kaiseki. His skill has been recognized and awarded internationally and by Japanese connoisseurs alike.

A true ryokan experience is not complete without an evening lingering over a multi-course Japanese kaiseki meal, and a bountiful breakfast. These are included in your rate per night.

DINNER
Kita kaiseki is a northern interpretation of the rigorous Kyoto kaiseki meal, considered one of the most formal and exceptional forms of cuisine in the world.

Hokkaido born engineer turned chef Yoshihiro Seno’s exquisite and deceptively unadorned dishes embraces the seasonality, the simplicity, flavor and beauty of the local products. His attention to detail includes his own treated venison and frequent collaboration with our in-house forager.

Zaborin’s signature kita kaiseki can be enjoyed in our intimate dining room. For guests staying longer, alternatives can be arranged, for example an exclusive robatayaki omakase menu in the Irori room.

BREAKFAST
Not to be taken for granted, Zaborin’s breakfasts boasts an abundant offering of local produce. Choose from the traditional Japanese breakfast or a twist on the Western breakfast, served to match the Japanese dining options. Sample* Japanese breakfast include:

• Local Ginzan rice cooked in ‘Kama’ (traditional individual rice pots)
• Home-made pickled seasonal vegetables
• Home-made milk ‘tofu’
• Grilled Hokkaido seasonal fish
• Miso soup with blended Hokkaido miso
• Egg dish from local Kutchan egg farm
• Grilled seasonal vegetables

HOT SPRINGS

Regarded for centuries as both a necessity and a luxury, the communal onsen (hot spring bath) is a corner stone of Japanese culture.

At Zaborin, each of the 15 villa suites have their own private indoor, and own private open-air baths, all supplied with free-flowing hot volcanic spring water from Zaborin’s own spring source.

Inhale and take in the soothing scent of pines and indulge in the energy of the forest – also known as ‘forest bathing’ 森林浴 [Shinrin’yoku]. The extraordinary views, the exceptional water quality, and serenity of the moment will soothe both mind and body.

The volcanic waters of Zaborin come from almost a kilometre below ground, arriving at the perfect natural temperature. The unadulterated waters are a specialty and revered across Japan as the best in onsen bathing luxury: gensen kaikenagashi (源泉かけ流し).

The quality of our spring water has been tested and awarded the top 10% in the country. Rich in minerals, water that is also surrounded but such abundant nature is considered to have absorbed the ‘qi’ (気迫) – the energy or spirit – of those surroundings.

 Irori
Originally used for cooking and heating, the Japanese sunken hearth, the irori, is the heart of the home. At Zaborin this is reimagined not only as the physical centre of the ryokan but also enclosed in a separate space away from the views to re-focus internally. Pre-booking for a robatayaki dinner is available.

Chanoza
Literally ‘tea’s seat’, the chanoza is normally a formal tea room. We hope to demystify this ancient tradition by making it part of the daily movements and flow of the ryokan. Guests are welcome to take a seat and participate the meditative quality of a beautifully brewed cup of Japanese matcha.

The Living Room
The living room is a place to gather and relax. With floor to ceiling windows and views to Yotei san and our modest lake, the world of nature becomes a living cinema.

The pivot point of the Living Room is a double sided open fireplace. One of two such fireplaces on the property, it offers the same cohesion and role of gathering that was played by the traditional ‘irori’.

The Library
Ranging from Japanese classics in English, to European favourites in Japanese, to poetry and books on nature, the Library is a place to discover a gem of literature. Eclectic films and board games are also complimentary and available for guest use.

The Bar
The bar is made of one solid piece of wood and facing the majestic ‘Fuji of the North’, Yotei san. Sample the local whiskies, and soak in the view.

Footbath
Across Japan, there are free public foot baths ‘ashiyu’ for the weary traveller and searching for them can be a pastime on its own. Hidden in plain view in Zaborin’s central courtyard is one such treat. In some winter months, tunnels are carved through the huge snow drifts to a glowing candle-lit retreat for your feet.

In-house Boutique
Browse a selection of local ceramics, Zaborin soaps and our specially designed ‘samue’, ‘hanten’ jackets and pyjama outfits.

Cigar Lounge
Our property is a no-smoking area with the exception of the designated smoking terrace at the entrance, and our indoor cigar lounge.

Massage room
For guests who would like to arrange a massage therapist to visit the ryokan, we can provide you with a double room equipped with 2 massage beds, towels and privacy. Please contact our staff to assist with therapist bookings.

Individual ski/ golf lockers
For active guests, or guests with multiple coats, private locked lockers are provided.

Website: www.zaborin.com

Rooms: 15

Price: from 1.095 EUR per night