Why Niseko is an ideal summer destination

Niseko is famous as a winter destination, but it is also becoming increasingly popular in summer. Its cooler temperatures provide an ideal escape from the blistering summer heat in other parts of the country, attracting guests from Japan and around the world.

Summer is a great time to visit Niseko: It is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, river rafting, and canoeing. For those who just want to relax, there’s no better place than amidst Niseko’s stunning natural beauty. Niseko also offers a great variety of culinary delights, with many new restaurants opening up, making it an ideal destination for food lovers too.

Learn more: TableCheck joins Niseko Promotion Board

Discover Niseko's summer dining gems

From fine dining spots to rustic hideaways, Niseko offers an array of unforgettable and unique dining experiences that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Whether guests are in the mood for traditional Japanese cuisine or international flavors, there's something for everyone.

To simplify the dining experience, TableCheck is proud to introduce Contactless Pay, a new cashless online payment service that simplifies the dining experience in Niseko and allows guests to pay quickly without the need to carry cash or a wallet. Here are some of the top eateries in Niseko that offer this service:

Learn more: What is Contactless Pay?

Sushi Kato INORI - Setsu Niseko: 50 years of serving ocean-to-table culinary experiences

Sushi Kato Inori offers an authentic sushi dining experience with expertly crafted sushi made from the freshest and carefully selected local ingredients. Diners can watch the master sushi at work from the six-seater counter table. For a more intimate Kaiseki experience, an eight-seater private dining room is available for groups to book. Many guests rave about the Crab Kaiseki.

Opening times: Lunch and dinner; Friday to Tuesday
Address: Setsu Niseko 1F , 6-9, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo 2-chome, Kutchan-cho
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine – Sushi Kato
Reservations: TableCheck

Cafe Amaya Niseko: A favorite breakfast and brunch spot

Cafe Amaya Niseko serves a relaxed breakfast or brunch with a delicious French toast set. The Niseko Croffle – made with salted vanilla ice cream and baked cheese – is another mouthwatering must-try dish for guests. These breakfast delights and more make Niseko Naniwatei at Intuition Niseko a perfect spot to start the day amidst Niseko's serene surroundings.

Opening times: Lunch, Friday to Monday
Address: Intuition Niseko, 38-6 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine – Cafe Amaya Niseko
Reservations: TableCheck

Keyspring NISEKO: Japanese and international cuisine surrounded by art and mountain views

Keyspring NISEKO provides a charming evening dining experience with a menu featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes such as Koshu wine and beef steaks. Guests can enjoy a blend of flavors in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere while also treated to panoramic views of Mt. Yotei, Hokkaido's answer to Mt. Fuji. Some of Keith Haring's art is on display while guests wine and dine to their heart's content.

Opening times: Dinner, daily
Address: ​701-12 Yunosato, Rankoshi-cho, Isoya-gun, Hokkaido
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine - Keyspring NISEKO
Reservations: TableCheck

R Niseko Ristorante Pizzeria: Authentic Italian dishes using seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido

Guests can enjoy authentic stone oven-baked Neapolitan pizza, delicious pasta, and other traditional Italian dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The pizza dough is crafted from flour wheat sourced from Hokkaido mixed with water from Mt. Yotei. For those who love Italian cuisine with local flavors, R Niseko Ristorante Pizzeria is the place to go.

Opening times: Lunch and dinner; Friday to Wednesday
Address: Hotel Maples Niseko 1F, 5-41, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo-4chome, Kutchan-cho
Website: Wine and Dine Niseko – R Niseko Ristorante Pizzeria
Reservations: TableCheck

For food lovers in Niseko: Explore more of Niseko's culinary delights

In addition to offering Contactless Pay at select restaurants, TableCheck presents a curated selection of dining spots that can be booked using TableCheck's online reservation platform.

Kamimura: Innovative fusion dishes crafted from Hokkaido's finest ingredients

Kamimura invites guests to indulge in Japanese-French fine dining known for creative dishes and impeccable presentation. Chef-owner Yuichi Kamimura combines Western, Japanese, and Chinese culinary techniques with Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients to provide unique dining experiences for local and international guests.

Opening times: Dinner, Thursday to Saturday (and Sunday if the next day is a public holiday)
Address: Chatrium Niseko, 1F, 2-3, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo 3-chome, Kutchan-cho
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine – Kamimura
Reservations: TableCheck

Kitchen: An intimate dining lounge with a vibrant open kitchen

A sister restaurant of Kamimura, Kitchen offers a relaxing weekend lunch featuring Japanese and Western cuisine, plus grilled dishes that can all be paired with a range of alcoholic beverages including sake. Known for its cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and open-style kitchen, it's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Opening times: Lunch; Friday to Wednesday
Address: Hotel Maples Niseko 1F, 5-41, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo-4chome, Kutchan-cho
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine - Kitchen
Reservations: TableCheck

La Villa LUPICIA Restaurant: Global flavors in an elegant setting

Run by the world-renowned tea company LUPICIA, La Villa LUPICIA Restaurant combines elegance with culinary excellence, offering a sophisticated dining experience for both lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy an array of mountain and seafood dishes in a refined atmosphere accompanied by warm hospitality. Guests can also shop around the LUPICIA Tea shop after dining.

Opening times: Lunch and dinner, daily
Address: 58-5 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan-cho
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine – La Villa Lupicia
Reservations: TableCheck

Takahashi Dairy Farm PRATIVO: Buffets and set menus with breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei

Restaurant Prativo offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a dinner menu that celebrates the freshest local produce around Hokkaido. It’s a perfect place to savor fresh ingredients and enjoy a relaxing evening. Guests can choose the Chef's Recommended course or the Luxurious Course for dinner. A shuttle bus service is available for pick-up.

Opening times: Lunch (no reservations) and Dinner (TableCheck), Thursday to Sunday
Address: 888-1 Aza Soga, Niseko-cho
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine – Takahashi Dairy Farm PRATIVO
Reservations: TableCheck (for dinner reservations only)

Sushi Isono Niseko: A sushi haven for omakase sushi lovers

Sushi Isono Niseko invites guests to discover the art of sushi with its premium omakase course, offering meticulously prepared dishes that highlight the natural flavors of fresh seafood, all presented with artistic elegance.

Opening times: Dinner, Daily
Address: 167-23, Niseko Hirafu 2 Jo, 1 Chome, Kutchan
Website: Niseko Wine and Dine - Sushi Isono Niseko
Reservations: TableCheck

IWANAI BANYA UOKI: A fish market and restaurant in a seaside town

IWANAI Banya UOKI in Iwanai, the only seaside town in the Niseko area, offers the freshest seafood delicacies, including its specialty - herring roe - and other local dishes plus set menus featuring Hokkaidos' finest seafood bounty. A shuttle bus service is available for both pick-up and drop-off.

Opening times: Dinner, daily
Address: Villa Keyspring 2F, 701-12, Yunosato, Rankoshi-cho
Website: Wine and DIne Niseko – IWANAI BANYA UOKI
Reservations: TableCheck

Note: Business hours at these restaurants may be subject to change. For details, please check the restaurant's websites when booking.

TableCheck's online reservation and Contactless Pay

With TableCheck’s online reservation platform and the added convenience of Contactless Pay, it has never been easier to explore its summer dining scene and reserve tables in Niseko.

The TableCheck Contactless Pay feature allows guests to enjoy their meals without the hassle of carrying wallets or phones, providing a quicker and more convenient experience. Guests can register their credit card when they book, and their bill will be automatically settled after their meal, with an electronic receipt sent via email. For merchants, this means faster payment processing and less waiting time for guests. 

Find out more: How to pay with Contactless Pay