Hokkaido is an amazing place to eat. In summer fresh local produce abounds at farmers markets and some very good food and produce stores and Niseko’s proximity to the coast means there is always great seafood available. And if you don’t want to eat at home, the Niseko area is spoiled with dozens of eating venues ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to tiny family run eateries in private homes. Hirafu village has long had a solid culinary tradition, with a long list of excellent restaurants to sate hungry skiers. Out of Hirafu, however, are the real (and often considerably cheaper) treats. The car is your friend  for everything from tradtional Japanese to contemporary French. And after tasting the expert’s efforts,you can also take a turn yourself with a soba noodle making workshop!

Just up the road from Tanuki Lodge is Yoichi distillery, producing some of the best whisky in the world. You’ll also find the Sapporo brewery and a local sake brewery not to mention the Kobu dairy which produces some of the best ice-cream, yoghurt and cream puffs you’ll ever taste. Need we go on?