Kimamaya by Odin

Kimamaya by Odin

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You'd be happy with a bedroom like this at home. Great beds and pillows.
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Kimamaya
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About

5.0
#1 of 17 lodges in Kutchan-cho
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Even as the snowflakes start to fall, adding powder to the slopes outside, Kimamaya Boutique Hotel remains toasty-warm; a cocoon upon the mountainside. Kimamaya is the Japanese word for ‘be yourself’ and here, you can do just that. Jazz music floats through the homely Living Lounge as your bare feet press against the timber flooring, and all that’s left to worry about is which wine you’ll sip as you laze by the fireplace. The vintages served here come from a vineyard owned by the family of Nicolas Gontard, who renovated this nine-room retreat to help guests get closer to the beauty of Niseko, one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts. But Kimamaya Boutique Hotel’s mountain location isn’t only appealing in winter. In the summer and fall, pristine trails and mountain biking tracks snake through the surrounding pine forests.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Free breakfast
Skiing
Free shuttle or taxi services
Spa
Baggage storage
Parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Hot spring bath
Massage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, Japanese

Location

170-248 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun 044-0081 Hokkaido
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 99 out of 100
99
New Chitose Airport
79.6 km•
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Okadama Airport
62.2 km•
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202Reviews2Q+A35Room tips
Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
Leanne Damaso wrote a review Jan 2015
Sydney, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have just come home after another fantastic stay at the Kimamaya. This wonderful hotel is run by two genuine, hard working and delightful people - Peter and Morino. And it's because of these amazing people and their team that the Kimamaya experience will exceed your expectations. Thank you Kimamaya. xxxx
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Date of stay: January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alastair68 wrote a review Dec 2014
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our family of three (two adults and one mid-teen) stayed in one of the loft rooms for 6 nights in December 2014. This is our first time staying at the Kimamaya - through a strong recommendation of a friend who also stayed at this boutique hotel. If we return to Niseko to ski, we will definitely come back.

Location - conveniently located within middle Hirafu, with a number of good & popular restaurants within comfortable walking distance in all but the most heaviest of snow storms. The shuttle bus service bringing you to the slopes of Hirafu and Hanazono stops right in front of the hotel - not that you'll need it, since the hotel driver or one of the hotel managers will happily transport you to the slopes - but it's reassuring to know it's there if you need it. It is also walking distance to a small onsen, although we didn't get to try it this time.

Ambience - we liked the small, warm and cosy setting of the hotel. The warm lighting and furniture in the living, dining and bar areas were great places for us to chill over wine after a day out skiing, meet fellow guests of the hotel and exchanging stories about the day, or having a simple meal bought from any of the near-by take-outs.

Rooms - we stayed in one of the loft rooms, and it had a comfortable queen-sized bed and two single futons in the loft. Even though there was an L-shaped sofa at the foot of the bed, there was still enough room to move around with the 2 extra large luggage, 1 large haversack & 3 cabin bags we had. Heating was more than adequate; in the room and in the toilet. In fact, our son was perspiring the first night when we put the heating on moderate.

Breakfast - this came with the room booking and is served at The Barn; the restaurant next door that is linked via an indoor passage so you're not exposed to the weather outside. It's also nice that the restaurant only serves hotel guest for breakfast; which means one can remain in PJs, if one were so inclined, and chatting with other guests just feels so natural. Breakfast is mostly continental with the french toast with apple compote, and croque-madame being two of our favourites.

Service & Amenities - service?...what's more to add?? Read the other posts and you get the idea! The personal touch, efficiency, thoughtfulness, assistance on queries, bookings etc... flawless. We were even invited to enjoy the wines produced by the owner of the hotel, who also shared the same passion in relating and connecting with their guests. In terms of amenities, the two bath rooms (one wooden and one stone) available for guests to book was something we looked forward to. We preferred the wooden one. We also pampered ourselves with two 90-min massage sessions with the on-site therapist. Note though, that there was only one therapist, so we didn't get to do it together. However, it was still well-worth the pampering.

Overall: We could reserve our compliments and avoid fighting with returning guests and others looking to book a room at what is becoming an increasingly popular property. But that would deny the well-deserved recognition of the efforts undertaken by both staff (Peter & Morino) and its' owner (Nicholas) in creating a positive experience for their guests. Secretly, we hope you gave up after reading this review halfway, and allow us to come back and enjoy the hassel-free experience all over again.
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Date of stay: December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April J wrote a review Feb 2014
Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The warmth and friendliness of the service at Kimamaya is a rare find and we enjoyed it so much. We also enjoyed the location of Kimamya in the Hirafu Village and walking to the great restaurant recommendations. Our room was very comfortable (particularly the bed) and well equipped, with the interior design of the room and the hotel being gorgeous. We had a relaxing stay, resting our old bones after skiing, curled up in the lounge enjoying the Cremant or curled up in bed watching DVDs. It would be hard to choose to stay anywhere else. I shouldn't forget to mention the onsens and massages we enjoyed!
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Date of stay: February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bikinisam wrote a review Jan 2013
Sydney, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you can get a booking here do it!!!
Our family of 3 stayed in a loft room over Christmas 2012 and it was amazing. The room is huge with super-comfy beds and a cool loft so our son could have his own little cubby house - he loved it. Niseko itself is full of awesome restaurants and funky little bars and the snow is just insane!! I have never seen so much.
Kimamaya is intimate and cosy but totally luxurious. Great interiors and attention to detail - but all that is just icing on the cake.
The thing that make this place so special is the personal attention. Pete and Katelynne take care of every detail and wish and have an inate sense of hospitality. Always there but never intrusive, fun and full of great recommendations. Santa came for the kids on christmas with cool gifts, champagne and conversation was flowing freely courtesy of the generous owner - festive, special, perfect.
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Date of stay: December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
valsyd wrote a review Dec 2012
Sydney, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We went to Sapporo for a conference. As the snow was good this early in the season, we decided to escape to Niseko for a few days before heading back home.
From the moment we approached Kimamaya, they took it upon themselves to make our stay the best possible. They organised it all: transfers in and out of town, ski passes, ski instructors and rentals. They paid for it all in advance and we reimbursed them at the end of our stay. Every day, they dropped us off and picked us up from the slopes. They anticipated every wish we might have and made suggestions (after checking the establishments were open, as not all were so early in the season). The Barn only opened the day we left so unfortunately we did not get the chance to try it out. But the breakfast we were served was delicious: poached eggs cooked to perfection and the best chocolate croissant ever. The room was spacious and beddings so comfortable. Fast and free wifi was faultless but the Onsen was just too tempting to want to spend much time on our laptop. Thank you Katelynne and Tucker for making our little getaway from work and kids so wonderful!
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Date of stay: December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cataluf F wrote a review Aug 2012
Shanghai, China
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We went to Niseko on a summer break with the kids. We wanted to get away from our Shanghai madness and enjoy the nature, adventure, fresh air and food of Hokkaido. Niseko is a great place from which to explore the south of the island. A lot going on around the area, despite it being the quieter summer season.

Kimamaya is a beautifully designed little hotel. Feels like a friends ski chalet. Great team running the place, always full of advice on local places. This place invites you to make friends with fellow guests and team running it. As I said, feels like a friends home in the mountains!

Rooms are very nicely designed in a simple but warm style. We stayed in one of the lofts with a fun little upstairs space for the kids to sleep in. Nice lounge, kids room and adjacent restaurant. Breakfast was very good, but got a bit repetitive after 4 days!

Will definitely visit again, next time in winter to try the raved about powder paradise.
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Date of stay: August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asif G wrote a review Aug 2012
London
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at Kimamaya on a powder skiing holiday with 5 guy friends and we had a fantastic time. One of our gang who is very well travelled and famously known to us as the most critical man in the world actually got frustrated because he couldn't find any faults with the chalet!

The chalet itself is very modern, clean and cosy and the lounge area is great for relaxing after a hard days skiing. The Barn bar and restaurant is connected to the hotel and great for drinks before you head out in the evening. There is a very reliable and free fast wifi service and there are also free Skype phones in every room.

Andrew our chalet host was very accommodating with requests to drive us up to the slopes (even though there are only a 10 minute walk away!).

If the owners want to take Kimamaya to the next level then they could think about having nicer bar snacks and hor to have with drinks in the evening. Otherwise this is an absolutely excellent and relaxing place to stay.
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Date of stay: February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
owlboy wrote a review Apr 2012
tassie
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This boutique hotel was such a fantastic base for our ski trip to Niseko.
it is stylish, beautifully appointed and well located. The beds are luxurious and our Alpine 1 room was small but perfectly formed.
Andrew and Aska were warm and wonderful hosts. They we're super helpful and arranged anything we wanted, such as dinner reservations, or advice prior to our arrival. They even drove us each day the short trip to the gondolas.
The private onsens were free and a must after each day on the slopes. The Breakfasts in the Barn were great and the restaurant excellent. Who would have known, from the peaceful atmosphere that the was actually a rocking cocktail bar in the Barn at night! We will definitily be back.
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Date of stay: March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamestomaslong wrote a review Jan 2012
Hong Kong
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have just spent Christmas at Kimamaya where we stayed for a total of 8 nights. Put simply, my girlfriend and I both agree that we have just had our best ever holiday in Niseko! No exaggeration! Kimamaya is in the perfect location in Upper Hirafu Village - it is about 5 minutes walk to most of the restaurants and the main street and close to the lifts. It actually makes ski-in/ski-out hotels almost redundant as Andrew and Asuka were always on hand to take us and our equipment up to the slopes whenever we were ready to start the day and they were even ready to pick us up at the end! The service was fantastic - we couldn't ask for better advice, friendlier service and the perfect white Christmas experience from them both - we were well looked after and no request was too small. On Christmas Eve the owner Nicolas was on hand with his amazing "Cremant" bubbly and warm hospitality - he has done a magnificent job renovating the building. It is modern and welcoming yet retains all the charm and cosiness that must have appealed originally. We stayed in an Alpine 1 room which is the smallest but was absolutely perfect for us. The furniture, fittings and appliances in the room and bathroom were all top notch and it genuinely felt we were coming home each day. The onsite spa/Onsen were a great way to relax after skiing as were the amazing (and surprisingly good value) massages. Breakfast at the next door barn was great and evening entertainment there was even better - you must try the beef cheeks! We have genuinely come away from the stay at Kimamaya missing it and Niseko greatly. We are already in contact with Nicolas about a further stay in March and are almost certain to be back next Christmas. I cannot recommend Kimamaya highly enough - if you go you will be rewarded with fantastic accommodation, service and not forgetting, some truly incredible skiing! We can't wait to go again!
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Date of stay: December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElvinaK wrote a review Dec 2011
Singapore, Singapore
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The ski season is just starting out and we stayed 5 nights at the beautiful Kimamaya. Booking via their online reservation was a breeze and a restaurants guide was sent to us in advance so we get a preview of what great eats are available, this is what I call customer service! Kimamaya is asethetically appealing with modern and sleek decor around the original wooden beams, you will also appreciate efforts behind the soft furnishings when you spy a small Santa Claus peeking out of the window from outside. We were the first guests for the season and had a very pampering stay made cosy by the lovely Andrew and Asuka. Their reccommendations for good food is spot-on, just ask. Nicholas is also a very charming host, we loved his warmth and the family's bubbles! When we were at the stunning Barn next door for drinks on our last night, we already knew we were going to miss this place and the pillows a lot. Niseko is a laid-back heaven for great skiing, great onsen and great eats but the folks @ Kimamaya made a nice holiday into a memorable experience! This place top our expectations and we had a blast and hope to be back to see our friends here very soon.
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Date of stay: December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Elise H wrote a tip Mar 2023
Burleigh Heads, Australia22 contributions21 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Just go there, you won't regret it!!! It's luxury at an affordable price"
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Lois T wrote a tip Jan 2019
Singapore, Singapore49 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room 8 Loft had unblocked and great view of the snow-lined streets."
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Elisabeth O wrote a tip Mar 2018
Singapore, Singapore8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Make sure you book the in-house massage/SPA in advance as only one therapist and she is amazing!"
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krolito wrote a tip Mar 2017
Hong Kong, China2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Try the stone hot-spring bath, my favorite !"
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Clazaroo wrote a tip Mar 2017
18 contributions7 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Great views from the rooms"
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PRICE RANGE
HK$1,034 - HK$1,850 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
JapanHokkaidoAbuta-gunKutchan-cho
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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