We were so lucky to be able to come back here during Spring break. Our daughters were talking about it all the time after their first visit in summer 2021, and even after coming back from this trip they are still constantly asking when we can go back to Shimai @ The Orchards Niseko again. Our second trip to Shimai and it certainly didn't disappoint. There was still enough snow around Shimai for the kids to play with and they had so much fun even on the days they didn't go skiing. Shimai was perfect! Everything was comfortable and it was very well equipped, it truly felt like home. Also, the central location meant that we were close to the ski resorts, various eateries and even the Niseko International Clinic. The MNK staff went out of their way to make our stay even more pleasant. The free shuttle service to the ski resort and areas around Hirafu was especially useful. I definitely recommend Shimai to families and groups of friends.…
After reading so many positive reviews Of Shimai at The Orchards, we were determined to stay here if we ever had a chance to go to Niseko. Our chance finally came when we moved to Japan and needed somewhere to escape from the insane summer heat during our kids’ summer holidays. We managed to book a stay for slightly over 2 weeks and it was probably the holiday accommodation we have ever stayed in. Shimai was truly a home away from home. It had pretty much everything we needed, and more. We were spoilt for choice with the various kitchen equipment available. There were induction cookers, a KitchenAid Mixer, a hotpot set, a rice cooker, a Nespresso Machine, an automated water flask and a toaster, amongst other items. We actually brought a travel booster seat along for our younger daughter to use during meal times but were pleasantly surprised that Shimai was already equipped with it’s own high chair. And our children were absolutely thrilled to have their own kids’ cutlery sets. Everything down to the little details of the place were evidently designed with a lot of thought. There were board games for family time, kids’ story books (all the classics!), a Nintendo Wii for the older kids, a billiard table for the adults. This was perfect as Hokkaido was uncharacteristically hot this summer so we stayed in mostly. We also loved the huge wooden bathtub and the kids enjoyed “swimming” in it. Tables in all the bedrooms also meant that there was ample space for my husband to work in one room while my elder daughter had her online classes in another, and I could do my facial routine with my younger daughter having her nap in the last. The flowers and plants around Shimai were always carefully chosen and perfectly pruned, it was such a joy to come back to and open the curtains every morning. All in all, the vacation house was nothing short of perfect and our kids are still constantly asking when we can go back.…
This is our second stay at Shimai, this time for skiing, we spent a very relaxing time, everything is there to enjoy yourself after a long ski day: the big Japanese bath, very warm and comfy living room, great beds. The local food is delicious you can find a great selection of wine and amazing ingredients to cook in the super well equipped kitchen. Didn't feel the need to go out although the MNK crew was letting us know they could drive us anywhere if we wanted to enjoy an evening outside. There was more snow we knew what do do with, the MNK crew again helped us get out after a night of snowfall a couple of times 🙂 Again a great experience, could disconnect from work, re-center, rest and most importantly have fun skiing in one of the best ski resort of the planet (defo best powder snow!).…
This is the 3rd time my friends and I chose to book Shimai @ The Orchards Niseko for our vacation. We stayed at Shimai for the first time back in 2015 and it charmed us so much that we returned again in 2017. Having experienced two winter vacations there, we really wanted to see what other seasons in Niseko are like; without a doubt, Shimai is our top choice for accommodation. So in Summer 2020, we visited Shimai yet again, for the 3rd time. As always, it exceeded our expectations and we were delighted to experience summer in Shimai this time round. The amenities at Orchards Niseko are top-notch; excellent service by the staff. Paula and Ariel did a fantastic job attending to our requests when we were booking for our stay there. Upon arrival, Adam took great care of us, ensured that we have everything we needed. They are always on standby at the front desk during office hours, and a phone-call away after that. Inside Shimai, there are 3 huge bedrooms, one of them with an ensuite bath. Two other bathrooms are in the common area with one of them featuring a really big Japanese-style bath. A fully-equipped kitchen. Oven, toaster, mixer, food processor, plates and cutleries in variety of sizes, wine glasses, beer mugs, sake vessels, you name it. The list goes on. There's almost nothing I couldn't find in their kitchen. Bake something, whip up meals... we did a lot this trip; made full use of the kitchen! I must also mention that I love the huge kitchen island and the long dining table. A small pool-table, retro arcade machine (with classics like Donkey Kong, Frogger, and more), game consoles, board games, Apple TV, cable TV... a lot of options for entertainment. Inside Shimai, you will also find beautiful art pieces by artists all over the world, displayed in the shelves and on the walls. Just too many things to praise about Shimai and The Orchards Niseko. It is really the best place I have stayed in Hokkaido. Will definitely return to Shimai again, and again!…
It’s our second time at The Orchards, Niseko and we are just loving the accommodation more and more! The house was just as great as always - well equipped, spacious and convenient (when you have your own rental car though). It’s real great for a bunch of friends on a snowboarding and skiing trip - as it has a spacious living room and kitchen, so you could definitely hang out there after your tiring day! Also, due to the COVID-19 situation this year, we were forced to extend for 2 more nights there, although the house change, the reception team assisted us swiftly with the issue - thanks again! We definitely would love to be back next year, so let’s hope for the best!
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