My husband and I have stayed at the AKAZORA for 6 of the 8 years (consecutive) we've been skiing in Niseko. We love it so much we now consider it our other home. We have had family & friends stay at different times with us there in various apartments and they also are very impressed. Just for the record, if ever we do have an opportunity to purchase real estate in the Hirafu area we would without a doubt secure an apartment in this building. The AKAZORA has all the conveniences needed to ensure a great stay weather you go with family, friends or as a couple. There is an elevator that goes from the top 3rd floor down to the basement where there is a secure heated drying room with separate full size storage lockers so your gear is secured and just outside the door is the underground carpark. The building has a concierge that operates from early morning until 10pm to which the main foyer sliding doors are then only accessible with a key only upon entering. The front desk team have changed a few times over the years and each time they have been fantastic, always ready to answer questions and help out where they can. We were greeted this year by the lovely and effervescent Ioana who's beaming smile always made you feel welcome and relaxed as did the rest of the team members (John, Arisa & Ryu). All apartments are spacious throughout, well appointed and have huge beds that are more on the firmer side of comfortable. The rooms are extremely clean and housekeeping is of a very high standard. They have the BEST clothes airer stand thingy that holds heaps of clothing etc. All apartments have a washing machine that's situated within the little drying room just inside the front door. A Shuttle stop is right outside and the AKAZORA is perfectly located to most things incl shops, restaurants, bars, ski hire, and even the ace family quad is a short 5 min or so stroll away. On the cons side of things they have changed the sofas from last year and they are on the very small and uncomfortable side. The bathroom could benefit with a few more hooks for towels and robes and the shower in apartment GO3 leaves a lot to be desired as not only does the force of the water make the shower head misdirect itself but it feels like you are being bombarded by a hundred tiny needles at lightning speed "owch"!!! As far as TV goes, there is no Netflix or the like which would be an even bigger draw card especially on the rest days from skiing etc. Aside from those few personal quirks we love the AKAZORA so much that we are again looking into booking at least one of the apartments again for 2020. Although I consider myself to be an extremely picky/perfectionist I feel there really is very little to disappoint if at all with the AKAZORA, and we highly recommend you give it a try for yourself.

We had a wonderful stay here. Great accommodation, walking distance to restaurants, with the shuttle bus stop right outside. The extra amenities such as the ski lockers and washing machine made our stay seem like home. However the highlight of our holiday was the staff who each day greeted us with a warm welcome and were always on hand to assist us with our queries. Thank you Arisa, Ryu, Ioana and John! We'll be back