Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan has seen rapid growth in foreign residential ownership and luxury hospitality brands. Odin Hills is set to be a new and exciting addition to Niseko, known as the ‘Aspen of Asia’. The 16-hectare private residential luxury village, now in its second phase of development, features a collection of alpine luxury chalets designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. 

Located in Hanazono Niseko, Odin Hills offers unobstructed vistas of Mount Yotei, one of Hokkaido’s most famous mountains. The development takes inspiration from villages in the European Alps such as St Moritz, Gstaad, Courchevel and Verbier, known for their luxurious residences with access to active leisure and serene nature. 

Odin, a design-driven property brand that pioneered the luxury real estate market in Niseko, offers predesigned homes conceived by Ban. With a program of four contemporary chalets to choose from, ranging from 295 to 615 square metres, each features a customisable floor plan, multi-functional interiors, and an onsen-style family bath. 

The collection of Nordic-Japanese designs alludes to the site’s natural topography and channels Odin’s luxury ethos. Indeed, the designs are in symbiosis with nature, with wood as the main material palette. Each unit frames the outdoor landscape beautifully with strategically placed windows and openings.

Village sidewalks for walking and biking, dedicated yoga serenity pods, and trails for hiking and running cater to those who love the outdoors. As the site sits below 30 hectares of protected forest, access to native woodland and meadows rich with wildlife and fauna is a plus for nature lovers. 

To protect and preserve the environment, Odin Hills deploys practices and technologies, including an on-site water retention pond for water management, permeable paving materials, and landscaping principles to protect native plants and wildflower meadows. 

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Although known as a ski destination due to its world-renowned powder snow, Niseko draws visitors during summer due to its bustling summer activities. Travellers also visit the region in spring and autumn for its beautiful weather and scenery, making Niseko a popular destination all year round.  

Property owners become members of the Odin Hills Owners Club, which serves as a one-point contact for services. Members receive year-round property management, holiday rental management to generate a return on investment, and concierge services. Among the amenities are a private clubhouse, a library-lounge and bar, fitness facilities and F&B offerings. Families would also enjoy the children and youth centre, an outfitters centre for outdoor equipment, and seasonal activities. 

Photography courtesy of Odin

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