The Maples is an exquisite property and we wish we could have stayed there for 2 weeks! The condo itself was luxurious, although the luxury started with the location. It was fully ski-in ski-out via a large equipment locker room, and it was also close to lots of eateries and bars in Hirafu. It was pretty much the perfect location in Niseko.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment and it was lovely. The views up to the Family Run and the rest of Hirafu Ski Resort were very nice and there was a window seat that was a great spot to recline and watch the snow falling. The living area overall was delightfully spacious and the kitchen seemed adequately equipped and included a coffee machine with pods. Rather than just looking nice, it was also functional and there was a good entry area to put boots and jackets, and plenty of other hanging space. Temperature control of the condo was easy, which also helped with drying items as well as ensuring an easy night’s sleep.

The beds were very comfortable. Top Dog went so far as to say that it was the best bed he’d slept on in Japan, considering the great pillows, softish mattress, and thick doona. The double or triple glazed windows were also impressive and despite a lot of snow clearing going on outside, we could barely hear a thing.

Each bedroom had an ensuite bathroom with a very fancy Toto toilet, you know the type that anticipate your arrival and lift the seat automatically. The pre-fab shower looked a bit bizarre for a luxury condo, rather than having a large shower with beautiful tiles, however once we had a shower and sat down, relaxed and turned it into a steam room, we realised the method in their madness. For such an amazing condo, if we were to find one thing to critique it was that the vanity had no space to put a toiletries bag, so we had to put items on the floor.

We couldn’t get into the Italian restaurant onsite because it was really busy each night, so it must have been good. It wasn’t open in the mornings for pre lift opening breakfast or coffee, but the coffee pod did the trick, as did a nearby food truck.

As a final pro of our stay, the wifi was excellent, which is not something you take for granted in Niseko. Even though the property was 5 years old, it felt pretty much brand new and was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also a very functional apartment for a ski trip.
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