Niseko is renowned for its nightlife, and trust us when we say it’s for a good reason! Here is our list of the 6 best bars in Niseko.
1. Gyu Bar (aka The Fridge Bar)
This speakeasy style bar is a must-visit when in Niseko. Walk through the fridge door to discover a quirky and cosy little bar that is buzzing every night. The bartenders here know how to make a top notch cocktail and have a fantastic whisky selection to boot! The Fridge Bar is perfect for a quiet cocktail (or five) after a day on the slopes.
Wild Bills is one of Niseko’s best known bars and for good reason. Their motto is ‘first we serve you up amazing Japanese cuisine, then we party’ – we’d say that sums it up pretty well! The restaurant is upstairs and offers great shared plates and Japanese Izakaya style dishes to get the night started out right. As the evening continues watch as Wild Bills is transformed from a relaxed après bar and restaurant into a party you’ll be talking about for days.
Tamashii is a lively and welcoming bar in the centre of Hirafu, making it the perfect après ski choice. You’ll find pool tables, dartboards and a big screen making it the closest thing Niseko has to a sports bar. Whether you want to relax with a cold beer in hand or ramp up for a big night out we’d recommend giving Tamashii a try.
The Barn is sophistication at its finest. This French inspired restaurant offers a delicious menu using only the freshest local ingredients. The food is complimented by an experimental cocktail menu as well as some of the best wines from around the world, you can even try a glass from the owner’s vineyard in France. We recommend making a reservation if you’re heading to The Barn for dinner, or if you’re just after a cocktail the bar opens at 5pm.
This bar is reminiscent of a Canadian hunting lodge and a warm, friendly one at that! If you need a break from ramen and local cuisine you’ve come to the right place. Bigfoot serves up simple, yet well-made wagyu beef cheeseburgers, chicken wings and golden mac ‘n’ cheese balls to name a few. So much deliciousness in one sentence! To complement the chow they offer a quirky cocktail menu including their famed punch bowls, and hot cocks* (yes, you read correctly), from hot buttered rum to a Bigfoot blazer these smokin’ hot drinks are a must try.
New for the 2016/17 season Bigfoot Lodge will be offering home delivery, meaning you can get one of those delicious beef burgers delivered straight to your hotel room. It’s a dream come true for those of us nursing tired legs after a long day on the mountain.
6. Barunba
Not far from The Barn you’ll find Barunba, a small hole-in-the-wall bar with a tropical vibe. It may be small, but this bar makes up for it in atmosphere. If you find your way to Barunba make sure to ask for one of their signature cocktails - the Jet Li or Bruce Willis. Although just a warning, these drinks are diabolical - there is no knowing where your night will end up after a couple of these under your belt.
