Hokkaido’s hottest new hotel, Nozo, cleverly combines contemporary Japanese design alongside traditional artisan elements to create an ambience that is both comfortable and chic – a hallmark of the country’s latest boutique hotel brand.
Situated in an idyllic location between the Yubari and Tokachidake mountain ranges in Furano, the Nozo Hotel offers 78 rooms in a low-rise design that showcases traditional materials such as timber and stone.
Inspired by the surrounding nature, its colour palette creates a cool aesthetic that reflects the snow spirit Hokkaido is known for whilst remaining warm and welcoming for guests.
Guest rooms are minimalist with light timbers, grey stone floors and statement woven headboards which inject a cultural richness, while generous family rooms and junior suites are designed to accommodate children and those who like to settle in with plenty of space.
Widely renowned as a ski resort, Furano is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts who are keen to take in the spectacle of Japan’s cherry blossom season, incredible hiking and cycling trails are abundant as well as lavender fields and white-water rafting
Interior design and architecture firm G.A Brand was tasked with crafting the distinctive ‘Nozo’ brand for the hotel, which was conceived as a social hub to showcase local crafts and produce, fostering a sense of curiosity and community in a carefully curated environment.
Stripped-back textured walls inspired by traditional Japanese ‘Shikkui’ plastering techniques are featured throughout while the central Buna Bar, the hotel’s heart and soul, was conceived as a social ‘living room’ featuring a copper still fireplace and bar.
Already popular as a place to gather and share stories, the bar serves local Hokkaido beers, innovative cocktails, and sake, wines and whiskies from local and international brewers and winemakers.
The hotel’s striking Sugi Spa pays homage to Hokkaido’s volcanic heritage with hot water tubs for indoor and outdoor bathing, including a skylight that floods the bathing zone with natural light by day and clear views of starlit by night. Bathing areas are separated by gender, and the spa offers cold water dips and saunas to stimulate circulation.
Nozo Hotel is easily accessible via international flights to Sapporo or by regular domestic flights from Tokyo and Osaka to Asahikawa Airport, a scenic hour’s drive from the property
For a limited time, guests who book a 3-night consecutive stay at Nozo Hotel for stays before 30 September 2024 will receive a 10 per cent discount, while those who book a stay for five consecutive nights will receive 20 per cent off the regular price for stays during the same period.
