THE SPACE

Kasara offers something new for Niseko: high-end, serviced townhouses with a ski-in, ski-out location. The Kasara brand is part of YTL Hotels, which means guests at the townhouses also get use of the facilities at the nearby Green Leaf Hotel and the Hilton – although why you'd want to leave the townhouse is anyone's guess. These beautifully designed abodes have a modern Japanese ethic; the designers have made a point of distancing themselves from the faux Swiss chalet style you'll find in many resorts. All townhouses (eight have been built and a further 34 are on the way) have views of Mount Yotei, the area's famed volcano, as well as a driver on call to take guests to Niseko's main village.

THE ROOM

This is not a chalet. Outside, the Kasara townhouses look like the sort of classic buildings you might find in Kyoto, with wooden shutters over the windows and a neat, spartan design. Inside, they're pure Japanese luxury, set over almost 200 square metres, from the modern kitchen, tatami-mat dining room and bedroom on the lower floor, to the two bedrooms, bathrooms and lounge area on the upper level. With a large family, or a group of friends, you'd be in ski-bum heaven here. There's free Wi-Fi in-house, plus an Apple TV system and DVD player. There's also a concierge on call 24 hours a day, and ski fittings can be done at your townhouse.   

THE FOOD

All of the townhouses are self-contained, with large modern kitchens. However, if you don't feel like cooking after a long day on the slopes (or the golf course during summer), there are plenty of options. A catering service can be hired to provide all meals in-house, or it's just a short walk to various restaurants at the Green Leaf, the Hilton, and the newly built village area, with its Japanese and pan-Asian options. Another popular choice is to hire a local soba-noodle expert to teach an in-house class on hand-making this classic Japanese dish.

STEPPING OUT

Obviously, you'll be hitting the slopes – the Niseko ski area is right outside the townhouse's door. After a day on the snow, however, there are few things better than a soak in a traditional Japanese bath, or onsen. Kasara guests are welcome to use the open-air onsens at either the Green Leaf or Hilton hotels nearby. There's a driver on call to get you there if the weather turns ugly. 

THE VERDICT

The Kasara product is ideal for high-end visitors to a Japanese ski resort (or those just prepared to splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience). While the townhouses themselves are immaculately designed and furnished, it's the added luxuries such as in-house ski fitting, concierge, catering services and onsen use that will really stand out for guests.  

ESSENTIALS

The townhouses sleep six people, and cost $US1200 (about $1700) a night during summer, and $US2000 (about $2850) a night during winter. Call +60 3 2783 1000 or see www.kasara.com/nisekovillage​. 

HIGHLIGHTS

The service is truly VIP, from the  private driver to the ski instructor at your front door each morning.

LOWLIGHTS

For a house that can comfortably sleep six people, the lounge area is quite small.