Tokyo and Niseko, Japan
I am always incredibly inspired the moment that I get off the plane in Tokyo
- More about your Oliver Guide: Blythe Harris, DailyCreative
- Activity level: high
- Ideal length of trip: A trip to Tokyo and Niseko is an explosion of creativity and adventure . I would allow for a few days in Tokyo and 5-6 days in Niseko (allow for 9-10 days total to include travel time)
to & from
My main motivation for traveling is to experience creativity and inspiration through other cultures. As a Co-Founder of DailyCreative, I believe that surrounding yourself with different visual, auditory and sensory input is an amazing way to tap into your innate creativity. Even before landing in Japan, I feel my perspective shift as I eat fish and seaweed for breakfast and undergo a 17 hour time change from San Francisco. I prefer flying into Tokyo, and having a night or two to adjust to the time change and enjoy the city, before flying to Sapporo. I am always incredibly inspired the moment that I get off the plane in Tokyo, from all of the surprising and enchanting visual stimuli-don’t miss the Hiroshi Senju immersive large scale paintings:my favorite, the Water Shrine, features prominently on my moodboard.
- To reach Niseko, take an easy flight from Tokyo to Sapporo on ANA. From Sapporo, we hired a car for the two hour drive to Niseko.
- When in Niseko, most restaurants are walking distance, but should you want to go a bit further you can download the ‘Go’ taxi app which is the Japanese version of Uber.
Where to Stay
In Tokyo, we stayed at the Okura Hotel great for its Japanese meets mid-century vibe but my dream stay would be at The Aman. I have also stayed at The Peninsula which is walking distance to Dover Street Market Ginza, one of my favorite shopping experiences.
In Niseko, we stayed in the Hirafu Village in a rented ski house through VRBO. The Grand Hirafu ski resort was a short walk uphill. Lots of homes and condos available to rent in the area— make sure walking distance to town.
- Kimamaya Niseko- Attached to The Barn, a simple but lovely hotel with a great location where friends have stayed.
- Shiguchi-Attached to Somoza gallery and restaurant, these 150 year old residences are open for booking. After our dining experience at Somoza we are all aiming to stay here someday!