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Zaborin

Niseko / ニセコ
Zaborin (坐忘林) is a rare combination offering a fully luxurious Japanese experience without compromis
  • 15
  • Array
  • Yes

The Story

Zaborin (坐忘林) is a rare combination offering a fully luxurious Japanese experience without compromising on modern comforts. Amidst the encompassing beauty of Hokkaido nature - with a view to the famous Mount Yotei - this contemporary luxury ryokan is a local secret to be enjoyed throughout the seasons by the discerning modern luxury traveller.
Inspired by the Zen words for meditation ‘za-zen’(坐禅 literally: ‘sitting zen’) and ‘za-bo’ (坐忘 meaning literally ‘to sit, to forget’), ‘Za-bo-rin’ is to sit and to forget in the trees ( where 林 ‘rin’ means a small forest or wood). It was this in mind that award winning architect Nakayama san was commissioned to design a ryokan to which was incorporated the inherent Zen meaning of ‘Zabo’ (literally to sit and forget) which is to ‘stare at the heart, free of all thoughts and desires’ . His design both opens to the surrounding vistas, inviting nature in, while quietly blending into the landscape allowing peaceful focus and reflection.

Zaborin is a place to indulge all the senses.

Hot Springs
Each of the 15 spacious villas has its own private indoor and outdoor hot spring bath (onsen) which are fed directly from Zaborin’s own spring. This style of free-flow hot spring water is prized in Japan and known as ‘gensen kakenagashi’.

Cuisine
With the abundance of the very best in Hokkaido seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat, Zaborin serves its unique ‘kita kaiseki’ haute cuisine set menu. A northern version of the traditional kaiseki style cuisine, kita kaiseki embraces the full farm-to-table cycle and of bringing out the very best of the local ingredients.

Activities
From simple pleasures such as enjoying breath-taking views of Autumn leaves to the abundant Spring, Summer and Winter activities (Zaborin is also located just minutes from world-class golf courses and the famous “champagne powder” snow of Niseko resort) this hidden haven is a year- round luxury to indulge in.

Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese traditions, hospitality (omotenashi), sumptuous delicacies, the beauty of nature, the activities of the area (from ‘tree bathing’, biking, to cat-skiing to river rafting), and most importantly: the opportunity to rejuvenate within the spirit of the ryokan.

ROOMS

  • Washitsu (70㎡) ROOM Washitsu (70㎡) Washitsu’ means Japanese style. These villas have traditional “tatami” flooring for the bedroom…
  • Yoshitsu (70㎡) ROOM Yoshitsu (70㎡) These villas offer Western style beds. A choice of mattress topper and a pillow menu allow for …
    ROOM Washitsu (70㎡)
    1-2 70 sqm Private Open-air Bath Futon Washitsu’ means Japanese style. These villas have traditional “tatami” flooring for the bedroom, with extra thick futon mattresses to experience the Japanese way of sleeping.
    Some rooms are available with an additional smaller tatami room that can be converted to further sleeping or sitting area with the sunken table.     ¥ 74,000～ per person (based on double occupancy) *Room rates at the Ryokan vary depending on the season and booking status. Therefore, we provide an estimated amount as a reference.
    ROOM Yoshitsu (70㎡)
    1-2 70 sqm Private Open-air Bath Bed These villas offer Western style beds. A choice of mattress topper and a pillow menu allow for a perfect night’s sleep.
    Some rooms are available with an additional smaller tatami room that can be converted to further sleeping or sitting area with the sunken table.     ¥ 74,000～ per person (based on double occupancy) *Room rates at the Ryokan vary depending on the season and booking status. Therefore, we provide an estimated amount as a reference.

FACILITIES &
SERVICES

  • Hot Spring Hot Spring
  • Dining Space Dining Space
  • Cuisine Cuisine
  • Bar Bar
  • Library Library
  • Living Room Living Room
  • Massage Room Massage Room
    Hot Spring At Zaborin, each villa boasts a private indoor and outdoor onsen known as the ‘rotenburo’. Sourced from almost a kilometre below ground, the water’s natural heat keeps the baths at the perfect bathing temperature. This rarity is known as “gensen kakenagashi’”(over-flowing natural hot spring) and is the most revered of all onsen types. Each villa is different: some onsens are made of the fragrant hinoki wood (native Japanese cypress species), others from an impressive single piece stone.

    The onsen water is rich in minerals, appreciated for its “qi” (energy) properties that have been absorbed from the surrounding nature, and especially beneficial to well being and health. Zaborin’s onsen has rated as one of the best in the country.
    Dining Space The dining area in Zaborin is divided into smaller rooms, providing each guest villa their dining privacy, varying in atmosphere and intimacy. The ambience is peaceful and soothing, at times punctuated by sightings of the local wild residents in their natural habitat. Larger room options include a traditional ‘hori-kotasu’ (low tables with sunken tatami floor) and an ‘irori’ (traditional sunken hearth).
    Cuisine Yoshihiro Seno, Zaborin’s Hokkaido born executive chef has returned to his roots to re-evaluate the meaning of locality in his cooking. From his experience with ‘kaiseki’ and ‘washoku’ techniques to his direct contact with the farmers and producers, Chef Seno is able to bring out the very best of his exceptional ingredients embracing its natural form and spirit. Zaborin’s signature ‘kita-kaiseki’ is a more tactile and deconstructed version of Kyoto Kaiseki - reconnecting with nature and the earth. A wide selection of Japanese drinks, and wines have been carefully selected by a wine master and sommelier.
    Bar Made from a single piece of wood, the long bar at Zaborin looks out at Mount Yotei, known as the northern Mount Fuji.
    Library With an eclectic range of books from Japanese poetry, classics from world literature, architecture, famous mountaineering stories, to books on Hokkaido flora and fauna, the library is a cosy nook to browse in. A wide selection of films for adults and children also available to take back to your villa.
    Living Room Wrapped around one of two open fireplaces on the property, the Living Room is another corner for retreat or gathering together whether for a coffee or dessert. With floor to window ceiling, it is a space that blends the inside with the out.
    Massage Room After a long day of golf or skiing - or just sitting in your onsen - pre-book a local masseuse to visit the ryokan which can provide a private room with professional massage bed.

Map &
Transportation

Closest Train Station Kutchan Station
ROUTE
Closest Bus Station Kutchan Station Bus Stop
ROUTEs
Free pick-up service Yes
Complimentary transfer from/to Kutchan Statin (10 min) / Reservation required
Key Gate Way Int'l Airport and Train (Shinkansen) Station
Route details

Movie

Ryokan Data

Area Niseko / ニセコ
Name of Ryokan Zaborin / 坐忘林
Address 76-4 Hanazono Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0084
〒044-0084北海道虻田郡倶知安町花園76-4
Total Number of Rooms 15 room(s)
Check-in Time 14:00
Check-Out Time 11:00
Credit Card Yes

Meals

Dinner Start Time 18:00 - 20:00
Breakfast Start Time 7:30 - 10:00
In Room Dining Available Restaurant
Start Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Bar 17:00 - 22:00
Special Dietary Arrangements Yes
Vegan Friendly No
Western Breakfast Available Yes (Eggs, Sausage, Yogurt, Bread, Vegetables, Fruits)

Other Facilities & Services

Communal Bath No
Family Bath No
Private indoor bath in room Yes
Private open-air bath in the room Yes

Room Rates

Room Type Minimum Rate (JPY)
Washitsu (70㎡) JPY74,000～
Yoshitsu (70㎡) JPY74,000～
** The room rate is per person per night when 2 adults stay in one room. **
- The rate will change depending on the number of guests and dates. Please contact us for details.
- Ryokan rate includes a full-course dinner, breakfast, service charge, and tax.
- The mentioned rates and service are available only for LRC Members who book through The Ryokan Collection's website.
- The rates are subject to change without any prior notice.
- A particular room cannot be guaranteed in advance unless otherwise stated by The Ryokan Collection.

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