Reservations have opened for Zuma’s first Japan opening, a seasonal pop-up in Niseko’s Hirafu village.
Zuma is bringing its contemporary izakaya to Japan for the first time, opening a seasonal pop-up in Niseko’s Hirafu village this winter. Opened this week, the restaurant sits just a four-minute drive from the Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU slopes and its night-skiing runs.
The opening carries particular weight for a brand whose contemporary izakaya format draws directly on Japanese culinary tradition, yet has never operated in Japan itself until now. Landing in Niseko — one of the country’s most recognised ski destinations and a hugely popular travel destination for ski bunnies from Hong Kong, Singapore and across Asia — puts the pop-up in front of a captive winter audience. The debut also arrives just ahead of Zuma’s 25th anniversary.
Inside Zuma Niseko
The interior carries Zuma’s familiar language — timber-slatted ceilings, wood-chip floor lamps, custom winter furniture upholstered in wool bouclé in the brand’s signature palette — alongside details built specifically for this location. The robata counter is cut from Japanese Date Kan stone with an oxidised front edge; glazed ceramic tiles bring a run of red across the back wall; and hand-carved teak screens, inspired by snowflakes and crafted in Indonesia, enclose a 12-seat private dining room.
In addition, patterned bronze window screens filter the winter light, a front-of-house wine cellar anchors an extensive sake, wine and Japanese whisky list, and a dedicated DJ counter runs through the season. The menu follows Zuma’s usual register — nigiri, sashimi, and robata-grilled dishes built on umami-rich flavours.
A Hot Spot Pop-up
For travellers based in Asia, Niseko remains one of the most accessible marquee ski destinations in the region, and a pop-up of this profile gives the resort a dining draw to match its powder — an easy add to an already-planned ski trip rather than a reason to travel on its own.
Zuma Niseko seats up to 141 guests across the main dining room and private space, with a flexible layout suited to parties of 10 to 20 guests, making it ideal for private chalet dining for groups gathering during ski season. The venue opens daily from 3 pm for après-ski drinks, moving into dinner service from 5 pm, seven days a week through the winter season.
