Niseko Japan - Development Begins in Earnest At Upmarket Hanazono Resort

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 17, 2008 – Hanazono is proud to announce the opening of the new Hanazono 308 Ski Centre. It is history in the making and provides a glimpse of Nihon Harmony Resorts' dramatic broader development strategy for the Hanazono area. Finally, Niseko's perfect snow conditions now have a facility to match.


The inspiration for the design of Hanazono 308 is the soaring peak of Mount Niseko-Annupuri, at 1,308 metres above sea level. The extensive use of natural materials throughout the facility ensures an affinity with the wonderful natural environment of Hanazono.

Hanazono 308 is in fact at 308 metres above sea level, or exactly 1,000 metres below the peak of Mount Niseko-Annupuri. The lucky bells of Hanazono 308 are mounted at exactly (to the centimetre) 308 metres above sea level.

That means exactly 1,000 vertical metres of non-stop pure, perfect powder, from the very top of Mount Niseko-Annupuri to the doorstep of Hanazono 308. It is an adventure that can only be found only on the most coveted side of Niseko mountain - the Hanazono side.

Hanazono 308 heralds the introduction of a suite of new initiatives and services for all levels of alpine sporting and snow enthusiasts at Hanazono this winter:

>Two brand new covered Magic Carpets - a first in Japan.
>Opening of the Niseko International Snowsports School (NISS) at Hanazono, incorporating a brand new NISS Kid's Snowsports School facility.
>Brand new retail and snowsports equipment hire centre.

New activities at the Hanazono Adventure Park:

>Sledding/tobogganing and snow-tubing, all on groomed and safe dedicated areas. No walking! Use the Magic Carpets!
>Snowmobiling.
>Snow-rafting.
>Snow-shoeing - guided nature walks.
>The new 250 seat Hanazono 308 restaurant. The famous Kani Rahmen lives on!
>Hanazono lifts will open early at 8:30 a.m. this season - first tracks at Strawberries!
>Free overnight ski/snowboard valet service.
>Completely re-profiled Silver Dream beginner's course.

A new free shuttle service will operate between Hirafu and Hanazono all day, every day, approximately every 20 minutes or so. For the first time, a shuttle service will now operate in upper Hirafu Village as well as middle and lower Hirafu Village.

Better value with new facilities, more excitement and an abundance of activities.

Come and join us at Hanazono this season.