Somoza, a 150-year-old old private gallery restaurant nestled in a forest in Hanazono.

Feel the charm of Japanese culture, tradition, and nature with all five senses.

STORY

Welcome

SOMOZA is an extraordinary cultural hub housed in a 150-year-old kominka, adjacent to SHIGUCHI. The restored building includes a boutique featuring Japanese works of arts and crafts and the Somoza Gallery, a large, open gallery used for events, seminars and performances and which also houses Hokkaido Through The Ages, an impressive collection of artefacts from various cultures of people throughout Hokkaido’s history, from 10,000-year-old Jomon period pottery to recent indigenous Ainu works of art.

Kominka

“Kominka” means old house, and generally refers to a distinctive style of house built of local natural materials such as wood, clay and straw, often found in rural Japan. The enormous frames are supported by thick beams and posts of oak or cypress, which fit together like a puzzle. The largely open-plan interiors are flexible, and rooms are sectioned off by sliding “shoji” partitions. An “engawa” or corridor encircles the kominka.

NOURISH

Hokkaido through the ages

Savour a splendid array of seasonal Hokkaido produce prepared by Chef Asao Sato, whose culinary creativity places SHIGUCHI at the forefront of Niseko cuisine. SOMOZA sommelier’s encyclopedic knowledge of wine pairs with the cuisine, giving new insights into Hokkaido wines, craft beers and whiskies.

Our menus showcase the best of local produce, including fresh ingredients from our own vegetable garden, celebrating the flavours, colours and season of Niseko and Hokkaido. Many ingredients are foraged, especially in spring and autumn, and we preserve some ‘sansai’ mountain vegetables for our guests to taste all year round. Chef Sato’s original and creative cuisine is based on French techniques.

Experience the serene beauty of the valley and mountains from the comfort of our indoor or outdoor terrace seating. Each seat offers a picturesque view, allowing you to savor a delightful meal or beverage made with seasonal ingredients. In the summer, revel in the soothing sounds of the river on our lush terrace, feeling the gentle breeze as you indulge in a moment of tranquility. During winter, bask in the warmth of our fireplace with a backdrop of snow-covered landscapes outside the window, while leisurely enjoying a comforting hot drink.

RESERVATION

Bringing timeless traditions into the modern day

A new experience of the Japanese tea ceremony: SOMOZA’s minimalist steel tea room offers a contemporary tribute to traditional tea rituals.

Tea ceremony rituals have over time developed an aesthetic and elaborate set of rules of their own. ‘Chashitsu’ at Somoza provides an opportunity for introspection and connecting with natural elements. This space is relieved of superficial design, traditions and essential elements of a tearoom have retained and highlighted with natural and indirect lighting. To take part in this fantastic opportunity please makes an inquiry on our reservations page to arrange a suitable time.

DISCOVER

Become inspired

The Salon features a fine and ever-changing collection of Japanese arts and crafts from antique to avant-garde by some of Japan’s leading craftspeople, as well as a selection of in-house products, available for purchase.

EXPERIENCE

SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS

Our dedicated team provides a comprehensive service for on-site safe, productive and enjoyable meetings, incentives, new product launches and conferences, for up to 40 attendees, indoors and out. Our expertise includes concept design, service and technical support, including hybrid formats. We specialise in creating unique and inspirational stays for individuals and groups in the arts, architecture and design fields, including hosting and professionally moderating Creative Conversations with artists and designers.

Please contact us here to schedule a meeting.

ACCESS

By Car
From Sapporo City
（Via Nakayama Pass）approx 2 hrs 15 min
（Via Yoichi using Route 5) approx 2 hrs
From New Chitose Airport
（Via Bifue Pass using Route 276) approx 2 hrs 30 min

By Japan Rail
There are 3 railway stations in the Niseko area (Kutchan, Hirafu, Niseko). The main railway station for accessing the Hirafu area is Kutchan, check with your accommodation provider to determine the best station for you to access the area.
JR Sapporo Station to JR Kutchan Station – approx 2 hrs
JR Chitose Airport Station to JR Kutchan Station – approx 2 hrs 30 mins

Open

Gallery Experience with Tea Set : 13:00
Dinner will be served at 18:30. We welcome you to join us for a pre-dinner drink starting from 18:00.

Dinner: 30,000 yen course

For the comfort and convenience of other guests, we do not accept dinner reservations for children under 13.

We accept reservations 30 days in advance – please use our online booking system.
Reservations for dinner and gallery experience (with tea set) must be made 3 days in advance.
Gallery tours only are not available.
For group bookings and tea ceremony experience, please use the inquiry form on this website.
We do not accept reservations via phone call.

Closed

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, (except holidays)

RESERVATION