To Japan's ski slopes from Australia via Bali

Take an Australian chef who has worked in Bali and then place him in Japan's hottest ski resort.

Masonry Japan opens on December 12 in Niseko with head chef Tom Jack at the helm.

Jack has honed his craft alongside kitchen legend Ben Cross in Bali and at Japanese-influenced kitchens in Australia,

He will lead the new opening from the Bali-born restaurant group that is known for its Mediterranean wood-fired cooking.

Masonry Japan will be located at the ski-in, ski-out Niseko Kyo Condo Hotel in Upper Hirafu.

“Having worked closely with Tom in our Bali venues, and knowing his background in kitchens shaped by Japanese flavours [including Shōbōsho in Adelaide and hôntô in Brisbane], he brings a clarity and balance that is right for Niseko," says Cross.

"The restaurant brings an easy warmth to the region, built for long lunches, lively après ski drinks and evenings that roll on

"Guests can expect an a la carte lunch, and set menu experience at dinner. Dishes are shaped by local produce, including the richness of Hokkaido milk, winter seafood and the fragrance of mountain herbs, all brought into focus through fire."

Menu highlights include house-made halloumi using Hokkaido milk with buckwheat honey and kombu; yellowfin tuna crudo with smoked egg yolk and citrus; giant Hokkaido scallops cooked gently over fire with seaweed butter, and Furano Wagyu striploin with mandarin kosho.

Also think wood-fried king crab with dashi brown butter; and miso and Hokkaido milk ice cream with 
winter honey.

Bar director Zac de Git, previously of Tippling Club Singapore, has created a cocktail list that moves between familiar favourites and drinks shaped for the colder climate.

Niseko Kyo Hotel Upper Hirafu, Kutchan, Hokkaido 044-0082, Japan 

https://www.nisekokyo.com/

Qantas flights to link directly with Japanese ski resorts

Good news for snow lovers from Qantas with the unveiling of a new seasonal air route between Sydney and Sapporo - which becomes the 100th destination in the Qantas network.

Qantas today announced direct seasonal flights from Sydney to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, providing Australians with the only non-stop connection between the two cities and catering to the growing demand for travel to Japan’s snowfields.

Flights will commence just in time for the peak ski season with services to operate three times per week from December 15, 2025, to March 28, 2026 served by Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Flights will depart Sydney in the morning and arrive at Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport early in the evening.

The flights will save Australians several hours compared to existing one-stop options and enable same-day travel to popular ski resorts Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu and Kiroro.

Skiers will also be able to enjoy a morning on the slopes before departing for Sydney in the evening.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned for its dry powder snow, vibrant village centres and famous hot spring towns like Noboribetsu and Jozankei. The new Qantas flights will also coincide with the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Return economy fares from Sydney to Sapporo will be available at www.qantas.com.

The new Sapporo service marks the airline’s fourth route to Japan, complementing double daily flights from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda and daily services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Tokyo Narita.

“We know Sapporo is an extremely popular winter destination for Aussies who love the snow and we’re excited to make it even easier for them to reach Hokkaido’s world-class ski resorts with a direct fight from Sydney," says Qantas CEO for International Cam Wallace.

“These new flights will save passengers hours of travel time compared to connecting in Tokyo or other cities and give them more time to enjoy on the slopes.

“We last flew to Sapporo in early-2020 and had extremely positive feedback from customers, so we’re looking forward to operating this route again.”