The new Hirafu gondola restaurant at the Ace Gondola Summit Station is set to open in December 2025, in time for the 2025–26 winter season. Located on the second floor of the station, the restaurant will build on the upgrades introduced last winter, when the Ace Gondola began operation.
At 813 metres above sea level, the restaurant will serve as a convenient stop for skiers and snowboarders travelling up the gondola. A terrace is also planned which will provide views across the mountain, including Mt. Yotei on clear days. Inside, guests will find an open kitchen and a bar counter designed for quick meals, coffee, or a well earned ski break.
The project also incorporates elements of Grand Hirafu’s history. Chairs from the “Center Four” lift, which closed after the 2023–24 season, are being reused as part of the seating. Sustainability has been a focus throughout the design process, with reclaimed and eco-friendly materials chosen for both the interior and exterior.
By opening the Hirafu gondola restaurant, Grand Hirafu will add another facility to the summit station, making it easier for guests to pause without heading back to the base area. It will offer a mix of indoor and outdoor seating and is expected to become a straightforward meeting point during the ski day.
Scheduled for completion in December 2025, the new Ace Gondola Summit Station restaurant will give visitors another way to experience the mountain. The Hirafu gondola restaurant in Niseko will provide a practical dining option in a location that reflects both the resort’s recent developments and its long-standing connection to Niseko’s alpine environment.
Source: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
