Small Luxury Hotels of the World Signs First Property in Sapporo, Japan

(11 Nov 2021)  Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has signed its first property in Sapporo, Japan.

The Chalet Ivy Jozankei is located in Sapporo’s hot spring resort town of Jozankei, on the banks of Toyohira River and amidst the dense forest of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Bryan Fuji Yamase, General Manager at Chalet Ivy Jozankei, said, “Our property opened in Jozankei Onsen two years ago with the ambitious goal of becoming the highest-grade hotel in Hokkaido. It is a tremendous honor to be an SLH member, and being part of SLH’s brand network gives us the opportunity to make our hotel known internationally. We look forward to welcoming guests across the globe to visit Sapporo and staying with us at Chalet Ivy Jozankei.”

The ryokan-style hotel’s minimalist design blends Japanese tradition and luxury with every modern convenience.

Spread over 5 floors, Chalet Ivy Jozankei’s twenty-six suites are divided into four room types ranging from 67 to 137sqm.

Living Room of a Deluxe Corner Suite at the Chalet Ivy Jozankei in Sapporo, Japan

Every room has its own private tenboburo (an onsen bath with a view of Jozankei area) in addition to a public rotenburo (outdoor onsen).

Drawn directly from the Toyohira River, the water from these sodium chloride springs is transparent and contains natural salts that softens the skin and leaves one feeling warm for quite a while afterward.

Spring water temperatures are about 60 to 80 degrees Celsius at source and adjusted daily at the hotel according to conditions such as the season, weather and air temperature to provide a comfortable bathing experience.

To fully immerse in the wellness experience, in-house Spa Nikur’s unique “Tea-Nature-Aroma” signature program incorporates the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people and natural features of the land to help with healing and relaxation.

Meals served at Dining ZUI are prepared by Executive Chef Takuya Ito, who has served as the official residence chef of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and head chef at Kyoto Nadaman.

Chef Ito’s dishes are best paired with Hokkaido wines and popular Japanese sakes recommended by the hotel’s senior sommelier Kenta Kawaguchi.

The hotel is also furnished with a 24-hour lounge, cigar room and a mini theater that can be booked for private use.

Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said, “We are delighted to have Chalet Ivy Jozankei join the SLH brand. Our network of 13 member hotels is well-distributed throughout Japan offering a range of varied local experiences. The country is also one of the most in-demand destinations for SLH members. Chalet Ivy Jozankei will no doubt provide an ideal holiday option and a good complement to our current member hotels in Niseko to create a Hokkaido itinerary as we approach this winter season - its location is perfect for those who want to enjoy snow activities at nearby ski resorts such as the Sapporo International Ski Resort during the day and enjoy the hot springs at night.”

One special annual winter event for travellers to look forward to is “Jozankei yukitoro” (path of snow lanterns).

Held during the early part of February over five days at the Jozankei Shrine just a few steps away from Chalet Ivy Jozankei, 2,000 snow lanterns illuminate the area creating a fairytale-like winter atmosphere.

Local residents purchase a snow lantern for 500 yen, write their wishes on the surface of the wax lantern and light up a candle. It is believed that if the candle does not blow out before they carry it to the Snow Tower, their wishes will one day come true.