Zaborin is a secluded luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) hidden in the deep private forests of Hanazono in Hokkaido, part of the area spanning the resorts of Niseko. Inspired by the Zen ‘zazen’(坐禅), the name Zaborin (坐忘林) means “a place among the trees to sit and forget”. Amidst the encompassing beauty of its natural surroundings, Zaborin blends a tranquil, traditional Japanese experience with all the modern comforts and amenities, creating a refuge of simplicity and serenity.
Our stay was in mid-winter, when Zaborin was nestled in the snow-covered forests. It was snowy cold outside. Inside Zaborin was warm, inviting yet luxurious.
Traditional Japanese green tea and original Zaborin sweets are available at the Chanoza Alcove (茶の坐) on check-in.
The resort holds only 15 guest villas that reveres tranquility and privacy. Each villa has all the modern amenities as well as its own private indoor and outdoor onsens of natural Zabo spring water – with breathtaking unobstructed views.
All villas are named after a snowflake and identified by its own ‘kamon’ (crest).
Cuisine was also an important part of the Zaborin experience. Our dining was private, but rather than in the guest villa, it happened in the dining rooms.
Zaborin’s main dining area is divided into smaller rooms to offer varying views and experiences: from the view of beautiful wild-woods, small lake, to the Mt. Yotei in the distance.
Zaborin’s signature cuisine style is “a northern version of kaiseki, ‘kita-kaiseki‘, more tactile and ‘natural’ than the Kyoto kaiseki menus.” Hokkaido born executive chef, Yoshihiro Seno, emphasizes on “locality” by selecting the best seasonal produce from the region and locally foraged ingredients from the nearby woods for the menu.
Zaborin was definitely one of the best Ryokan stay we have ever had! The stunning design and architecture of the property, to the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature created an unforgettable experience. We had a bit of a journey to drive there in the snow but it was obsoletely worth it.
Stayed: November 2016
Zaborin Ryokan
76–4 Hanazano, Abuta-gun, Kutchan-cho, Hokkaido, Japan 044–0084
Phone: (International) +81-136-23-0003 (Domestic) 0136-23-0003
Email: info@zaborin.com
http://zaborin.com/en
Price: approx. ¥68,000~ per person, include kaiseki dinner & breakfast
