Kawaakari at The Orchards is the Niseko chalet of Rajul Shah, an abstract artist based in Singapore and the U.S., known for her 2D Kintsugi paintings that blend layered colors with mixed media. Influenced by her studies at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art in Tokyo, her work explores resilience and renewal through Kintsugi’s philosophy. Her pieces adorn the three-bedroom chalet, infusing it with personal and artistic warmth.
From first snowfall to final farewell, MnK Niseko crafts more than a stay—at Kawaakari, light, warmth, and memories come together on a canvas you’ll want to return to, season after season.
An Inspired Stay
Each chalet at The Orchards has a unique name, and Kawaakari is no exception. The term describes the shimmering reflection of light on a river’s surface at dusk—an image that perfectly captures the serene beauty of this retreat.
Dusk is one of my favorite times of day, and the view from Kawaakari’s soaring windows on the high-ceilinged second floor is mesmerizing. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space quickly became our favorite gathering spot.
This haiku I wrote captures its magic:
Light enters, turning
Moments to eternity
Waning in the dark
Bathed in morning light or glowing at sunset, this space was where we laughed, danced, shared meals, held meetings, and unwound—watching skiing videos, Netflix series, or Tiny Desk concerts. Whether sipping coffee as snowflakes fell or heating up konbini and food truck takeout, we felt completely at home. The artist’s paintings inspired the space, adding warmth and creativity.
From the outside, Kawaakari’s blend of wood, glass, and stone is inviting. Its large windows offer a glimpse into the cozy interior, while from within, they frame breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains. As an artist’s retreat, the lighting is perfect, making the space especially enchanting at night. The snow-capped roof glows softly under the warm interior light, creating an inviting ambiance. Though we visited in winter, it’s easy to imagine how stunning it would be to watch the seasons change from here.
We booked our stay in January to experience Niseko’s legendary powder snow. The chalet, which sleeps up to eight, was just right for our group of seven. It features three bedrooms—one ensuite—and three bathrooms, two of which are on the entry level with Japanese-style baths.
The larger bath was a highlight. My fiancé, Carol and I enjoyed a soothing soak one evening after skiing, watching the snow fall—a truly indulgent moment. The chalet’s amenities were top-notch: fast Wi-Fi, a high-quality LCD TV and sound system, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine with a dryer, and excellent climate control with underfloor heating.
The first-floor drying room was well-designed, doubling as a space for ski gear and laundry. It had ample storage, making it easy to prep for the slopes and unwind afterward.
Painting the Experience
Booking with MnK was effortless, thanks to their attentive concierge and complimentary winter shuttle to Hirafu. The Orchards Niseko, an award-winning resort just minutes from Hirafu’s center, offers fully equipped chalets, an on-site restaurant, and seamless guest services. The staff shuttled us to the lifts with all our gear, picked us up whenever we wanted, and even took us on errands or out to dine—ensuring every outing was effortless.
One of our favorite memories was celebrating our friend’s son’s 15th birthday. After his first snowboard lesson with MnK Elevate Snowsports, he returned to our chalet for cake, calling it his best birthday ever.
MnK Niseko, founded in 2010, specializes in real estate, property management, and hospitality, offering services from rental bookings to EdVenture Kid’s camp program (summer and winter). Their concierge arranges lift passes, ski rentals, private transfers, and winter activities like snowshoeing and igloo building. Families can enjoy tailored guest services, while complimentary shuttles connect guests to Grand Hirafu.
On our last night, we dined at the on-site restaurant Caldera, a few steps away from our chalet. We enjoyed their chicken katsu with a citrusy twist and scallop tataki with ponzu. To end the evening, they offered us marshmallows to roast over an outdoor fire—a sweet farewell to our stay. From first snowfall to final farewell, MnK Niseko crafts more than a stay—at Kawaakari, light, warmth, and memories come together on a canvas you’ll want to return to, season after season.
