{"id":67714,"date":"2025-02-21T00:00:51","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T00:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/abitazione-a-curated-experience-in-florence-by-this-time-tomorrow-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-02-21T08:49:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T08:49:35","slug":"kawaakari-at-the-orchards-an-artists-retreat-in-niseko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/kawaakari-at-the-orchards-an-artists-retreat-in-niseko\/","title":{"rendered":"Kawaakari at The Orchards: An Artist’s Retreat in Niseko"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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\u2019s Tyler School of Art in Tokyo, her work explores resilience and renewal through Kintsugi\u2019s philosophy. Her pieces adorn the three-bedroom chalet, infusing it with personal and artistic warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From first snowfall to final farewell, MnK Niseko crafts more than a stay\u2014at Kawaakari, light, warmth, and memories come together on a canvas you\u2019ll want to return to, season after season.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

An Inspired Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each chalet at The Orchards has a unique name, and Kawaakari<\/em> is no exception. The term describes the shimmering reflection of light on a river\u2019s surface at dusk\u2014an image that perfectly captures the serene beauty of this retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dusk is one of my favorite times of day, and the view from Kawaakari\u2019s soaring windows on the high-ceilinged second floor is mesmerizing. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space quickly became our favorite gathering spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This haiku I wrote captures its magic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light enters, turning<\/em>
Moments to eternity<\/em>
Waning in the dark<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bathed in morning light or glowing at sunset, this space was where we laughed, danced, shared meals, held meetings, and unwound\u2014watching skiing videos, Netflix series, or Tiny Desk concerts. Whether sipping coffee as snowflakes fell or heating up konbini<\/em> and food truck takeout, we felt completely at home. The artist\u2019s paintings inspired the space, adding warmth and creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From the outside, Kawaakari\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s easy to imagine how stunning it would be to watch the seasons change from here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We booked our stay in January to experience Niseko\u2019s legendary powder snow. The chalet, which sleeps up to eight, was just right for our group of seven. It features three bedrooms\u2014one ensuite\u2014and three bathrooms, two of which are on the entry level with Japanese-style baths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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