Kimamaya is the Japanese word for 'be yourself' and there, you can do just that. This nine-room retreat to help guests get closer to the beauty of Niseko, one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts. Hokkaido star architect Koichi Ishiguro focused on using sustainable, renewable and recyclable materials, as well as the original wooden framework to retain the history of the building. Throughout the hotel, Japanese design holds hands with Scandinavian influences, creating spaces that are soothing and simple. Kimamaya Boutique Hotel’s Hokkaido mountain location isn’t only appealing in winter. In the summer and fall, pristine trails and mountain biking tracks snake through the surrounding pine forests.