If you are in Japan you have to try sushi. Beautifully prepared and plated as only the Japanese can do. One of my favourite sushi haunts in Niseko is Shokusai Hirafu. Located in the Alpen Hotel in the upper village. A hop, skip and jump from the bottom of the Ace Quad Chair. The perfect place to grab a bite to eat for lunch and rest your weary legs after a morning spent carving up the snow.

It’s intimate, traditional and uncrowded. A largely Japanese clientele. Always a good sign. Fresh seafood is delivered daily from local fisheries and transformed into mouth-watering delicate and delicious sushi and sashimi.  And another secret? Shokusai also serves a stunning seafood tempura.

Today our selections from the lunch menu included a sushi plate and assorted tempura. The Nagomi Sushi Plate  was served with ten different tastes of the sea.  Big-eye tuna, salmon, squid, mackerel, scallop, octopus, sweet shrimp, egg omelette, salmon roe and flying fish roe. And a side serving of a clam, miso soup. In a word. Exquisite.

Tempura of local seafood  and vegetables including prawn, squid, cod fish, pumpkin, potato, capsicum and eggplant was just as delicious. Served with small side dishes of pickle, miso soup, rice and salad.