FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISCOVER NISEKO VILLAGE'S BEST-KEPT SUMMER SECRETS

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 2015: Niseko Village, the internationally acclaimed powder mecca of Japan, has thawed into a stunning countryside and in full summer mode for outdoor enthusiasts and gourmet travellers alike. Located in Hokkaido, Niseko is one of Japan's best-kept secrets as a green season destination where snowboards and skis are traded for summer gear that includes bicycles, hiking shoes and golf clubs, and where fields and local farmers' markets explode in riotous colour from now until November.

Niseko is fast gaining recognition as an endurance sports paradise offering endless alpine scenery, pristine caldera lakes, lush forests and quiet roads for major marathons and cycling events, including the Ironman Japan Triathlon that draws athletes from around the world annually. Miles of footpaths and trekking mountain trails around Niseko offer countless vantage points to admire the magnificent scenery while the Shiribetsu River allows for some of the best whitewater rafting and fly fishing in Asia.

PURE at Niseko Village, a nature activity centre located at Hilton Niseko Village's doorstep, features Japan's longest zip line tour, tree trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hot air ballooning as some of the key attractions, including a number of activities to delight kids. Avid golfers would be pleased to know that Niseko Village boasts two world-class golf courses – awarded as Japan's Best Golf Course, Niseko Village Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 73 course, offering well-manicured greens and immaculate fairways bordered by a silver birch forest while 20 minutes away, the Arnold Palmer-designed Niseko Golf Course is one of Hokkaido's most challenging courses surrounded by unmistakable Niseko scenery.

Niseko Village is proud to be the venue co-host for Cow Parade Niseko 2015 Opening Party on 3 July 2015 at the heart of the village where paved intimate walkways are flanked by contemporary shopping and dining concepts inspired by traditional Japanese machiya architecture. Cow Parade is the largest public art event in the world and this year, Niseko will become the 81st host for a total of 47 life-size decorated model cows that will be displayed around Niseko from June to October 2015.  

Flanked by the chilly Seas of Japan and Okhotsk, it comes as no surprise that seafood, particularly crab, features strongly in Hokkaido cuisine and is celebrated at all dining outlets within Niseko Village alongside with a plethora of local produce proudly cultivated by nearly 5,000 farmers and fruit growers. For those seeking fresh produce, Michi-no-eki or the Niseko View Plaza farmers' market displays a selection of vegetables and seasonal specialities such as Hokkaido pearl corn, prized melons raised by hand or local Danshaku and Kita Akari potatoes.

Niseko Village is a convenient accommodation base from which to explore the diverse outdoor activities and culinary offerings with incredible Mount Yotei views. The recently launched Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse comprises of eight luxurious three-bedroom townhouses that embodies traditional Japanese architectural charm with bespoke interiors, personalised services and priority privileges while Hilton Niseko Village offers facilities such as onsen, Wakka Spa, Kids Room, Hilton Fitness, restaurants and bars, as well as meeting and function spaces. Contemporary shopping and dining concepts within the village complements and allows for a seamless access between mountain adventures and indoor diversions, day and night.

Niseko Village is well served by the New Chitose Airport, the largest commercial airport in Hokkaido, operating a large number of both domestic and international flights on a daily basis. With the new route expansion news to Chitose from AirAsia X, travellers from Kuala Lumpur will enjoy a direct connection four times weekly from 1 October 2015 – perfect timing for the annual Niseko Halloween Party, the Mikaku Fiesta in Hilton Niseko Village or to book your white season adventure from 1 December 2015.

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About Niseko Village

Nestled at the south base of the 1308m Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village sits within the Niseko United ski area that accesses inter-linked ski resorts boasting a combined 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Often compared to world-class ski resorts like Aspen in Colorado and Niseko's sister city, St. Moritz in Switzerland, Niseko Village comprises of eight exclusive Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse that redefines alpine living, Hilton Niseko Village – voted 'Best Ski Resort Hotel in Japan' by World Ski Awards 2013 and 2014, The Green Leaf Niseko Village, spa and onsen facilities, a dining and retail village hub, the Niseko Village skifield - renowned for its dry champagne powder at low-altitude, variety of ski terrains, the world-class Niseko Village Snow School and Niseko Kids™ programmes.

In summer, the resort transforms into a popular destination with two highly acclaimed golf courses including one designed by Arnold Palmer, an outdoor Pure at Niseko Village nature park and a host of active pursuits. Set in stunning landscapes of timeless beauty all year round, Niseko Village is always in season. Visit www.niseko-village.com for reservations or to find out the latest happenings and events at Niseko Village.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train.

2014 brought the launch of Kasara, a new brand of luxury accommodation offering bespoke, one-of-a-kind experiences in Niseko Village. In 2015, the group welcomes their latest addition, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in the city to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World's collection of legendary hotels. Set in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site, this unique heritage gem exclusively offers the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom.

With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information.

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FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Luke Hurford

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Email: lhurford@ytlhotels.com.my

Serena Tog 

Director – Marketing & Communications

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Tel: +60 18 799 9007