Niseko Confidential in Japan is back for the winter season – and its brand new neighbor Tepache has joined the party, bringing all things agave to Niseko. With concepts and drinks developed by award-winning sister bar Tokyo Confidential, each venue brings its own brand of creative cocktails, delightful chaos and cheeky après ski fun to the renowned resort town.
Tepache – Tequila + Tepache
Just steps from the slopes and next door to Niseko Confidential, Tepache will be opening 12 December for its first winter season. Taking its name from the fermented pineapple beverage that originated in Mexico, Tepache is a celebration of agave, bold flavors and good times in the heart of Hirafu. From tequila to mezcal and raicilla, Tepache boasts Hokkaido‘s largest agave collection, and also showcases lesser known Mexican spirits.
Niseko Confidential – Tuna Carpaccio
The “Starters” section includes tequila and mezcal pours complemented by the bar’s namesake Tepache, Sangrita or grilled pineapple, while a list of expertly crafted cocktails accompanies the spirit list. Ranging from highball-style drinks to shaken citrus-forward and strong spirit-forward serves, highlights from the drinks menu include Tepache Highball, with Tequila, house-made Umeshu and fermented Tepache soda, the Signature Margarita with Tequila, Cointreau, Niagara wine syrup, yuzu and lime, and Adios Mr Spalding, a nod to one of sister bar Tokyo Confidential’s previous “Second Base” signature drinks with fermented strawberry, Mezcal, sweet vermouth and Scarlett Amaro.
Chef Rene Baez is helming the culinary direction for Tepache, developing a selection of modern Mexican dishes with two sharing-style menus with five or seven courses on offer. Known for his creative Cali-Mex style cuisine, Chef Rene has been shaking up Tokyo’s food scene for the past four years at Chelas, where he built a following by mixing San Diego roots with Mexican family recipes.
Celebrated for his role in helping to push modern Mexican cooking forward in Japan, Chef Rene brings that same passion and creativity to Niseko at Tepache, where his menu ranges from sharing-friendly bites such as Ceviche and Al Pastor Fries, with mains including classic favorites like enchiladas and tacos.
Niseko Confidential – Arancini
His move from Tokyo to Hokkaido marks an exciting new chapter and an opportunity to merge the vibrancy of Mexican cooking with the local ingredients and energy of Niseko’s international dining scene.
Known as a must-visit destination for craft cocktails, curated dining offerings and cozy house party vibes in Hirafu, Niseko Confidential reopens for the season on 13 December. Bringing back favorites from last season – and of course the shotskis – drinks highlights include the Gingerbread Old Fashioned with bourbon and warming spices of gingerbread, and the Tokyo Banana Colada, with banana, pineapple, salted milk and umami bitters with rum.
Niseko Confidential Tepache Hokkaido
Niseko Confidential offers à la carte snacks and drinks for après ski from 3 – 5PM, with two seatings for its prix fixe fine dining menu at 5PM and 7:30PM. Dinner menus include the Petite 4-course menu (¥17,600), the Signature 6-course menu (¥19,800) and the indulgent Premium 6-Course Menu (¥39,600); a 3-course kids menu is also available. Menus will evolve depending on market availability to highlight the season’s freshest flavors, with sample dishes such as Spicy Scallop Crispy Rice, Tuna Carpaccio and Hokkaido A5 Wagyu Filet. Providing a truly luxurious dining experience, the Premium menu features exquisite add-ons such as caviar, Hokkaido uni, shaved truffle, and foie gras offering an elevated take on the signature course menu.
