Our first full day in Niseko started slowly and beautifully.

We woke up to a wonderful breakfast at the hotel—one of those mornings where there’s no rush and the mountain is just sitting there waiting for you. After breakfast, Dakota and I grabbed our gear and headed out to see what skiing in Japan was all about.

And here was the surprise.

Skiing in Japan felt… exactly like skiing anywhere else.

For some reason I had imagined something dramatically different. But as Dakota and I cruised down the mountain, it felt a lot like Colorado or the French Alps—great snow, long runs, and the simple joy of carving down a big mountain with your kid.

At one point we skied down and suddenly there it was: The Park Hyatt Niseko.

Now if you know me, you know I love Hyatt properties. My first thought was immediate and predictable:

Why didn’t we stay here?

Then I remembered.

Because it’s $2,500 a night.

Still, Dakota and I decided to ski over and check it out. And that turned into one of the most delightful surprises of the day. We went inside and ordered Matcha, which already felt pretty perfect after a few hours on the slopes.

But then we noticed something unusual.

Instead of a water fountain…

They had an unlimited hot chocolate fountain.

Free.

Just walk up, grab a cup, and pour yourself some hot chocolate.

At that moment I thought, Okay… now I understand the $2,500 a night.

After our Matcha stop (and maybe a little hot chocolate), Dakota and I headed back out and skied for a few more hours. It was one of those easy ski days—no rushing, no agenda, just enjoying the mountain.

When we got back to the hotel we reunited with Wendy, who had spent the day in a completely different—but equally perfect—way. She had worked out in the morning and then spent the rest of the day relaxing, reading her book while looking out at the mountain. Not by the pool. Just quietly taking in the view.

That evening we bundled up and walked about half a mile to dinner at the Vail Bar & Grill, which felt like a funny little piece of Colorado tucked into northern Japan. The walk itself was part of the fun. Niseko has that cozy ski-town feel where wandering through little shops is half the experience.

Dinner was great, the walk back was even better, and by the time we returned we were tired in the best possible way.

Just a simple, lovely day in Japan.

Skiing with Dakota.

Matcha at a $2,500 hotel.

Hot chocolate fountains.

And a peaceful evening walk with Wendy.

Days like this are why we love traveling together.