NOT A HOTEL has officially opened sales for fractional ownership of its newest luxury property, RUSUTSU, featuring a stunning 2,574-square-meter villa designed by renowned Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta. Located at the summit of Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, Japan, this mountaintop retreat is scheduled to open in spring 2029 and represents the company's largest property to date. The villa offers guests direct access to Rusutsu's pristine ski slopes while providing breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Yotei, often referred to as the "Mount Fuji of Hokkaido."
Snøhetta's architectural design is centered around the concept of "the zenith," representing the highest point in the sky above a specific location, which serves as both an architectural metaphor and spatial strategy for the entire structure. The villa is thoughtfully organized around a central courtyard, with the layout seamlessly transitioning between vibrant communal areas, private guest rooms, and comprehensive wellness facilities. These wellness amenities include a fully equipped gym, traditional sauna, and an impressive series of both indoor and outdoor bathing facilities that take advantage of the mountain setting.
The architectural team at Snøhetta has created the villa using two slender, stacked volumes constructed from reinforced concrete that curve gracefully toward Mount Yotei, effectively echoing the surrounding mountain ranges and complementing the triangular shape of the building site. The interior features a expansive 400-square-meter living and dining space that is dramatically defined by a suspended chimney and strategically placed skylights that frame views of the sky above. A sophisticated lounge area positioned above the main living space offers unobstructed views of the volcanic peak, while the bathing areas range from an open-air infinity pool to intimate, cave-like meditation baths that have been carefully carved from stone.
The upper level of the villa houses a luxurious primary suite along with three well-appointed guest rooms, each featuring private bathrooms with high-end finishes. A dedicated ski lounge provides direct access to the resort's slopes and includes ample space for equipment storage, making it convenient for guests to transition from the villa to the mountainside. The design ensures that both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation can enjoy the property's amenities without compromise.
Rusutsu Resort is strategically positioned within the pristine Shikotsu-Toya National Park, approximately 90 minutes from Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. The resort receives an impressive average of 14 meters of snowfall annually, establishing it as one of Japan's premier ski destinations with 37 diverse runs spread across three mountains. This substantial snowfall and varied terrain attract skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world.
Beyond its winter appeal, the mountaintop location of NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU has been specifically designed to embrace and celebrate the area's dramatically shifting seasonal landscapes throughout the year. Guests can experience everything from lush green summer expanses that stretch across the mountainous terrain to mysterious horizons veiled in clouds during transitional seasons, ensuring that the property offers a unique and memorable experience regardless of when visitors choose to stay.
