Bar Gyu

A gem that’s absolutely worth the wait!! Waited for about 20min around 7pm, but the vibes were immaculate inside — so glad we were patient. Drinks were incredible, I had the yuzu gin and tonic and loved it. Our group had one drink each and we were there for about an hour. Appreciate that they didn’t try to rush us out, but if you want to stay longer than that then you’ll likely need to order more drinks. A MUST!

The bar does not disappoint. Lining up on front of the fridge door, the waiting room and the fantastic cocktail. However once you are in with your cocktail in hand, there is not much else in terms that’d atmosphere … (hence the overall 4 stars). Very happy to have tried it. And the drinks and service are impeccable.

One of my favorite spots! My boyfriend and I lined up ~30 minutes before they opened, and we were seated quickly. They have two floors with about 70 seats total. It’s walking distance from downtown Hirafu, which made it a convenient spot to go to before and after dinner. They have a coat area to hang your layers so you’re not squished in your seat, and the staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The drinks were creative and delicious (my favorite was the Rita Sour, which I ordered three times!). The vibe was so cozy, and it was fun to watch the snow falling outside of the windows next to their record collection. We’d love to go here again next time we visit.

Came all the way from Otaru (1.5 hours) just to try this bar! it’s one of Asia’s Top 50 Bars and only open in winter! The cocktails were strong and full of flavor. Super chill atmosphere with lots of foreigners around. The snowy view outside the window made the whole experience even more special. Totally worth the visit!

Bar Gyu+, 11/10. Unlike any other cocktail bar I've been to. We visited in February and arrived shortly after it opened for the day, so we did have to wait ~60-90 minutes to get inside on a very chilly, snowy day, but all of that was forgotten and immediately worth it once we were inside. The space is incredible, so intimate & cozy. The cocktails are unique and tasty. From everyone in our group, it was unanimous that we all had the best shot we've ever had that day, some sort of cheesecake shot - we still talk about it and ask other bartenders if they know how to make it (no luck so far). We only went the one day, though if (when) we went back, I'd recommend going later in the evening after the upstairs portion is open and the line to get in moves more quickly.

Very chill and cool bar. There can be long lines to get in at varying times of day/night. The main bar opens at 1500hrs, but, they have an upstairs area that opens at 1800hrs also which helps mitigate the outside lines and wait time to get in. Inside, the space is quite cozy but the atmosphere is fun all around! Definitely recommend for a drop in for cocktails before dinner. This is the only place on niseko that serves an actual Bloody Mary, so if you are jonesing for one, this is the place to get it. Would definitely go back if given the opportunity!

Came here and lined up 30 minutes before opening and it was fantastic. The sun was setting and it was so pretty. We did have to ask to lower the blinds a few times. We were in the first seating and stayed for 1-2 hours. Lots of creative cocktails and our group tried many of them. I also bought one of the menus for 1000 yen since it was so cute and great memorabilia!

They have good selection of local whiskies, but unfortunately the cocktails are horrible. Their Old Fashioned was the worst I’ve ever had. The fridge-door entrance looks cool, but it’s absolutely not worth standing outside for an hour in freezing, snowy weather, especially when they have space inside the waiting area but still refuse to let people in. This place is overrated, overhyped, and totally not worth the time or money.