Finding Comfort in Nature: An Eco-Lifestyle in Niseko— The N Family × Shinozaki Architectural Design Office
Mt. Yotei, called “Makkari-nupuri” in the Ainu language (Photo courtesy of Mr. N)
The photo shows Mt. Yotei during snowmelt, taken by Mr. N. His home stands in a location where this magnificent view spreads out before them. Capturing the beautiful changing seasons with his camera is one of Mr. N’s pleasures.
The couple requested a large living room window to take in the view of Mt. Yotei
Niseko Town is a popular relocation destination for those who dream of living with a view of Mt. Yotei. Mr. and Mrs. N moved from Aichi Prefecture and built their home with design and construction by Shinozaki Architectural Design Office (Sapporo’s Nishi Ward). Since 2018, they have enjoyed their second life here.
We visited their home in late October 2024, just before winter arrived.
A Lifestyle in Harmony with Nature, Inspired by Belgium
Mr. N, who had worked as an engineer at an automobile manufacturer in Aichi, began yearning for rural living after being stationed in Belgium.
Mr. N:
“At first, I felt inconvenienced—shops weren’t open on weekends, for example. But as I saw how locals finished work on time and spent their evenings strolling in nature or visiting the forest, enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, I felt it was truly rich. It completely changed my outlook on life. After returning to Japan, I started thinking that I wanted to spend my later years living close to nature.”
Winter—The N residence at night with Mt. Niseko Annupuri (Photo courtesy of Mr. N)
The couple considered Nagano or Hokkaido for a rural lifestyle. While traveling in Hokkaido, they spotted a “Land for Sale” sign in Niseko and inquired about it. They were introduced to this plot of land. They couldn’t decide immediately, so they returned to Aichi—but eventually decided to purchase the land first. That was in 2006.
Later, Mr. N took early retirement at age 55 and applied for a position with a regional revitalization team in nearby Kyogoku Town. After completing his term and returning briefly to Aichi, he picked up a housing magazine. He was captivated by the atmosphere of a home featured from Shinozaki Architectural Design Office and reached out—this marked the beginning of their home-building journey in Niseko.
Compact Yet Generous—A Rich Life Heated by a Wood Stove
The custom cabinetry facing the dining area is made of Yakushima cedar. The dining table is Mr. N’s DIY project, created with leftover cedar.
The first floor features an open atrium. Large windows face the garden and connect to a terrace that leads out to the deck.
The home accommodates three people—Mr. N, his wife, and his wife’s mother. Wanting a compact home, they omitted a separate living room, making the dining table facing the large window overlooking Mt. Yotei the central gathering place for the family.
In summer, the wooden deck becomes an outdoor living room. They even built a pizza oven beside the deck to enjoy outdoor-style meals.
Mrs. N working in the kitchen, where she served delicious coffee.
Mrs. N says she feels relaxed when she looks up from her work in the kitchen and catches sight of Mt. Yotei.
A Vermont Castings wood stove was installed beside the staircase leading to the second floor. This stove is the sole source of heating. Warm air rises through the atrium and heats the upstairs as well. Although they installed an air conditioner for Mrs. N’s mother to use when she’s home alone, it is rarely needed.
The room behind the noren curtain, past the corridor on the first floor, is the mother’s bedroom. The layout provides easy access to the bathroom and water facilities.
Bathroom with a view of Mt. Niseko Annupuri
At the top of the stairs, a spacious free area provides ample storage. Mrs. N, who is also a yoga instructor, uses the space for online lessons, and Mr. N practices tennis swings there.
Mrs. N:
“Doing yoga with the scenery visible through the window feels amazing, and the online lessons I stream with this background are very well received.”
In addition, the second floor includes the couple’s bedroom, which doubles as a study and walk-in closet.
Shared Values with Shinozaki Architectural Design Office—Homes in Harmony with Nature
From the right: Mr. N, Mrs. N, and Mr. Hirokazu Shinozaki, representative of Shinozaki Architectural Design Office
Along with his longing for rural life, Mr. N hoped to live in a way that placed minimal burden on nature. During his career, he worked in the company’s social contribution division, participating in drought relief volunteer work, forest maintenance, and growing pesticide-free vegetables at a community garden.
Mr. N:
“For our home, we wanted to minimize environmental impact and ensure high insulation for comfortable living. Homes by Mr. Shinozaki offer excellent insulation and airtight performance and use natural wood-fiber insulation. Both the exterior and interior incorporate natural materials such as wood and plaster finishes. I was drawn to their philosophy of building ‘authentic homes’ with materials that can return to the earth even if the house is dismantled decades later. That’s why we felt confident entrusting the project to them.”
Photo courtesy of Mr. N
Mrs. N:
“Even when it’s freezing outside and everything is covered in snow, the indoor temperature is warmer than when we lived in Aichi. My mother and I stay very comfortable. We only fire the wood stove once in the evening, yet by morning the temperature is still 18–19°C. Watching the flames is deeply soothing. We cook with it too—grilling fish and pizza, simmering beans, and more.”
Mr. Shinozaki:
“Wood-fiber insulation has high heat storage capacity and helps reduce environmental impact. The radiant heat of a wood stove emits far-infrared warmth that gently heats both the home and its occupants, and the warmth dissipates slowly. In a well-insulated home, we design layouts that help circulate this heat efficiently.”
A large harvest of edible ground cherries from the garden—sweet, orange fruits that taste delicious even when eaten fresh.
Mr. N grows pesticide-free vegetables in the garden on their property, and Mrs. N enjoys cooking and making preserved foods from the harvest.
Mrs. N:
“We grow so many vegetables that we often share them with neighbors, but even then we have more than enough, so we preserve them in jars. I also make a variety of foods—miso from organic soybeans, cheese, smoked foods, soba noodles, yogurt, umeboshi, and more.”
During winter, when there is no garden work, Mr. N spends time on his hobby—leathercraft. He makes notebook covers and tissue box covers to give to friends. President Shinozaki also uses a notebook cover gifted by Mr. N.
The snow shovel carport is also Mr. N’s handmade creation.
Along with gardening and DIY projects, Mr. N recently joined the local tennis association and started playing tennis. He also participates in study groups focused on environmental issues, deepening connections within the community.
Mrs. N continues to interact with people living far away through her online yoga classes, aromatherapy studies, and nine-star ki astrology.Her mother enjoys gardening, handicrafts, and weekly exercise sessions at her day-service program—spending peaceful days in her own rhythm.
The ecological, nature-centered lifestyle that Mr. and Mrs. N have realized in Niseko serves as wonderful inspiration for anyone considering a similar move.
Interview conducted in October 2024
Shinozaki Architec Office（シノザキ建築事務所）
Homes Where Nature Flows Through
With a design that circulates radiant heat throughout every corner of the home, top-level performance, and a commitment to natural materials, this patented Radiant Circulation Housing System achieves groundbreaking efficiency in heating and cooling. The company’s representative and first-class architect, Mr. Shinozaki, is himself a relocator from Tokyo. Many long-term homeowners praise the firm for its strong ability to propose lifestyle-centered design solutions—hallmarks of true craftsmanship.
【Address】5-3-7-12 Hachiken Higashi, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
【Phone】011-643-1698
【Official Website】https://s-machi.com/
【Service Area】Sapporo, Kitahiroshima, Eniwa, Chitose, Tomakomai, Niseko, Nanporo, Naganuma, Ebetsu, Iwamizawa, Otaru
For inquiries to Shinozaki Architectural Office, please click here.
Niseko Town, Hokkaido
Niseko Town in Hokkaido, located about a two-hour drive from Sapporo, is an agricultural community surrounded by magnificent natural scenery. In summer, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, rafting, and camping. From Niseko Annupuri, which rises to an elevation of 1,308 meters, there are sweeping views of Mt. Yotei—often called the “Ezo Fuji”—as well as the distant Sea of Japan.
In winter, travelers from around the world flock to Niseko in search of its exceptional powder snow, and the area’s international reputation continues to grow. Local specialties include fresh regional vegetables, with potatoes being a standout. Popular as a place to relocate, Niseko also offers a wide range of municipal services, including business start-up support and lifestyle trial programs.
