Maya

Maya is currently building on her experience working gained on the Ki Niseko Fornt Desk, in the An Dining team as a restaurant server. Her bubbly personality and infectious smile makes her a great fit for the role.

What I love most about Niseko is meeting people from all over Japan and the world. Niseko attracts individuals with diverse experiences, and I find it incredibly stimulating and inspiring.

One of Niseko’s greatest charms is its small-town atmosphere, which makes it easy to build deep connections with others. When I first arrived for the season three years ago, I didn’t know anyone, but now I have friends throughout Kutchan and Niseko.

I especially enjoy spending summer by the river or sea with friends who share my hobbies, and in winter, I love skiing, snowboarding, and exploring local cafés.

What I appreciate most about the New Graduate Program is the opportunity to apply the experience gained from different roles to my next job. I became a full-time staff member at An Dining in November last year, and the six months I spent working at Ki Niseko’s front desk as a graduate trainee have been incredibly valuable in my current role.

Understanding how a hotel operates from a front desk perspective and learning the importance of collaboration with other departments, such as the restaurant, has been extremely beneficial for my career development. This experience will undoubtedly continue to support me in my future work.

Additionally, one of the greatest benefits of the New Graduate Program has been the friendships I’ve formed with colleagues of the same age. Having friends to share daily experiences, work-related challenges, and advice with has been a tremendous source of encouragement. It’s incredibly motivating to be in an environment where I can think, "That person is working hard, so I should work hard too."

If you're unsure about coming to Niseko, I highly recommend visiting at least once, even if only for a short time. When I was a university student, I also had doubts about whether I should come, but I decided to apply for internships and resort jobs.

At first, I was surprised by how different Niseko’s environment was from my hometown, Sapporo—even though both are in Hokkaido. However, I ended up learning far more than I had imagined, from improving my English in a multicultural setting to building meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

By experiencing Niseko firsthand, you can see if it’s the right fit for you and discover the unique opportunities it has to offer.

This winter, after completing the New Graduate Program, I will begin working as a full-time staff member at An Dining. The work is very different from front desk operations, and there is a lot to learn, but I truly enjoy each day because I am working in a restaurant—something I have always wanted to do.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue improving my English while developing the skills and professionalism required for restaurant staff. I would also love to gain experience working at the bar or as a barista, aiming to become a versatile team member who can contribute in a variety of roles.