Japan Skiing
Where to stay when visiting Niseko Japan
If you are considering skiing in Japan for the first time this coming northern winter you can’t go past Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan’s north island.
Niseko is located approximately 2.5 hours drive from Sapporo’s New-Chitose airport. Access to Sapporo airport is commonly via a domestic flight from Haneda airport in Tokyo. The only draw-back about access to Niseko is all international flights into Tokyo actually come in to Narita International airport which is a 1 hour bus ride across Tokyo from Haneda (the transfer between airports can add several hours to your journey particularly if your domestic flight doesn’t align with your international flight and bus transfer). If you have the option of flying via Hong Kong, there are a limited number of direct international flights into Sapporo New-Chitose airport.
The bus ride from Sapporo to Niseko is relatively painless. The roads are pretty straight and there are very few hills to climb and descend as Niseko base camp is about the same altitude as the airport.
There is a diverse range of accommodation in Niseko and the first decision you will need to make is which village to stay in. There are four distinct areas; Hirafu Village, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama), Annupuri and Hanazono.
If you are not big on nightlife and want access to some of the best powder Niseko has to offer, Annupuri is a great option. Often during a storm the link between the other ski areas and Annupuri are closed keeping the crowds away from this little powder paradise. It also has some of the best onsens (Japanese hot springs) in the area.
Hirafu is the main village where you will find the parties with dozens of restaurants and bars. It also has the greatest range of accommodation in Niseko. This is by far the most popular area to stay for international guests.
Niseko Village is located between Hirafu and Annupuri and most trails in this area are suited to beginners. Accommodation is limited to one large 4-star hotel; the Niseko Village Hilton.
Lastly, and up-and-coming hub for Niseko is the Hanazono village. This area was purchased several years ago by an Australian consortium and at the time consisted of little more than a day centre. Today it is a hub of activity with restaurants, bars and a variety of accommodations.
Wherever you decide to stay, you will be able to easily access Nisekos world famous deep, deep powder!
About the Author
For more information about Portillo & Portillo Hotel , Visit http://www.powderhounds.com/
Japan Level 1 Ski Trip
|
|
Skying $7.75 Southend England’s The Horrors present their third studio album. After releasing their sophomore album, Primary Colours (produced by Portishead’s Geoff Barrow), in May 2009, NME made it a point to ask, “Is The Horrors’ Primary Colours The Most Remarkable Second Album Reinvention Ever?” It seems so judging from the critical reaction and adoring fans who came out in droves to see The Horrors on tour… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Mt Yotei – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Boarder Cross Race Annpurri 19-3-2006 – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Warren Miller’s Playground [Blu-ray] $10.81 Warren Miller’s 58th feature film, Playground , is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. It illustrates treacherous descents and fearless cliff jumps, in locales like Alaska, Sweden, Japan, Dubai and more. The high-voltage soundtrack includes music by Radio Citizen, Maroon 5, Beastie Boys and Queens of the Stone Age…. |
|
|
Patagonia Signatures: A Snowboard, No-Board, Ski & Drop-Knee Film $22.95 From the orange and gold leaves of fall to the pink cherry blossoms of spring, Signatures follows an entire winter deep in the backcountry woods of Hokkaido, Japan. From deliciously deep January blower to April corn, we bring you a film about expression and the art of riding on snow. Every turn has a personality, and every personality has its own unique style: the air, the smear, the spin, the g… |
|
|
POD Portable Personal Oxygen Device O2 Dispenser $19.50 “POD Portable Personal Oxygen Device O2 Dispenser. POD was created with the dream of creating a portable personal oxygen device, POD┢, to rejuvenate and energize the body naturally. A POD provides the body’s cells with what they really crave: OXYGEN! No calories, preservatives or supplements. Take a POD break. . Why use a POD? You may be in excellent physical shape, or not. You may be old or y… |
