SKIING IN JAPAN

For February half Term we took our chance to try something new.

As you may know, as a family are pretty keen on skiing, also to the point that we have also created a SkiFit package that helps people make the most of their time on the slopes.

It also seemed like a good time before our son gets into the cycle of GCSE and then A Level exams.

Skiing in Japan

We went for the off piste powder conditions - but enjoyed so much more as part of the whole experience.

We stayed in the Niseko resort on the the island of Hokkaido which gave us access to 'One Mountain, Four Resorts' of Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono.

With the assistance of our guide we also visited Moiwa Ski and Kiroro Ski areas that are close to Niseko but are run separately.

As a resort, Niseko has a very international feel with plenty of Kiwi, Aussie and American accents heard in the shops, restaurants and on the slopes.

Unsurprisingly there was plenty of choice of restaurants for all budgets from local cuisine (which was excellent) to a variety of food trucks offering anything from Sushi, pizzas, tacos and curry's. There as also a busy convenience store in the heart of the resort for those in self catered accommodation (as we were).

The Skiing...

The powder was awesome.

Be it skiing between the trees or going through the 'Gates' that are regulated off piste areas. I certainly would not go through the Gates without a guide and the avalanche packs that were provided.

There are plenty of pisted slopes - though I have to admit we hardly skied on them as we could ultimately ski on pistes back in Europe.

In some resorts the queues can take a while if you hit them at the wrong time. Fortunately this only happened to us once; where we had to queue for 30 odd minutes.

This is where having a guide really comes into it's own- along with the safety element.

With 5 days skiing and want to get the best conditions we barely touched the resorts of Niseko, Hirafu and Hanazono- but that gives us a reason to come back. Similarly, the time spent in Kiroro was largely touring so there's a lot more to explore there too.

Onsens

This felt a uniquely Japanese experience; hot baths, saunas, cold water pools in the snow. Depending on where you go their clothing rules will vary, as will the costs. Certainly worth knowing what the rules are before you go to an onsen.

We all certainly felt it helped our muscle soreness and recovery the next day.

Tokyo - A Flying Visit

Our travel plans meant we had an afternoon / evening on arrival and before departure in Tokyo. Staying at the airport was convenient for both flights and getting in to the city via the monorail and underground.

We only scratched the surface of this amazing city but managed to make the most of our time

Took in the night scene around Shinjinku
Explored Don Quijote store- to find some 'interesting things'
Gamed in one of the many 'stores'
Survived the Shibua crossing whilst exploring the local area
Visited a Maid Cafe
Found local restaurants
Missed the Imperial Palace as it was shut (!)
Failed to get up a viewing tower to see the sky line

A total of 24 hours is certainly not enough time in Tokyo with so much of the history and culture to explore. For some of the attractions like the Cat Cafe or the Capybara Cafe we just weren't that organised. In truth I'd have wanted to visit a museum to learn a bit more about Sumo wresting, the Ninja and Samuri culture but that can wait until next time as well.

Tips if Your Thinking of Planning a Trip

It's a long way to go for a week of skiing - But Worth It