Japan 2014/15

Hi guys,

My mate and I have made a last minute change of plans and are now looking at going to Niseko for around the last week of Jan to 1st week of Feb 2015.

Can anyone recommend some cheapish/middle priced accomodation or what sites are good to find them?

We’ve been to Japow before but not to the Niseko area and will be checking out some of the other resorts in the area also.

Thanks for the advice. 

bracer - 06 October 2014 10:52 PM

Hi guys,

My mate and I have made a last minute change of plans and are now looking at going to Niseko for around the last week of Jan to 1st week of Feb 2015.

Can anyone recommend some cheapish/middle priced accomodation or what sites are good to find them?

We’ve been to Japow before but not to the Niseko area and will be checking out some of the other resorts in the area also.

Thanks for the advice. 

Hi Bracer,

I stay at Lodge Koropokkuru - it ain’t fancy at all but in a great location in upper hirafu. You can book them through skijapan.com - check out their site! It’s who I book through…

Thanks for that!! wow, didn’t realise it would be sooo late for making bookings as in not many rooms left. Got some sorted tho so all good.

Niseko for a week from the 25/1/15, then a few days at Rusutsu, then a few days at Furano, then a night at Sapporo for the ice festival, then home via Narita….

should be sweet!! 

bracer - 08 October 2014 11:35 PM

Niseko for a week from the 25/1/15, then a few days at Rusutsu, then a few days at Furano, then a night at Sapporo for the ice festival, then home via Narita….

I don’t like you anymore.  Unless you submit a sweet trip report, that is

headed back to niseko this year

my wife and a friend in tow,

jan 30th-feb 13

staying hooting owl lodge

happy to meet up to ride with others too

headed back to niseko this year

my wife and a friend in tow,

jan 30th-feb 13

staying hooting owl lodge

happy to meet up to ride with others too

Nice chondro! I’ll just miss you…

77 days!

Not sure if anyone saw but Jetstar has some pretty swanky deals on flights at the moment ($400ish from Melb to Tokyo). Check it out!

TJswish - 11 October 2014 09:20 PM

Not sure if anyone saw but Jetstar has some pretty swanky deals on flights at the moment ($400ish from Melb to Tokyo). Check it out!

Under $400 Melb > Chitose!!!!! Bargain!!!!!

Doubt it would include baggage etc though, but still a bargain!!!!!

Billy - 10 October 2014 08:28 PM

Nice chondro! I’ll just miss you…

77 days!

Bugger.
Enjoy man!

So, Japow noob here. Heading to Hakuba for 2 weeks in February. Getting keen, only 110 days to go (a long way lol) but I like to be prepared! Just a few questions now (no doubt I’ll be asking more getting closer to the date).

1. Boards
Currently have a 154 Jones Mountain Twin and a 153 Gnu Carbon Credit. The Jones is locked in, it should tear up, but do I take the CC? Not sure what the parks are like over there, any jumps can be handled on the Jones but don’t fancy taking it on any other features.

2. Outwear
Have been reading the Whistler gear discussion on waterproofing/breathability, and just wondering what I’ll need as a minimum for Japan?

3. Goggles
Currently only have some EG2.5’s with a very dark lens, and a random pair of Smith’s with a lighter bronze lens. Should I be on the lookout for another lens/pair of goggles to handle the lower light conditions, and if so what colours do you guys recommend? Was thinking rose or yellow.

That’s all I can think of for now, any advice appreciated!

Wizey, I’m no pro at Japan (Only been once to Hakuba and it only snowed once)

1. The only decent park around Hakuba is at Goryu 47. The others don’t really have a park so I’d probably stick to the Jones and just deal with more all mountain than being a park rat.

2. Your outerware will be fine. Japan isn’t too bad, just pack a face mask and your normal gear. If you were cold in Whistler, probably best to throw in the thermals just in case.

3. Yes to the light lens. You can probably leave the dark one at home as you probably won’t see a blue bird day. Yellow or even clear would be an option to go with your bronze one.

While I can’t comment on Hakuba’s Park Status, they do set up that bowl ride thingy that looks wicked!!!!! (Not sure about the timing of it though)

Anyways, if you get the powder switch turned to ON, I can pretty much guarantee that you won’t be too worried about the Parks!!!!!

Warm gear, with face cover!!!!! Hopefully you won’t get a warm spell, but I’d take a jacket that can handle the slight possibility of some wet stuff just in case!!!!!

Goggles, go Yellow!!!!! And if ya cashed up, get a clear lens to go night riding with!!!!! But get yaself a High Vis Yellow Lens!!!!! (The ones that look pure yellow, no mirror etc)

Wizey - 16 October 2014 05:47 PM

1. Boards
2. Outwear
3. Goggles

1: The other guys pretty much covered it but my advice would be just take the jones (unless we can talk you into a Pow board )
2: It’s not too bad in Japan (I’ve found it’s either bluebird or dry pow haven’t ever been wet) good face coverage and a powder skirt are a must
3: Definitely have a low light lens on hand (something that is rated 65%+) hi vis yellow or pink are popular choices. Can’t agree with TJ in leaving the darker lens at home though as I’ve had some pretty bright bluebird days over there and they don’t take up any room.

Take the Jones. If the snow is avg and you want to hit the park then rent a board.

But if the snow is good then you want a board you are comfortable on. If the snow is epic rent a pow board!

I am a cold frog, Have never been miserable cold in Japan with the same layers as Aust. I find Aus cold to be worst than Japan/US/Canada cold, as wet/damp cold seeps into your bones if that makes sense.

Whistler is more like Aus - its a damp wet cold. So yeah you need more layers.