Travel: Japan - General
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Nice clip but It is mega troublesome getting up the next morning and clearing the heavy snow / ice off the wind screen under heavy snow conditions before all can drive off. And the kerbs n turnings when challenging winding mountain roads. Most rural roads are dividerless, head to head collision possibility can be high. Although Jap are patient , but the weather is unpridictable in winter. I was caught in the heavy snow storm last winter trip
For first timer, i,recommend all in ski resort eg niseko village Hilton or green leaf, Annupuri Resort, Rutsusu , Tomamu, Club Med
Onsen, ski sch, restaurant are in same resort. If Tired , just walk back to room and sleep or onsen then back to ski field again.
U can consider to break in Otaru for a night when traveling from Hakodate to Niseko -
EatNonStop:
We stayed at Hilton Niseko each and every time - and usually I book direct. Prices seem to be the same, especially for the better rooms. We love the Panorama Rooms, but they are nowadays fully booked. And on each trip despite having the breakfast and dinner package, we would still visit Hirafu (and Kutchan) for non-ski days. As such, we mostly skied at Niseko Village. The beginner slopes are gentle, and my 3 older kids all learnt skiing there. Mostly, the slopes are quite empty, even if the hotel is completely booked. The lift queues are also short.
Very helpful information, appreciate much. Since you had been to Niseko winter 3x...I assume you are there for skiing too? Out of the 4 ski areas, which will you recommend? Grand Hirafu or Niseko village? Can share your experience in accomodation, ski experience, ski rental, ski school etc...there are quite a few when check on the websites.
Prices are about the same as most ski schools in Hokkaido. I would recommend booking in advance to ensure a slot. The beginner children group lessons are fun enough, but for intermediate & adult level, I highly recommend a private lesson.
Ski rentals are definitely more expensive, so we usually book from Good Sports (Google it), and they deliver to the same rental place; so the skis are there before you even arrive, and you just return it before leaving. The discounts are massive (if you book before November)! Do make sure you measure accurately as there is no changing sizes.
The number one reason to ski at Hilton is the Ski Valet. It makes it so much easier especially since the lifts, tickets and rental are literally metres away.
The number 2 reason is the large onsens there (although onsen hotels in the north are larger, but that's a different kind of place)
In 2011, we did stay at the Kimamaya in Hirafu for!1 night (to break the monotony, But mostly to eat at the Barn).
Have fun skiing.
Our family is missing our usual Japan trip this year as our oldest has to take part in S1 posting exercise (despite his direct admission being secured). Might probably go in March, still. -
MyPillow:
Onsen, ski sch, restaurant are in same resort. If Tired , just walk back to room and sleep or onsen then back to ski field again.
That's a good idea
U can consider to break in Otaru for a night when traveling from Hakodate to Niseko
I am thinking of staying one night after Niseko before heading to Sapporo. May I know which hotel or any recommened acommodation?
Thanks -
dlye:
Thanks for your feedback. I will be considering 2 nights stay at Hilton Niseko (specially to enjoy 2 nights of their famous outdoor onsen, let the kids have 1 day F&E skiing/snow playing at Niseko village) and then find another lodging at Hirafu for 3 nights stay (probably let the kids have 2 days lesson at NISS - with free express shuttle from Hirafu to Hanazono, and their well known magic carpet with wider ski lanes and last day to ski with parents or
We stayed at Hilton Niseko each and every time - and usually I book direct. Prices seem to be the same, especially for the better rooms. We love the Panorama Rooms, but they are nowadays fully booked. And on each trip despite having the breakfast and dinner package, we would still visit Hirafu (and Kutchan) for non-ski days. As such, we mostly skied at Niseko Village. The beginner slopes are gentle, and my 3 older kids all learnt skiing there. Mostly, the slopes are quite empty, even if the hotel is completely booked. The lift queues are also short.
Prices are about the same as most ski schools in Hokkaido. I would recommend booking in advance to ensure a slot. The beginner children group lessons are fun enough, but for intermediate & adult level, I highly recommend a private lesson.
Ski rentals are definitely more expensive, so we usually book from Good Sports (Google it), and they deliver to the same rental place; so the skis are there before you even arrive, and you just return it before leaving. The discounts are massive (if you book before November)! Do make sure you measure accurately as there is no changing sizes.
The number one reason to ski at Hilton is the Ski Valet. It makes it so much easier especially since the lifts, tickets and rental are literally metres away.
The number 2 reason is the large onsens there (although onsen hotels in the north are larger, but that's a different kind of place)
In 2011, we did stay at the Kimamaya in Hirafu for!1 night (to break the monotony, But mostly to eat at the Barn).
Have fun skiing.
Our family is missing our usual Japan trip this year as our oldest has to take part in S1 posting exercise (despite his direct admission being secured). Might probably go in March, still.
if needed, extend another day of lesson for the kids). Heard much about the Barn..this shall be one of our book-marked restaurant.
Will goggle Good Sports
Once you are hooked to skiing, there will always be plans in mind for the next ski trip After this, would love to plan for Nagano ski trip next year
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EatNonStop:
Sad to say, we've never been to Hanazono, or Annupuri... just the Niseko Village and Hirafu areas.
Thanks for your feedback. I will be considering 2 nights stay at Hilton Niseko (specially to enjoy 2 nights of their famous outdoor onsen, let the kids have 1 day F&E skiing/snow playing at Niseko village) and then find another lodging at Hirafu for 3 nights stay (probably let the kids have 2 days lesson at NISS - with free express shuttle from Hirafu to Hanazono, and their well known magic carpet with wider ski lanes and last day to ski with parents or if needed, extend another day of lesson for the kids). Heard much about the Barn..this shall be one of our book-marked restaurant.
Will goggle Good Sports
Once you are hooked to skiing, there will always be plans in mind for the next ski trip After this, would love to plan for Nagano ski trip next year
I do note that Hirafu NISS area might get a little crowded .... back in 2011, we rented from the shop near NISS, and I recall that we had to stay out of the way of skiers and snowboarders who were zooming by down to the Community Chair Lifts.
On the other side of Hirafu there seems to be a new less crowded area (on the other side of the Welcome Center). But it's quite a distance to walk from the lower village.
You should consider staying in the upper village. If money isn't an issue, the Vale would be the place I would choose (if I still had just 2 kids).
Do remember to reserve at The Barn in advance!
Either way the whole place seems to have upgraded a lot since we started going in 2010. and we can't wait to go back... -
EatNonStop:
Otaru is a must stop destination. We've been there 3 out of the 4 times we went to Hokkaido (the odd time we went North in during May/June, so not ideal to detour)MyPillow:
a night when traveling from Hakodate to Niseko
I am thinking of staying one night after Niseko before heading to Sapporo. May I know which hotel or any recommened acommodation?
Thanks
1. Otaru is further from Hakodate (than niseko).
2. I would recommend Otaru Furukawa for the night.
- it is just in front of the canal
- there's a fantastic Sushi place around the corner.
- the food shopping street is just 5 mins away.
- Onsen is only so-so... but it's just for one night.
- Get Japanese Style Room. It's just so much more fun!
With Breakfast, it is reasonably priced (as is most of Otaru accommodations) -
"We stayed at Hilton Niseko each and every time - and usually I book direct. Prices seem to be the same, especially for the better rooms. We love the Panorama Rooms, but they are nowadays fully booked. And on each trip despite having the breakfast and dinner package, we would still visit Hirafu (and Kutchan) for non-ski days. As such, we mostly skied at Niseko Village. The beginner slopes are gentle, and my 3 older kids all learnt skiing there. Mostly, the slopes are quite empty, even if the hotel is completely booked. The lift queues are also short."
dlye: good to know that Niseko Hilton green slopes are gentle . is it wide enough for beginners? Cos I read before the green leaf slope is steep and narrow (at TA forum ?) is it the same ski mountain or diff sides.
I like all in resort, if Niseko hilton slope is gentle, i will definitely consider it for my next trip - n my younger to take lesson here. Any magic carpet here? -
Is radiation still a concern in Japan?
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dlye:
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You should consider staying in the upper village. If money isn't an issue, the Vale would be the place I would choose (if I still had just 2 kids).
Mmmm...The vale is too expensive for my budget.. lower Hirufa is closer to the restuarants and seems to be cheaper in accomodation.
Do remember to reserve at The Barn in advance! Yes, will do
Either way the whole place seems to have upgraded a lot since we started going in 2010. and we can't wait to go back... -
dlye:
[Otaru is a must stop destination. We've been there 3 out of the 4 times we went to Hokkaido (the odd time we went North in during May/June, so not ideal to detour)
Yes, I agreed. My previous Hokkaido trip with tour group only given 1 hour to explore Otaru and we missed so much cos my DDs wanted to do the musical boxes and we pratically spend that hour in the shop! So we will make use of this trip to fully explore Otaru
1. Otaru is further from Hakodate (than niseko).
2. I would recommend Otaru Furukawa for the night.
- it is just in front of the canal
- there's a fantastic Sushi place around the corner.
- the food shopping street is just 5 mins away.
- Onsen is only so-so... but it's just for one night.
- Get Japanese Style Room. It's just so much more fun!
With Breakfast, it is reasonably priced (as is most of Otaru accommodations)
I goggle Otaru Furukawa..looks fantastic for one night stay, price is reasonable too but unfortunately it is sold out on the day we wanted. :sad:
Is there any must try food and good to buy souvenirs in Otaru?
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