fluffyboy:

Hihi bejewel


We are actually going to stay 2 nights at the ski resort Ichinose right on the peak of Shiga kogen. I assume temperature will be -10 degrees? If based on what you mention, it seems like DD is definitely underdress for such cold condition. However, since we are staying for only 2 nights, I do not want to spend too much on cold wear. Can you advise, what are the topmost essentials that I need to buy before flying to Japan?
I hope to rent all the ski-gear from the ski resort.

DD is able to tolerate normal air-con in singapore shopping mall, usually just a singlet+shortsleeve tshirt.

b) Body mass - i dont understand this qn? She is well-built not skinny but not fat.
c) Activities in Nagoya (lots of outdoors or just hanging out in heated malls? Any mountain climbing?) - 2 nights on mountain top ski resort. little bit of first time skiing and mostly play snow, and take snow lifts for experience.
d) First time travelling in winter? - yes
e) Stay in ryokans or western hotels? - ryokan at mountain top

OIC, I didn't know you're going to ski. Yes, then it'll be in the sub-teens, so above her inner wear, do consider bringing a fleece pullover to go below her rented ski jacket and pants Uniqlo was having a sale on those Heattech turtleneck fleece long-sleeve tops for kids and adults. Not sure if it's still on though...

If you're gallivanting around the ski resort village after dinner at night, then her normal shoes (waterproof?) and cotton socks might not be good enough. But if you aren't, I guess thicker cotton socks should be ok at sea level

I stayed in a ryokan before and just didn't feel warm enough, somehow. Perhaps it's gotta do with those wide sliding doors? And, bear in mind when she removes her normal winter jacket to dine in a restaurant in downtown Nagoya, the air within the restaurant might be pretty cool too, so I'm not sure if her cotton cardigan is ok...hmmm...

Oh, I was thinking of my niece whose BMI was on the high side, as in, she was \"bak bak\" at 6, so she didn't shiver as much as her brother who was skinny and needed more layers. Anyway, high BMI doesn't necessarily mean higher threshold for cold for some people.

Top essentials:
1) Heat packs
2) 1 scarf
3) 1 pair of thicker HT socks to layer over the cotton ones every day (no need to wash)
4) 1 \"Extra Warm\" HT inner wear (backup in case it snows during those 2 days up there)
5) 1 HT turtle neck microfleece pullover or zipped-up micro fleece jacket, since she has no wool/cashmere jumper as far as I can see from (1)-(9). :nailbite:

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/girls-micro-fleece-high-neck-long-sleeve-t-shirt-132971.html

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/girls/fleece.html


You can always sell them in WTS threads here or Gumtree Or, you can go to WTB and buy from others

fluffyboy:

I am going shiga kogen in Japan Nagano in early Dec (beginning of snow season).

Staying for 3 nights.

For my 6 yo DD, is this enough? If not, what are the items i must add on?

1) Uniqlo normal heattech
2) Cotton long sleeve cardigan
3) Winter coat

4) Cotton tights
5) Uniqlo warm fleece line pants

6) Cotton socks
7) Normal shoes

Beanie
9) Cotton gloves

A couple things to run through first:
a) Does DD tremble in aircon room/malls?
b) Body mass
c) Activities in Nagoya (lots of outdoors or just hanging out in heated malls? Any mountain climbing?)
d) First time travelling in winter?
e) Stay in ryokans or western hotels?

Check this weather forecast next: http://www.weather2travel.com/december/japan/nagoya.php

It forecasts 2-11 degrees.

Therefore, you need a good scarf for her if you're walking the streets after dark (10 hrs of daylight, 5 hrs of sunlight in Dec in Nagoya). Get Heattech scarf from Uniqlo. Best to get wool ones.

(1) is fine.
(2) cotton cardigan? Bear in mind there're holes at the button panel. So the wool scarf will come in handy to protect her chest area (you tie it - covering her chin - and tuck it inside her winter jacket). Why don't you get merino wool pullover from Uniqlo instead? Some kids must double-layer with wool or cashmere jumper like my DC.

Next, (3) what is her winter jacket filled with? 100% Down/Partial Down/Fleece/Polyester? Check the wash label because some nice-to-look-at winter jackets at Zara or GAP are really not meant for full-day sightseeing in winter for us from the tropics! Good to come with a hood to protect her ears.

(4)-(5) is ok. I'm basing on my recollection of my own DC's threshold during winter between 2-11 degrees (notwithstanding windspeed, rainfall, humidity). Jeans, cotton slacks without inner leggings were ok.

(6)-(9) all ok assuming it's just city sightseeing, and no venturing to the farms, orchards, hills, lakes, onsens, etc. But at night, your normal footwear won't be that good. Do you mean sports shoes? Are they high-cut? Good to get leather shoes with thicker soles.

Lastly, buy those chemical heat packs from Winter Time or Cold Wear. I don't bring them for climate about zero degrees, but you might just need it.

If you don't want to buy so many items, you can always drop by any Uniqlo shop in Japan to get what's necessary!

spitzcookie:

Oh dear, daughter and my winter boots have the metal claw thingy on the sole. Not sure if can let us pass or not

Since you mentioned it's retractable, I guess they won't make those clanking noises on some tiled parts of the airport

Anyway, unless you're gonna scale snow capped mountains, those winter boots with thick, deep waffle treads should provide you with good grip already. Crampons can be rented cheaply at the foot of most snow mountain attractions, if you really really need to wear them.

Regardless of seasons, fall or spring, and regardless of men or women, boys or girls, all high cut boots must be removed at SIN. I've never escaped a single time!

I was told to step aside for body search many a times, thanks to my penchant for trench coats and mackintosh, and boots - knee length to ankle! Those occured in Sydney, HK, US, UK, China.

In the US, they even put their swab pads in a machine that tested the dust collected from the soles of my footwear for explosive residue. :roll:

dagong99:

bejewel:

[quote=\"EatNonStop\"]Thanks Bejewel for your advise


Hi Bejewel

Thanks for your advise.

I will be heading to Hokkaido in mid Dec and temp is ranged from 5 to -5 degree.
Is the Heattech Boys warmed Cargo pants (lined with soft fleece) pair with heattech inner bottom good enough? Will it get too warm when get indoors?

Is the Uniqlo heattech knitted leggings (which is thicker as compare with the normal heattech leggings) good enough to pair with a short /shirt?

Hello again!

Yes, that kind of pairing is good enough for boys and girls. This is assuming you'll be walking around, at times on snow, in the Hokkaido suburbs and beyond.

If your DC feel hot, then proceed to the restroom to remove the inner wear. The inner wear is a must for skiing, as they might sit and lie on snow.

Btw, I bought their Adult warm-lined cargo pants too last year. It was the straight cut series. This year, they launched warm-lined stretch easy pants series which is like skinny pants but water-proof. I just bought 2 pairs.

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-warm-lined-slim-fit-stretch-pants-127843.html

For myself, I do not need any HT leggings (normal or extra warm regardless) if I wear this type of warm-lined pants.

Yes, those HT knitted leggings are meant to match with skirts or shorts. But at 5 to -5 degrees in the open fields, do you still want to wear shorts with knitted leggings?

I'm not sure if you're referring to your DD's Girls' knitted leggings or Women's. In any case, the wool content is very low for the Women's: 63% Acrylic, 30% Nylon, 4% Wool, 3% Spandex. And, I see some tiny holes too.

http://www.uniqlo.com/sg/store/women-heattech-knitted-tights-cable-1305360009.html

As far as I could remember, this kind of school girl preppy look is good for 10-15 degrees in the day. Anything below 10 degrees, such mixed yarn knitted leggings is not good enough for 0 degree! :rotflmao:

Well, no harm bringing along your skirt, shorts and knitted leggins in case the temps rise unexpectedly. You never know!


I think for adults, it's easier to calibrate. If you take some warm Japanese sake or Korean spirit, or consume some mutton stew, you will not need any HT leggings or inner wear for the next 24 hrs. But for DC, you must protect them adequately as they won't eat all these. Layering is the way to go, as you can shed the layers when they complain too hot in the coach, car or building.

Hi, the warm lined slim fit stretch pants you mentioned, I wanted to buy but when I checked with Uniqlo, they told me it's not water-proof, have you tried ? Thanks ![/quote]Sorry I forgot about this thread. Regarding your query, I did a simple test. The water droplets didn't penetrate through the fabric but stayed on top. It trickled off like mercury when I tilted my pants and I even managed to blow the rest off with a light puff.

You can bring a bottle of mineral water to test them inside their fitting room this weekend! :rotflmao: :yikes:

http://i67.tinypic.com/24cwm78.jpg\">

The warm lined slim cut pants are not \"waterproof\" by fashion industry's std, but rest assured they are good enough to repel light rain as they did some special water processing on the surface. In case you're contemplating wearing them for skiing, no, I think they aren't designed as ski pants. For skiing, if you don't want to invest in proper Goretex ski pants, you can wear Uniqlo's warm lined cargo series as they are more roomy and easier to do your semi-splits on the slopes.

I've not worn my warm-lined slim cuts yet. I bought them for my city tour, not for water or winter sports. They are snug and look trendy with my mackintosh.

starlight1968sg:

How are the facilities in Citadines Ashley? I chose it bec it is a service apartment though am not likely to do any cooking.

I don't think there're any facilities like pool or gym, but I remember the double bed was small and hard. The additional orange sofa bed when opened will take up a lot of space. With all luggage are opened, even more cramped! The space isn't big as you know downtown HK mid-range hotel rooms are notoriously small.

I didn't use the pantry as I ate out across Nathan Rd. There's no washer-dryer for your information. But there's an ironing board, microwave, minibar, kettle, induction stove and sink. Knives, dishwashing detergent and plates are provided, in case you need to cook.

Lift and lift lobby are both very small and during check-ins and check-outs, the lift will take VERY long to arrive as one of the 2 lifts will be hogged by housekeeping.

But I stayed there because of location location location. It's so near to Harbour City and Star Ferry Terminal.

In all, it's a functional, clean, contemporary serviced apartment for families that want to bunk together in downtown HK.

starlight1968sg:

dimsum:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/complom_free_bus.html


Starlight, is your hotel in the above list serviced by the shuttle bus?
Shuttle bus comes at 20 minutes interval.
When there are 4-5 of us, I realised it is cheaper to take taxi fr airport to Kowloon. Plus alot more convenient. No need to lug luggage up and down, wait for shuttle bus.

haha... I didnt manage to locate Citadines Ashley Service Apartment located within walking distance to TST station.

I stayed at Citadines Ashley a few times. It's just 2 min walk from the TST MTR exit in front of Peking Rd (Harbour City). However, those complimentary buses won't feed this hotel as it's tucked behind a small lane off Ashley Rd. You might need to \"borrow\" another larger hotel to drop off!

Suppose you're thinking you might be able to walk from Airport Express Kowloon Station to this TST exit near Citadines, no way and please don't!

The Airport Express Kowloon Concourse is situated right below Elements Mall (圆方广场). Elements Mall is very far from Citadines. It's unthinkably unwalkable. Need to cab (HKD30?) or take the complimentary shuttle bus as mentioned, from Elements.

Once I took the MTR after dropping off at Airport Express Kowloon station to TST East (尖东) station. Then from TST East, I walked and walked (some parts have travellator) until my heels nearly broke to arrive at TST station where my Marco Polo (next to Peninsula Hotel, YMCA and Citadines is just behind) is. It's crazy to do that when you have kids and old folks.

So please, just take the cab like dimsum said!

A21 is a cheong hei coach ride of 75 min.


Airport Express (luggage check-in) with complimentary direct hotel drop-offs is very convenient & efficient (20 min to Kowloon) but not cheap (HKD160 round trip?), if you have 4 adults and above. I took that when I was a alone as a business traveller because I needed to rush.

With kids and old folks on holiday, I normally take taxi to airport directly. It’s only less than HKD200 from TST to HKIA!! From lobby to terminal; luggage all in boot. Isn’t it better that way?

However, taxis can only accommodate 4 adults and boot isn’t exactly huge. Then again, HK trips don’t require you to bring a massive luggage.

EatNonStop:

Thanks Bejewel for your advise


Hi Bejewel

Thanks for your advise.

I will be heading to Hokkaido in mid Dec and temp is ranged from 5 to -5 degree.
Is the Heattech Boys warmed Cargo pants (lined with soft fleece) pair with heattech inner bottom good enough? Will it get too warm when get indoors?

Is the Uniqlo heattech knitted leggings (which is thicker as compare with the normal heattech leggings) good enough to pair with a short /shirt?

Hello again!

Yes, that kind of pairing is good enough for boys and girls. This is assuming you'll be walking around, at times on snow, in the Hokkaido suburbs and beyond.

If your DC feel hot, then proceed to the restroom to remove the inner wear. The inner wear is a must for skiing, as they might sit and lie on snow.

Btw, I bought their Adult warm-lined cargo pants too last year. It was the straight cut series. This year, they launched warm-lined stretch easy pants series which is like skinny pants but water-proof. I just bought 2 pairs.

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-warm-lined-slim-fit-stretch-pants-127843.html

For myself, I do not need any HT leggings (normal or extra warm regardless) if I wear this type of warm-lined pants.

Yes, those HT knitted leggings are meant to match with skirts or shorts. But at 5 to -5 degrees in the open fields, do you still want to wear shorts with knitted leggings?

I'm not sure if you're referring to your DD's Girls' knitted leggings or Women's. In any case, the wool content is very low for the Women's: 63% Acrylic, 30% Nylon, 4% Wool, 3% Spandex. And, I see some tiny holes too.

http://www.uniqlo.com/sg/store/women-heattech-knitted-tights-cable-1305360009.html

As far as I could remember, this kind of school girl preppy look is good for 10-15 degrees in the day. Anything below 10 degrees, such mixed yarn knitted leggings is not good enough for 0 degree! :rotflmao:

Well, no harm bringing along your skirt, shorts and knitted leggins in case the temps rise unexpectedly. You never know!


I think for adults, it's easier to calibrate. If you take some warm Japanese sake or Korean spirit, or consume some mutton stew, you will not need any HT leggings or inner wear for the next 24 hrs. But for DC, you must protect them adequately as they won't eat all these. Layering is the way to go, as you can shed the layers when they complain too hot in the coach, car or building.

slmkhoo:

spitzcookie:

If we wear turtleneck clothing, does that mean I don't need to standby a scarf?

Depends on the thickness and height of the turtleneck! I still like to have a scarf because is covers up the small gaps and can be pulled right up to (and over) the chin. If the place you are going is not too windy or cold, and you are not spending a lot of time outdoors, then you can probably manage without a scarf. I try to avoid long woolly scarves as they hard to manage if you are in and out of transport/buildings a lot. I use a short scarf (neck-warmer?) which I knitted myself or a slightly thicker (not silk) square.

I agree with slmkhoo. The turtle neck cannot protect your chin.

Besides, scarves when tied differently, make you look great in photos:) I usually bring 3-4 diff designs and colours so that I look different in every photo. I share my scarves with DC and husband.

I'm a scarf collector.

spitzcookie:

Thanks for all the tips and advice. Really useful since I'm going Korea during early Dec.


May I know if we should wear our winter boots when taking the flight to Korea?

Yes, you must wear winter boots. One year, I did not wear my winter boots to Korea. As soon as I got out of Gimpo airport, my feet was semi-paralysed from the cold and I was jumping up and down at the carpark to stay warm. I was down with high fever that night. But that was end-Jan - the peak. Early Dec should not be that bad. Check their met station website.

Wearing them up the plane is ok, because you will remove your footwear throughout your flight anyway. Besides, your luggage will be lighter.