Category: General Tips
8 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Niseko
Discover Winter
On the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Japan lies the snowiest place on the planet – Niseko. This place is the premier destination in Japan for the global ski community. The massive amount of snow that falls daily makes it stand out from the other ski destinations globally. People of all age groups enjoy the Niseko winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, heli skiing & cat skiing, backcountry tours, snow mobile tours, snowshoes tours and more. More than perfect powder and unlimited skiing, Niseko also has a vast ancient heritage. The place has a wealth of remarkable cultural experiences that are conveniently […]
Best Daytime Activities to do in Niseko When you are not Skiing
Discover Winter
It’s easy to see why thousands of ski enthusiasts flock to Niseko, Japan’s famed winter wonderland. Blessed with a favourable climate, pristine slopes, soft light powder snow, vast skiing terrain, and a magnificent backdrop, Niseko boasts one of the best winter holiday experiences in the world. There’s no arguing that Niseko is synonymous with skiing, but are the alluring slopes the only attraction? Is there nothing else to do besides shredding powder? You’ll be surprised! The picturesque town has plenty of options for cold weather junkies who want a break from the slopes. Here are some off-mountain activities that visitors […]
An Ultimate Guide to Hakuba’s Bars & Nightlife 2020
Discover Winter
Planning a trip to Japan anytime soon? Before you say “Konnichiwa!” to the vibrant culture of The Land of The Rising Sun, here’s a pro tip: Do not miss out on the fun in Hakuba. This quaint valley nestles in the heartland of the Japanese Alps and has something to offer every tourist. Apart from skiing, onsens and visits to the various temples, Hakuba is a popular hub for adventurous night-outs. Read on to find out about the key hotspots where you can make the most of Hakuba’s bars and nightlife. ECHOLAND About a 1.5 km walk away from the […]
Sake for Newbies
Discover Winter
If you ask for sake in Japan, you’ll mostly find people enquiring as to what “type” you would prefer. This is because, in Japan, colloquially, all alcoholic drinks are referred to as sake. However, in this article, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s national beverage, nihonshu or more commonly referred to as, sake. What Is Sake? Traditionally, sake is a two-ingredient drink, consisting of rice and water. Although it is referred to as rice wine, the processing is similar to that of beer. Sake has different variants, each ranging from floral, fruity, savoury and umami notes. The earliest […]
Top 7 Reasons to Visit Kiroro on Your Next Holiday
Discover Winter
Kiroro, located in the heart of Hokkaido’s Golden Triangle offers the most authentic Japanese skiing experience and some of Hokkaido’s lightest and driest powder snow. Keen to shred powder at a world-class ski resort that is not overrun with visitors? Head towards the quieter, uncluttered pristine slopes of Kiroro! The charming town located in the heart of Hokkaido’s Golden Triangle offers the most authentic Japanese skiing experience. But wait, Kiroro is not just about mesmerising vistas of the Yoichi mountains, snowy bounty, and après-ski action. The breathtakingly beautiful spot offers plenty of family fun, off-mountain adventures along with a host […]
Onsen for Newbies
Discover Winter
A low-down on onsen etiquette for newbies to enjoy the quintessentially Japanese experience with confidence. Nestled deep in the mountains of Hokkaido, Niseko is a powder haven renowned for its mesmerizing views, and stunning skiing conditions. While the small Japanese town is undeniably a skier’s paradise, it is also famous for its steaming onsens, the volcanic spring baths that contain a multitude of medicinal properties. Onsens come in many forms. They can be gender-exclusive, small, large, indoor, outdoor, simple, luxurious, free-standing, or attached to a hotel. A dip in the thermally heated mineral waters can soothe aching muscles and invigorate […]
8 Cool Activities In Japan For Your Winter Holiday
Discover Winter
Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, Japan extends a heartwarming and exciting experience for everyone on every visit. Its rich cultural tapestry, scientific innovations, humble mannerisms and hospitality never fail to enthrall the visitors. Niseko is a one-stop solution for all your touristy dreams to come true. In Niseko winter activities are strewn about like gems in a treasure hunt. Each one is precious and rewarding in its own way. When in Japan, these are the 8 activities you just can’t miss for a well-rounded travel experience. Winter Rafting Picture a beautiful winter morning with snow-capped trees […]
Top Reasons to Enjoy a Holiday Vacation in Niseko
Discover Winter
When you picture Niseko, what is the first image that flashes across your mind? A spectacular winter wonderland that boasts the world’s best powder resorts right? While there’s no denying that Japan’s famed destination is a haven for ski enthusiasts, there is so much more to this enchanting village than just providing the adrenaline rush of riding down powdered steeps. The captivating countryside has mesmerising vistas of snow-capped mountains, lavish retreats, soothing hot baths, gourmet cuisine, vibrant bars, and a whole bevy of fun activities that will make you fall in love. If you haven’t yet visited Niseko, here are […]
Your Ultimate Guide To A Romantic Escape in Niseko
Discover Winter
There’s no romance like snow romance so we have a few ideas of how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Niseko. Here are our special recommendations for your romantic escape. Activities Begin the day with an on-snow activity. Outdoor activities are the best ways to release those happy endorphins and are an ideal winter date. So goggles on and boards up! Here are some winter activities that you can explore : 1. Get a Private Lesson In the words of our previous guests, “private lessons are cheaper than a divorce”. Leave it to the experts. Don’t ruin your holiday by trying […]
Luggage Forwarding: Travel Hands-Free
Discover Winter
Luggage Forwarding? What’s that… Most of us love to travel, but no-one enjoys dragging around your suitcase, or even worse a board bag when their lost in a new city. Luggage Forwarding allows you to send your luggage direct to your accommodation in Japan. Imagine walking out of the airport with nothing but hand luggage, and being free to explore from the moment you land in your newest destination. After having dragged our bags all over the country on our first trip to Japan, we now know all too well the convenience of luggage forwarding. Save yourself the hassle of […]
What’s the Best Run in Niseko
Tristram Todd
What’s the best run in Niseko? What’s the best run in Niseko? As someone who feels hard done by if I don’t get 366 days of skiing a year I get asked pretty frequently “where is your favourite place to ski?” Given that the question is normally posed by middle-aged businessmen it can be pretty confusing. If you’re still struggling to get your skis parallel then what you think is the best fun in the world isn’t going to cut the mustard for the pro-teams that pop into town a few times each season. So why did you come to […]
Essential Basic Japanese Greetings and Phrases
Discover Winter
Your introduction to some basic Japanese greetings and phrases to make your trip a little more enjoyable. Learning some basic Japanese before your trip will ensure your well equipped to prevent stress during simple events such as navigating a taxi driver or asking where the bathroom is. Landing in Japan is a surreal experience. If, like us, you had an overnight flight without a wink of shut-eye then you’ll be craving some sleep. Oh, and a shower after being crammed in-between two over-sized men for the past 10 hours. All that aside, we can’t contain our excitement each time we […]
5 tips for First Timers in Japan
Discover Winter
So, your all booked and off to Japan? You won’t regret it… Before you leave, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on what you can do to make your trip a little more enjoyable. Here are our Top 5 Tips for first timer’s. LANGUAGE You don’t speak Japanese, but you want to visit Japan? Don’t stress, this is not a problem. Japanese people are extremely friendly and welcoming. Regardless of your language abilities, you’re still going to have a great time. We do recommend you be prepared with a few greetings and important phrases. Not only will any attempt […]
When to Visit Niseko
Discover Winter
So you’ve heard the word “Japow” thrown around and you want to get a piece of it. Knowing when to visit can make all the difference to your holiday experience. There is no denying that Niseko is infamous for it’s winter playground and copious amounts of snowfall during the Northern Winters. Generally speaking, you can ski in Niseko, from the end of November until the first week in May. The main season however will run from mid December until the end of March (dependent on snow conditions). The main season is when you can expect the mountain and village to […]