Japan 2010 - 2011 Trip Plans/Thoughts/Reviews Thread

[smitty484]

<span style='font-size: 17pt'>Updated Crew List</span>


The starting point for information on Japanese travel:
http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Japan


Hakuba
fattwins: Hakuba resident
damian: Hakuba resident
timmyhugecans: Hakuba resident
HakubaBCbum: Hakuba resident
TJ: Hakuba resident
Dave:Feb & March
Sandy: 07 January - 09 January, 22 January - 26 January, 19 February - 22 February
Trekky: Feb and March
Loklok, son, daughter, and probably +1: Early Feb - one week
Donza: 16 February - 03 March
mjmmjm: 09 February - 02 March
Petesguitar1 1+: 20 February - 05 March
BPL, 1+ & kids: 24 January - 20 February
stovemiester: 04 February - 17 February
Mamabear: 10 January - 18 January
Slim: 03 March - 10 March
AndrewR: 10 December - 26 February
Kimski: 20 February - 26 February
Cregs: Mid Feb - Mid March
K@os: 18 February - 26 February
summit_32: 29 December - 07 January
Risca1961: 31 December - 04 January
darkrabbit: 03 January - 11 January
Mark102: 02 January - 29 January
loklok: 22 February - 28th February
sara777: 05 February - 21 February
GSea: 11 February - 21 February
fdxrate: 2 February - 15 February
churchy: 03 February - 07 February

Nozawa Onsen
Fat Boy: Nozawa resident
Sandy: Long weekend January
smackies +3: 20 February - 25 February
Slim: 24 February - 02 March
Kimski: 27 February - 06 March
Risca1961: 04 January - 07 January
TotalyRottn: 14 January - 16 January
Tommmm: 31 December - 08 January
pigface and cin + partners: 20 February - 25 February
Sandy: 27 January - 30 January

Myoko Kogen
Myoko Guy: March
Sandy: Long weekend in February
Born2Ski: 12 January - 29 January
snowjunky: 02 February - 09 February
JT & Japanuary Crew: 16 January - 31 January
Risca1961: 07 January - 10 January

Madarao Kogen
TJ: 19 February for day trip

Shiga Kogen
Sandy: A few days in February
snowjunky: 11 February - 18 February
TotalyRottn: 17 January - 24 January
pigface and cin + partners: 25 February - 29 February
YehYeh: February 7 - February 19
churchy: 08 February - 12 February

Kagura/Naeba/Yuzawa
DeesOnSkis: Late January 2011
Sandy: Late February, and some days in March.
Sandy: 03 January - 05 January

Hokkaido
Weekender 6 person crew: 07 February - 15 February (Niseko and further two weeks TBA)
malibu: Tomamu - 29 December - 02 January (with some day trips to powder fun elsewhere)
fifa: Tomamu, Furano, Asahikawa Feb 6th for a few weeks.
kieranskis: Tomamu - 17 February - 22 February
Rabid K9: Western Hokkaido - All of February

Niseko
Go Native: Niseko Resident
OpTic: Mid to late January
Mamabear's #2 bearcub: 31 December - 02 March
pat42 + GF: Niseko and surrounds for 3 weeks in jan.
tdc: 16 January - 22 January
Smitty484: 12 February - 16 February
RatherB@thesnow: 05 February - 14 February
Tex + 5: 19 January - 29 January (WOOHOO)
Mrstr_Chief: 18 January - 28 January
Crispy013: 26 January - 05 February
Weekender: 7 February - 14 February
beexy + few mates: 10 days, dates unknown.
Neslot: 25 January - 22 February
Vermillion: 14 February - 21 February
Mamabear: 18 January - 25 January
Glider: 16 January - 24 January
SnowDogg: 03 March - 10 March
kieranskis: 07 February - 17 February
PiedPiper: 24 February - 04 March
rugbyskier: 24 January - 28 January

Furano
FuranoFreshPow: Resident
spaceman347: 6 weeks from December
Smitty484: 02 February - 07 February
smackies +3: 11 February - 20 February (+ Kamui, Asahidake, Tomamu)
McNads: 12 February - 19 February
Mrstr_Chief: 29 January - 03 February
Weekender: 15 February - 21 February
malibu: 02 January - 14 January
SnowDogg: 25 February - 03 March
freddy: 3 months from mid-January
rugbyskier: 30 January - 05 February

Rusutsu
Smitty484: 07 February - 12 February
RatherB@thesnow: 02 February - 05 February
McNads: 05 February - 12 February
tdc: January 11 - January 16

Other - add in name(s) of resorts
Sandy @ Minakami: 06 January

All over the shop:
Annago +3: Jan 11 to Feb 2 - Hakuba, Nozawa, Myoko
Mamabear +3: 12th to 25th Jan. Hakuba and Niseko
DeesOnSkis: Jan 10-25 Yuzawa, Minakami, and Katashina
K@os: February 12 - February 17: Honshu
SkiandRideGuide: All over Hokkaido and Honshu in February

Still deciding:
Petesguitar1 +1: Mid Feb, back in March
Ceecee: 01 February - 21 February
ianski: 10 days in March

Accommodation
http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Japan (search by region)

Travel:
http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Japan#Transport

Snow reports and forecasts:
http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Japan#Climate

Back Country
http://www.myokokogen.org/mbss/english/index_e.php
http://myokokogen.net/nordic.htm
http://steepdeepjapan.com
http://nisekosnow.net/niseko-backcountry/index.php

Maps
Akakan Resort
Akakura Onsen
Hakuba
Nozawa Onsen

 

[M_G]

Nothing like an early start Smitty!

 

[d15812]

I've booked the Sydney - Tokyo leg already. Got in early to secure business class return on FF points

 

[smitty484]

how long you going back to Furano for? Im thinking of basing myself there for part of the trip next year, but use it to get around to the other resorts in the area...I am planning on having a car.

 

[Donza]

Wake me in November..
Or if there is a good sale on seats.

 

[smitty484]

Nothing like an early start Smitty!

Never too early to start dreaming about the snow again

 

[Donza]

lol how long you going back to Furano for? Im thinking of basing myself there for part of the trip next year, but use it to get around to the other resorts in the area...I am planning on having a car.

Not sure if this has been posted

 

[McNads]

I'll be going back to Hokkaido to do virtually the same trip as the last 2 - 1 week at Rusutsu & 1 week at Furano. Considered multiple other options including Canada, but the most important thing to me is as many relatively uncrowded pow days as I can get for my buck. That being said, I don't think there is any more safe option then 'the other' resorts in Hokkaido.

Added to this, I now know the resorts very well, where to find a plethora of hidden gems. I may not know them all, but I certainly know of enough to keep me satisfied. Will be there from Feb 5 through Feb 19.

 

[d15812]

lol how long you going back to Furano for? Im thinking of basing myself there for part of the trip next year, but use it to get around to the other resorts in the area...I am planning on having a car.

I'll be there for approx 6 weeks again. I've got friends there now and I love the noodles from Ramen Corner

 

[Mark102]

I'll probably be heading back to Hakuba again. Would be pretty keen to try some other resorts though If I can get some more time off work.

Already bought some new skis in preparation for Japan BC lines so I have to go now!!!

 

[bdenny4]

Yeah still deciding but it looks like the following for 2011:

Feb: Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen for a week

Sept: Canada autumn sightseeing trip

 

[damian]

Already bought some new skis in preparation for Japan BC lines so I have to go now!!!

What did you get?

 

[seekandstrike]

Id say we'd be going back. Id like to go to Hokkaido this time though, any thoughts/recommendations where to stay? Or it will be back to Shiga Kogen for a week or so.

 

[smitty484]

Take some time and read up on the Japanese resorts in Wikiski

 

[seekandstrike]

Yer, Ill do some reasearch. Thanks smitty for the site. But can anybody recommend an area that has steep terrain, and good powder runs (depending on snowfall) on the north island from previous experiences?

 

[Heinz]

Yer, Ill do some reasearch. Thanks smitty for the site. But can anybody recommend an area that has steep terrain, and good powder runs (depending on snowfall) on the north island from previous experiences?

Hokkaido is a big place, but basically there is a choice of two main regions.
1. Niseko and surrounds including Rusutsu which is pretty well documented.
2. Central Hokkaido with Furano being a good place to base. Furano itself have some steepish runs and you can sample a number of different areas on day trips eg. Asahidake, Kamui, Tomamu, Sahoro and Tokachi for BC.

There are plenty of other small resorts about the place with a few near Sapporo but the above two options would be the first options.

oh and it is Hokkaido, so you are always going to find powder.

 

[Heinz]

As for myself, I have no idea this far out, Japan or elsewhere.

 

[damian]

Anyone thinking about doing a full season here, the proper way - with no work, just skiing/boarding?

For me: there is still 2 months of good skiing to go, with a few scrappy days in June. Next winter still seems like a lifetime away but I aim to hit Hokkaido in late March with the campervan for a few weeks

 

[smitty484]

damian a full season of just boarding would rock! Unfortunately my money tree isn't that big

 

[damian]

damian a full season of just boarding would rock! Unfortunately my money tree isn't that big

My guess: 60,000 yen per month for accommodation. 60,000 for season ticket. 60,000 yen per month for food and limited booze (more than enough!). Living in Japan for 3 months for 100 days on snow = about $5500, and you could do it far cheaper. Plus flight and travel expenses.

Solution: Only get drunk once a month for the next 9 months. Don't go to the snow in Australia this winter. Don't buy anything new. Save every cent.

Oh, add on $1000 for beacon, shovel, probe, backpack, snowshoes and hiking poles. Essential in this country if you want to make the most of it for a full season. Thats not a season expense, it is an investment in your future (trust me). But it will lead to a splitboard, and they are not cheap.

 

[smitty484]

You make it sound very tempting. I was actually looking at 2 months next season (Jan and feb)I have to be back in march for uni. However a friend and I are going to go to Europe the following June so I had to postpone it. However the costs you just posted are very doable indeed!!

 

[damian]

Uni student, and I assume no wife, mortgage, kids or oppressive debt. It doesn’t really matter where you choose to do a season of fulltime riding, now is a very good time to do it.

 

[Mark102]

Already bought some new skis in preparation for Japan BC lines so I have to go now!!!

What did you get?

192cm DPS Lotus 138

 

[Snow Addict]

Back to snowboarding eh Mark?

 

[zhenjie]

An uber cheap Jetstar sale.....http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/cheap-flights/2for1-japan.aspx?utm_source=jq_home&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=japan_2for1_sale_20100325

oh wait. NADEALS I'd love for you to comment on this sale? I thought JAL was going bankrupt and other airlines weren't going to have sales this year? I think Jetstar have had 3 sales since you posted that comment.

 

[smitty484]

Still a little too early for pow turns, but it is a step in the right direction.

 

[damian]

Already bought some new skis in preparation for Japan BC lines so I have to go now!!!

What did you get?

192cm DPS Lotus 138

Well, they should be big enough for the big days! (Keep in mind though, Happo backbowls are not always powder, or at least not powder+stable+good vis at the same time – in fact they are far less reliable than areas not quite as accessible from the lifts).

 

[Donza]

If anyones keen to goto Hokkaido it seems the flights are better timed now.
See below
Flight 1 Monday, January 17, 2011

Departure: 9:20AM Sydney, Australia - Kingsford Smith, terminal 1
Arrival: 5:10PM Tokyo, Japan - Narita, terminal 2
Airline: Japan Airlines JL772 e
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200/300
Operated by Jalways

Change of plane required. Time between flights = 1:30.

Flight 2 Monday, January 17, 2011

Departure: 6:40PM Tokyo, Japan - Narita, terminal 2
Arrival: 8:25PM Sapporo, Japan - Chitose

 

[rangerider]

The 777's are great I reckon except there is no aircon thingy above your head. I'd prefer a777-200 to a 747 any day of the week, in cattle class anyway.

 

[Donza]

The 777's are great I reckon except there is no aircon thingy above your head. I'd prefer a777-200 to a 747 any day of the week, in cattle class anyway.

JAL's 747's are very old and tired. Especially the ones that used to fly Osaka - Syd
So yeah 777 all the way.

 

[rangerider]

I love it that Japanese don't go looking for the spare seats. Geez they're great. We're always all over it.

 

[Donza]

I love it that Japanese don't go looking for the spare seats. Geez they're great. We're always all over it.

I don't love it when find a spare seat or three -while your wife is asleep..
she wakes up and panics and can't find you....

 

[zairaong]

currently planning my trip to Japan..
listing all the things i need, searching for a good deals, etc..
_________________________
tour packages | travel agencies | hotel booking

 

[Petesguitar1]

Just waiting for the Jet* birthday sale

Reckon we'll do minimum 2 weeks next year, sometime around Feb. Now where did I put that credit card?

 

[bdenny4]

Looking at this years paperwork - I booked my Jet* 2 for 1 deal on June 16th June 2009.

So, maybe they will release a similar deal in just under three months time.
If so, I'm booking!

Nozawa back I come

 

[smitty484]

Been spending this morning getting some ideas together for next winter. Looks like I will be in Japan from 21 Jan to the 5th Feb with 14 nights on snow. Thinking we fly into Chitose, pick up a car...spend 2 nights in Kiroro Snow World, 4 in Niseko, 5 in Furano and 3 in Tomamu. Then I can hit up other places as day trips with the car.

 

[smackies]

Looking at three weeks in Feb. My mates want to go back to Nozawa. I want to check out Zao and somwhere in Hokkaido.

Lots of planning time ahead.

 

[smitty484]

Updated Crew List

Hakuba

Nozawa Onsen

Myoko Kogen

Shiga Kogen

Kagura/Naeba

Hokkaido
Smitty484: Jan 21 - Feb 05 (Kiroro Snow World, Niseko, Furano, Tomamu and places in between) Possibly 6, could end up with just me. Haha.
McNads: Rusutsu Feb 5 - Feb 19

Niseko

Furano
spaceman347: 6 weeks from December
McNads: Feb 5 - Feb 19

All over the shop:
smackies: February for 3 weeks

Travel
http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi - Train timetables and fares
http://keinanbus.com/english/index_e.htm Transfer bus - Myoko and snow resort transfers
http://myoko-nojiri.com/access/
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/charge/index.asp

Accommodation
http://myoko-nojiri.com/hotels/ - look for the links to each resort area
http://www.naganogo.com/nozawa-onsen-accomodation/
http://www.ski-resorts-japan.com/resort-accommodation
http://nozawaonsen.com/english.html
http://hakubaconnect.com/
http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com
http://www.penkepanke.com/english/ (Hakuba)
http://www.hakubalunahotel.com

Snow reports
http://myokokogen.net/weather.html
http://www.naganogo.com/places/nozawa-onsen/
http://www.snowjapan.com - look for [Resort Name] Now! reports

Snow forecast
http://www.snow-forecast.com
http://myokokogen.net/snow_alert.html - snow reports/forecast by email

Back Country
http://www.myokokogen.org/mbss/english/index_e.php
http://myokokogen.net/nordic.htm
http://steepdeepjapan.com

 

[smitty484]

Feel free to edit the list, I just thought I would get the ball rolling.

 

[skiflat]

You are heading back again smitty

 

[Cham]

Man....already.....you don't waste any time ;-)

 

[smitty484]

Well normally i'm not this anal, but with possibly a few people coming on the trip, I wanted dates set so that if Jet* sale fares pop up we can all just book at once.

 

[M_G]

Still life in this season - bucketing down with snow today. Japanese school holidays at present so you should see the crowd at Tangram.

 

[Poppy]

lol Well normally i'm not this anal, but with possibly a few people coming on the trip, I wanted dates set so that if Jet* sale fares pop up we can all just book at once.

Noticed Jet* have 2 for 1 fares to Melb&gt;Gold Coast&gt; Osaka today offers ends on the 31st MARCH!!

 

[smitty484]

Yes I'm hoping they extend the offer to cover next winter. Fingers crossed

 

[Goanna]

Hakuba-Nozawa-Myoko is the current plan Jan10-31. Four of us this time.

 

[stovemiester]

Niseko - Hakuba - Nozawa - Shiga for three weeks in Feb i hope.

 

[sli1]

Been spending this morning getting some ideas together for next winter. Looks like I will be in Japan from 21 Jan to the 5th Feb with 14 nights on snow. Thinking we fly into Chitose, pick up a car...spend 2 nights in Kiroro Snow World, 4 in Niseko, 5 in Furano and 3 in Tomamu. Then I can hit up other places as day trips with the car.

Kiroro sucks. Nice modern base facilities, english signs, english speakers and just sooooo flat.

 

[damian]

Got some nice backcountry though.

 

[sli1]

Damian, we did go backcountry there and yes, an afternoon tour outside the resort was fantastic. The snow quality was excellent: