snowboard community forums : Japan 2013 (redux) http://www.trusnow.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; snowboard community forums : International : Japan 2013 (redux) Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:59 +0000 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:15:12 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.54 360 www.trusnow.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=50669 snowboard community forums http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.trusnow.com/forum/ Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by hana24It's... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239874#1239874 Author: sideways99
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 12:15pm

Originally posted by hana24

 
It's not that bad.  It's a forest near Mt Fuji that people go to when they want to commit suicide.  So if you're hiking around there, you may come across a body.  I think it was a documentary from Vice where they followed a guy who patrols the forest as a suicide prevention officer.  Whenever he comes across someone whose out there camping, he talks to them and see if they're suicidal or not.  


So that's the place all the fellas go to when hana24 has spurned their romantic advances...
]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:15:12 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239874#1239874 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by hana24 Originally... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239870#1239870 Author: Angry Midget Yo
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 11:59am

Originally posted by hana24

Originally posted by | | | bryman | | |

^^^ WTF is that?  I'm scared to google

-b

It's not that bad.  It's a forest near Mt Fuji that people go to when they want to commit suicide.  So if you're hiking around there, you may come across a body.  I think it was a documentary from Vice where they followed a guy who patrols the forest as a suicide prevention officer.  Whenever he comes across someone whose out there camping, he talks to them and see if they're suicidal or not.  

In the documentary, they may have come across a body...not sure though...

If that's the case then that place is probably hella haunted like hell.  LOL  But suicide is pretty common in Japan, they even have suicide clubs where they meet up and commit suicide.  Shocked  I think it was Russia that beat out Japan as the most suicidal country.
]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:59:34 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239870#1239870 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by hana24 Originally... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239855#1239855 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 9:50am

Originally posted by hana24

Originally posted by | | | bryman | | |

^^^ WTF is that?  I'm scared to google

-b

It's not that bad.  It's a forest near Mt Fuji that people go to when they want to commit suicide.  So if you're hiking around there, you may come across a body.  I think it was a documentary from Vice where they followed a guy who patrols the forest as a suicide prevention officer.  Whenever he comes across someone whose out there camping, he talks to them and see if they're suicidal or not.  

In the documentary, they may have come across a body...not sure though...

yeah but people easily like to make something like this a big focal point. it's not that different than golden gate or other bridges as a destination for some..


]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:50:13 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239855#1239855 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by | | |... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239854#1239854 Author: hana24
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 9:47am

Originally posted by | | | bryman | | |

^^^ WTF is that?  I'm scared to google

-b

It's not that bad.  It's a forest near Mt Fuji that people go to when they want to commit suicide.  So if you're hiking around there, you may come across a body.  I think it was a documentary from Vice where they followed a guy who patrols the forest as a suicide prevention officer.  Whenever he comes across someone whose out there camping, he talks to them and see if they're suicidal or not.  

In the documentary, they may have come across a body...not sure though...
]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:47:17 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239854#1239854 Japan 2013 (redux) : ^^^ WTF is that? I'm scared... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239853#1239853 Author: | | | bryman | | |
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 9:38am

^^^ WTF is that?  I'm scared to google

-b
]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:38:49 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239853#1239853 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by cds4288i... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239852#1239852 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 9:14am

Originally posted by cds4288

i was online looking at stuff for japan last night and some carzy shit came up about the suicide forest on youtube. you should really check it out. i kinda want to go.

are you serious man...

that place ain't no entertainment my dude..


]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:14:33 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239852#1239852 Japan 2013 (redux) : i was online looking at stuff... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239850#1239850 Author: cds4288
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 9:06am

i was online looking at stuff for japan last night and some carzy shit came up about the suicide forest on youtube. you should really check it out. i kinda want to go.]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:06:00 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239850#1239850 Japan 2013 (redux) : Was in Niseko for a week mid-late... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239835#1239835 Author: jeremychan84
Subject: 50669
Posted: Apr/10/2013 at 1:23am

Was in Niseko for a week mid-late March. My second time there in 3 years. Was sunny and snowless the first day. After that it started dumping. Love the place. Stayed in the Full Note Pension. Awesome service from Toh-san and Ka-san imo. =)]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:23:10 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1239835#1239835 Japan 2013 (redux) : Last week on a snowboard i reckons.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1237908#1237908 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/26/2013 at 5:27pm

Last week on a snowboard i reckons. Well, at least for the foreseeable future. In about two weeks im off to thailand. All in all, been a shitty march for me, just too busy sorting shit out to head up on weekends, so only added two lousy days the first weekend (at kosha). Got a week here and then tokyo for a week or so (have to wait for my new passport to arrive) and then its off to a mid 30s heatwave carrying a bloddy massive bag through the streets of bangkok... not looking forward to it. 
Also took a proper painful knock on the butt yesterday onto solid ice, so already started off as i clearly mean to go on... half assed. 

Broom boom! TSCH!!!Ying Yang 
]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:27:12 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1237908#1237908 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by not-ewrxSo... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1235370#1235370 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/11/2013 at 6:37am

Originally posted by not-ewrx

So I arrived in Hokkaido  2 days ago to a massive snow storm.  They almost couldn't land the plane.  It was like 60 degrees in Tokyo and totally different when I got to Hokkaido.  It's been  absolutely insane.  Got first chair at Niseko Village and then Second gondola at Hirafu.  The gondola at Hirafu was nuts.  Top to bottom choke deep pow. 

It's been kind of rough because we are staying in Niseko Village and the bus just up and stopped running yesterday after all the snow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KXYh7u_p08
[TUBE]4KXYh7u_p08[/TUBE]

Thanks Ippi for all the advise.  Don't know if I would have made it here without all the inspiration from threads like these.  Definitely caught it good.

amazing man...

my trip in feb turned out PERFECT also. was pukin every single day literally. our plane almost had to turn back to Narita too because of blizzard-ness at Chitose. i'll be chasing this for the rest of my life...


]]> Mon, 11 Mar 2013 06:37:31 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1235370#1235370 Japan 2013 (redux) : wheee! the stoke comes across... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1235272#1235272 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/10/2013 at 3:36pm

wheee! the stoke comes across in the vid clip! :) Really glad the weather turned out right for you. Nagano was a wash this weekend. First weekend ive completely sat out. Saturday was proper spring heatwave and then yesterday was massive winds. Hope you get some more good days. Im pretty sure you will, you guys usually get half a month to a month longer than us either side in terms of drops. We've got a few more probably but definitely spring is on its way here. :) ]]> Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:36:48 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1235272#1235272 Japan 2013 (redux) : So I arrived in Hokkaido 2 days... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1235263#1235263 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/10/2013 at 2:25pm

So I arrived in Hokkaido  2 days ago to a massive snow storm.  They almost couldn't land the plane.  It was like 60 degrees in Tokyo and totally different when I got to Hokkaido.  It's been  absolutely insane.  Got first chair at Niseko Village and then Second gondola at Hirafu.  The gondola at Hirafu was nuts.  Top to bottom choke deep pow. 

It's been kind of rough because we are staying in Niseko Village and the bus just up and stopped running yesterday after all the snow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KXYh7u_p08
[TUBE]4KXYh7u_p08[/TUBE]

Thanks Ippi for all the advise.  Don't know if I would have made it here without all the inspiration from threads like these.  Definitely caught it good.
]]> Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:25:14 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1235263#1235263 Japan 2013 (redux) : Temps (and the freezing level)... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1234307#1234307 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/04/2013 at 9:20pm

Temps (and the freezing level) are really shooting up this weekend. Its the first warning shots of spring, theres usually one or two decent drops though before the end of march. Hope you manage to ninja one of them. :) As for food, yeah therell be something. Cant say for sure, only left the airport to catch my bus the one time i was there and didnt really look around, but youll be fine. Youll just have to jump in and look confused if you dont speak any japanese, someone will help you out. ]]> Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:20:49 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1234307#1234307 Japan 2013 (redux) : I leave for Niseko on Thursday.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1234305#1234305 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/04/2013 at 9:12pm

I leave for Niseko on Thursday.  The outlook looks good.  Chance of snow on sunday.  Anything but rain is golden in my book. 

I'm staying in Niseko villiage which is in the boonies but looks nice and secluded.  Is there any where near Sapporo's airport to buy food?  Breakfast is covered by the hotel but dinner is on us.
]]> Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:12:17 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1234305#1234305 Japan 2013 (redux) : we headed into Kutchan via bus... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229577#1229577 Author: zakk
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/06/2013 at 10:52am

we headed into Kutchan via bus for a few hundred yen bought a ton of supplies and cases and cases of beer and saved a truckload of yen at Co-Op.  a cab back with all your lot will be about 2,000 yen but split it with friends an you'll save on eating out every night.  

we make breakfast every morning and had half of our dinners in as well.  add in the money saved by pre-partying with our store bought beer and you can do quite well and save the budget.  
]]> Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:52:17 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229577#1229577 Japan 2013 (redux) : That guy is not just the most... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229407#1229407 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 3:34pm

That guy is not just the most helpful dude on the forums, hes possibly the most helpful dude in the whole damn industry! Maybe even the internet! :) 

I was thinking niseko because you can score cheap accommodation... its just youre going to be paying through the ear at the combini unless you take a trek to the supermarket half way to kutchan, and the lift tickets can be pricey... this can be mitigated by buying peoples unused day passes/hour passes when they leave. Its also mitigated by picking up the hourly tickets as well over the day passes. But its still likely to tip you over that 10,000yen/day mark (about $120/day).

As i say though this is a question ENTIRELY dependent on how long youre here, and when you plan to come. Best advice is if youre young enough (you need a bit of vitality and the capacity to put your life on hold for upwards of 5 or 6 months), and youre willing to actually do the job then youll be able to ride 100+ days for nothing. Cant get cheaper than that. And guess what? The two places that youre most likely to get that job is niseko and hakuba. Two of the best areas to ride in japan. 
]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:34:37 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229407#1229407 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by sideways99 Originally... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229315#1229315 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 6:22am

Originally posted by sideways99

Originally posted by matic

ippy is pretty much the most helpful dude on this forum


True but I would add spenser to the short list of "most helpful dudes on this forum".

no doubt about that
]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:22:48 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229315#1229315 Japan 2013 (redux) : anyways,i can only speak for niseko.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229313#1229313 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 6:15am

anyways,

i can only speak for niseko. but it's totally possible to live there on a budget during the season. PLENTY of places to stay at on a budget and i'd say decent amount of part time gigs you can pick up from what i see.
]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:15:21 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229313#1229313 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by maticippy... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229312#1229312 Author: sideways99
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 6:14am

Originally posted by matic

ippy is pretty much the most helpful dude on this forum


True but I would add spenser to the short list of "most helpful dudes on this forum".
]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:14:34 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229312#1229312 Japan 2013 (redux) : ippy is pretty much the most helpful... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229310#1229310 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 6:12am

ippy is pretty much the most helpful dude on this forum]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:12:02 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229310#1229310 Japan 2013 (redux) : Tough one for sure.Honestly... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229297#1229297 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 3:53am

Tough one for sure.

Honestly i can only really tell you about nagano and a bit of niigata and a bit of hokkaido. Probably the cheapest place to ride is just touring up in Akita/aomori but i know shit all about it :) 

It also really depends on how long you plan to be here. Myoko is seriously starting to take off. If you just want to ride and it doesnt matter but youre here around 3 weeks they have the big 4 pass (all 4 resorts - akakura onsen, akakura kanko (akakan), suginohara and ikenotaira) for something like 35,000 yen. Thats alright. Not great mind you, the full season pass is 50,000. If youre here longer then the ikenotaira pass is great value. 25,000yen i think. 

The one problem with ikenotaira is that it doesnt really have the side/back country access of suginohara and akakan. 

However, i was just readingthe myoko thread on ski.com.au and the place seems to be starting to get its shit together as far as foreign investment is concerned. Expect hakuba.2 at last in the next few years. The bogans are coming which means its losing that whole rundown but loved rustic charm it used to have, but on the flip it means more accomodation options for foreigners, more DIY options for food, and more bars and nights out in the onsen area. 

Furano also makes a pretty cheap option. Accomodation is easy to score and the mountain ticket price (as well as food prices) are standard village prices. 

Hakuba Alps backpackers (theyre my mates so full disclosure), offer cheap long term stays. But the lift prices are a bit pricey. Good place for a week or so though. 

Togari/nozawa/madarao. Three fun little hills you can just bounce between. Have no idea on accommodation, but togari is the cheapest day ticket ive seen: 2500 yen if you bring your passport. Only applicable to foreigners. They want some of that Nozawa vibe. 

Madarao will require a bus in from iiyama since im pretty sure nearby accomodation is going to be on piste price. 

OOOOOh! there is this one place. Ill try and get a photo on the train of it next saturday, but its basically a hostel in nagano city. Long stay might be super cheap. Its a serious backpackers. What it allows you to do though is hit up as many resorts in a few days as you can. If youre wanting to not commit yourself to one place, but need to bring the price down its a great way to see as much as you can in like a couple fo weeks. The big blow is that theres no bus that takes you to a resort in the nearby area that charges less than 1200 yen per trip. If youre contemplating a few rest days or want normal price food and amenities in a (crappy to be honest) city, then this might work out. 

Shiga Kogen is not even an option for you i think. Accommodation is japanese style pretty much which means 7-10,000pppn, a premium added on for single person, (about 1500 yen) and youre sort of expected to pick up the breakfast/dinner. (and you kinda have to since there aint that much around other than hotels). 

Ryuoo have AMAZING deals for short stays, (as does akakan and ikenotaira), its called a black box deal. You get a "random" hotel (same one every time at both ryuoo and akakan), and 2 days lift passes for 7-10,000 yen. Cant get cheaper than that in all honesty without a long stay/early bird season pass deal. Ryuoo though gets pretty boring after a couple fo days though. 

Togari = 2500 yen, plus train (740 yen each way) plus accommodation (3000ish) = 7000/day. Add in food at about 2000 yen and youve beaten the 10,000 yen/day benchmark and arent also starving in the priocess. Though you can easy drop it to 1000 if youre really pushing the cheap thing. 

The real benchmark for cheap is accommodation under 4000 yen/night. Thats where its going to hit you. If you can score that, youre somewhere really cheap. Its really dorm accommodation and honestly thats not a standard japanese style of doing things. You need a decent foreign investment in an area to find those kind of prices (or really good japanese to hunt them down in jalan.net or rakuten travel). Off season you can go for those kind of deals and end up with an entire room to yourself which is nice. But obviously youll be wanting altitude since it starts getting sticky lower down somewhere between late feb-mid march. 

Your absolute best bet is to get a work visa in truth. If youre young enough you can pull it off. Get a crappy job in a hostel for access to a free season pass, free rent, meals and probably a bit of spending cash (though id start saving to be honest) and go ride the season out. Every day you decide to sit it out you aint throwing away cash. Its fairly easy to get a job somewhere so long as youve got a big smiley face and seem hard working. If you can speak a littel japanese and show a willingness to adapt to japanese culture, you might not even have to only choose from the western hovels... :) Sorry niseko. I love you really :) 

Plus you can work in niseko and ride 100 days+ a season which will piss off EVERYONE on this forum and wherever else. Just have a good attitude, be willing to work a bit, and dont just treat it like a free holiday and youll have a ball. 


]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 03:53:40 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229297#1229297 Japan 2013 (redux) : Ippo - You've prob heard... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229292#1229292 Author: jades10
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/05/2013 at 1:44am

Ippo - You've prob heard this a hundred times, what's the best spot in Japan on a college student budget? I'm keen as to get over there...]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 01:44:36 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229292#1229292 Japan 2013 (redux) : those look like some pretty sick... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229280#1229280 Author: zakk
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/04/2013 at 10:13pm

those look like some pretty sick lines!  I didn't get to ride anywhere on Honshu, but Niseko and the areas around it are perfect for my mixed skill group.  and it was a ton of fun :D]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2013 22:13:52 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229280#1229280 Japan 2013 (redux) : Yeah, really you need to he... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229031#1229031 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/03/2013 at 9:29pm

Yeah, really you need to he to hakuba for steeper lines. Hokkaido isnt really about its mountains. Yo could also hit Tanigawadake/Tenjindaira. Im all snowjapan this post, but its nt so well known internationally, but does have a rather epic line on it for the fearless. You need to know your avi shit though. Same around hakuba. Plenty of serious lines over there. 

Heres a decent resort review to get your head around it: 

I am a local rider in Minakami that has been riding Tenjin for the past 13 years.
As the on piste terrain is very limited, it is likey that intermediate to advanced on piste riders would start to get bored by the end of the day unless you are into powder (which there can be a lot of on piste). There is one good run for beginners but because of the huge amounts of snow and sometimes windy conditions it is not the most comfortable field to learn on. (I recommend Houdaigi in Minakami)

If backcountry (bc), big mountain, trees and deep powder is your thing, then welcome to paradise. On average Tenjin is always in the top 5 ski areas for snow depth, with consistant falls of very light dry powder. There is a huge range of bc terrain ranging from melow tree runs to 60 deg mountain chutes. I rate it as one of the best bc mountains in Japan.

However, the risks at Tenjin are also high. One of the sweetest runs is known as Avalanche Alley for a good reason. Every season a class 2 - 3 avalanche (big enough to take out a good sized house) drops with a number of smaller slides also ocurring. If you want to ride the bc, make sure you have:

-avalanche gear

-know how to use it

-a buddy to ride with

-guide(optional)

The patrol can be difficult at times and do not condone bc riding, so it is best to be discrete.

The wind problems in the past have been somewhat rectified with the new high speed (and stable) Gondola that can hold 15 people. The lift tickets have also dropped to 4000 yen making it a good choice for bc enthusiasts.

 
And heres one of the most beautiful japan picture sets from muika over at snowjapan (not just for you, youve maybe seen it, but for anyone thinking about it).










He rides loads of the areas around niigata, nagano and in this case, gunma just taking cut pics of the lines. Well worth a wee look if youre ever planning on coming anywhere near them. 



]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:29:25 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229031#1229031 Japan 2013 (redux) : big pow days in Niseko United,... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229018#1229018 Author: zakk
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/03/2013 at 9:00pm

big pow days in Niseko United, Annipuri, Village, Hanazono, Hirafu.  did a great day in Rusutsu as well, a day in the BC near Rusutsu and the best day of riding in my life in Kiroro. we ducked a lot of ropes and did a lot of hiking and even some skinning up in bounds to get to the top when it was closed.  wore my beacon every day just because we had no idea what/where we were getting into.    here was a taste of the first 2 days in Hirafu http://instagram.com/p/U9-0IDy6dK/

Did some hiking in the side country in Rusutsu, but there were some cracks behind the cornice that had me a bit spooked so me and my friend turned it around.  others dropped it, but i'm a big guy and that would be a lot of load on an unknown slope.  still had a banger run down some lower elevation trees.  The talking tree in Rusutsu was hours of drunken fun as well as the photo booth http://instagram.com/p/VDyb9oS6QS/

Niseko was really Austrailia North.  I don't feel like I need to go to Oz now.  i also crystal clear understanding of the term "bogan".  not many, but those that were really gave you a taste.  

Almost did a day trip to Gala Yuzawa but it would have been about $800 USD on a day trip all things considered, so we bagged it an did a day of sumo during the winter basho.  SP? on all of this LOL

The backcountry was amazing.  3 hours skinning up my first huge day in touring mode and it was an amazing day.  http://instagram.com/p/VGcVMCS6Tm/

Kiroro was off the beaten path and some OB hiking got me on the heaviest line of my life. really opened up some bigger riding for me going forward.  here was our group right before we dropped http://instagram.com/p/VKriFfS6Vg/

I also have a board condom now http://instagram.com/p/VSPwcry6Sk/ LOL

Overall, I don't think Japan is as steep as i was expecting, but the pow was just stupid deep.  first time i have been anywhere that it was up to my waist and I couldn't see even my front leg.  

I'm going back for sure.  We had a group of 10 and that was a lot of fun but i think ideally you'd roll with 4.  
]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:00:05 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1229018#1229018 Japan 2013 (redux) : Give us a rundown then... what... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228969#1228969 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/03/2013 at 3:20pm

Give us a rundown then... what resorts did you end up playing on? Just niseko and kiroro? Did you get to ninja in any others? ]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:20:54 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228969#1228969 Japan 2013 (redux) : Just got back from Japan. Tokyo,... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228941#1228941 Author: zakk
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/03/2013 at 12:11pm

Just got back from Japan.  Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo and Niseko.  Amazing trip.

One place to check out is Kiroro. zero lines and endless powder. I may or may not have walked off with a board condom as well from here.  

we did two days with Black Diamond tours as well, and there is a Kiwi guide named Jamie with that outfit that I can't reccomend enough.  Tell him Bear sent you :)
]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2013 12:11:43 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228941#1228941 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by not-ewrxSo... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228599#1228599 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/01/2013 at 6:39am

Originally posted by not-ewrx

So I booked a hotel in Shinjuku.  I'll have to study up on how to get around and where to go.  What is the name of this snowboard place?  Sounds sweet. Also, I'd like to buy some subaru parts while I'm there.  Is there a good english website to navigate their subway system? 

Also, this is the hotel we are staying at in Neseko http://www.thegreenleafhotel.com/en/

you'll be good at shinjuku, it's a MAJOR train hub there.

this is a good site for train directions:
]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:39:40 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228599#1228599 Japan 2013 (redux) : Toyo for tourists google search... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228583#1228583 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/31/2013 at 10:56pm

Toyo for tourists google search yields!!!


One thing id honestly recommend is that your first day using the subway, go and ask for an English map, some stations only have the furigana maps up. Or have the english one squirreled away. :) 

Get your own subway and JR map and youre golden. 
JR line is hella convenient for trips around the longer tokyo distances. It doesnt cost much more than the subway ride, but can be way more of a clusterfuck ;)

Sumimasen eigo no chizu, ga arimasuka? (excuse me, do you have an English map?)

The snowboard area is called Kanda. But BE WARNED, kanda is the name of the JR station which is a bit of a walk to the place you want to be. Just get the subway to ogawamachi station and then walk towards Jimbocho. 

Good luck in hoth dude, hope the weather is nice. Should add, two fatalities last weekend outside the gates. Both fell into glide cracks in two separate areas of the mountain. So er, despite the comparative safety, travel safely and take it easy if you pop out of the gates until you know the area reasonably well. Its still backcountry of course. 

And yeah, ikebukuro: night bus. Im sure its got other stuff, its a key part of the line if youre heading to Saitama and Yuzawa though. So if youre going to Niigata or nagano its a nice place. Dont think it has a shink station though, so its Shinjuku, omiya (saitama), Takasaki, Echigo Yuzawa for anyone heading that way (with a few random stops like kumagaya and some place in gunma i forget the name of on the slower trains). 

]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:56:59 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228583#1228583 Japan 2013 (redux) : So I booked a hotel in Shinjuku.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228568#1228568 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/31/2013 at 8:21pm

So I booked a hotel in Shinjuku.  I'll have to study up on how to get around and where to go.  What is the name of this snowboard place?  Sounds sweet. Also, I'd like to buy some subaru parts while I'm there.  Is there a good english website to navigate their subway system? 

Also, this is the hotel we are staying at in Neseko http://www.thegreenleafhotel.com/en/
]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:21:35 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228568#1228568 Japan 2013 (redux) : HA nice. what's that say... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228398#1228398 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/31/2013 at 7:08am

HA nice. what's that say for IKEBUKURO? night bus...?]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:08:02 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228398#1228398 Japan 2013 (redux) : Hakdong in korea is the... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228286#1228286 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/30/2013 at 3:25pm

Hakdong in korea is the same. You wouldnt think it since korea gets no fekkin snow, but its two sides of a massive street. If you find yourself in seoul, its pretty neat (though utterly exhausting after about your tenth shop).

Heres a subway map so you can find the big things...

(two secs, ill MS paint the shit out of this...)


]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:25:10 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228286#1228286 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by not-ewrxSo... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228168#1228168 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/30/2013 at 6:26am

Originally posted by not-ewrx

So I'm doing Niseko in March with 2 days in tokyo. 

Does anyone have recommendations on places to stay in Tokyo?  I'd also like some recommendations on what things to do.  We don't like real toruristy places.

pretty much what ippy just stated above. but it really depends what you want to do. what kind of place do you want to stay at? hotel? cheap hotel? backpacker hostel? 

also if you're going to tokyo might as well check out the touristy spots, they're actually great. at least check out the sensoji in asakusa and take a stroll to the skytree or whatever. shibuya, harajuku, shinjuku areas are all fun and are good to experience. 

also, if you're a snowboarder you might want to check out the crazy snowboard / sports gear district, i've never seen such a massive concentration of snowboard shops anywhere in my life! i guarantee there's no where in the world that has this many snowboard shops in one area. they got some cool and fun domestic brands as well the usual american brands. the area is between ogawamachi and jimbocho stations. 

i'm stopping by tokyo for 2 days as well in late feb, NOT enough time. there's just way too much to do/see in tokyo! 


]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 06:26:10 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228168#1228168 Japan 2013 (redux) : id just look at trip advisor.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228122#1228122 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/29/2013 at 10:11pm

id just look at trip advisor. Also, Toyoko Inn are also cheap and youll find loads of them all over Japan. And just in case you forget: save tokyo for the weekend and niseko for the weekdays to ensure maximum freshies and maximum tokyo fun. The other way around and youll have a quiet tokyo and a rowdy niseko. And no one needs that. As for areas, just chill around shibuya, shinjuku, asakusa, harajuku, akihabara and er, roppongi, and youll have a ball. Youre only there a couple of days you say, so really youll not have time to do anything really but figure out the metro and spend some time in the main districts. Youll pretty much have no time to do anything but people watch and try and get your head around it all :) ]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:11:41 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228122#1228122 Japan 2013 (redux) : So I'm doing Niseko in March... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228118#1228118 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/29/2013 at 9:04pm

So I'm doing Niseko in March with 2 days in tokyo. 

Does anyone have recommendations on places to stay in Tokyo?  I'd also like some recommendations on what things to do.  We don't like real toruristy places.
]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:04:55 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1228118#1228118 Japan 2013 (redux) : Hokkaido Powder Guides did my... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1225608#1225608 Author: inutil
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2013 at 6:22pm

Hokkaido Powder Guides did my avi training, They seem entirely professional and offer decent tours pretty much anywhere. Since theyre the only tour ive ever used though it means i cant tell you much more than that. Its like asking me to recommend a snowboard and me with only having experience on a custom recommend a custom. I mean, it does the job, never had any problems with it, felt like there was no real padding or time wasting, didnt feel like it was over priced, and got a solid two days of incredibly valuable info out of it. Plus i also *almost* enjoyed the 3 hour lecture at the end of day 1 :) The leader whos name i forget (ETA* Miyazaki San) was awesome. Shes this tiny girl, all 5 foot 2 of her, with the strength and tenacity of a goddamned mountain lion. Loved having her lead our course. ]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:22:39 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1225608#1225608 Japan 2013 (redux) : ippy,got any recs on guides that... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1225526#1225526 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2013 at 12:40pm

ippy,

got any recs on guides that i can link up in Niseko? i can see there are plenty if i search on google, but want to check out a guide through someone's personal experience. 
]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:40:14 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1225526#1225526 Japan 2013 (redux) : Bus times for nagano to:NozawaMadaraoshiga... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1225157#1225157 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/14/2013 at 6:31pm

Bus times for nagano to:

Nozawa
Madarao 
shiga kogen
Kita shiga Kogen (yomase, kijimadaira, ryuoo et al)
Hakuba
Tangram. 

]]> Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:31:25 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1225157#1225157 Japan 2013 (redux) : anyone around in Niseko on 2/20-2/22?... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1223062#1223062 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/04/2013 at 6:30am

anyone around in Niseko on 2/20-2/22? would like to find some stashes!

]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 06:30:15 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1223062#1223062 Japan 2013 (redux) : Lets hope that happens then xD!!!!! I... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221688#1221688 Author: Mwmartella
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 11:06pm

Lets hope that happens then xD!!!!!

I was pretty lucky in feb a big white, it hadn't snowed much all season until literally the day I got the and then it snowed nearly everyday I was there!! Haha

Hopefully the same logic applies!!!!]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:06:50 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221688#1221688 Japan 2013 (redux) : the videos/photos of furano that... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221674#1221674 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 9:02pm

the videos/photos of furano that i've seen were mega whiteout situations. i guess they come and go and not consistent.]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 21:02:24 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221674#1221674 Japan 2013 (redux) : haha, i am i am (not advanced,... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221669#1221669 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 8:53pm

haha, i am i am (not advanced, just picky about powder). But yeah, i only mention it because people expect furano to get the same levels as niseko. So when they end up with a week of maybe no new snow it can get tetchy and you start to curse the mountain a bit. But the mountain is actually great fun as a ride. Its kinda like goryu for me. A nice intermediate level mountain thats honestly big enough to keep you happy for a fair while. Furano fans honestly love it and go back year after year. Its just a nice cheap hokkaido place to stay within reach of some other awesome places (tomamu, kamui (seriously! go there!), and asahidake). So you know, its pretty nice. :) It just aint niseko either in terms of powder, or in terms of apres. Its got a few barsa nd if youre over the furano side (unlikely) youre a bit closer to the actual town itself. ]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:53:26 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221669#1221669 Japan 2013 (redux) : You guys are probably ways more... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221662#1221662 Author: Mwmartella
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 8:07pm

You guys are probably ways more advanced and way more picky about snow too XD

I live in Western Australia so any snow is good snow. Except the crap we get over east haha that's just pretend snow apparently!!]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:07:51 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221662#1221662 Japan 2013 (redux) : Pop down to the bar graphs and... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221661#1221661 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 7:55pm

Pop down to the bar graphs and compare/contrast:


versus


versus... lets pick my nagano mountain: 


Its a trap i fell into when i went there. If you pop back to the 2011 thread i think it was, youll see me moaning about the very thing. Middle of peak season, both niseko and nagano being hammered, and furano barely getting a top up. By my last two days IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PEAK SEASON (it irked me :)), the mountain was starting to peak through the snow in a few key places. It wasreally depressing to be honest. I wrote a review on the place where i moaned about it. Go check it out. Nice mountain though, fun to ride, and super cheap compared to niseko, but dont expect the same levels of powder. You might get dumped on, and thats great, but its much less likely in furano. If you end up feeling powder starved then remember kamui and tomamu are near enough to break up teh fatigue and might have some decent lines. If it drops and theres a bus to kamui, definitely take it. Time it right and itll be one of your favorite days on the snow. 

]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:55:23 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221661#1221661 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by ippollitecongrats... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221659#1221659 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 7:29pm

Originally posted by ippollite

congrats dude. Make sure you spend some time at kamui. Furano doesnt get a great amount of snow, its a bit too inland and the mountains around niseko tend to get most of the drop before it reaches furano. Dont be toooooooo disappointed when its not niseko. 
If you do hiking, just head to tokachidake and have fresh tracks on an active volcano instead :) 

really? i've heard real good things about furano
]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:29:11 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221659#1221659 Japan 2013 (redux) : I wanted to go to nesiko but couldn't... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221656#1221656 Author: Mwmartella
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 6:58pm

I wanted to go to nesiko but couldn't get in, left it too late and couldn't get any decent accommodation, it's been 12 months scince I've riden so any snow will be good snow!!!!]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:58:25 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221656#1221656 Japan 2013 (redux) : congrats dude. Make sure you spend... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221651#1221651 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 6:43pm

congrats dude. Make sure you spend some time at kamui. Furano doesnt get a great amount of snow, its a bit too inland and the mountains around niseko tend to get most of the drop before it reaches furano. Dont be toooooooo disappointed when its not niseko. 
If you do hiking, just head to tokachidake and have fresh tracks on an active volcano instead :) 
]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:43:42 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221651#1221651 Japan 2013 (redux) : I'm heading to Furano in... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221640#1221640 Author: Mwmartella
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2012 at 6:06pm

I'm heading to Furano in Feb, I really can't wait, I have never been to Japan before!!

Going to furano for 2 weeks and spending 2 weeks in Tokyo!

Got a new board and bindings for the trip only 36 days to go!!!!!]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:06:14 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1221640#1221640 Japan 2013 (redux) : so season starts from monday for... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1218128#1218128 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/08/2012 at 1:49am

so season starts from monday for reals. Massive dump due tonight tomorrow and monday which should push everything into opening mode. No more half resorts. Assuming the ridiculous wind thats coming with the storm doesnt fully materialize ill be in nozawa tomorrow so can give you an idea of the situation. :) ]]> Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:49:58 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1218128#1218128 Japan 2013 (redux) : I may have posted these... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215855#1215855 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/28/2012 at 5:41pm

I may have posted these dudes before, but best flights to niseko from tokyo:


For some reason they only take bookings up to three months in advance and OBVIOUSLY public holiday weekends (new year; 12th-14th jan; 9th-11th feb) and school holiday periods (late december to 8th Jan and late march to early april) are going to be super busy. But a weekday outside those dates on an unpopular flight should score a 20,000 yen round trip without much hassle. 

I was THIS close to just picking up a ticket for the 1st (a few cheap tickets left) to the 7th. About 26,000 total. Not the best, but not awful. Just as i was about to confirm i thought what the hey! its goig to puke in nagano then too anyway... might as well not have to pay for a plane ticket and accommodation. 

Oh, and there also these dudes:


You can only do it from osaka, but its way cheap! 
]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:41:12 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215855#1215855 Japan 2013 (redux) : I'm waiting to book my trip... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215844#1215844 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/28/2012 at 4:41pm

I'm waiting to book my trip to Hakiado/ tokyo when ticket prices go back down.  I'm hoping they go down after xmas.  ]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:41:36 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215844#1215844 Japan 2013 (redux) : ill be at work im pretty sure... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215837#1215837 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/28/2012 at 4:26pm

ill be at work im pretty sure for most of that. And in Nagano. Earliest chance ill have to make it to niseko will be late season when the prices pop back down for flights. But have fun dude. ]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:26:15 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215837#1215837 Japan 2013 (redux) : what my schedule will look l... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215679#1215679 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/28/2012 at 6:23am

what my schedule will look like:

would be cool if peeps from here would join the trip! holla.


]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:23:30 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215679#1215679 Japan 2013 (redux) : who's shredding japan this... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215440#1215440 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/27/2012 at 6:56am

who's shredding japan this season?

i'll be up in Rusutsu and Niseko in Feb!
]]> Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:56:21 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1215440#1215440 Japan 2013 (redux) : Goryu/47 confirmed a limited opening... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212938#1212938 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 8:58pm

Goryu/47 confirmed a limited opening for this weekend. Just the top two lifts on the 47 side (from the peak about 850m down), it aint much, but if there was a damn bus running (or i could drive and had a car), you bet your ass id be there. ]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:58:34 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212938#1212938 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by ippollite Its... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212890#1212890 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 5:07pm

Originally posted by ippollite

Its not just hakuba though. Heres the link so you can torture yourself every day: 


just being in the East Coast USA is a torture every season!

yeah, i'm aware of that site. i use it thoroughly when in i'm in japan
]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:07:00 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212890#1212890 Japan 2013 (redux) : Its not just hakuba though.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212887#1212887 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 4:42pm

Its not just hakuba though. Heres the link so you can torture yourself every day: 

]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:42:59 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212887#1212887 Japan 2013 (redux) : gah!!! http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212884#1212884 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 4:24pm

gah!!! ]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:24:17 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212884#1212884 Japan 2013 (redux) : just to wind you up a bit... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212881#1212881 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 4:13pm

just to wind you up a bit though:

Today at Hakuba 47:

Today at Hakuba Happo1:


And today at Niseko:
]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:13:24 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212881#1212881 Japan 2013 (redux) : I will be checking the honshu... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212877#1212877 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 3:40pm

I will be checking the honshu mountains for sure within the next few seasons. so many places, so little time..


]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:40:50 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212877#1212877 Japan 2013 (redux) : If given the choice id be in hokkaido... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212869#1212869 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 3:23pm

If given the choice id be in hokkaido too :) 
i <3 Nagano (obviously - i moved back here). But when it cmes to a nice long season with almost endless pukarage (and awesome off piste policies/tree runs), then you cant beat the nieko area. 
If you do get a chance and happen to be in and around asahikawa dont forget to check out kamui. The place is insane fun.  
]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:23:43 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212869#1212869 Japan 2013 (redux) : @ippollitelooks like i&#039;m... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212856#1212856 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/14/2012 at 1:57pm

@ippollite

looks like i'm headed up to hokkaido again this season. i'm never making it to nagano! LOL
]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:57:16 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1212856#1212856 Japan 2013 (redux) : 2013 bump. Welcome to japan. I... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1210496#1210496 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Nov/04/2012 at 4:25pm

2013 bump. Welcome to japan. I now live back in nagano. wheee! 


]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:25:42 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1210496#1210496 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by ippolliteyou... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166707#1166707 Author: tworunningcards
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/06/2012 at 6:33am

Originally posted by ippollite

you might as well. But maybe try and time to a specific period. Either cherry blossom season, snowboarding season (acourse) or leaf changing season. 
Either way you should probably do it in kyoto just because if youre coming to japan on your honeymoon, youd be daft if you didnt go to somewhere like Kiyomizu-dera (a very famous temple in kyoto) 


Totally agree on the Kiyomizu dera. There are a few really amazing temples in that area. My plans for a Japan trip fell through, but I'll still be going sometime this year I hope.]]> Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:33:23 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166707#1166707 Japan 2013 (redux) : you might as well. But maybe try... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166542#1166542 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/05/2012 at 3:50pm

you might as well. But maybe try and time to a specific period. Either cherry blossom season, snowboarding season (acourse) or leaf changing season. 

Either way you should probably do it in kyoto just because if youre coming to japan on your honeymoon, youd be daft if you didnt go to somewhere like Kiyomizu-dera (a very famous temple in kyoto) 


]]> Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:50:07 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166542#1166542 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by not-ewrxI... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166300#1166300 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/04/2012 at 8:35pm

Originally posted by not-ewrx

I actually want to go to Japan for a Honeymoon.  No one ever does cool shit for their honeymoon. 

do it!
]]> Sun, 04 Mar 2012 20:35:41 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166300#1166300 Japan 2013 (redux) : I actually want to go to Japan... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166006#1166006 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/03/2012 at 2:12pm

I actually want to go to Japan for a Honeymoon.  No one ever does cool shit for their honeymoon. ]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:12:03 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166006#1166006 Japan 2013 (redux) : ippollite, I have a friend in... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166000#1166000 Author: Migoo
Subject: 50669
Posted: Mar/03/2012 at 1:54pm

ippollite, I have a friend in Niseko at the moment. He's loving it, and rubbing it in my face every day...

Sounds like conditions are pretty good over there.]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:54:16 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1166000#1166000 Japan 2013 (redux) : hakuba has much better terrain... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160936#1160936 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/16/2012 at 9:50pm

hakuba has much better terrain than niseko though :) ]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:50:05 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160936#1160936 Japan 2013 (redux) : pretty much what i thought but... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160648#1160648 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/16/2012 at 8:59am

pretty much what i thought but you def put in a lot insight for honshu. hokkaido is really a dream, just an amazing place. but i was looking into hakuba and areas up north for the traveling convenience between Tokyo. but i guess Hokkaido still wins. ]]> Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:59:06 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160648#1160648 Japan 2013 (redux) : entirely your call to make.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160503#1160503 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/15/2012 at 8:13pm

entirely your call to make. In truth, if money wasnt an issue, id be in niseko/rusutsu. 

- Consistent drops
- Easy to manage with limited or no japanese.
- Lots of accommodation options.
- Beans in the combini.
- Early start, super late finish to the season.
- The nighta is still unbelievably good.
- Side country is superb.
- Lots of apres ski options.

Hakuba has a few of the environmental features, but has less consistent drops, and late season it gets cement like when it does fall. You can also get hit by a duff season. The only two seasons that have been outstanding in my time in japan were 2005 (and i only know of this because the news kept telling us about how much snow was everywhere, i didnt board then), and this season.  Hell, until this season i would have sworn blind that nozawa gets much less snow than the other mountains in the area just because thats been the pattern the past three or four years. 

Bear in mind as well that the season didnt even start until the last week of december, and even then that was more just a covering.  

It also suffers from weeks of no snow in late jan--->march when you could book two weeks in japan and be super unlucky with your timings (as i seemed to be the 2 years i was in korea and had to fly over - 2 weeks of pow, two weeks of ice). 

In niseko, youve got a much smaller window of no snow. I think the longest i went was three days, then it dropped a meter on everyone (while i was in furano and got nowt :/)

Buuuuut, honshu means more variety. 
You can access all of hakuba, all of myoko, shiga kogen, nozawa, kita shiga kogen (xjam, ryuoo, takaifuji), and a host of other resorts all within an hour by car from nagano. You can also access tokyo, osaka, kyoto, niigata, nagano, and nagoya for a change of pace. 

Ooooh, and lets not forget that theres also the Yuzawa district which is barely a stones throw away from tokyo (70 minutes by shink). And this gives you access to niseko conditions in kagura (which gets consistently dumped on), as well as a few other places like gala yuzawa, ishiuchi maruyama, naeba, iwaparra, maiko, kandatsu and a host of other smaller resorts. 

And then theres also minakami area which is just before echigo yuzawa which boasts 18 resorts (though realistically theres maybe two or three youd want to hit). 

Nagano gives you WAY more options. It also gives you some proper cities to chill out in like tokyo or nagoya (which is a dump though). (and you can also hit up places like alts bandai or even yamamagata for zao onsen if you want to hang around tokyo). 

Lots to do and see in honshu. But more consistent better quality powder and a longer season at niseko. Niseko slackcountry is second to none in japan. (There are resorts in akita and Aomori that are literally one or two lifts and you ride where the hell you like, but i know none of those im afraid and you could probably do with some local knowledge before venturing up there.)

So there you go, some pros and cons.
]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:13:57 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160503#1160503 Japan 2013 (redux) : so hakuba vs niseko/rusutsu?been... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160214#1160214 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/15/2012 at 6:04am

so hakuba vs niseko/rusutsu?been to niseko/rusu twice. best experience ever in hokkaido. but thinking if i should check out honshu next time.]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:04:18 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160214#1160214 Japan 2013 (redux) : well unfortunately im now... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160179#1160179 Author: madsnake
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/15/2012 at 2:02am

well unfortunately im now back at work but what a trip, japan is amazing!

the night we rocked up to hukuba it had puking all day so we woke up to so much powder! we managed to get good snow pretty much the whole time we were there except for about one day so i defintely cant complain. checked out happo one, hukuba 47, iwatake and cortina. only went to cortina on the last day but it was amazing. so much snow and some epic tree runs. cant wait to go back now.

tokyo was rad as well, checked out a lot of the places you listed and saw some temples and castles as well.

thanks again for the info mate and enjoy the rest of the season!

]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:02:24 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1160179#1160179 Japan 2013 (redux) : Ippy this is awesome! Hopefully... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1159217#1159217 Author: namsapalooza
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/12/2012 at 4:03pm

Ippy this is awesome! Hopefully we'll be able to make it out there some time and enjoy the fabulous pow Japan has to offer :)]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:03:52 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1159217#1159217 Japan 2013 (redux) : Kagura redeems itself yet again.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1159212#1159212 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Feb/12/2012 at 3:52pm

Kagura redeems itself yet again. Seriously, this is the best place in japan right now (for me). None of the niseko costs but all of the soft dry light fluffy powder and off piste youd want. Its smaller than niseko in scale of course, but theres about 1/100th of the people and 1/1,000,000th of the bogans. No beans and timtams in the combini though so it loses some points for that LOL]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:52:54 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1159212#1159212 Japan 2013 (redux) : boooo! went to kagura. They... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1153261#1153261 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/28/2012 at 7:21pm

boooo! went to kagura. They shut the top lift because of an electric fault (and because its a bit deep and dodgy out there - 2 deaths earlier in the season in the region from upended (not creek beds or ninja holes, just upended and buried) snowboarders has things a little on edge. 

Kagura without its top lift (and access to tashiro which was entirely shut down), leaves only the nasty gondola run, the park, and the green run that runs parallel to it. Got my ticket at 10.12, came down by 12, got my cash back and came home. If i was on the scope i would have been alright, but a 164 slasher feels a biiiit big to just dick around with (though its way flexy). Ah well, save an extra 2man en for february and got to sleep in my own bed, so i guess thats nice. Would rather be out riding today than typing, but whatchagonnado? 

ETA: Japans numbers at the moment:

]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:21:59 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1153261#1153261 Japan 2013 (redux) : Right now im at work in saitama.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1152512#1152512 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/26/2012 at 8:50pm

Right now im at work in saitama. But HOLY SHEEEET!!! is it DUMPING right now?
(not here, but on the resorts). 

Nozawa just got pasted yesterday with a meter in 24 hours. Yuzawa is swimming in pow. Hakuba got another 50cms on average and cortina is still off the hook. 


Myokos daily report hasnt even come in. The dudes probably busy digging himself out.
Lets see how my little seki onsen is doing...
530cms with yesterdays still to be added and a SERIOUS hit coming midweek.

To all those who bailed on japan... 

teehee :p Thanks dudes, its shtooking awesome out here right now :) 

As for tokyo... hmm, depends what you like doing. 

If youre just kinda ambling about the places you HAVE to go to:

Shibuya
Shinjuku
Akihabara
Asakusa
Harajuku (they also have a few snowboard boutique stores there - burton and volcom are both there if i remember right). 
and if youre after snowboard gear, you might want to go to kanda area which on the subway is the street between ogawamachi and jimbocho (green line)


Either way you wont be bored, but really shinjuku shibuya and akihabara will shop you out, harajuku will give you that OMG! tokyo! thing, asakusa is the nearest temple so youll feel all traditional and kanda gives you your snowboard gears... though its WAY expensive. 

OOOOOOOh! if you want temples like kyoto so you can say youve done that, then you might also want to look into visiting Kamakura. 

Which i guess means you could also pop to yokohama as well, though i dont know what you can really do there except visit china town to be honest. Oh, and if you get on a train you can go to fujinomia and see fuji. As soon as you leave tokyo in fact you should be able to see it. I can see it from my school right now in fact and im miles and miles away from it. 


]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:50:19 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1152512#1152512 Japan 2013 (redux) : thanks for all that info mate!... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1151958#1151958 Author: madsnake
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/25/2012 at 2:45pm

thanks for all that info mate! i would love to check it out but the limited time we have in tokyo will probably be spent doing tourist things around tokyo. is there anything you would recommend?

are you in yuzawa at the moment?

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:45:12 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1151958#1151958 Japan 2013 (redux) : you may really want to ninja... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1150961#1150961 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/23/2012 at 3:13pm

you may really want to ninja a day trip to yuzawa then if boarding is your top priority. 
JR often have deals for day trips from tokyo, and midweek they can be super cheap. 

Heres another thing i have never personally tried (i dont live in tokyo, but north saitama so i dont think it works for me): http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/topic/16494-how-to-get-cheap-shinkansen-tickets/

ETA: reading through the thread it looks like you cant use it on the same day for return. Either way, if you can get to a VIEW shop near a shink station in tokyo, they might be able to hook you up with cheap combo tickets (lift and train). 

If you can get to Omiya for 7am theres also a local train that gets you to echigo-yuzawa station for 9.45am and costs a mere 2940 yen (mere for japan). 


Its the train i get from konosu. Goes straight through to yuzawa and takes just over an hour longer than the shinkansen (but saves about 3000yen each way). 


]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:13:26 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1150961#1150961 Japan 2013 (redux) :  flying into tokyo and spending... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1150709#1150709 Author: madsnake
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/23/2012 at 4:44am

 flying into tokyo and spending a couple of days there then going to hakuba and back to tokyo for a couple more days on the way home. were only there for about 2 weeks and the main priority is to get as much boarding in as possible so we wont be visiting too many places.  ]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:44:47 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1150709#1150709 Japan 2013 (redux) : no worries dude. Its my pleasure.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1149502#1149502 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/19/2012 at 7:26pm

no worries dude. Its my pleasure. I love hyping japan because im literally rubbing everyone elses lack of powder (and their snowboards getting nicked because they went to the toilet for two minutes in keystone) in their faces. Where are you going if you dont mind me asking? ]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:26:12 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1149502#1149502 Japan 2013 (redux) : thanks for taking the time to... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1148271#1148271 Author: madsnake
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/17/2012 at 1:40pm

thanks for taking the time to post such a wealth of information ippollite. im hitting up japan in two weeks time so between this and the previous threads, it has been extremely helpful. cheers!

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:40:17 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1148271#1148271 Japan 2013 (redux) : bataleon riot and my trusty... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147577#1147577 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 6:36am

bataleon riot and my trusty dual forces (bindings and zoom1). :)

PS. Just destroyed the Nozawa review. Sorry dudes looking for it. I had a brain fart, was editing the nozawa review so i could grab the titles (so i could use my little template), but forgot and started the writing the review. Ended up posting it and thus wiping the nozawa review. It may be a blessing in disguise, since if i ever do bother to rewrite it, you can bet your ass it'll be a lot shorter :) 

]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:36:22 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147577#1147577 Japan 2013 (redux) : You definitely are styling, though.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147572#1147572 Author: ctoma
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 6:14am

You definitely are styling, though.  What setup are you riding in that photo?]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:14:39 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147572#1147572 Japan 2013 (redux) : yeah, but you dont have the... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147569#1147569 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 6:11am

yeah, but you dont have the others (thank ye gods) to compare it against. :)

Im not joking... not even a bit :)   
]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:11:47 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147569#1147569 Japan 2013 (redux) : ^ I disagree, you look quite chubby... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147567#1147567 Author: ctoma
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 6:09am

^ I disagree, you look quite chubby in that photo.

JK... really, I'm only joking... well, a bit...
]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:09:02 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147567#1147567 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by bugsbunnymydadIf... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147553#1147553 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 5:13am

Originally posted by bugsbunnymydad

If y'all come to Japan, you too could snowboard with the awesomeness that is ippollite.


Hahaha...sorry, had to...kinda sad I didn't take pics in the pow areas.

Holy shit! i dont look as fat as every other photo ever taken of me on a snowboard. I am fat by the way, bugs has clearly changed the dimensions of the photo because hes nice like that :) Oblique angles for the win! PS. Come to yuzawa :) 
And matic, i live in saitama (the very dull prefecture north of tokyo), originally from scotland. :) 

PPS. Definitely not awesome. Definitely fashion challenged, and definitely likely to be found splattered on the ground somewhere because i have no balance. 
]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:13:58 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147553#1147553 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by ippolliteIll... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147547#1147547 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 4:57am

Originally posted by ippollite

Ill be honest. The whole yuzawa area has really made me question my nagano loyalty (that will be a line in teh review somewhere i reckons :P)

nice. where are you originally from? do you live out there?
]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:57:08 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147547#1147547 Japan 2013 (redux) : If y&#039;all come to Japan, you... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147540#1147540 Author: bugsbunnymydad
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/16/2012 at 4:03am

If y'all come to Japan, you too could snowboard with the awesomeness that is ippollite.


Hahaha...sorry, had to...kinda sad I didn't take pics in the pow areas.
]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:03:55 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147540#1147540 Japan 2013 (redux) : Ill be honest. The whole yuzawa... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147452#1147452 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/15/2012 at 7:35pm

Ill be honest. The whole yuzawa area has really made me question my nagano loyalty (that will be a line in teh review somewhere i reckons :P)]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:35:06 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147452#1147452 Japan 2013 (redux) : so many areas to check out. let... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147442#1147442 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/15/2012 at 7:19pm

so many areas to check out. let us know more about kagura. i still haven't riden anything in honshu yet..but twice in hokkaido
]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:19:58 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147442#1147442 Japan 2013 (redux) : Went to kagura this weekend and... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147411#1147411 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/15/2012 at 6:32pm

Went to kagura this weekend and had a blast. Its basically two areas mishmashed - mitsumata and tashiro. Spent most of day 1 in mistumata area and day 2 scooting from the end of tashiro back. Unfortunately the gopro ran out of battery at the end of day 1 in very flat light conditions, and the best views are from the tashiro side. Day 2 was bluebird in the morning as well making it even sadder because it was rather magnificent.

Either way, review will be coming. :) Just sans the best pictures i could have got :p
]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:32:36 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1147411#1147411 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by maticI... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144610#1144610 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/09/2012 at 6:31pm

Originally posted by matic

I F'ED UP big time for not visiting this season. they are getting DUMPED!! Ouch

yupyup, nozawa has barely scraped over 2meters the last few seasons. Its already at 3 :) Seki is obviously on course for being typical seki at a 3.5m base. Niseko is a more modest 3.3meters. Yuzawa is 2.6m. All in all a pretty nice start to the season (even if it didnt all start happening until late december) :) 

Ps, for those interested: latest radiation readings can be found here:

]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:31:39 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144610#1144610 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by Angry... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144547#1144547 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/09/2012 at 4:20pm

Originally posted by Angry Midget Yo

Originally posted by tworunningcards

Originally posted by dangerzone9k

Here's an article that talks about it. It's set to start in April.

Japan giving away 10000 airfare tickets


Awesome. Thanks a lot. That's pretty good timing if they're giving away tickets in April and I want to go in June.

I still haven't heard any news on this yet so we'll see...

it was false news. i think some news blog or someone got the info wrong and was officially announced that this was never happening.
]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:20:34 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144547#1144547 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by tworunningcards Originally... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144488#1144488 Author: Angry Midget Yo
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/09/2012 at 2:46pm

Originally posted by tworunningcards

Originally posted by dangerzone9k

Here's an article that talks about it. It's set to start in April.

Japan giving away 10000 airfare tickets


Awesome. Thanks a lot. That's pretty good timing if they're giving away tickets in April and I want to go in June.

I still haven't heard any news on this yet so we'll see...
]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:46:30 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144488#1144488 Japan 2013 (redux) : I F&#039;ED UP big time for not... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144468#1144468 Author: matic
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/09/2012 at 2:22pm

I F'ED UP big time for not visiting this season. they are getting DUMPED!! Ouch]]> Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:22:10 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144468#1144468 Japan 2013 (redux) : 500 ish if you live in cairns/gold... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144148#1144148 Author: humdingaling
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/08/2012 at 9:41pm

500 ish if you live in cairns/gold coast
otherwise its closer to 600 ish these days...after you include baggage etc



]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:41:14 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144148#1144148 Japan 2013 (redux) : and the 10,000 free flights wasn&#039;t... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144139#1144139 Author: Levi
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/08/2012 at 9:01pm

and the 10,000 free flights wasn't approved so yeah... not happening which sucks]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:01:58 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144139#1144139 Japan 2013 (redux) : i&#039;ve been over to Japan a... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144137#1144137 Author: Levi
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/08/2012 at 8:58pm

i've been over to Japan a couple times now and i know of some really cheap flights. From Australia return for about $500... which is rad since the first time i went i paid $1,600...]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:58:14 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144137#1144137 Japan 2013 (redux) : Spent the weekend in nozawa and... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144124#1144124 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Jan/08/2012 at 8:04pm

Spent the weekend in nozawa and the powder was insane :) ]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:04:37 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1144124#1144124 Japan 2013 (redux) : there are more reosrts in hakuba... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1138457#1138457 Author: rgilloway
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/26/2011 at 4:14am

there are more reosrts in hakuba then just 47 and goryu]]> Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:14:32 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1138457#1138457 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by jakjakso... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137732#1137732 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 5:38pm

Originally posted by jakjak

so lots of people talking about niseko...

anyone with any input about hakuba??

Theres a review on goryu/47 up there with lots of info, but happy to answer any other questions you might have :) 

]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:38:34 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137732#1137732 Japan 2013 (redux) : I honestly have a feeling this... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137730#1137730 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 5:36pm

I honestly have a feeling this wont happen :) 

Really it was justa tourist campaign to get people thinking about a trip to japan. No money was allocated for it by the time the campaign started publicising itself. No ones heard owt about it since then. And most important of all it got people talking about coming to visit japan. Now all they have to do is a) wait for it to fall off the radar (quite a long time for people to forget). Or b) charter a plane. Fill it with tourists/journalists. Have a big photo shoot and declare that 20,000,000 people opted in and how positive that all is for japan thus gaining even more (almost) free publicity/advertorials. 
And look at this! now people have been talking about japan they might evenhave been researching about it and now they might be thinking "we should probably just go anyway..."

Job done. ClapLOL
]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:36:26 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137730#1137730 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by dangerzone9kHere&#039;s... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137537#1137537 Author: tworunningcards
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 7:57am

Originally posted by dangerzone9k

Here's an article that talks about it. It's set to start in April.

Japan giving away 10000 airfare tickets


Awesome. Thanks a lot. That's pretty good timing if they're giving away tickets in April and I want to go in June.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:57:19 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137537#1137537 Japan 2013 (redux) : Here&#039;s an article that talks... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137534#1137534 Author: dangerzone9k
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 7:51am

Here's an article that talks about it. It's set to start in April.

Japan giving away 10000 airfare tickets]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:51:24 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137534#1137534 Japan 2013 (redux) : Originally posted by dangerzone9kI... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137529#1137529 Author: tworunningcards
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 7:43am

Originally posted by dangerzone9k

I remember hearing on the news that Japan is giving away 10,000 airfare tickets to individuals who meet the requirements. Because of the tsunami and nuclear reactor problems, Japan has seen less tourist and their economy has taken the hit. In order to get the airfare tickets you have to tell them why you want to come to Japan/and if your selected you have to blog about your trip. I think they're going to set up a website next year for people that are interested in coming.


If you find anymore info, please post it here. I'd be very interested in this.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:43:07 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137529#1137529 Japan 2013 (redux) : I remember hearing on the news... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137525#1137525 Author: dangerzone9k
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 7:26am

I remember hearing on the news that Japan is giving away 10,000 airfare tickets to individuals who meet the requirements. Because of the tsunami and nuclear reactor problems, Japan has seen less tourist and their economy has taken the hit. In order to get the airfare tickets you have to tell them why you want to come to Japan/and if your selected you have to blog about your trip. I think they're going to set up a website next year for people that are interested in coming.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:26:13 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137525#1137525 Japan 2013 (redux) : so lots of people talking about... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137522#1137522 Author: jakjak
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 6:56am

so lots of people talking about niseko...

anyone with any input about hakuba??]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:56:45 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137522#1137522 Japan 2013 (redux) : I can&#039;t wait to go to Japan.... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137511#1137511 Author: tworunningcards
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/23/2011 at 6:22am

I can't wait to go to Japan. I won't be there for boarding at all, but I'm planning a trip for June.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:22:37 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137511#1137511 Japan 2013 (redux) : i dunno how much the marriage... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137440#1137440 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 8:15pm

i dunno how much the marriage thing is happening (or if its just a kind of future hope), but if you are seriously considering honeymooning in japan and you dont go to kyoto then youre kinda missing that whole "omg! japan!" thing. :) But if you want a japanese resort to hit, id go nozawa or zao (at the moment - open to change as i find them). ]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:15:05 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137440#1137440 Japan 2013 (redux) : I want to go on a snowboarding... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137434#1137434 Author: not-ewrx
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 7:50pm

I want to go on a snowboarding trip to japan for my hunnymoon.  I love cultures that are rich
]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:50:07 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137434#1137434 Japan 2013 (redux) : buuuuut...Eating out at... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137417#1137417 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 7:14pm

buuuuut... 

Eating out at niseko DEFINITELY costs more. Id stick with the combini if youre on a budget. 

You can get almost all price points on accommodation. I was in a place a half way up the main hill (im not naming it because i want to go there again and dont want everyone and their dog packing it out... oh all right, niseko powder lodge), and it was 4000 per night in january (jumped up 1k/night when it got closer to chinese NY) which is pretty much comparative with the lower end of hakuba prices (maybe 500 or so yen dearer).

Transport is more expensive. BUUUUT, skymark prices start dropping again to normal rates (depending when you go - avoid traveling around the 13th i think - its a public holiday), so a flight to sapporo can be got for around 12k each way (remember you also have to pay about for the bus to niseko on top of that). Hakuba by the shink is about 6k each way, and the bus from nagano is 1,500yen. (though there is a free shuttle bus when demand is decent for goryu/47 but you have to book in advance). 

Lift tickers are AMAZINGLY priced for what you get. Hakuba is what 4500-4800/day. An 8 hour pass at niseko is 5200 (though i just saw on the site they have a deal for bus from sapporo AND 8 hour pass for 4900 0_o???)
BUT THE REAL VALUE is in the 1 day pass for 5700 yen. You can ride 9am-9pm. Niseko nighta is honestly great fun. 


Theres also the grand hirafu pass for 4800yen which is in line with hakuba prices (and still gives you the night session). Though it does cut you off from the gates unless you come down hanazono side and enjoy unclipping through the flats :) 

Niseko is a bit of a mission and is definitely a bit more expensive,  but its honestly way worth it. Much better policy on off piste, and way more pow pow. :) (also beans and tim tams in the combini :p)
]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:14:15 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137417#1137417 Japan 2013 (redux) : if price and time is no object... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137334#1137334 Author: humdingaling
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 3:37pm

if price and time is no object and it is your first time in japan snow

i would go Niseko
very foreigner friendly
however, as there are so many foreigners its very sanitised from Japanese culture
you will miss out from a very Japanese experience (positive or negative just depends on you)

very consistent POW

definite downside with Niseko is costs a whole lot more ....in accommodation and transfers and lift tickets are generally more expensive than rest of Japan



]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:37:22 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137334#1137334 Japan 2013 (redux) : just want to ask advice from people... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137155#1137155 Author: jakjak
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 10:35am

just want to ask advice from people about japan

i'm planning a trip there in feb 2012
and currently tossing between hakuba and niseko hirafu

any comments or experiences shared would be awesome

thanks :)]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:35:02 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137155#1137155 Japan 2013 (redux) : I actually posted a list of favourite... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137052#1137052 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 4:40am

I actually posted a list of favourite resorts in japan (but deleted the post because it seemed a bit... teenagery :)) and guess which one was at the top?

1. Ryuoo. 
2. Kamui.

Both for me are 1 or 2 days only, and if the B course is shut on ryuoo id be WELL bored. But when its on and kicking, theres nowhere id rather ride in japan. Its just freaking awesome. 

The rest of that list:

3. Niseko/moiwa (you cant beat the pow fields and the open gates policy. Best in japan - actually second best behind kamui (so far as ive yet to discover), but it has more terrain. Throw in moiwa and its pretty freaking awesome. Nothing like riding annupuri to moiwa and just hanging out there for the rest of the morning :) 
4. Nozawa. Its beautiful. Im a dirty hippy at heart. Nozawa therefore blows me away. 
5. Shiga Kogen. Its horizontally MASSIVE and every zone has its own vibe. Definitely a place to go if youve got a spare week or so. 
6. Myoko. Me and myoko are the same - deadbeats with our best days behind us. :) But myoko still has a little magic (and also an awesome blind eye policy on rope ducking. 
7. Im going to give it to zao over hakuba goryu/47 (which i prefer to happo and the rest of it). Even though i hated it. But i know theres massive potential there, i just got pissed off by their cable car ticket system.

There thats enough of that :) Theres LOADS of places i havent even seen yet (gunma, niigata and tohoku in particular (oh, and rusutsu). 
]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:40:32 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137052#1137052 Japan 2013 (redux) : Nice list of write ups there mate!... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137049#1137049 Author: nawsh16
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 3:11am

Nice list of write ups there mate! I know what I'll be reading at work tomorrow.Big smile
I was surprised to see Ryuoo on the list. I've been there 5 or 6 times and only seen 1 other foreigner. Great little place I reckon, good on snow accommodation and cheap as. Will be there for 3 days in 4 weeks time, followed by 4 days in Hakuba, then 3 in Nozawa.
They've had a heap of snow in the last we too so really can't wait.

Thanks for the good work!
]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:11:42 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137049#1137049 Japan 2013 (redux) : Screw... http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137039#1137039 Author: ippollite
Subject: 50669
Posted: Dec/22/2011 at 1:15am

Screw it! time to start afresh. 

My reviews because im a self publicising mani... i mean er, awesome:

Hokkaido:




Nagano:



Niigata:



Other Points of Interest:  

The best website for Japan resort info: 

And finally: the greatest trip report on boarding in Japan i ever did see:

There, thatll do for a start. 

Oh, and next week im off to Yuzawa for the first time, and the week after, im off to nozawa. So there will be reviews on both id say :) 
]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:15:41 +0000 http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50669&PID=1137039#1137039