G'Day Japan! ISSUE #09

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JAPAN: THE SNOW HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME

ISSUE #09

EXPLORING OSAKA FROM TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS TO THE CUTTING EDGE MIE PREFECTURE A JOURNEY INTO JAPAN'S SPIRITUAL HEART PICTURE-PERFECT OKINAWA, JAPAN'S SUBTROPICAL GARDEN OF EDEN A TASTE OF JAPAN EXPLORING THE FLAVOURS OF JAPANESE CUISINE AND SAKE FEUDAL TO FUTURISTIC SNAPSHOTS OF JAPANESE CULTURE IN SYDNEY

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JAPAN: THE SNOW HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME

ISSUE #09

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EXPLORING OSAKA FROM TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS TO THE CUTTING EDGE MIE PREFECTURE A JOURNEY INTO JAPAN'S SPIRITUAL HEART PICTURE-PERFECT OKINAWA, JAPAN'S SUBTROPICAL GARDEN OF EDEN A TASTE OF JAPAN EXPLORING THE FLAVOURS OF JAPANESE CUISINE AND SAKE FEUDAL TO FUTURISTIC SNAPSHOTS OF JAPANESE CULTURE IN SYDNEY

Free iPad app coming soon!

Visit facebook.com/gdayjp for updates!

The G'Day Japan! iPad app is a goldmine of useful information on the best travel destinations, accommodation, dining, drinking and entertainment in Japan.

JAPAN: THE SNOW HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME

ISSUE #09

EXPLORING OSAKA FROM TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS TO THE CUTTING EDGE MIE PREFECTURE A JOURNEY INTO JAPAN'S SPIRITUAL HEART PICTURE-PERFECT OKINAWA, JAPAN'S SUBTROPICAL GARDEN OF EDEN A TASTE OF JAPAN EXPLORING THE FLAVOURS OF JAPANESE CUISINE AND SAKE FEUDAL TO FUTURISTIC SNAPSHOTS OF JAPANESE CULTURE IN SYDNEY

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The G'Day Japan! iPad app is a goldmine of useful information on the best travel destinations, accommodation, dining, drinking and entertainment in Japan, and is scheduled to be released for free download in late September 2014. Convenient and easy-to-use, it includes all the content from the print edition of G'Day Japan! plus:

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ISSUE #09

Travel Destinations

Interviews

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JAPAN: THE SNOW HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME

ISSUE #09

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The G'Day Japan! iPad app is a goldmine of useful information on the best travel destinations, accommodation, dining, drinking and entertainment in Japan.

EXPLORING OSAKA FROM TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS TO THE CUTTING EDGE MIE PREFECTURE A JOURNEY INTO JAPAN'S SPIRITUAL HEART PICTURE-PERFECT OKINAWA, JAPAN'S SUBTROPICAL GARDEN OF EDEN A TASTE OF JAPAN EXPLORING THE FLAVOURS OF JAPANESE CUISINE AND SAKE FEUDAL TO FUTURISTIC SNAPSHOTS OF JAPANESE CULTURE IN SYDNEY

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28/07/2014 7:15 pm

Free iPad app coming soon!

Visit facebook.com/gdayjp for updates!

The G'Day Japan! iPad app is a goldmine of useful information on the best travel destinations, accommodation, dining, drinking and entertainment in Japan.

JAPAN: THE SNOW HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME

Snow Holidays

Travel Tips

ISSUE #09

EXPLORING OSAKA FROM TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS TO THE CUTTING EDGE MIE PREFECTURE A JOURNEY INTO JAPAN'S SPIRITUAL HEART PICTURE-PERFECT OKINAWA, JAPAN'S SUBTROPICAL GARDEN OF EDEN A TASTE OF JAPAN EXPLORING THE FLAVOURS OF JAPANESE CUISINE AND SAKE FEUDAL TO FUTURISTIC SNAPSHOTS OF JAPANESE CULTURE IN SYDNEY

Accommodation

Entertainment Dining & Drinking

Use the G'Day Japan! app on your trip with mobile Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless - the cheapest way to stay connected in Japan.

See page 3 of G'Day Japan! issue #09 for more details…

Like G'Day Japan! at facebook.com/gdayjp for updates! iPad is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Cover images : © Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau / © Osaka Government Tourism Bureau / © Mie Prefecture / © Raymond Fung-SMASH!

ISSUE #09

Director Ryuichi Kitamura Editor in Chief Masanori Chiba Writer & Localiser Michael Montague Editorial Assistants Charlotte Deague, Haruka Shinno Art Director Koetsu 'SAW' Moriya Art & Advertising Coordinators Yushiro Mizukoshi, Mai Iwaya Advertising Sales Manager Koji Yamaguchi Advertising Sales Kayo Okamura, Ayano Kato, Chikai Ogiyama Published July 2014 by JAMS.TV PTY LTD ABN 85 115 815 551 Suite 3704, Level 37, Gateway 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: (02) 9252 6307 Fax: (02) 9252 6308 Email: info@gdayjapan.com.au Chairman Takashi Asai Managing Director Hiroshi Washiashi G'Day Japan! is published annually, and printed in Australia www.gdayjapan.com.au facebook.com/gdayjp ©JAMS.TV PTY LTD 2014 All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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JAPAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

•Japan Rail Passes •Accommodation •Optional Tours •Package Tours •Ski Packages •Flights •Travel Consulting Services Bookings & Enquiries Email: japan@sachitours.com.au Phone: 1800 251 350 2

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7 JAPAN AT A GLANCE 13 EXPLORING OSAKA From time-honoured traditions to the cutting edge

19 MIE PREFECTURE A journey into Japan's spiritual heart

23 PICTURE-PERFECT Okinawa, Japan's Subtropical Garden of Eden

27 JAPAN: THE SNOW HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME Hokkaido 32 Niseko 40 Konbu Onsen 41 Sapporo 46 Furano 56 Tokachidake 58 Tomamu 59 Kamui 60 Sounkyo/Kurodake

Nagano-Niigata 65 Hakuba Valley 100 Shiga Kogen 113 Nozawa Onsen 118 Myoko 119 Naeba

Yamagata 123 Yamagata(Zao)

128 A TASTE OF JAPAN Exploring the flavours of Japanese cuisine and sake 130 Six things you didn't know about Japanese food 132 Celebrating with Washoku, Japan's World Heritage-listed dietary culture 134 Discovering the real Japan 135 Three fine sakes from the Hokuriku region

136 FEUDAL TO FUTURISTIC Snapshots of Japanese Culture in Sydney 138 Traditional 140 Movie & Anime 141 Language 142 Music & Dance 143 Martial Arts

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Imagine what Ridley Scott and Armin van Buuren would come up with if they co-directed a movie, and you have the nightly show at Robot Restaurant.

It's one of the latest and greatest additions to Tokyo's Shinjuku entertainment district, immediately becoming the talk of the town when it was revealed that it came at a price tag of $US100 million.

This is clearly the sort of budget you need if you want to stand out in Shinjuku, an area packed wallto-wall with bars, clubs and restaurants. And with its Hummers prowling the streets, and enormous fem-bots standing watch out the front, the presence of Robot Restaurant in the area continues to be anything but subtle.

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Japan & napaJ Visit Japan to experience another side of Asia. Discover the ultimate hospitality at a traditional ryokan inn.

Don a cotton kimono instead of a robe.

Appreciate the beauty of tea ceremony.

Find the true meaning of relaxation in a hot spring as you take in your tranquil surroundings. For a trip that will nurture your spirit, visit Japan.

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VisitJapanDownUnder

JA PAN AT A GLANCE

Japan has astonishing depth as a travel destination, showcasing everything from futuristic cities to secluded temples, famously fine and dry powder snow, and brilliant coral reefs. Here are some of its biggest highlights,followed by a handy guide to some basics that will have you blending in like a local on your next trip to NANSEI ISLANDS Japan in no time.

OKINAWA

HOKKAIDO

Shiretoko Pen.

Hokkaido Powder Belt Niseko

Aomori

Morioka

TOHOKU Sendai Yamagata Sado Isl.

Niigata

Fukushima

HONSHU Nagano

KYOTO OSAKA

Oki Isl.

Hakuba Valley Omiya Yokohama

HIROSHIMA

Nagoya Kobe Okayama

Tsushima Isl.

Hakata

Tsu

NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Mt Fuji

Shizuoka Hamamatsu

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TOKYO

NANSEI ISLANDS

OKINAWA

SHIKOKU

Kumamoto

KYUSHU

Yaku Isl.

KYO OSAK

Oki Isl.

Kagoshima Capital City Destinations covered on pp. 8-9 Major Cities Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Line Major International Airports

Capital: Tokyo HIROSHIMA Land Area: 377,960 km2 Population: 127,515 Tsushima Isl.

Source: Japan Statistical Yearbook 2014, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan.

Hakata

Kumamoto

Kob Okayama

SHIKOKU 7

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THE BEST OF THE BEST Seven of the biggest and best highlights of a trip to Japan. Have you experienced them all?

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BEST SNOW HOLIDAYS

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TOKYO

Š Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris, yet is more affordable than Sydney. It harbours a vast wealth of attractions that rival any other world capital, but what really sets it apart is its incredible hospitality and politeness, which always makes it a dream to visit.

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OSAKA

Š Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

Thanks to the popularity of Niseko, Hokkaido has gathered an enormous fan base of snow holidaymakers, but competition remains strong from resorts in the Nagano-Niigata and Tohoku regions(Yamagata), which all offer their own special combinations of great powder and local culture to discover. See page 27

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Although they were invented there along with the sushi train, Osaka didn't acquire its moniker 'The Kitchen of Japan' on the basis of instant ramen noodles. The bustling heartbeat of western Japan is famous for its own unique dining culture, and some of the friendliest locals in the country. See page 13

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© Yamanashi Tourism Organization

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WORLD HERITAGE SITES

© Hiroshima Prefecture

There are countless ways to enjoy Japan's tallest peak, whether you choose to view it from the comfort of a hot spring bath or climb all the way to its 3,776m summit. A traditional symbol in art and sacred religious site, Mt Fuji was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2013.

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Japan is filled with beautifully well-maintained natural and cultural sites, 17 in total of which have attained World Heritage status. Some of the most visited are the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) sites.

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BEST BEACHES

MOST POPULAR THEME PARKS

© Universal Studios Japan

Tokyo Disney Resort, and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka are the most-visited theme parks in Japan, attracting in the vicinity of ten million a year to enjoy their incredible array of rides, shows, shopping, dining and other entertainment. See page 18

© Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Okinawa's is Japan's undisputed ocean playground, a status it reconfirmed in 2014 with nine of the top ten positions in a TripAdvisor® poll on Japan's best beaches.

Located in Japan's subtropical south, it is also popular for its jungles, coral and unique native culture. See page 23

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KNOW BEFORE MONEY

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YOU GO

TIME, VISAS & VACCINATIONS

One of the golden rules of travelling in Japan is always have access to cash. It's still the main method of payment in Japan, and the only one available at many shops, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation.

ATM awareness is the key: you'll find ATMs that accept cards with internationally recognised symbols like Visa, MasterCard, PLUS and Cirrus inside 7-11 convenience stores; you can also use the same cards at Japan Post Bank ATMs. To cash travellers cheques or exchange currency, head to a major bank or post office branch.

Japan Standard Time (JST) is an hour behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), and extends to two hours behind when states in Australia on AEST move their clocks forward to Daylight Saving Time.

Australian passport holders may travel in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. Contact your nearest ConsulateGeneral of Japan for full details.

No certificates of vaccination are required to enter Japan.

PEAK TRAVEL SEASONS There are three times of the year in Japan when it seems the entire nation is on the move: New Year's, the Obon Buddhist festival, and Golden Week, and you'll need to make transport and accommodation bookings well in advance if you plan to travel during or around any of them. The New Year's holiday period falls between December 27 and January 3, Golden Week between April 29 and May 5, and Obon the week coinciding with August 15.

WEATHER Japan's weather varies widely from subarctic to subtropic, thanks to a north-south span of some 3,000km. The table below will show you which outfit to pack when; other weather factors to plan for revolve around Japan's summer monsoon and typhoon season. The monsoon begins in Okinawa during May and moves northwards across the main island until it peters out in July, leaving the incredible humidity of summer in its wake until September. The typhoon season starts from the beginning of June in Okinawa, again working its way northwards to the main island. August and September usually see the most typhoon activity, so check for updates as a typhoon can ground flights, bring traffic to a halt and close roads with flash flooding in affected areas.

AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURES AROUND JAPAN (ยบC) January

April

July

October

Major Cities Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

SAPPORO

-0.6

-7

11.5

3.2

24.9

17.3

16.2

7.5

SENDAI

5.3

-1.7

15

6.1

25.7

19.5

19.4

11.2

NAGANO

3.5

-4.1

17.3

4.9

29.1

20

19.2

9.7

TOKYO

9.9

2.5

18.8

10.7

29.4

23

21.8

15.4

OSAKA

9.5

2.8

19.9

10.7

31.6

24.3

23.3

15.5

FUKUOKA

9.9

3.5

19.5

11.2

30.9

24.3

23.4

15.4

NAHA

19.5

14.6

24.1

19

31.8

26.8

27.9

23.1

All figures are monthly averages for the period 1981 to 2010. Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

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TRANSPORT Its extensive transport network makes Japan one of the easiest destinations in the world to visit.

Whether you're travelling by bus, bullet train or Boeing 777, you can expect to arrive at your destination safely and efficiently.

You can get there even faster too, when you make use of Japan's range of Rail passes and IC cards. The most essential one for overseas visitors is the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which allows for unlimited travel on almost all JR lines including the famous bullet train, and the value for money is exceptional. To get an idea of just how much you can save, if you bought a single standard return ticket on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, a classic trip between two of Japan's most-visited cities, you'd pay close to the price of a 7-day Japan Rail Pass. The pass must be arranged in advance through agents outside Japan and can be collected once you arrive, so don't leave it until the last minute.

Aside from the Japan Rail Pass, there are several handy IC cards that will give you a faster, more efficient journey in Japan.

The pick of the bunch is the PASMO, which can be purchased from and Š tkaige charged at a train station, and gets you around Tokyo and most other major rail networks at the zap of a ticket gate, as well as a selection of bus networks.

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Japan have blossomed since its domestic airline industry was deregulated, and tickets between major cities are often on a par with the bullet train in price - only the trip is faster.

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ACCOMMODATION With its unique combination of traditional, modern and just plain quirky, Japan offers accommodation options like no other destination.

Would you like to step Š Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau back in time to the comfort of a traditional tatami room with a gorgeous Japanese dinner and hot spring bath? Experience a fusion of European period-style architecture with Japanese service, or sleep in a capsule hotel? You can, and everything in between.

Advance bookings are standard protocol wherever you stay, as is the custom of presenting a passport no matter whether it is a camping ground, or the Hilton Tokyo.

The latter is at the top end of Japan's western-style hotel range, which caters for guests on business and pleasure alike in a wide range of price brackets.

Suiting a similar range of budgets are 'ryokan', or Japanese-style inns. Many have been in business since the days of the samurai and have incredibly refined, attentive levels of hospitality, with menus typically showcasing delicious local produce. Ryokan in hot spring resorts will often also have their own private hot spring bath, an incredible luxury which many guests stay specially to enjoy.

Japanese-style bed and breakfasts, usually run by local couples and known as 'minshuku' and pensions, offer traditional accommodation in the same vein as ryokan, but at more affordable rates. They are a great way to experience traditional Japan up-close, with great home cooking!

Some other accommodation types worth looking up for the budget or outdoor traveller in Japan include youth hostels, saunas, capsule hotels and camping grounds, while anyone with an interest in experiencing temple life first-hand should look up temple lodgings.

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CULTUR AL Don't share it with the neighbours

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Let the taxi door open by itself Japanese taxi drivers always extend the courtesy of opening and closing the left rear door of their vehicle for passengers, albeit by pushing a button from the comfort of the driver's seat. So just stand back, and let the technology do the work for you.

Take it to a smoking area

Unexpected detours in Japanese lifts can be avoided once you know that the ground floor of a building is always labelled as the first floor.

And in the same way as the 13th floor in US buildings, the fourth floor is often skipped as an unlucky superstition.

Smoking on the street will earn you a fine in most parts of Japan. If you must light up out of doors, look for a designated smoking area (kitsuen shitei basho) out the front of a train station or in a park.

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Our Australian & Japanese staff have many years of experience in travel and living in Japan, thus we can design your DREAM HOLIDAY. We organize Ski Packages; Guided Tours; Self Drive Holidays; Food Tours; Golfing Excursions; Walking Tours; Individual Itineraries; Tickets

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One of the easiest ways to embarrass yourself and your friends in Japan is to talk on the phone while on public transport; the same goes for loud conversations. Send a text instead, put your phone on silent and keep things toned down until you get off.

'First' means 'Ground'

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EXPLORING From time-honoured traditions to the cutting edge

Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Airport• Osaka City

•Kansai International Airport

OSAKA

From the fresh and exciting to the inspiring and elegant, traditional and futuristic, Osaka captures the imagination with a unique blend of contrasting highlights.

The locals make it one of Japan's friendliest places to visit, famous for their down to earth nature and sharp sense of humour - which is no doubt responsible for the city's huge turnout of comedians.

Behind the smiles and banter though, Osakans are the proud, passionate and hardworking people of a city that was an ancient capital of Japan over 1,000 years ago, and continues to be one of the nation's most influential centres of trade, politics, technology, cuisine and culture, also known as 'The Kitchen of Japan'.

To experience the Osaka's vast scale and get a feel for its lifestyle and customs, there are five areas on top of the must-visit list for every traveller: Osaka Castle, Minami, Kita, Shinsekai, and the Bay Area.

T h ey w i l l t a ke y o u o n j o u r n ey t h r o u g h the castles, streetscapes and traditions of it s past , to t he cut ting - ed ge of modern d ay fa s h i o n , t e c h n o l o g y, s h o p p i n g a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t , l e av i n g yo u a g l ow w i t h the vibrance and energy of this incredible destination.

GETTING TO OSAKA

•Kita •Osaka Castle •Minami •Universal Studios Japan • •Shinsekai Bay Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Area

Kansai International Airport ( KIX) , Osaka's major international gateway, is a ten hour flight from Australia. Downtown Osaka is accessible from KIX in approx. one hour on Japan Railways' Kansai Airport Rapid Service.

OSAKA AMAZING PASS

OSAKA FREE WI-FI

The Osaka Amazing Pass is excellent value for money and makes the city even easier to enjoy with entry to 28 mustvisit destinations, access to trains and buses, and other offers at restaurants, shops and more all included in the one convenient pass.

One and two-day passes are released seasonally, and can be purchased from the Kansai International Airport Travel desk, as well as hotels and other outlets in Osaka.

The Osaka Free Wi- Fi network is currently available in major subway stations, and is e x p a n d i n g . To c o n n e c t y o u r portable device, select 'Osaka_ Free_WiFi' or 'Osaka Free Wi-Fi Lite' from your list of networks, and follow the prompts. Osaka Free Wi-Fi is unlimited, but the connection resets every 30 minutes, while Osaka Free Wi-Fi Lite may be used in four 15-minute blocks daily.

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

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The heart of traditional Osaka

OSAKA CASTLE

•Kita OsakaCastle Castle •Osaka •Minami •Universal Studios Japan • •Shinsekai Bay Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Area

What better introduction to Osaka than the 360º panorama from the top of Osaka Castle?

The eighth floor view was once exclusive to some of the most powerful samurai warriors in the land, including the castle's founder General Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who led powerful armies from there on a quest to unify the Japan in the late 16th century.

Leading up to the observation deck are an array of fearsome-looking weapons, dioramas of ancient battle scenes, artwork and other excellent displays from the history

of the castle, which is also depicted vividly on its exterior during the stunning winter illumination festival from mid December to late February.

Nearby Osaka Castle are the ruins of Naniwa Palace, another important historical site dating from the mid 7th century when the city was the capital of Japan.

More than 1,400 years of Osaka's history are chronicled in the Osaka Museum, the other major attraction in the Osaka Castle area.

3D MAPPING SUPER ILLUMINATION

CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING

Osaka Castle is already an impressive sight by day, but it takes on entirely new dimensions when it is bathed in amazing projections during the Osaka Castle 3D Projection Mapping Super Illumination. The show runs from mid December until late February, and depicts the history of the castle with impressive scenes of it in flames, splitting in two, and butterflies flying out of it, to name a few.

While you're there, stroll through the castle grounds to witness the gigantic LED cube - the Big Blue of Light. There's also the Jewel Illumination, decorating the Nishinomaru Garden area of the grounds with Baroque motifs to a soundtrack of classical music.

Show Time: 17:30-22:30

Cherry blossom viewing is the equivalent of a national sport in Japan, and the parklands of the Osaka Castle area form some of its most iconic stadiums.

Day and night during the early spring in March-April, the castle's Nishinomaru Garden brims with picnickers and other visitors taking in the enormous bouquet of around 600 cherry blossom trees, which provide a lush cloud of pink for the stately castle rising above them.

Just before the cherry blossoms arrive plum blossoms come budding in February, and Osaka Castle Park is endowed with more than 1,000 plum trees. A wonderful prelude to the cherry blossoms, they bring the early spring parkland to life with a splash of colour.

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

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© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau © Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

The home of 'kuidaore' culture

MINAMI

Universal Studios Japan •Kita •Osaka Castle •Minami Minami • • •Shinsekai Bay Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Area

Like the Coke sign in Kings Cross, Minami in Osaka has some time-honoured landmarks that have become instantly recognisable symbols of the area: the giant crab on top of the Kani Doraku restaurant, and the neon Glico marathon runner with his arms thrust skyward.

Both tell you that you're in Minami's Dotonbori area, one of the best places to go out on the town with wall-to-wall restaurants and bars, and some of Japan's most iconic theatres. It oozes the 'kuidaore'

culture of Osaka, a word which means to blow everything on eating and drinking and with its local street food favourites like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, to fine dining sushi and seafood restaurants, it's quite tempting to.

Nearby Dotonbori are Minami's Shinsaibashi, Horie and Minamisemba areas, with a mix of bohemian and glitzy shopping, fashion and cafe culture that further diversifies what Minami has to offer as one of Osaka's mostvisited places.

DEN-DEN TOWN

HOZENJI YOKOCHO

A trip to Den-Den Town in Minami's Nipponbashi area, usually involves the purchase of a new computer, camera, music player or other personal device - it's THE place to buy anything electronic in Osaka, at a great price.

With its comic, video game and computer stores, it has become a mecca for gamers, manga and anime fans and cosplayers alike, and maid cafes have sprung up in the area.

Centuries ago during Japan's Edo period, Den-Den Town was known for its enclave of second-hand bookshops. Shops selling parts for radios and tools moved into the area during the 1950s, and as Japan's economy grew transformed into the major electronics retailers that define the area today.

Hozenji Yokocho is an enduring pocket of the past amidst the bustling, futuristic cityscape surrounding it, famous for great local cuisine at its cosy izakaya bars and restaurants.

Their traditional wooden facades, decorated with elegantly carved or painted Chinese characters, line the narrow stone laneway named after the Hozenji Buddhist Temple in its centre.

An important centre for a 1,000 day prayer ritual known as Sennichi Eko, the temple, along with the surrounding theatres brought in crowds hungry for mouth-watering okonomiyaki pancakes, kushikatsu deep-fried kebabs and other dishes still enjoyed to this day in the izakaya bars and other restaurants of Hozenji Yokocho.

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau © Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

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Osaka's fusion of past and future

KITA

•

Kita

•Osaka Castle •Minami •Universal Studios Japan • •Shinsekai Bay Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Area

If you're looking for the future in Osaka, you'll find it in Kita. The area is dominated by enormous complexes like Grand Front Osaka and Osaka Station City, with classy shopping, dining, accommodation, and other discoveries that define them as cities within a city.

Kita also boasts Japan's longest covered shopping arcade, Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai. A whopping 2.6km long, it takes 40 minutes to tour from from start to finish and is home to some 600 different shops and restaurants.

Kita's famous Osaka Tenmangu Shrine has

enlivened the Tenjinbashisuji area throughout Osaka's history, which is recreated in excellent detail at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. The museum, a popular stop on Kita's list of attractions, has excellent period streetscapes of the city and offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in its traditional culture even more by exploring the feudal Edo display in a kimono.

SHOPPING IN KITA

FLOATING GARDEN OBSERVATORY

Shopaholics, be warned that Grand Front Osaka and Osaka Station City have some of Osaka's hippest, most cuttingedge fashion boutiques and designer shopping, which you could unintentionally spend an entire holiday exploring.

The two complexes have transformed the Kita area, with Grand Front Osaka arriving in 2013 and Osaka Station City in 2011, peppering it with excellent dining and accommodation, and adding a touch of zest with innovative discovery centres and entertainment like the Knowledge Capital. And of course there's the green spaces on the side - or on top as it were, creatively designed with magnificent views of the surrounding skyscrapers.

Apart from amazing views, exploring the Floating Garden Observatory and its surrounds will yield discoveries like the young and fashionable Nakazakicho, with its bohemian array of variety stores and cafes breathing life into the old architecture with chic, creative touches.

Overlooking them, and the rest of Osaka from its 173m v a n t a g e p o i n t i s t h e F l o a t i n g G a r d e n O b s e r v a t o r y.

Connecting the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building, it boasts a 360º panorama that is especially stunning at night. Major landmarks in the city like Osaka Castle and the Tsutenkaku tower can be spotted from the observatory amongst the sea of blazing light below, stretching out to the Seto Inland Sea on the horizon.

© Grand Front Osaka

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© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau © Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

Vintage Osakan cityscapes and street food

SHINSEKAI

Shinsekai was little more than a collection of market gardens until it was chosen to become a stage for the 1903 Japan National Industrial Exhibition, which set it on course to become one of early 20th century Osaka's most vibrant entertainment and recreation areas.

Tsutenkaku Tower is one of the vintage marvels from this era still there today, and remains a popular destination for its sweeping views above the city.

Jan-Jan Yokocho below continues to pack a serious punch on the local street food

•Kita •Osaka Castle •Minami •Universal Studios Japan • • Bay Shinsekai Area Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

scene, attracting crowds day after day, night after night with its line of stalls and pubs all happily pouring, frying, boiling and barbecuing away.

As well as Osakan specialities like takoyaki octopus balls, okonomiyaki pancakes and kushikatsu kebabs, restaurants in Jan-Jan Yokocho serve more exotic, specialised dishes like blowfish, and the blowfishshaped lantern outside Tsuboraya, a famous restaurant serving the delicacy is one of Shinsekai's classic symbols.

TSUTENKAKU TOWER

JAN-JAN YOKOCHO

The 103m Tsutenkaku tops the bucket list for photo points in Shinsekai, with its observation deck overlooking major landmarks like Osaka Castle.

As well as getting a skyline snap, standard procedure inside for many of the 700,000 visitors to the tower each year is to rub the feet of Billiken, a boisterous, merry-looking deity, for good luck.

Such is the love of Osakans for Tsutenkaku that the current tower is a bigger and better version of the original 64m predecessor, which was inspired by Paris' Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, and the tallest tower in the East when it was first built.

It was rebuilt in 1956, and has since reclaimed its place as an icon of Shinsekai.

If it's fast, delicious and cheap, you'll find it in Jan-Jan Yokocho.

A few simple hand gestures, and you can be face to face with hearty, delicious Osakan street food like kushikatsu deepfried kebabs.

Priced at just ¥100 -150 per kebab, which can have a mix ture of different vegetables, meat and seafood all covered in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to a pleasing golden brown crisp, they are incredibly moreish and the perfect accompaniment to Japanese beer.

Other tasty morsels in Jan-Jan Yokocho include succulent cuts of meat with dipping sauces at yakiniku barbecue restaurants, simple and satisfying udon noodle dishes, and of course delicious sushi.

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau © Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

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World-class entertainment on land, sea and air

BAY AREA

Getting bored is somewhat of an achievement in Osaka's Bay Area. After all, where else can you embark on tour of the Pacific Ocean's ring of fire, follow Harry Potter and Spiderman on a pacemaker-testing adventure, and float gently over the city afterwards to reflect on the experience?

Some of the big names on the Bay Area's attraction list are Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, and the latter two are some of the biggest the world for their category.

Osaka Aquarium is home to about 580 different types of marine animals numbering some 80,000 altogether, living in 11,000 tons of water. The natural habitats of these creatures, including otters, dolphins, seals and sea lions, are as diverse as the Aleutian Islands, the Gulf of Panama and Antarctica, and are re-created at the aquarium on five different floors.

•Kita •Osaka Castle •Minami •Universal Studios Japan • •Shinsekai Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Bay Area

Once you've got a day pass to the aquarium you can come and go as many times as you like, and it's well worth returning after 5pm to see the incredible transformation in the tanks as the animals go into night mode.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN® www.usj.co.jp/e/ Universal Studios Japan is world-famous for rides like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man™ - The Ride, which has been recognised with a Golden Ticket award for Best Dark Ride for a record-breaking seven years in a row.

The ride just got even better in 2013 with an upgrade to 4K

HD projection technology, which allows for some of the most powerful, immersive 3D experiences possible.

In addition to its rides, the park has an exciting selection of restaurants, shops and official hotels.

Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™!

Photo credit/Universal Studios Japan ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s14)

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Zoom around Hogwarts™ Castle with Harry, Ron and Hermione in Harr y Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, exploring the Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Groundbreaking 4K projec tion technology re - creates the stately castle on an overwhelming scale with meticulous attention to detail, taking you on an unforgettable, magical journey through its massive gates to Dumbledore’s office, the Room of Requirement and more… © Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

Mie Prefecture Osaka International Airport •Osaka Kansai International Airport

•Tsu •Matsusaka •Ise•Toba

Mie

Trip Notes tourismmiejapan.com/travel/access.html Osaka's Kansai International Airport is a major international gateway to Mie Prefecture. From downtown Osaka, trains operated by both Kintetsu and Japan Railways (JR) travel to Mie, with Kintetsu generally being the faster option. It will get you to the free-diving centre of Toba in 2 hrs, Uenoshi Station near the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in 90 min, and Ujiyamada Station near Ise Jingu in 110 min.

A journey into Japan's spiritual heart Naturally abundant and culturally rich, Mie Prefecture is the place to experience traditional Japan.

Within its rugged mountains and enchanting forests is Ise Jingu, an ancient complex with a 2,000 year-old inner shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the mythological ancestor of Japan's imperial lineage. It's Japan's holiest place, and the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes that access the shrine offer spectacular, spiritual hiking.

Some of Mie's other treasures include its Ama, or 'Women of the Sea', who continue the age-old practice of free-diving for seafood, and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, an unforgettable monument to one of Japan's two most illustrious ninja schools.

Mie occupies the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region of Japan, and lies two hours by train to the south-east of Osaka.

Find out more about Ise Jingu, the Ama, the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Mie's plentiful natural hot springs on the pages that follow, and begin your journey into Japan's spiritual heart…

©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau

Kintetsu Rail Pass www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ ticket/rpw1-3.html The Kintetsu Rail Pass allows for unlimited travel on Kintetsu services between Osaka and the Ise Shima region of Mie, as well as the cities of Nara, Kyoto and Nagoya for five days at a cost of just ¥3,800 for adults.

Purchase an exchange voucher for a pass from an authorised outlet before visiting Japan, or directly from the Kansai Airport Agency Travel Desk on arrival.

Ama Hut HACHIMAN

Join the Ama, Japan's female free-divers, for a lunch or afternoon tea tour at their Hachiman hut.

Bookings are required at least two days prior.

Ama Hut HACHIMAN Osatsu-cho, Toba, Mie Prefecture Enquiries: info@amakoya.com Website: amakoya.com

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Mie Prefecture A journey into Japan's spiritual heart

Yunoyama Onsen Iga-ryu Ninja Museum•

•Tsu Sakakibara Onsen

Mikimoto Pearl Island Ise Jingu• • Hachimankamado Isobe Watakano Onsen •Ise-Shima Onsen Hamajima Onsen Ise-Shima National Park Ise-ji Pilgrimage Route To Kumano Sanzan

Iga-ryu Ninja Museum iganinja.jp/en

The Iga-ryu ninja school, one of Japan's two most famous, was established in Mie Prefecture over 500 years ago, and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum now stands as an exciting window into its shadowy world. Ninja typically lived double lives as local farmers, stealthily gathering intelligence on the enemies of their samurai lord with closelyguarded fire and magic tricks, and a myriad of different tools. Over 400 of these tools are now revealed at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, which also has an excellent ninja farmhouse, complete with hidden doors, traps and other trickery, and a flinch-inducing ninja show…

Ama: Women of the Sea amakoya.com / mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp

Archaeological remains around Toba, a fishing port on Mie's coastline, indicate that the tradition of free-diving for seafood by Ama, or 'Women of the Sea', began in the area some 3,000 years ago. The Ama share their stories with visitors to their Hachiman hut, revealing what it takes to harvest abalone, lobster and other seafood from deep underwater without oxygen until well past retirement age. Lunch tours of the hut also include some of the delicious bounty.

To see the Ama in action visit Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, an excellent facility documenting their culture and once-crucial role in Japan's pearl industry.

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Ise Jingu www.isejingu.or.jp/english

Ise Jingu is a magnificent complex of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, museums and other cultural facilities in ancient pine forest.

Its Inner Shrine, or Naiku, was first consecrated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami mythological ancestor of the Imperial Family some 2,000 years ago, and has been transferred to a new building every 20 years since 690 in accordance with Shinto tradition. The Outer Shrine, or Geku, was subsequently consecrated to Toyouke Omikami, the god of agriculture and industry, and there are a further 125 shrines in the complex, which attracts more than twelve million visitors annually.

Hot Springs tourismmiejapan.com/recommend/onsen.html

A hot spring heaven, Mie Prefecture is dotted with rustic inns and other facilities that provide a luxurious bathing experience. One of its most famous is Sakakibara Onsen, which has traditionally been used by pilgrims to purify themselves before entering Ise Jingu. Nearby Yunoyama Onsen is another ancient bathing retreat in the prefecture, said to have been revealed by a deer using its waters to heal a wound. Hot spring inns in Mie’s picturesque IseShima National Park, the most prolific of which pump out as much as 450 tons of water daily, are also popular for their sweeping coastal views and exquisite local seafood.

Mie

Mie

K

Mie Mie Tourism and International Strategy Bureau of Mie Prefectural Government Narita International Airport Narita International Airport Chubu International Airport

K

Chubu International Airport Kansai International Airport Kansai International Airport

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Japan’s

finest

beer Now available on tap at selected Japanese restaurants and bars.

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ProuDLy ImPorteD from okINaWa, JaPaN

Picture-Perfect Okinawa, Japan's Subtropical Garden of Eden

With the lion's share of Japan's best beaches, an ocean teeming with colourful marine life, and primordial jungles, Okinawa is Japan's premier resort and outdoor adventure destination. A beautiful subtropical island chain between the border of the East China Sea and Western Pacific with nine World Heritage sites, it is Japan's southernmost prefecture. Of its 160 islands 49 are populated, and there are six different local dialects used around them. Like the weather in Okinawa, its people are famously warm and inviting, and proudly treasure their cultural heritage. Okinawa's historic and cultural attractions enrich its appeal as a holiday destination, and it enjoys a consistently high number of repeat visitors from Japan and abroad year after year.

Okinawa Is. 150 min.drive to northern area 90 min. drive to central resort area

Ikema Is. Irabu Is.

Yaeyama Islands Yonaguni Is.

Miyako Is. Tarama Is.

Kohama Is.

Iriomote Is.

Miyako Islands

30 min. drive to central area

Zamami Is.

Kume Is.

Aka Is.

Naha

Tomari Port Naha Airport

Tokashiki Is.

Kerama Islands

Okinawa Island

Ishigaki Is. Taketomi Is.

Hateruma Is.

Kuro Is.

en.okinawastory.jp All images © Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau unless otherwise specified

Flights and Accommodation Sapporo (Chitose)

Sendai

Fukuoka

Naha, Okinawa

Osaka

Tokyo (Narita) Tokyo (Haneda) Chubu Kokusai (Nagoya)

Naha will be your first stop in Okinawa whether you’re on a domestic flight from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or other major cities in Japan, or an international flight from Korea, China, Hong Kong or Taiwan.

A number of Japanese domestic airlines offer very competitive fares to Okinawa from the mainland; check the websites of Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, Skymark Airlines and Air Asia Japan for some great deals. Japan Airlines’ oneworld Yokoso/Visit Japan Fare and ANA’s Star Alliance Japan Airpass/Visit Japan Fare also offer savings on connecting flights within Japan.

If you’re doing some island hopping from Naha, Japan Transocean Air’s Okinawa Island Pass is another cost-effective option.

Expedia and Webjet are two excellent online booking tools for flights and accommodation in Okinawa.

Further information: en.okinawastory.jp/tourist_information/trans/

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A Natural Paradise Okinawa's Islands and Natural Beauty

en.okinawastory.jp/learn/distination

Nature lovers, welcome to Okinawa. Above and below the water, these islands are a paradise filled with subtropical plant and animal life, and exciting discoveries await no matter whether you choose to enjoy it by diving, kayaking, hiking or just lazing about on the beach.

Despite the fact that around 1.2 million of Okinawa's 1.3 million people live there, you don't even have to leave Okinawa Island - the prefecture's main island - to find yourself in beautiful natural surroundings.

In its north are the subtropical old growth forests of Yanbaru, the striking cliffs and seascapes of the Onna Coast, and the brilliant coral reefs teeming with life below them.

Just off the coast of Okinawa Island are the Kerama Islands, a diving paradise home to around 250 species of coral close to the shoreline, which became Japan's 31st national park in 2014.

Further afield are Okinawa's Outer Islands, which include the Yaeyama Archipelago and its Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, a subtropical paradise for diving, kayaking, hiking and camping. It is dominated above the waterline by the dense jungle on Iriomote Island, the habitat of rare primeval creatures like the Iriomote Cat, and below it by Sekisei-shoko, the largest coral reef area in Japan.

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The Mystery of Yonaguni Just off the coast of Yonaguni Island in the southern extreme of Okinawa's Yaeyama Archipelago is the Yonaguni Monument, an enormous pyramidal underwater structure thought to be a lost Atlantis.

Measuring 300m long, it resembles a Mayan temple with its carved staircase, main terrace and artistic reliefs, and is a popular attraction on both diving and glass-bottomed boat tours around Yonaguni Island.

Three Must-See Events on Okinawa Island Naha Giant Tug-of-War An epic struggle with a 200 m long, 43 ton rope, which draws over 200,000 every October in Naha.

All-Okinawa Eisa Festival See traditional Eisa drumming groups parading and dancing through Okinawa City every September.

Naha Haari Festival Dragon boat racers paddle it out in this traditional fisherman’s festival held in Naha during May.

© Ogimi

Medicine for Life

Okinawa's Cuisine and Healthy Lifestyle

en.okinawastory.jp/learn/people_of_okinawa

The unique cuisine of Okinawa supports the health and longevity of its population, who traditionally describe their food as ‘nuchi gusui’ – 'medicine for life'.

Local Okinawan cuisine is filled with antioxidant and vitamin-rich land and sea vegetables, and one of the most ubiquitous is bitter melon.

Known as 'goya' in Okinawa, it really is ‘medicine for life’, packed with vitamin C and an anti-cancer compound called cucurbitacin, and is traditionally eaten as a restorative against fatigue during the hottest months of the year.

B vitamin-rich pork is also used prominently in Okinawan cuisine, with the local philosophy being to use every part of the animal except its squeal. Simmered in awamori and brown sugar it becomes rafute, a melt-in-the-mouth delicacy for special occasions.

Sugar cane has long been a primary crop in Okinawa, and its nutritious brown sugar can be found throughout the local boiled sweets, shortbread-like chinsuko cookies and other treats.

Awamori is the strongest traditional spirit in Japan - which can turn polite dinnertime conversation into raucous comedy with incredible speed - and Okinawa's Orion Beer is produced the west of Okinawa Island and enjoyed around the world.

Healthy Ageing Okinawa Prefecture has one of the highest numbers of centenarians in the world. For its local people, healthy ageing is as much about having an antioxidant-rich goya chanpuru stir-fry to nourish the body, as it is about having friendly cuppa with the neighbours to warm the spirit. The close ties the islanders share are thanks to their yuimaru spirit, Okinawa's trademark ethos of altruism and community solidarity.

Three Must-Trys Goya Chanpuru The islands' life-affirming stir-fry with bitter melon, egg, pork, tofu, herbs and spices.

Soki Soba Okinawan-style soba noodles in broth, topped with pork ribs stewed in soy sauce and cane sugar.

Awamori Japan's strongest spirit is also the precursor for habu-shu, an Okinawan aphrodisiac.

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Windows into the Past Okinawa's World Heritage Sites and History

en.okinawastory.jp/learn/world_heritage

Okinawa has nine World Heritage-listed sites, which form fascinating windows into the world of its ancient kings and indigenous culture.

The most iconic is Shuri Castle in Naha, a replica of the 15th century original. With its brilliantlycoloured architecture, reliefs and carvings, it stands as a powerful testament Okinawa's prosperity as an independent trading power during the centuries from 1429 to 1879, when it was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Two more World Heritage-listed sites are walking distance from Shuri Castle: Sonohyan Utaki, a stone gate used as a prayer site by kings, and Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum.

A little further away are the tranquil Shikinaen Gardens, a modern reconstruction of the original gardens built for the royal family’s summer palace in 1799.

To the south lies Sefa Utaki, the most sacred place in Okinawa. It was traditionally offlimits to all but the high priestess' of Okinawa's indigenous religion, who used it as a prayer site.

Elsewhere in the north and centre of Okinawa Island, the original foundations and ramparts of Nakijin, Zakimi, Katsuren and Nakagusuku castles stand as an impressive testament to the advanced fortification techniques of the architects who designed them some 500 years ago.

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Peace Memorial Park On the ruggedly beautiful southwestern coastline of Okinawa Island lies Mabuni Hill, site of the final battle on Okinawa during World War II. It is part of the city of Itoman and has since been dedicated for preservation as Okinawa's Peace Memorial Park, which attracts a large number of local and international visitors for its collection of wartime artefacts, monuments, scenery and open spaces.

Three Pieces of Traditional Okinawa Bingata Designs Eye-catching bingata designs are a signature of Okinawan kimono, and other clothing and textiles.

Ryukyu Lacquerware With seashell inlays and a brilliant vermillion colour, these works of art were once exclusively for nobility.

Ryukyu Glass Unique, hand-blown everyday items that combine the beauty of imperfection with functionality.

Japan: The snow holiday of a lifetime.

There's skiing and boarding, and there's skiing and boarding in Japan.

There's just nothing like it, as the Aussies who make the pilgrimage up every winter will tell

H O K K A I D O

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N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

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YA M A G ATA

12 3

you.

World-class is the word often used to describe the powder, but it applies to so much more: the warm, friendly hospitality, the delicious variety of cuisine, the mix of traditional and modern accommodation, and the fast, efficient transport network that will maximise your time out enjoying the snow.

Resort Data Icons Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

Snow depth, terrain, longest run, and the number of gondolas and lifts at ski resorts are displayed as icons for quick comparison.

Snow depth figures are a guide only, and may fluctuate from season to season.

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Experience the Rolls-Royce of chocolate.

Chocaholics, get ready to fall in love again.

Once you've experienced the velvety embrace of ROYCE' Nama chocolate, it's your only choice.

Nama is one of the most popular, classy souvenirs visitors take home from Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, for good reason.

ROYCE' prides itself on sourcing the finest ingredients, including Hokkaido milk.

Minimal food miles, maximum freshness - a taste from nature the way it was intended.

As well as for freshness and flavour, ROYCE' creations are gaining new fans all the time for their originality. Take Potato Chip Chocolate, a disarmingly moreish balance between sweet and savoury flavours in chip format. For most, it's the first time they even think of chips and chocolate as one, let alone actually try the unique end result.

ROYCE's popularity has grown to the point of boutique stores in iconic cities like New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Dubai, which all grew from a humble table outside a small factory first established in 1983.

The cookies that were for sale on the table grew ROYCE's reputation from local legend to established brand, eventually necessitating a mail-order system for customers from outside Hokkaido.

Despite the ever-increasing demand for their products though, ROYCE' has never compromised on quality. It's what their fan base expects, from what has come to be the Rolls-Royce of chocolate makers on Hokkaido - be sure to reward yourself on your next visit with a drive.

More: www.royce.com/contents/english

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To m a m u

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K amui

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Let's enjoy skiing in

Hokkaido

Imagine a frontier of unspoilt wilderness, where grizzly bears roam the forests and smoke wafts gently from the cones of volcanic peaks; a place in the subarctic north where the locals relax in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by heavy snow during harsh winters. Now add a host of snow resorts, filled with riders from around the world doing what they love best. Welcome to Hokkaido Powder Belt •Asahikawa Asahikawa Kamui• • • Furano• Otaru• • •Sapporo • New Chitose •Niseko

Hokkaido.

Kurodake Asahidake Tokachidake Tomamu

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Leave time at the doorstep.

Enter a hot spring inn of true Japanese luxury and elegance, just around the corner from Niseko.

Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho 393 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido Bookings and Inquiries

www.mokunosho.com/en 0136-59-2323

MOKU NO SHO

The cascade of a waterfall, blending into the gentle murmur of a f low ing river, a nd again into the soothing embrace of a natural hot spring bath. Could there be a more perfect harmony between a hot spring inn and its natural surroundings?

Everywhere you turn, the sights, sounds and aromas of nature greet you at Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho (Moku no Sho), a well-established inn situated in the village of Konbu Onsen, within the spectacular Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan QuasiNational Park.

The inn's interior design draws deeply on Japan's sophisticated trad ition of wooden a rchitecture, showcasing the calming, warm tones of lumber that resonate with the lush old-growth forest outside.

The loca l farm land and f isheries play their part magnificently in Moku no Sho's Japanese degustation courses and gourmet lunch boxes, providing a colourful array of fresh delicacies.

It's the thoughtful touches and excellent guest services on top of this though, that make the inn one of the most unforgettable places to experience Japanese hospitality

around Niseko.

Its hot spring waters for instance, famous for their revitalising effect on the skin, have been harnessed not only for luxurious outdoor and indoor baths, but also for private outdoor and cedar baths in a select few of its 25 guest rooms. Supplementing them perfectly are a range of beauty treatments available at the inn's fourth floor spa.

The lounge area has a free drink service, with relaxing jazz wafting across the airwaves in the evenings, to a backdrop of thought-provoking sculpture, tapestry and other works of local art.

In the morning, board the complimentary shuttle service to the slopes of Niseko, and you'll find that this little gem is much closer to the action than its secluded location suggests. It gives its guests the best of both worlds: authentic Japanese hot spring culture, and the worldclass powder of Niseko.

Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho 393 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido Bookings and Inquiries www.mokunosho.com/en 0136-59-2323

HOKK AIDO

NISEKO

NISEKO

INTRODUCTION

Japan's top performer at the 2013 World Ski Awards

© Niseko Village

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LUXURY IN NATURE

Niseko’s newest ski-in ski-out luxury resort hotel We could tell you about the private ski-valet, stunning views of Mt Yotei, natural onsen hot springs, state-of-the-art in-room entertainment, 24 hour concierge, air conditioning and fine dining.

Or we could just show you the location.

Be the first to experience Ki Niseko. The newest ski-in ski-out luxury resort hotel with doorstep access to Niseko’s fabled powder slopes.

facebook.com/kiniseko

NOW TAKING WINTER 2014/2015 RESERVATIONS Book online at kiniseko.com or email direct stay@kiniseko.com

HOKK AIDO

NISEKO

INTRODUCTION

Of all the reasons to visit Niseko on a snow holiday, the most important one is, has and always will be one thing: powder, and lots of it.

Served fine, dry and in bulk, it's what brings in thousands of riders from around the world every winter. And its not the first time for many of them, proving there's something about the powder experience at Niseko that's addictive.

Is it the free and easy off-piste policy, that lets everyone rip on an enormous stretch of back country? The nightlife? The parks, schools and tons of different snow activities to choose from?

The massive spread of riders of all levels, visiting as families, mates, couples and solo, shows that it's all of these things, and everything in between.

Until relatively recently though, most of Niseko's current visitors wouldn't have known the resort from a bar of soap. The potential of its 800 hectares worth of terrain, spread over the 1,308m Mt Niseko Annupuri remained hidden from the international riding community, in the shadow of big resorts in

experience exceptional

The widest range of properties in Niseko, Japan All with: free gondola ski valet • in-resort concierge free wi-fi • comprehensive guest benefit program

Join our mailing list at www.htholidays.com to get access to unique offers! stay@htholidays.com

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HOKK AIDO

NISEKO

INTRODUCTION

Europe and the US. It wasn't until the early 2000s that Niseko began to

Hanazono Onsen

carve out its place on the map, after it skyrocketed to

Kutchan

Bali-like status as a destination of choice for Aussies.

Property developers saw that it enormous potential as a resort: reliable champagne powder dumps of

Goshiki Onsen

more than fourteen metres a season, and a low-lying altitude within easy reach of facilities at the base and international airports. For Australian riders, the

Moiwa Ski Ground

Annupuri

Hanazono

Grand Hirafu Hirafu Hot Spring Village Village Ski Grounds Annupuri Ski Grounds

added perk was no jet lag.

Just as Niseko was being unearthed it was given extra momentum by the 2001 World Trade Center attacks in the US, which directed the attention of Aussies into its waiting arms.

Just over 200 visited the area the same year, but

Niseko Yunosato Onsen Konbu Onsen

Main Road Railway Expressway

by 2005, this number had increased to over 7,500 according to the local town of Kutchan.

Part of Niseko's special appeal as a unique destination not just to Australians, but visitors from all around the world, is also thanks to its local culture and natural bounty. They look forward not just to

How close is Niseko to?

New Chitose Airport: 2 hrs 30 min Sapporo: 2 hrs 30 min Further Information nisekotourism.com

35

NISEKO

the immense powder dumps, but the natural hot springs to relax in at the end of the day, the local festivals and other events, and of course the melt-inthe-mouth sushi, and other fresh local delicacies.

If you've already been, it would probably come as little surprise that Niseko was crowned with top honours in three of four categories for Japan at the 2013 World Ski Awards: Niseko United took out Japan's best resort, Niseko Hilton Japan's best ski hotel, and The Vale Niseko Japan’s Best Ski Chalet.

If you haven't, go and treat yourself. You won't be

www.nisade.com

disappointed!

Sushi Train YOTEI-MARU

We have many kinds of delicious sushi at reasonable prices, as well as seasonal sushi only found in Hokkaido. We also have table space especially reserved for parties.

Italian Cafe Bleu Cielo

1F White Building, 1-8-3 Kita 2 Jo Nishi, Kutchan-Cho, Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido Phone: 0136-22-3255 | Email: bleucielo@sa7.gyao.ne.jp URL: bleucielo.exblog.jp | 11:00-15:00/18:00-22:00

Open 7 days 11am-8:45pm (Last order) 1-12 Higashi 1, Minami 8, Kutchan-cho Phone: 0136-22-4101

KARAOKE UTAYA Travel back to the days of the samurai!

All-you-can-drink deals!

Clean booths with a great atmosphere!

Fun for everyone from solo travellers to families!

Open daily 11am-3am (5am Fri-Sun & PH) Location: 10-1, Nishi 1-chome, Kita 3-jo, Kutchan Phone: +81-(0)136-21-2088

36

HOKK AIDO

NISEKO

RESORT

Grand Hirafu Resort grand-hirafu.jp Yamada 204, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun 2 +81-136-22-0109 Open 8:30-20:30

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

290cm 375cm 445cm 420cm 415cm

Beg

Int

Adv

30%

38%

32%

5.6km

1

15

940m

40°

“Grand Hirafu is in better shape than ever…”

Grand Hirafu celebrated one of its best seasons to date in 2013-14. The powder took a bit longer than usual to arrive, but once it did the resort was open until the beginning of May, receiving some nice powder dumps like the 25cm recorded the night before Valentine's Day, which saw the snow depth almost crossing the five-metre mark.

As well as the powder, Grand Hirafu also celebrated the addition of a special Tokyu Hands Truck Market store inside its Hotel Niseko Alpen. Tokyu Hands' catch-phrase is 'Creative Life Store', and as usual

AI-CARUMBA Bar BARUNBA Barunba is Indonesian for good wave.

Drinks from ¥500, smoke as much as you want inside!

Bar BARUNBA

170-50 Aza Yamada, Kutchan Phone: 0136-55-5615 Open: 20:00–03:00

38

Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

in Sh ow everyone ve Niseko so me locool by keeping it t. wh en yo u’re ou drin k Make su re yo u d responsibly an board don’t go over e yo u we want to se a smile go ho me with on yo ur face!

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

HOKK AIDO

NISEKO

RESORT

this was spot-on, with plenty of excited customers visiting for cute, only-in-Japan souvenirs like remotecontrol sushi, model car and motorbike USB sticks, and Japanese games.

Grand Hirafu was first constructed in 1961 to host the All-Japan Alpine Ski Championships, and having seen the addition of a new Mountain Center and Gondola to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2011-12, it’s in better shape than ever. An evergrowing number of skiers and snowboarders from around the world have become converts to its addictive combination of icing sugar-like powder, comprehensive budget, mid-price and luxury accommodation options, and vibrant nightlife with everything from Japanese-style tapas bars to fine dining restaurants.

Travelling times to Grand Hirafu New Chitose Airport: 2 hrs 30 min Sapporo: 2 hrs 30 min

Jam Cafe Bar @ Niseko

189-13 Yamada, Kutchan-cho Phone 81-136-23-0700 jam.cafebar.niseko/Facebook open 18:00 / close 26:00

Manpuku Tei

Hearty Korean home cooking in Hirafu!

Make sure you drop in for a bite as soon as you arrive in Niseko. You’ll love it, and will more than likely be back again and again during your stay. Just come and try our food once, and you’ll understand!!

Open 18:00 - 23:00 Closed occasionally Tel: 0136-25-4079

Tsubara Tsubara ISSUE #09

Rich, tasty, and spicy..

Come and experience our philosophy of curry for yourself in Hirafu!

Tel: 0136-23-1116 Open 11:30-15:00, 18:00-22:00

Izakaya Sakae www.gdayjapan.com.au

Free iPad app Like G'Day Japan! at facebook.com/gdayjp for updates!

Heartwarming Japanese home cuisine, served with love in Hirafu. Perfect for family dinners!

Tel: 0136-22-4198 Open 17:30-22:00

Izumikyo 2, 132-14 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho

39

HOKK AIDO

KONBU ONSEN

LOCAL AREA

KONBU ONSEN

© JNTO

Peace and tranquillity, tucked away in a quiet corner near Niseko…

As its powder snow has risen to fame, the resort

and hotels operate free shuttle buses to the nearby

areas of Niseko have acquired an at times hectic

ski areas of Annupuri (10 minutes), and Hirafu (20

atmosphere that can make it easy to forget you're

minutes). Moiwa Ski Resort is even closer at just 2-3

supposed to be on a holiday. Peace and quiet, fine

minutes away by car, with shuttle access from the

dining and drinking, and rejuvenating hot springs

village. It has a collection of six different courses,

are deceptively close though, in the village of Konbu

with the longest reaching 2.8km. Rafting, canoeing

Onsen. The lush forest of Niseko-Otaru-Shakotan

and other adventure tour operators also provide a

Kaigan Quasi- National Park is just next door to the

set down and pick up service for guests at Konbu

village, and it puts on an impressive colour display

Onsen during the off season.

reflecting the changing seasons throughout the year.

A Yu-meguri Pass is a great way to experience a

Squirrels flit in and out of the shrubbery during the

spread of the different hot springs in the village, at a

green, blossom-filled months of May to August, and

discounted rate. For ¥1,440, the pass gives you three

after the last reds and yellows of autumn have hit

visits to one or more participating hot springs, and is

the turf, the village becomes a steaming sanctuary

valid for 180 days from the date of purchase.

from the heavy powder snow covering the forest in winter. The nine different hot spring inns and hotels in Konbu Onsen are a 20 minutes bus ride from Niseko Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line,

Further Information www.kanronomori.com

Hotel K anronomori

All the elegance of Japanese culture, with the style of a boutiq ue hotel Exceeding guest expectations is all in a day's work at Hotel Kanronomori. Part of a reputable Hokkaido boutique hotel group, we offer ten room types, including twin rooms, and suites with built-in hot spring baths.

Only the freshest in seasonal produce is on the menu, and our natural hot spring bathing experience with forest views is legendary!

415 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido TEL +81-136-58-3800 FAX +81-136-58-3107 E-mail: reservation@kanronomori.com www.kanronomori.com

40

HOKK AIDO

SAPPORO

LOCAL AREA

SAPPORO

© Yasufumi Nishi / © JNTO

Visit Sapporo on a Niseko snow holiday to experience its unforgettable snow festival…

The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is

its inaugural year in 1950. The record for the most

one of the biggest highlights of the winter season in

number of sculptures stands at 366 in 1992, when

Japan.

the festival was held at four different sites in

Hundreds of ice sculptures and statues take over

Sapporo.

Sapporo's Odori Park, and Tsudome and Susukino

Despite its dramatic growth, the festival is still free

areas for the week of the festival every February, and

and is an exciting side trip for all ages on a snow

illuminated beautifully at night, attract some two

holiday to Niseko or other parts of Hokkaido.

million visitors.

Sculptures at its main site in Odori Park are lit up

Snow is never in short supply in Hokkaido's capital

beautifully until 10 pm, some with 3D projection

city, which is located just two and a half hours from

mapping - an absolutely spellbinding attraction. The

Niseko. Some 30,000 tons of it is trucked in for the

ice statues lining the main street of the Susukino

festival from the surrounding mountains each year,

area are lit up later until midnight, while the

and used to construct enormous, intricately detailed

Tsudome site closes earlier at 5 pm.

works of art.

Tsudome is especially family-friendly with its

The largest statue in the festival's history to date

enormous snow slides for kids to enjoy tubing,

is a reproduction of Gulliver, created in 1972 to

rafting and tobogganing on, and also has an all-

coincide with the Sapporo Winter Olympics. He

weather dome with delicious local food and

was composed of some 1,300 truckloads of snow,

refreshments.

compacted down and sculpted into an impressive

The 2015 Sapporo Snow Festival opens on February 5,

25 metre-tall statue which catapulted the festival to

and runs for a week until February 11. Tour operators

international fame.

depart for the festival directly from Niseko, and it

It has since hosted an international snow sculpture

can also be accessed independently by bus from

contest for more than 40 years, which has diversified

the Hirafu Welcome Center, or train from Kutchan

its number of attractions and fostered a more

Station.

cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Before it became the sensation it is today, the Sapporo Snow Festival started out as a modest six statues created by students in Odori Park for

Further Information www.snowfes.com

41

Enjoy comfort and convenience at Dormy Inn properties throughout Japan Dormy Inn Premium Sapporo

Luxury conveniently located in the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, walking distance from the best of Sapporo's sightseeing and entertainment areas.

4-1, Minami 2, Nishi 6, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Phone: +81-(0)11-232-0011 Email: inn-sapporo@dormy-hotels.com

Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex ANNEX

Modern facilities, excellent service and a warm, refreshing ambience with gorgeous woodwork, in close range of sightseeing areas.

10-6, Minami 3, Nishi 6, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Phone: +81-(0)11-232-0011 Email: inn-sapporo@dormy-hotels.com

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru

Indulge in all the comforts of Japan including our natural hot spring 'Akari no Yu', just a minute from Otaru Station.

3-9-1 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido Phone: +81-(0)134-21-5489 Email: in-otaru@dormy-hotels.com

La Vista Daisetsuzan

Enjoy the seasonal beauty of Mt Asahidake from our mountain lodge-style resort hotel.

Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido Fax: +81-(0)166-97-2345 Email: la-daisetsuzan@dormy-hotels.com

www.hotespa.net/dormyinn/en

HOKKAIDO POWDER BELT Japan uncut

Asahikawa •Furano •Sapporo

New Chitose

It's official. Powder has acquired the status of a religion on Hokkaido, with some of its staunchest exponents found spreading the gospel throughout the Hokkaido Powder Belt.

There's not a lot of convincing to be done about its greatness as a snow holiday destination though, if a mix of powder-covered slopes and traditional Japan are what you're after.

As well as hot spring villages nestled amidst some of Japan's most hardcore backcountry terrain, it has family-friendly resorts and plenty of opportunities to experience genuine Japanese culture and cuisine, all with warm country hospitality.

A westernised resort atmosphere, crowds and the inclement weather more common to slopes near the coast are about the only things the Hokkaido Powder Belt doesn't have in abundance. Sheltered in Hokkaido's hinterland, this is the place to experience Japan uncut on a snow holiday.

43

New Furano Prince Hotel

Located on the slopes of Furano Ski Resort, Furano's premier hotel offers true ski-in, ski-out access.

With multiple dining options and top class facilities your choice of accommodation in Furano couldn't be simpler.

The affordability of this special combination of location and luxury will also surprise you.

For further information contact Scott Tovey: Email furano-scott@princehotels.co.jp

2014-2015 Winter specials Pay 5 nights / Stay 7 nights Free adult lift passes Kids ski free Conditions apply.

Please contact your local travel agent for details.

Furano Snow School

Atomic and Salomon Station

Enjoy skiing and boarding with our local instructors!

FSS Kids Group Lesson 1Day Lunch Combo Start!

Your one-stop shop for quality rentals

Want to take your skiing or boarding to the next level in a fun, safe environment? Then look no further! With professional English-speaking instructors offering group and private lessons for both adults and kids, Furano Snow School is the way to go. Find us conveniently located in both Prince Hotels and the Kitanomine gondola terminal.

A wide range of quality rental skis, boards, clothing and accessories are available from the Atomic & Salomon Stations in both Prince Hotels, Furano Ropeway Station and the Kitanomine Gondola Station - you won't need to bring a thing with you to enjoy the powder in Furano! Drop in and swap gear, or top up on wax for free whenever you like.

This is just the tip of the iceberg...

Kitanomine Terminal LB, Kitanomine-cho, Furano Phone: +81-167-22-1935 Email: sp-topia-furano@voice.ocn.ne.jp

www.sportpia.co.jp/en

The Hokkaido Powder Belt:

A powder paradise centred on the idyllic town of Furano 2 Asahikawa 5 Kamui

6 Kurodake 1 Asahidake

7 Tokachidake Furano Ski Resort

3

Furano

Sapporo

4 Tomamu

Main Road Railway Expressway Asahikawa Airport Domestic Flying Times Haneda (Tokyo): 1 hr 40 min Narita (Tokyo): 1 hr 45 min Kansai (Osaka): 1 hr 50 min

New Chitose Airport Domestic Flying Times Haneda (Tokyo): 1 hr 30 min Narita (Tokyo): 1 hr 40 min Kansai (Osaka): 1 hr 50 min

1 Asahidake Chairlift and hot spring village, with access to the 2,291m volcano Asahidake - the highest mountain on Hokkaido.

2 Asahikawa See polar bears swimming at the famous Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido's second-largest city, and air and shuttle access hub.

3 Furano Enjoy the resort and cultural life in this friendly town, which is also a great base for exploring the nearby backcountry.

4 Tomamu Family-friendly resort, with some novel entertainment facilities including an ice village, complete with an ice bar.

5 Kamui 14 courses with great variety and a relaxed off-piste policy - naturally with powder snow - just 40 minutes from Asahikawa.

6 Kurodake Ride the powder here via chairlift from Sounkyo, a wellmanicured hot spring village with an otherworldly Ice Festival.

7 Tokachidake No lifts, and no crowds. Just powder on Asahidake's smoking cousin, an experts-only backcountry area with Hokkaido's highest hot spring inn at 1,280 m.

Hotel Naturwald Furano

We have both Western and Japanese style rooms available. Whichever style you choose, we promise a pleasant stay.

Our location offers panoramic views of the ski hill, just across the street.

14-46 Kitanomine-cho, Furano, Hokkaido (About 7 minutes by car from Furano Station) Phone: 0167-22-1211 Email: nwf@hhr-inc.co.jp

http://naturwald-furano.com

45

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

FURANO

Real powder, and the real Japan

FURANO

Annexe for long term guests now open!

1-35 A s a h i - C h o, F u r a n o H o k k a i d o Phone: +81 167 22 1777 Fax: +81 167 23 1070 Email: info@natulux.com

www.natulux.com

24 hour hospital only 5 minutes walk.

Station is 1 minute on foot.

Free parking is available.

46

INTRODUCTION

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

INTRODUCTION

Manicured fields of lavender, sunflowers and other colourful blooms, carpeting gently undulating hills with mountain peaks over the horizon.

Administratively a city, quintessentially still a country town, Furano has Eden-like qualities that have attracted television series film crews, and landscape photographers for decades.

The locals enjoy a rich seasonal diet, and as well as delicious fruit and vegetables, produce specialties like Furano Wine and Furano Cheese from the farmland surrounding the town centre.

These products are prized around Japan, the scale of their reputation perfectly illustrated by the limitededition set of 400 1.8kg Furano Melons selected as

Furano Winery

commemorative gifts for the 40th anniversary of Hello Kitty in 2014. Each was engraved with an au naturale Hello Kitty face, and went for almost 짜5,000

Furano Downtown

apiece.

Furano is also famous for its Omu Curry, a combination of omelette and curry that won second prize in Japan's Local Curry Grand Prix 2014 - a nationwide battle-of-the-currys.

Furano Ski Kitanomine Zone Furano Prince Hotel Furano Wine House Kitanomine Resort Area

When powder starts to fall on the town during the long winter from November to May, its great food and welcoming country hospitality combine to make it a standout snow holiday destination to visit - no matter what type of rider you are.

Furano Ski Furano Zone New Furano Prince Hotel

Main Road Railway Expressway

Furano Cheese Factory

Furano Ski Resort is where the action is, with an average nine metres of fine, dry powder snow to be enjoyed over the season. Snow quality at the resort is among the best on Hokkaido, thanks to lower humidity and temperature levels than resorts near the coast.

How close is Furano to?

New Chitose Airport: 2 hrs 40 min (train) Asahikawa Airport: 1 hr 10 min (bus) Further Information www.furanotourism.com/en

FURANO

Tourism Association

Experience a Japanese tea ceremony or live cultural performance in Furano. We're proud to promote good relations between people from all over the world!!

Guesthouse Akane-yado www.geocities.jp/akaneyado2005/english-top.htm

www.gdayjapan.com.au

www.furanotourism.com 47

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

INTRODUCTION

The two Prince Hotels at Furano Ski Resort have skiin, ski-out access to its network of 24 trails for all riders, and are the town's premier accommodation facilities.

Well-developed with a combination of tasteful guest rooms, restaurants, shops, and natural hot spring bathing facilities between them, they command superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Like the Prince Hotels, smaller family-run hotel and European-style lodge accommodation in Furano offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the region's local produce and hot springs, and the town also has self-contained properties perfect for groups, ranging from luxury to budget.

Furano is an ideal base for venturing further into Daisetsuzan National Park, and exploring some of Japan's best backcountry touring areas. Two of these are Tokachidake and Asahidake, legendary among seasoned riders for their powder snow. After experiencing the park, soaking in the rustic hot springs (onsen) dotted amongst its foothills, gorges

Enjoy peaceful times surrounded by the nature of Furanui - Room and breakfast package.

- A range of guest rooms from Western, Japanese or combined style to cottages are available to meet all kinds of requirements.

Hotel “Pension Furanui� makePlease bookings Tel 0167 22 2480 13-15 Kitanomine-Cho, Furano E-mail furanui@furano.ne.jp

and enquiries by e-mail!

All rooms have a bath and toilet A good location only 5 minutes by walk from the Kitanomine Ski Ground.

Furano Nature Club has been providing outodoor activities and private transfer service nearly two decades. Our experienced guides will help you explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the Furano area. We also organize transfer service, including Furano to and from New Chitose and Asahikawa airports. Please contact us for more information or to book.

48

Hot Air Balloon Snowshoeing Air Board Ice Hole Fishing Private Transfer Service Furano Alpine Travel Alpine Visitor Center Backpackers Inn Email: furano@alpn.jp www.alpn.jp

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

INTRODUCTION

and valleys is simply sublime.

As well as riding, wining, dining and onsen-ing, visiting Furano on a snow holiday is the perfect opportunity to experience some authentic Japanese culture. During the peak of the ski season from January to February, the town holds a series of cultural performances and workshops specially designed to give visitors a deeper look at its traditional side. Performances of music, theatre and dance are conveniently held in the Kitanomine Zone of Furano Ski Resort, and are a great place to relax aprĂŠs-ski with a beer or other refreshment and some hearty local fare. There is also a workshop program including calligraphy and tea ceremony, adding an extra dimension to all that Furano has to offer both on and off the slopes. It's the ideal destination for those who want to experience real powder, and the real Japan.

MPG Sorachi

Furano’s Only Ski-front Luxury Apartments

Join us for an unforgettable winter paragliding tour!

Phone: 0167-23-6638 Website: www1.odn.ne.jp/syadan-hk/mpg/

www.gdayjapan.com.au

Just one minute walk to the Gondola

www.freshpowder.com + 81 167 23 4738

www.gdayjapan.com.au

Going to Japan?

ISSUE #09

Like us on Facebook!

Free iPad app

Like us on Facebook and stay in touch for the latest on the G'Day Japan! iPad app!

facebook.com/gdayjp

49

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

INTRODUCTION

Furano Wine and Cheese Furano's climate is similar to northern Europe, and adding to that feel are its winery and cheese factory.

The area has ideal conditions for growing the grapes that are used by Furano Wine to produce delicious reds, whites and rosés, all under strict quality control.

Its best-selling red wine is easy drinking, with a characteristic herbal aroma masked by overtones of fruit - also a feature of its zesty white, which is punctuated by refreshing notes of lime.

Furano Wine can also be enjoyed in Furano Wine

Cheddar, which is handmade at the Furano Cheese Factory. One of the factory's other novel cheeses is Sepia, a soft, creamy camembert with squid ink, and it also produces delicious ice-cream - which like its cheese, is made with the fresh local Furano milk.

Visit the Furano Wine and Furano Cheese factories at any time of year to sample the fruits of the region's farm produce, and indulge in some excellent restaurant dining.

© JTA/ © JNTO

© JTA/ © JNTO

Furano ski holiday at the North Country Inn The perfect mix of Western and Japanese style accommodation

Make your holiday choice simple: Powder snow skiing is what it’s all about.

With hundreds of restaurants in vibrant Furano, this is the Japanese ski experience you have been looking for.

• Ski shuttle • North Bar (Pool table, darts, lounge wi-fi) • Lounge (CNN, English paper, wi-fi) • Town shuttle • Japanese indoor/outdoor baths • Ski rental

For enquiries contact Ken McBride kenny@north-country.co.jp

www.northcountryinnfurano.com 50

B

A

S

Furano’s secret oasis of fun

You could miss BASE completely if it wasn't for the sign by the side of the road to Furano Ski Resort, directing you on a detour through the forest to its secluded mountainside location.

Step inside the massive warehouse, and the first thing you'll see is ProShop ClimbOne, with a range of surf and snow gear.

After having a browse, head through to the back and hang out in the garage for a bit, to check out the mini skate bowl and climbing wall.

BASE also does powder gear rentals

and has a wax room, which makes it a great place to stop in at for skiers and snowboarders visiting Furano and the Hokkaido Powder Belt.

There is even a guiding desk inside run by Tree Life, who are always doing tours out in the backcountry, as well as mountain climbing and walking tours. No matter whether you want something relaxing or hard core, Tree Life have plenty of options for all to enjoy themselves to their hearts' content.

After checking out the warehouse,

E

follow the tempting aroma of coffee into the BASE cafe. Just as nice as the coffee are the cakes of the day and the moreish dried fruit for sale the perfect munchie food out in the snow.

Books and magazines inside the cafe make BASE even more absorbing for anyone who loves mountains or the ocean, and give yet another touch of unique character to this secret hideaway out in the forest, dedicated to fun times.

ja-jp.facebook.com/ProShopClimbOne

BASE Dedicated to fun times PRO SHOP Good range of Peak Performance gear, with plenty of other surf and mountain brands in stock.

RENTALS Powderboard, ski, snowshoe, beacon and other mountain gear rentals.

TOUR GUIDES Book a mountain adventure with our guides all year round. We also do stand-up paddle boarding tours.

PLAY GARAGE Drop in to the skate bowl, try the climbing wall or slackline, or hop on the trampoline.

Cottage Keidasu

Kitanomine Ski Area

No.2 Bus Stop Kitanomine-Goryo Street Furano Prince Hotel

Resort Inn North Country Seven Eleven

Enjoy our Five Beans drip coffee, roasted in Japan's surf mecca of Hayama. There's also plenty of our original dried fruit to stock up on for snacks when you're out playing in the mountains. If you love the outdoors, you'll love our cafe - relax with a surf or snow mag and make yourself at home.

Sweet and Delice

Got a sweet tooth? Furano Delice is the answer.

If you have a passion for sweets, then don’t pass up an opportunity to visit Furano Delice. This delightful little shop is a dream come true for ownerchef Michio Fujita, who counts the Furano Milk Pudding – freshly prepared and served in a Furano milk bottle - among some of his most famous innovations.

Criticised early on for being different, the Furano Milk Pudding turned the tables and became a national obsession after 1,000 of them sold out in 28 minutes at a Tobu Department Store in Tokyo, catching the eye of buyers at other affluent department stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

Today, Fujita prepares a seasonal menu of cakes, biscuits, puddings and pastries for his customers using as much of the local Furano farm produce as he can – and the results are divine. Enjoying the taste of a soft, moist and creamy Double-Fromage two-layered cheesecake, along with the panorama of Furano as you sip a coffee from the café terrace is pure bliss, and will complete your trip to the town in style.

Sweets Confe

In-house limited special cakes available Fresh-Made Furano Milk Pudding and More Pudding a la Mode Tartlet Fromage Seasonal Fruit Tartlet Strawberry Tart Deli-choux (Cream Puff) House-Roasted Coffee Furano Delice's Fresh-Baked Specials Limited to this store only!

Double-Fromage (Petit) Double-Fromage Chocolat (Petit) Shop Access From JR Furano Station: 10 minutes by car From Asahikawa Airport: 60 minutes by car From New Chitose Airport: 180 minutes by car Furano Delice 2156-1 Shimo-Goryo, Furano, Hokkaido Phone: (0167) 22-8005 Open: 10am - 7pm (Closed Tuesday) http://shop.le-nord.com

ctionary

Snowmobiling fun in the Furano backcountry

The views of the glittering winter landscape around Furano are spectacular enough from the town or the slopes of its ski resort, but you’ll feel like the postcards on the local rack don’t really do them justice once you’ve experienced a snowmobile tour with Asobiya.

Their small-group tours of the snow plains, alpine forest and peaks in the Furano backcountry cover everything from lazy 3km bog laps to mammoth day adventures, and attract the highest number of customers in the area.

Don’t feel daunted if you’re not a seasoned snowmobiler – these guys are professionals who take every care in ensuring that everyone is au fait with their snowmobile before setting off, and will kit you out with all necessary safety equipment.

All you need to do after that is sit back and enjoy the ride – tours run from December to April, and can be booked by emailing Asobiya at info@ asobiya.jp.

Leisureguide ASOBIYA

www.asobiya.jp

Snowmobile Ice Fishing Parasailing Snow Shoe Trekking Hot Air Balloon Flight and more.

Email: info@fuyuri.jp

Phone: +81 167 22 0534

Email: info@asobiya.jp

Only 1 minute by walk to ski area.

1&2 Bedroom self contained apartments

Chalet FUYURI

www.fuyuri.jp

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

RESORT

Furano Ski Resort www.princehotels.com/en/ski/furano.html Nakagoryo, Furano-shi 2 +81-167-22-1111 Open 8:30-20:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

130cm 190cm 230cm 220cm 140cm

Beg

Int

Adv

40%

40%

20%

4km

2

8

964m

34°

“…one of the Hokkaido Powder Belt’s best resorts.”

5am on Sunday February 2, 2014, and Furano Ski Resort was just calling last tracks in the Kitanomine Zone, getting ready to reopen again shortly for the second day of its 49th annual Ski Festival weekender.

The all-night ride kicked off with a bang after a fireworks display, which was of course preceded by plenty of delicious food and drink, and continued on with lashings of powder snow.

The 50th Furano Ski Festival in 2015 is set to be another corker, and quite rightly so: Furano Ski Resort has some of the lightest, driest powder in Japan

TOMIKAWA SEIMENSHO

12-22 Hinode, Furano, Hokkaido Phone: 0167-23-1965 www.furanotomikawa.com

Delicious course menus featuring premium Wagyu beef and pork, and farm fresh local produce.

Soy ramen is our customers' favourite, but don't forget to try rich miso ramen - the chef's top pick.

There's also our original fried chicken and juicy dumplings, available from lunch with Sapporo beer on tap.

Our reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves!

Thu-Tue 11am-3pm & 5pm-8pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 11am-8pm

A la Campagne

Open 7 days for lunch & dinner

2-2 Asahi-machi, Furano Ph: 0167-23-3322

Special miso chashu ramen ¥900

Kumagera This intimate restaurant serves a variety of unique Japanese cuisine, including Sanzoku Nabe, duck and venison hot pot, tempura, and cheese tofu, just to name a few. Delicious Japanese sake and beers are also available.

Open 7 days 11:30-Midnight 3-22 Hinode, Furano, Hokkaido Phone +81 167 39 2345 www.furano.ne.jp/kumagera/

54

Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

HOKK AIDO

FURANO

RESORT

there is to be enjoyed. Peeling off the embankments as you criss-cross down the slopes, it falls finer and drier than resorts near the coast thanks to lower inland humidity, and stays fresher for longer in temperatures that can plummet to -30°C. The resort has a vertical drop of 964m from the summit, down to ski-in, ski-out accommodation below.

On the way you’ll find 24 different courses, stretching for 25km across two zones: the Kitanomine Zone and the Furano Zone – which has the longest season of the two, open from late November to early May. While some of the courses are challenging enough to have hosted FIS World Cup events, there remains a good spread for beginner and intermediate riders.

They are complemented by a range of excellent touches: free skiing for kids aged twelve and under, night skiing until 8pm, and a friendly snow school.

To settle in to Furano Ski Resort, sign up for a free guided tour in English with one of the Furano Ski Hosts, and enjoy their welcome to what is one of the Hokkaido Powder Belt’s best resorts.

Travelling times to Furano Ski Resort Asahikawa Airport: 1 hs 5 min (bus) New Chitose Airport: 2 hr 50 min (car)

Yama-no Doxon www.gdayjapan.com.au

Boutique Brewery in Furano, with pilsner, wheat, and dark beers from ¥500!

20-29 Kitanomine-cho, Furano, Hokkaido Tel: 0167-22-5599 Web: http://doxon.jp

Fukuzushi is known for its gigantic sushi. Here you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine such as sashimi and tempura or Fukuzushi’s famous fried chicken and original ‘Potato Bowl’. This beautiful Japanese style restaurant is suitable for big parties.

Fukuzushi 1-24 Asahi, Furano, Hokkaido Japan Phone +81 167 23 2617 Open 11:00-21:30 (Last order 21:00) Closed Mon

55

HOKK AIDO

TOK ACHIDAKE

BACKCOUNTRY

TOKACHIDAKE

To go where no piste has gone before Tokachidake is nature in the Hokkaido Powder Belt 'as is'. There are no lifts, no groomed runs, and no crowds; just pure powder to be enjoyed.

The area consists of Tokachidake, a 2,141m high volcano, and Tokachidake Onsen, a hot spring village dotted with welcoming inns.

They provide hearty country hospitality with the facilities you need to relax, the transport you need to get around, and the contacts to get you out and back from the powder safely.

Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding If you haven't done avalanche rescue training before setting out for Tokachidake, you will have with a guide by the time you hit the mountain.

The danger of inadvertently ending your trip somewhere underneath deep powder, or having to take a crash course in igloo-building and spend the night hoping to be rescued on the 2,141m high volcano is very real, and commands the expertise of a local to show you the ropes.

The reward though, of gliding weightlessly across the powder as plumes of smoke billow into the air from its cone above, is priceless.

It's the stuff of dreams for hardcore riders, coming down in hefty instalments of up to 30cm a night.

To get started arranging a guide to go and experience it, contact any of the inns on this page if you're staying with them, or the Furano Tourism

Kamihoro Inn

Gaze across a sea of clouds from our outdoor hot spring, 1200m above sea level. You can enjoy back country skiing just around the corner!

• Free coach pickup from Sapporo and Asahikawa on alternate days • Transport provided to Furano town centre and nearby ski slopes • Wi-fi, ski storage, drying and laundry facilities • Special discount on extended winter stays

Kamihoro Inn Our outdoor hot spring

56

Email: kamihoro@arata-group.com http://tokachidake.com/kamihoro/

HOKK AIDO

TOK ACHIDAKE

Association.

BACKCOUNTRY

simple, thanks to their coach pickup services from major Hokkaido transport hubs like Sapporo and

Natural Hot Spring Inns

Asahikawa, and once you're there, you're within

The volcanic rumblings of Tokachidake heat up

walking distance of rideable terrain.

natural springs below to temperatures of more than

The inns provide a combination of Japanese tatami

40°C, which are harnessed by a cluster of hot spring

and western-style rooms, and with local food also on

inns in the village of Tokachidake Onsen. Perched at

the menu, are an excellent choice for experiencing

altitudes in the 1,200 metre range, they command

Japanese culture and country hospitality along with

superb views above the clouds and are a welcoming

the powder.

haven for riders who have been out enjoying the powder all day.

The views aren't just from inside, either. The inns have set up outdoor baths true to the Japanese hot spring tradition, from which guests enjoy the luxury of gazing back on the mountains they've been riding down.

Getting to the inns during the winter season is

How close is Tokachidake Onsen to?

Kamifurano (Next to Furano): 45 min (bus) Asahikawa: 1 hr 55 min (bus) Further Information www.furanotourism.com/en

Backcountry base above the clouds.

Nothing tops the feeling of gazing back at the mountains you've just ridden down from the comfort of our 100% pure outdoor hot spring, Hokkaido's highest at an altitude of 1,280m - just around the corner from perfect backcountry terrain.

English guest service, drying facilities, a laundry, kitchen and gear storage available.

Tokachidake Onsen Yumoto Ryounkaku www.ryounkaku.com

T (0167)39-4111 F (0167)39-4112 Tokachidake Onsen, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

Fukiage Onsen

Hoyou Center Hakuginso Hakuginso’s 100% natural hot spring is the best reward you can give yourself. We cater for guests on day bathing trips, and our accommodation includes cooking facilities.

Hakuginso is equipped with a multi-purpose outdoor bath, surrounded by nature. Enjoy bathing both in the hot spring and the forest, energising your mind and body with the colours of each season.

T: +81-(0)167-45-4126 Tokachidake, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

57

HOKK AIDO

TOMAMU

RESORT

Hoshino Resort Tomamu www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun 2 +81-167-58-1111 Open 9:00-19:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

120cm 170cm 190cm 180cm 110cm

Beg

Int

Adv

25%

40%

35%

4.5km

1

7

699m

35°

“A powder-blessed snow destination…”

Banana boat and -30°C aren’t normally two concepts found in the same sentence in Australia, but they go together perfectly at Hoshino Resort Tomamu.

A powder-blessed snow destination in one of the coldest parts of Hokkaido, it offers a great range of activities that make it the island’s number one family-friendly winter retreat.

Give the skis and boards a break for a while – have you ever ridden a horse on a trek through beautiful snow-covered mountains? Skimmed across a powdery plateau on a raft? Or enjoyed a drink at a bar in a village constructed entirely of ice?

These are just some of the many activities in store at Tomamu. Often organised into convenient one-hour blocks, they work equally as well as an interesting intermission to powder skiing and boarding, as they do for those who want to enjoy the snow, but are still finding their balance.

Travelling times to Hoshino Resort Tomamu 1 hr 10 min (train) Asahikawa: 2 hr 30 min (car)

Come Visit Our Playground in the Mountains of Hokkaido!

As close as it Gets Endless Ways to Play Everything Your Family Needs 58

Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

HOKK AIDO

K AMUI

RESORT

Kamui Ski Links www.kamui-skilinks.com/ Nishioka 112, Kamui-cho, Asahikawa-city 2 +81-166-72-2311 Open 9:00-17:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

130cm 170cm 220cm 200cm 250cm

Beg

Int

Adv

40%

40%

20%

4.5km

1

5

601m

40°

“…don’t be shy to go exploring…”

Kamui Ski Links is within close reach of the Hokkaido Powder Belt transport hub of Asahikawa, and has 14 powder-laden courses set between 751m and 150m on the 800m Mt Kamui-yama.

For an easy introduction to Kamui, head to the four mellow, compacted runs close to the foot of the mountain - the domain of beginners. The FISapproved Gold Course is rated intermediate, but has quite a steep decline conducive to excessive speed, and at its widest measures a juicy 150m.

If you have enough control and experience under your belt, the policy on off-piste skiing at Kamui is free and easy, so don’t be shy to go exploring. To start with, try the Panorama Course, the Bump Course, and the Ezo-matsu Course near the peak, the three designated black runs with terrain that can drop suddenly by as much as 40°, and some tight gaps to negotiate between the trees.

Travelling times to Kamui Ski Links Asahikawa: 40 min (bus) Sapporo: 1 hr 25 min (car)

ASAHIYAMA ZOO

Come and see our penguins march, eagles soar and polar bears swim - we're just 40 minutes by bus from JR Asahikawa Station!

Open daily except Nov 4 - Nov 10 & Dec 30 - Jan 1 until Apr 7 2015.

Admission: Adults ¥820, and free entry for kids!

More: www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/zoo/English/top.html

59

HOKK AIDO

KURODAKE

LOCAL AREA

Sounkyo and Kurodake

A kaleidoscope of colour all year round...

It’s a sobering -20°C, and you’re standing in a giant

Many of these visitors are also in Sounkyo to enjoy

igloo filled with the glow of luminescent reds, pinks

powder skiing and boarding, carving fresh trails down

and purples.

the 1,984m Mt Kurodake by day, and imbibing in the best of local produce by night. Let’s not forget the

The colours warm the interior with a charming glow

snowshoe hiking either of course! In between all this

that evokes fairy floss, big tops and other childhood

are countless hours spent lolling about in the village’s

pleasures, and cast an enchanting light on the icicles

hot springs, tastefully constructed institutions set off

beckoning towards staircases, winding through

pleasant little walkways lined with brilliant flower

tunnels and leading to waterfalls and ice sculptures,

beds in the warmer months.

all frozen in time.

What makes a stay in Sounkyo exceptionally

This is the winter guise of the Ishikari River in

memorable is the sublime simplicity, yet sophistication

Sounkyo, a hot spring village etched into the base

with which the locals have harnessed nature’s bounty

of a spectacular series of intersecting gorges in

to welcome visitors, all with a down-to-earth sincerity

Daisetsuzan National Park. The villagers have refined

unique to the countryside of Japan. It leaves you with

the process of building the sculptures as the river

the feeling of wonder as you walk away that you have

freezes over to an art officially known as the Sounkyo

experienced a genuinely unspoilt part of the nation’s

Ice Fall Festival, which attracts visitors from near and

frontier, where the dynamic beauty of the natural

far every year from late January to March.

landscape remains in pristine condition for all to enjoy.

Where is it?

How long can I ski?

Tell me more!

Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway

110 minutes from Asahikawa.

Mid-November to early June. www.sounkyo.net/english

Putting the handsome in hot springs...

A welcoming oasis in the w i lderness of the Hokkaido Powder Belt, Sounkyo is your base for powder, adventure, and relaxation all year round...

The ultimate way to ski, hike or stroll Mt Kurodake, departing from Sounkyo hot spring village.

Brochure available at http://www.rinyu.co.jp/modules/pico01/

60

Visit us online at www.sounkyo.net/english

HOKK AIDO

H O K K A I D O P O W D E R B E LT

BACKCOUNTRY

Backcountry Skiing in the Hokkaido Powder Belt

®John Morrell

by John Morrell

®John Morrell

“Japan? You have to be kidding, there's no skiing

®John Morrell

over your head.

there.”

One of the runs I skied in my early days here I

That was a common reaction I heard in the 1980’s,

nicknamed “the Magic Forest”. Its exact location is still

when I first started guiding backcountry skiing tours

a bit of a secret, but one of our guided trips cheats a

in Hokkaido.

little and we use a vehicle to gain access to a sheltered

Now of course, the skiing world knows the Japanese

bowl in the heart of it, surrounded by age-old silver

experience is an extraordinary one, with the most

birch trees and Japanese red pines.

consistent dry powder snow in the world.

The aspect and angle of the Tokachi Mountain Range

From the outset of my guiding career here, it was

make it a magnet for backcountry skiing, and even

the distant ridges of the Hokkaido Powder Belt and

though today there are more skiers than when I first

their promise of untracked powder that took my gaze

pioneered guiding here, we still find an untouched

beyond the resorts. And the area that stood out most

powder bowl to ski every time.

was the superb wilderness of Daisetsuzan National

Another standout feature of the range is its very low

Park. Japan’s largest national park, its name translates

avalanche risk, which is mostly due to consistent low

to “big snow mountains”, and its peaks and remote

temperatures and little or no wind slab. Regardless

ridges are certainly that.

of this however, we still provide proper training and

There are several areas with lift-serviced backcountry

equipment to ensure everyone has a safe time. And

in the north of the park, namely Asahidake and

of course to end the perfect backcountry day in deep

Sounkyo, and the skiing there is excellent. For me

powder, there's nothing better than the muscle-

though, the jewel in the crown of Daisetsuzan is the

soothing hot spring baths nearby - naturally followed

steep Tokachi Mountain Range to the south of the

by a cold ale.

park. Here there are no lifts, and you earn your turns in the traditional backcountry way.

Using climbing skins, you ascend through hot spring areas and sparsely covered pine-clad ridges to sweeping alpine glades that beckon you ever down, with powder snow that defies gravity as it flows first over your shoulders, and then as you gather speed,

John Morrell is the director of specialty adventure travel company Journey into Japan, and was the first to discover the backcountry skiing potential in Hokkaido for an international market. He is a qualified ski guide and trainer with over thirty years guiding and skiing experience in the Hokkaido Powder Belt.

61

Experience a snow holiday like no other with Classic Resorts Japan

Hakuba Shiga Kogen Nozawa Onsen Myoko

ŠCamilla Stoddart / www.camillastoddartphotography.com

www.snowlove.net/japan

Hakuba Valley

65

Shiga Kogen

100

Nozawa Onsen

113

Myoko

118

Mt. Naeba

119

© JNTO

Let's enjoy skiing in

Nagano-Niigata Whil e th e N agan o - N iiga t a r e gi o n ha s i t s overcrowding problems just like Tokyo and Osaka, they typically stem not from an excess of people, but of mountains. Known as the Japanese Alps, these peaks dominate the region's two prefectures of Nagano and Niigata, and Niigata

Myoko Nozawa Onsen Shibu Onsen • Hakuba Valley •

•• •

•Naeba •Shiga Kogen

Omachi •Matsumoto

Nagano

form spectacular national parks within them like Chubu-Sangaku and Joshin'etsu Kogen. Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics - enlarging its already legendary stature - also shared by Niigata - as one of the Japan's best powder snow areas.

63

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

H A K U B A VA L L E Y

INTRODUCTION

HAKUBA VALLEY Gold medal-winning powder

TRAUMEREI "A fantastic hotel set amidst the snowy peaks of Hakuba.

Just as outstanding as the food is the passion of owner Ryo Nishino, and the character of his staff!"

Endorsement from Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai

Experience an eminently satisf ying degustation course at Traumerei's Auberge restaurant, the top-ranking fine-dining restaurant in its region on travel site Jalan.net. Traumerei also provides refined accommodation with luxurious private hot spring baths.

Website: traumerei.jp Bookings & Enquiries: info@traumerei.jp

65

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

H A K U B A VA L L E Y

INTRODUCTION

The Hakuba Valley is where it all went down during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics; medals were hotly contested, but at the end of the day, everyone that experienced the kiss of its powder and the excitement of its curves was a winner. And it was all just another chapter of fun in the history of its friendly village community, who continue to welcome visitors from around the world to share the bounty that Mother Nature has blessed them with.

Once the harsh perpendicular corners of Tokyo’s urban sprawl give way to the undulating curves and wispy clouds of Nagano Prefecture’s mountainous countryside, you know you’re on your way to the Hakuba Valley.

The series of tunnels on the bullet train route flicker in and out, in abrupt intervals like someone adjusting the dial on an old television set, before they come to rest on the outdoor scenery channel again.

Soon you’re closer to the Sea of Japan than the Pacific, and are settling in to your new digs nestled in the valley.

HAKUBA VALLEY とは？ 大町市・白馬村・小谷村３市村にまたがる北アルプスのスノーマウンテンリゾートエリアを表す呼称 What is HAKUBA VALLEY? "Name to express the Snow mountain resort area of the Northern Alps extending over 3 cities of Ohmachi City, Hakuba Village, Otari Village"

66

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

H A K U B A VA L L E Y

INTRODUCTION

Surrounded by the peaks of Chubu Sangaku National Park in the Northern Japanese Alps, it remains a

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

close-knit village community despite a seasonal Tsugaike Kogen

influx of visitors from far and wide, who come to enjoy what is one of Japan’s most compelling

Iwatake Snow Field

outdoor adventure destinations.

Hakuba 47 Mountain Sports Park

The Hakuba Valley lies on the western - or snowier

Happo-One

- side of Japan’s main island, in the path of Siberian Hakuba Goryu

weather fronts, and encompasses the three districts of Omachi, Hakuba and Otari. Snow depths in the

Hakuba Minekata

Hakuba Sanosaka

region's resorts reached as much as three metres

Aoki-ko

during mid February 2014, which also saw record-

Kashimayari Sports Village

breaking snowfalls across parts of Nagano Prefecture

Jigatake Ski Field Nakatsuna-ko

in the vicinity of 70 to 80 centimetres in just a single night, according to the Japan Weather Association.

Main Road Railway Expressway

It is one of the leading snow resort areas in the Northern Japanese Alps, hosting races during the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998, and is renowned for its excellent powder, scenery and facilities.

There are eleven resorts all together in the Hakuba Valley: Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47, Happo-

How close is the Hakuba Valley to?

Tokyo: 2 hrs 30 min Osaka: 4 hrs 30 min Further Information www.hakubatourism.jp

DIRECT BUS CONNECTION BETWEEN

provided by ALPICO KOTSU CO., LTD

NARITA AIRPORT AND HAKUBA, NAGANO HAKUBA Nagano, Japan

NARITA AIRPORT

YOUR COUNTRY

Japan

LUXURIOUS SOFA SEATS

Kick back and relax in our luxury recliners.

PAID MOBILE WI-FI

Stay connected to the Internet on board.

RESERVATIONS

To make a reservation, please complete the form on the website below and submit it.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

www.alpico.co.jp/traffic/express/narita_hakuba/en/

67

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

H A K U B A VA L L E Y

INTRODUCTION

One, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura, Cortina, Minekata, Sanosaka, Kashimayari and Yanaba.

And no matter how you like to enjoy your snow holiday, you can expect a stress-free snow holiday tailored to your needs thanks to the variety of options they offer visitors to the valley.

Travelling with the family? No worries – just don’t forget to leave the kids park at your resort once in a while. As fun and addictive as it is, there really is more to Hakuba than snow tubing. Or are you hankering for a slice of backcountry action instead?

Just get in touch with one of the local guiding companies, and you'll be out there before you know it.

As well as on the slopes, there are plenty of options off them; be it a luxury five star hotel, backpackers hostel or an authentic Japanese inn, there is accommodation to suit every taste and budget, not to mention some mouth-watering local delicacies on the restaurant menus.

Then of course, there are the village’s natural

Good things come in twos.

At Marion Shinano and Hotel Oak Forest, we've teamed up to give you better access to the slopes, and more choice in hot springs with magnificent views, and even a complimentary Japanese fine dining banquet or Wagyu steak dinner exclusively for G'Day Japan! readers staying six nights or more at one or both of our properties.

Travel for free between our properties, and transfer to our free shuttle services out to some of the best slopes in Hakuba Let our friendly English speaking staff assist you in arranging gear rentals, lessons and tours Take the free shuttle to Iwatake and Hakuba Cortina from Marion Shinano, or ski straight in to Tsugaike Kogen - the perfect option for families Take the free shuttle to Happo-One, Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 from Hotel Oak Forest BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES

MARION SHINANO www.marion-s.com/english Phone: 0261-83-2606 Fax: 0261-83-2043 Location: Tsugaike Highland, Otari Village

68

HOTEL OAK FOREST www.oak-forest.jp Phone: 0261-85-2135 Email: info@oak-forest.jp Location: 3549 Misorano, Hokujo, Hakuba Village

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

H A K U B A VA L L E Y

INTRODUCTION

hot springs - the perfect way to wind down and

the Hakuba nightlife scene, filled with skiers and

refresh apres-ski, enjoyed by the locals since time

boarders still buzzing with the excitement of another

immemorial. And for the thirsty, there is of course

big powder day in the resort.

Total Course Snow Park Length (m)

Size (ha)

Chairlifts & Gondolas

Longest Run (m)

Courses

Hakuba Sanosaka

40

5

2,100

15

5,140

Hakuba Goryu

120

13

5,000

Hakuba 47 Mountain Sports Park

32

6

6,000

23

26,190

Happo-One

220

23

8,000

13

19,450

◦

Iwatake Snow Field

125

13

3,300

25

17,720

◦

Hakuba Minekata

28

2

1,500

5

4,000

×

Tsugaike Kogen

196

22

4,900

13

20,450

◦

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

50

9

2,500

9

8,800

◦

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

50

7

3,500

16

13,335

×

Jigatake

30

4

1,500

7

4,800

◦

Kashimayari Sports Village

78

8

5,000

22

14,200

◦

TOTAL

969

112

43,300

148

134,085

Hakuba Valley Ski Field Data

◦ ◦ ◦

9

www.gdayjapan.com.au Great gear, friendly staff, lots of snow. Good times at Three Peaks Hakuba. www.threepeaks.co.jp

Hakuba Yamatoya Top quality ski equipment sales, next to Hakuba Station. Big range including ski, cross country, and more, all in premier global brands, beginner to advanced.

T: +81-261-72-2200

7days 9:30am - 7:30pm (Sun 9am -) A•Coop HAKUBA Open Only a 3-minute walk from Hakuba Station.

Supermarket chain store

6398-1 Hokujo, Hakuba-mura Phone: 0261-72-6000

Fresh! Delicious!

THE SAMURAI STEAK RESTAURANT

Premium A5 Shinshu Beef Sirloin Steak 200g ¥7,800 Shinshu Kuroge Wagyu Marbled Rump Steak (Topside) 200g ¥3,800 Premium Shinshu Hamburger Steak 200g ¥1,600 Premium Shinshu Cheese Hamburger Steak 200g ¥1,800 Open: 6pm - 10pm (Last orders 9.30pm) Phone: +81-(0)261-72-4580 Location: Ground Floor, Hotel Cultured, 828-112 Misorano, Hakuba Village

69

HAKUBA LION ADVENTURE

As well as awesome tours around Hakuba, they run a cafe, bar and ramen restaurant. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Hakuba Lion Adventure!

Snow Monkey & Snow Mobile Tour

embark on an exciting, safe 70-minute snow mobile tour with the beautiful Japanese Alps in the background. If you don't have that much confidence, Are you ready to see the cute little don't worry - you can ride with a snow monkeys? partner.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the one and only place where you can see To find out more about the tour, please email or give us a call. We look them soaking in a hot spring. forward to introducing you to the It is a 30-minute walk from the park gate to the snow monkeys' hot spring, snow monkeys! through the beautiful scenery of Jigokudani Valley.

What's included After meeting the snow monkeys on our tour, the next stop is Mt Yakebitai -Pick up & drop off in Shiga Kogen for snow mobiling and -Snowmobile lesson & safety check a delicious lunch at the Shiga Kogen -Lunch Prince Hotel.

-Visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park Once your guide has taught you how to ride your snow mobile, you'll

Tour Itinerary 7:15-7:30 Hotel pick up in Hakuba 10:00 Depart for monkey park 12:30 Lunch at Shiga Kogen 13:30 Snow mobile tour (70 min.)

14:45 Depart for Hakuba 17:30-18:00 Hotel drop off in Hakuba

Bookings and Enquiries Hakuba Lion Adventure runs the Snow Monkey Tour daily from late December to late March, except Mondays and Thursdays.

Email: hakuba@lion-adventure.com Phone: +81-(0)261-72-5061 Website: hakuba.lion-adventure.com

CAFE & BAR LION

RAMEN & BAR AVALANCHE

Please try our delicious coffee.

We will make the best coffee for you. Ask for your favourite taste, and we will make exactly what you want.

Our cafe's atmosphere will make you relax and lose track of time.

We love to chat with people. When you come in please talk with us - we won't forget your favourite coffees.

You can also fill up on our hearty hand-made hot dogs, pizza, and other foods.

Every Monday our hand-made gyoza dumplings are half price.

You will love our spicy ramen for sure.

Ramen with beer is the best combination.

Every week we have events, including hot pot nights, Hokkaido Fair, and all-you-can-drink specials.

Please check our Facebook page.

If you want to have a party please book us, we have space for 30-40 people.

Also, please use our free pick up service from your hotel.

Where: 5746-3 Hokujo, Hakuba Village (opposite Lawson) When: 8am - 6pm, with the occasional day off facebook.com/hakuba.lion.cafe

Where: 836-125 Hokujo, Hakuba Village When: 6pm - 9pm, closed Wednesdays facebook.com/avalanche.jp

Great snow holiday accommodation at great prices in Hakuba

Look no further than Hotel Cultured for the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and affordability in the Hakuba Valley. It's a popular choice with long-staying couples and groups of friends looking to economise while immersing themselves in powder skiing and snowboarding.

One of the hotel's centrepieces is its open-air rooftop hot spring bath, which commands grand views of the Northern Japanese Alps on a clear day.

The hotel is situated in the leafy Misorano area, which enjoys a serenity that belies its close proximity to the heart of Hakuba. Just a short walk away is a convenience store with an allimportant overseas card-friendly ATM, along with the many bars and restaurants of Echoland - the perfect place to wind down apres-ski.

Access to the slopes from Hotel Cultured is also convenient, thanks to shuttle services departing from the bus stop directly in front of it.

Inside the hotel, facilities and amenities include its steak restaurant The Samurai, as well as a ski and snowboard rental outlet. They perfectly position visitors to have a great snow holiday with everything close at hand - meaning more time to enjoy the slopes!

Hotel

C ultured

Compact, comfortable rooms perfect for families, groups and budget travellers. Stunning alpine views from a top floor open-air hot spring bath. All at a price that will pleasantly surprise you.

Walking distance from bars and restaurants Extensive range of ski and snowboard rentals Direct access to shuttle buses to the slopes Local Wagyu beef and farm produce on the menu Hotel Cultured 828-112 Misorano, Hakuba Village Phone: +81-(0)261-72-4580 www.hotel-cultured.com/en/index.html

A home away from home in Hakuba

Cultured Apartments www.hotel-cultured.com/en/index.html 828-112 Misorano, Hakuba Village Phone: +81- (0)261-72-4580

If you're visiting the Hakuba Valley on a snow holiday, why not take your time and stay at Cultured Apartments?

The elegant, modern interior of each apartment is designed with a distinct calming Japanese touch, and includes the convenience of Wi-Fi internet, pleasant living spaces, and fully equipped kitchens for guests to recharge from powder days in Hakuba at their own pace, just like home.

They also come with the luxury of private natural hot spring bathing, enjoying superb views across the peaks of Hakuba from tubs constructed with aromatic, highlyprized Japanese cedar.

The apartments are supplemented by a Wi-Fi-equipped common area in Hotel Cultured, where guests are able to enjoy drinks together, play table tennis, and importantly for long-stayers, make use of the laundry facilities.

Just a ten-minute walk away is the dining, drinking and shopping hub of Echoland in Hakuba - the perfect place to enjoy yourself after a day in the snow. Englishspeaking staff are always on duty at the front desk, and can assist with arranging transport to and from Echoland if required.

C ultured A partments Luxury, convenience and affordability, minutes from the heart of Hakuba.

The soft, sweet aroma of the cedar baths in Cultured Apartments brings the magnificent alpine vistas outside even closer, as you relax in therapeutic hot spring water. Wi-Fi is an included amenity in these comfortable self-contained living spaces, which are conveniently situated a ten-minute walk from Echoland - the place to enjoy delicious local food and drink. And they come at a very affordable rate, which will see Cultured Apartments becoming your accommodation of choice for long, luxurious snow holidays in the Hakuba Valley.

The ski and snowboard rental experts in Hakuba's Happo area

Rental Shop Woody has the knowledge and experience to get you onto the slopes with the right gear, no matter whether you're just taking your first lessons or are about to head out on a backcountry adventure.

There are two Rental Shop Woody outlets in Hakuba's Happo area, which between them carry a wide variety of carving skis, powder skis, powder boards and other equipment, with a great selection of the latest high-performance carving skis from brands like K2, Fischer, Atomic and Head.

There is also a wide range of size options tailored to junior skiers, making these outlets convenient for family groups.

Customer after-care and support is excellent, and Rental Shop Woody is able to provide equipment delivery, as well as transport to and from hotels in the local area.

Hakuba Happo Shop 1

Located in the hot spring inn district close to Hakuba Happo-one ski resort, the main Rental Shop Woody outlet specialises in gear for skiers, carrying a number of different brands. Handy in-house facilities include change rooms and a rest area, while the Happo Onsen hot springs are just behind the shop - the perfect way to finish a day in the snow.

Hakuba Happo Shop 2

Located in the Happo area like the main outlet - and right in front of the Happo-one lifts, providing superb access to the slopes. Also nearby is the bus terminal, and there are places to dine, drink and enjoy hot spring bathing dotted throughout the surrounding area.

When service matters‌ High-performance skis and snowboards / Huge range of sizes / Equipment delivery / Hotel pick-up and drop-off

RENTAL SHOP WOODY www.rentalshop-woody.com Hakuba Happo Shop 1 Phone: 0261-72-9595 5256 Happo, Hokujo, Hakuba Village Hakuba Happo Shop 2 Phone: 0261-72-4649 4257 Happo, Hokujo, Hakuba Village Rentals & Enquiries: rentalshop.woody@gmail.com

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Hakuba Goryu www.hakubagoryu.com (Japanese only) Kamishiro 22548, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-261-75-3131 Days 8:15-16:50, nights 18:00-21:30

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

110cm 229cm 311cm 269cm 228cm

Beg

Int

Adv

35%

40%

25%

5km

1

12

926m

35°

“…incredible views of the the Japanese Alps…”

Hakuba Goryu has an ideal balance of courses, from those that will see you instinctively asking yourself whether your life insurance policy is up to date before you drop in, to mellow kids parks, and everything in between.

Starting from the top down on the Grand Prix and Champion runs, you can find yourself on inclines that wall up to more than 30°, creating the feeling of tearing down a powder wave of Teahupo'oian proportions with incredible views of the the Japanese Alps in the distance.

The ride progresses through all sorts of twists and turns, crossing a nice range of terrain features including moguls, a super-sized park, and a bowl burn.

There are 23 different courses in total to experience at Hakuba Goryu, and it has an interconnected pass option with the neighbouring Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park - keeping things fresh and exciting, and making the resort as ideal for learning and developing as it is for staying within your comfort zone.

Riders with their L-plates will enjoy the seven courses concentrated around the mid to lower slopes, which include runs specially for kids and families.

Travelling times to Hakuba Goryu Tokyo: 2 hrs 40 min Osaka: 4 hrs 50 min

Hotel Stelle Belle

www.gdayjapan.com.au

Phone: 0261-75-2244 www.stelle.co.jp 76

Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

otelMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotel MontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontB MontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontB HOTEL MONT BLANC HAKUBA GROUP HOTELS MontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontB HOTEL MONT BLANC HAKUBA & ANNEX MontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontB www.hakubagoryu.net lancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancH akuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba Shuttle access to Hakuba Goryu &AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba&Anne Annex for groups just 30m from the slopes Lift ticket delivery from 6am xHotelMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHote Healing quasi-natural hot spring lMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMon We look forward to welcoming you soon.

BlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlan cHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHak ba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba&An HOTEL SEJOUR MINT nexHotelMontBlancHakuba&AnnexH http://hakubamint.jp elMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelM ntBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBla The quality you can expect from the group behind Hotel Mont Blanc ncHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHak Hakuba, as recommended highly on TripAdvisor Shuttle services to Hakuba Goryu, Cortina and Happo-One uba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba&A Direct pick-up for snow monkey tours nnexHotelMontBlancHakuba&Annex Great selection of adjacent restaurants and bars otelMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotel MontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontB HOTEL Hakuba HOTEL lancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancH HAKUBA GORYU Genryu-no-Yu NEW BERNINA akuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba &AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba&Anne xHotelMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHote lMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMon BlancHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlan cHakuba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHak ba&AnnexHotelMontBlancHakuba&An nexHotelMontBlancHakuba&AnnexH elMontBlancHakuba&AnnexHotelM 22200-8 Kamishiro, Hakuba Phone: +81-(0)261-75-2550 E-mail: info@hakubagoryu.net English inquiries: djsoulza@msn.com

®

22201-68 Kamishiro, Hakuba Phone: 0261-75-3530 Fax: 0261-75-3923

hotelhakubagoryu.jp

Outdoor hot spring bathing and a range of classy, affordable Japanese-style rooms

Larger rooms perfect for small groups and families, with party and function facilities

Natural Hot Spring

Soothe your aching muscles, and recharge for another powder session in Hakuba while enjoying the magnificent view from our spacious outdoor bath.

Located inside Hotel Hakuba Goryu Open 12-9:30pm during winter Admission: Adult ¥600, Child ¥400, Infant ¥100

21396 Kamishiro, Hakuba Phone: +81-(0)261-75-2275 E-mail: yoyaku@hotelhakubagoryu.jp

www.tsugaike.net

Just 20m from the slopes at Tsugaike Kogen, with easy access to the kids' play area Great night skiing

Discounted lift passes for Hakuba Goryu and other resorts

Tsugaike Kogen, Otari Village Phone: +81-(0)261-83-2620 E-mail: info@tsugaike.net

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Hakuba 47 Mountain Sports Park www.hakuba47.co.jp/winter/en Kamishiro 24196-47, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-261-75-3533 Open 8:00-16:30

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

121cm 201cm 232cm 180cm 102cm

Beg

Int

Adv

30%

40%

30%

6.4km

1

5

794m

32°

“…the longest winter season in the Hakuba Valley…”

A distinctively Gen Y resort in comparison to the many baby boomers in the Hakuba Valley, Hakuba 47 was born in 1990 but has since risen to prominence as one of the valley's premier all-season resorts.

Its winter scenery is nothing short of awesome, with a skyline dominated by jagged peaks reaching towards 3,000m, and its 23 courses down them offer a wide range of terrain - including moguls and designated off-piste areas - that will satisfy all riders.

One of Hakuba 47's biggest draw cards though is not its natural, but its artificially constructed freeriding terrain. Pro team HYWOD design its popular R4 Snow Park, which features as a stage for events like the Hakuba 47 Slopestyle, and the North Alps Terrain Park Tour.

There's also Hakuba 47's half-pipe, a behemoth in the three metre class that opens with the park in the heavy snows of early February each year - one of the best times to be at Hakuba 47 in winter. The snowfall is abundant enough for the resort to build an igloo village and ice sculptures in addition to the artificial terrain, as part of the Hakuba 47 Thanks Week - a festival which happens in conjunction with the We Love Snow Festival across the Hakuba Valley.

Not just for show, some of the igloos function as rest-houses complete with ice bars - naturally serving ice-cold beer - and even Japanese hot pot dishes.

Hakuba 47 stands out as a must-visit resort in the Hakuba Valley, and with the longest winter season there from December to May, there's ample opportunity to go and experience it.

Travelling times to Hakuba 47 Tokyo: 2 hrs 40 min Osaka: 4 hrs 50 min

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Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

e 23

e In the Japanese Alps at the heart of Japan AMAZING RUNS for all levels of skiing e Extensive December to early May season e WORLD-CLASS powder snow

e Breathtaking, e 270

360-DEGREE PANORAMAS e Abundance of hot springs

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS (hotels, pensions, B & Bs)

For information on the ski fields: Hakuba Goryuu Ski Fields www.hakubagoryu.com/ Hakuba47 Ski Field www.hakuba47.co.jp

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Happo-One www.happo-one.jp/english Hokujo Happo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-261-72-3066 Days 8:00-17:00, nights 18:00-21:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

160cm 210cm 240cm 200cm 170cm

Beg

Int

Adv

30%

50%

20%

8km

1

22

1071m

35°

“…one of the Hakuba Valley's pioneering ski resorts…”

Happo-One is one of the Hakuba Valley's pioneering ski resorts, with roots stretching back to the 1920s.

Today it remains at the forefront of the development of snow sports in Japan, and with plenty of excellentquality powder, is one of the valley's safest bets for a snow holiday of the highest order.

The riding tradition at Happo-One is intertwined with its Riesen Slalom, a grass-roots competition that has been instrumental in promoting skiing in the Hakuba Valley throughout its almost 70-year history.

Spectacular views of Hakuba's beautiful peaks. The convenience of direct shuttle bus access to its world-class slopes. And the functionality of 69 elegant, self-contained guest rooms, complemented by hot spring baths and excellent restaurant dining.

Reservations and further information: www.hotel-hakuba.com

Location: 5470-1 Hokujo, Hakuba Village Phone: +81-(0)261-72-4444 82

Snow depth

Terrain

Longest run

Gondolas

Chairlifts

Vertical drop

Steepest slope

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Held in early March, it perfectly captures the welcoming, fun-loving spirit of the local community, as riders of all ages, from twelve year-old kids to veterans in their seventies embark on the Riesen Slalom course down the mountain. Some have their eyes on a top place, but for most it's just about enjoying the incredible run from above the clouds down to the base of the resort. With 800 m of vertical extending over 3 km, it has a wide variation in terrain and is hugely popular with intermediate riders.

Another major draw card of Happo-One is its Happo Banks snow park. The park is designed innovatively for riders to develop their full arsenal of moves, including gliding, carving, sliding, jumping, twisting and grinding, and has one of the best layouts of terrain in Japan.

It's the brainchild of veteran rider and pioneering slope designer Hayato ‘Bubbles’ Maruyama, and opens amidst the heavy powder dumps of early February with a big party - where a long list of pro

Black Bear Properties Self Catering - Self Contained Rental Accommodation in Hakuba

Come and stay at one of our properties and youĘźre in for a treat .....let us help in planning your holiday.

..from transfer to rentals, lift tickets, lessons, and tours, even your groceries....check out our website for more info.

w w w. b l a c k b e a r p r o p e r t i e s . c o m 83

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riders make the first tracks and show everyone how it's done. There's also an open riding jam and DJs, and the park can be enjoyed right through until early April.

After Happo Banks opens, the excitement heats up at Happo-One again in mid-February for the HappoOne Fire Festival. Its dazzling fireworks display is a show-stopper, lighting up the slopes and night sky with brilliant flashes of colour. Get there early to enjoy some sake on the house after the kagamibiraki sake barrel-opening ceremony, and expect some powerful taiko festival drumming to hit the airwaves - as well as an adrenalin-pumping demo from the Happo-One Ski and Snowboard School, and an enchanting torchlight ride.

By the time these events are happening, the slopes around Happo-One have already been buzzing for months with riders enjoying their white wonderland of powder. Some of the most legendary are the downhill runs, inclining between 31ยบ and 35ยบ, which were enjoyed by the cream of the world riding crop

Hakuba Happo One Hotel Heidi-Hof Come and enjoy the finer things in life with us - hot springs, French cuisine and stunning views of Hakuba's natural beauty.

The Best Tex-Mex in JAPAN

3012 Hokujo, Hakuba Village www.heidihof.com Phone: +81-261-72-5010

Hakuba Berg-land: your base for exploring the Hakuba Valley.

All roads in Hakuba lead to the Happo Bus Terminal, and we're right in front of it, in the best position to access the buses that will take you the slopes nearby. Admire them from our 5th floor hot spring, and enjoy B&B service along with dinner on request. Our home-cooked food is made with passion, including our own house bread, with our sushi chef preparing authentic Japanese cuisine.

Phone: 0261-72-2224 http://www.berg-land.com/

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during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Another favourite is the Skyline Course, a glorious 6 km run inclining between 31º and 16º that includes an ungroomed powder burn.

The Skyline runs into the Sakka Course, which balances out the strong selection of runs for intermediate to experienced riders at Happo-One with a mellower incline between 18º and 10º. It's the resort's family-friendly zone, with activities like snow tubing and sledding in its fun kids park, and also has a kids ski school, and childcare facilities.

Accommodation, dining and drinking in the village area below Happo-One is just as good as the riding, offering the classic Japanese aprés-ski combination of hot springs, hearty local cooking and an ale or three.

Many of the accommodation facilities have their own hot springs in-house, with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. They are also excellent places to enjoy the local food of Nagano Prefecture, including premium Shinshu Wagyu beef - and in the process add the finishing touches to the pleasure of a snow holiday at Happo-One. Travelling times to Happo-One Tokyo: 3 hrs Osaka: 4 hrs 50 min

Sobadokoro RIKI

www.gdayjapan.com.au

Delicious soba noodles and Japanese sake Taiko drumming 6pm-8pm Wednesdays Lunch 11:30am-3pm, closed Thursdays

Ph: 0261-85-4311

3020-90 Mizuho, Hokujo, Hakuba Village

4 share dorms from ¥3500 a night Discounts on long-term stays Free Wi-Fi & waxing room Bookings: happomtbasebp@gmail.com Phone: +81-(0)261-72-9595 Location: 5256 Happo, Hakuba Village

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Wind in the Wagyus

In a world-famous powder resort area like Hakuba, it can be all too easy to end up as just another face in the crowd. There’s no danger of this at Hakuba Windy Lodge though, an intimate, friendly little retreat famous for its great hospitality and attractively-priced wagyu beef.

Diners in cities like Tokyo normally pay a premium for their wagyu, a highly sought-after delicacy for its distinct marbling and superior flavour. Visit the lodge’s Wagyu Kobeya restaurant however, and you’ll find it being barbecued Japanese-style every night at prices city folk can only dream about.

It’s all accompanied by a good selection of locallyfarmed pork and chicken, seafood, fresh vegetables, beer, wine and sake. Don’t forget to sample some of the chef ’s amazing home-made BBQ sauce either!

When you’ve eaten your fill, enjoyed a glorious bath and want to explore the area the next day, a car can be very handy. The lodge steps in again here to make life easier for guests and non-guests alike; bring your international driver's licence, passport and credit card to hire a vehicle at a great price.

To top it off, the family at the helm of the lodge and their staff speak English, and are up to date with events and great deals to be had in the village. It’s a home away from home, and you can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands!

Friendly English speaking staff. Come and experience authentic hospitality from our Japanese owner.

Restaurant

WAGYU KOBEYA

Get your fill of premium Wagyu Beef!

HAKUBA WINDY LODGE

Just one minute away from the slopes!

Now providing a convenient, cost-effective rent-a-car service!

4WD, sedan and family sizes equipped for snowy conditions Flexible pick-up and drop-off locations around Hakuba Includes insurance and roadside assistance Available to both guests and non-guests

www.windy-kobeya.com Wadano Area HAPPO-ONE SKI RESORT Windy Lodge / Windy Car Rental +81(0)261-72-5382 Wagyu Kobeya +81(0)261-72-7727 Facebook Page : Hakuba Windy Lodge-Wagyu Kobeya

Hotel Information

Hakuba Tokyu Hotel eeeee

Hakuba's leading accommodation group with best Japanese hospitality.

Locals with regional knowledge will be your perfect concierge in your best ski holiday.

Phone:+81(0)261-72-3001 Fax:+81(0)261-72-5349 http://www.hakuba-r.tokyuhotels.co.jp Mail:hakuba-r.ro@tokyuhotels.co.jp

Hotel La Neige Higashikan eeeee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-7111 Fax:+81(0)261-72-7112 http://www.laneige-higashikan.com Mail:info@laneige-higashikan.com

Hotel La Neige Honkan eeee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-5211 Fax:+81(0)261-72-3855 http://www.laneige-honkan.com Mail:hakuba@laNeige-honkan.com

Spa Hotel Taigakukan eeee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-2075 Fax:+81(0)261-72-4347 http://www.taigakukan.jp Mail:info@taigakukan.jp

Hotel Hakuba Hifumi eeee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-8411 Fax:+81(0)261-72-2057 http://www.hakubahifumi.jp Mail:info@hakubahifumi.jp

Highmount Hotel eee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-6114 Fax:+81(0)261-72-4635 http://www.highmount.com Mail:yo98-mail@highmount.com

Terry Hotel eee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-5070 Fax:+81(0)261-72-5027 http://www.hakubaterry.com Mail:info@hakubaterry.com

Hakuba Yamano Hotel eee

HAPPO ONE SKI RESORT The XVIII Winter Olympic Games Venue

www.hakubatourism.jp hakubatourism HakubaTourism

Phone:+81(0)261-72-8311 Fax:+81(0)261-72-8312 http://www.hakuba-yamanohotel.com Mail:info@hakuba-yamanohotel.com

Petit Hotel AMAC ee

Phone:+81(0)261-72-5240 Fax:+81(0)261-72-2979 http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~amac Mail:p-amac@almond.ocn.ne.jp

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

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BACKCOUNTRY

Split Decisions: The Rise of Split-boarding in Japan

By James A. Robb, Guide/Instructor, Evergreen Outdoor Center, Hakuba Whether you are new to the backcountry touring

company called Voile began designing and selling

game or an experienced boarder looking to

their own versions of Cowboy's groundbreaking

venture further afield, once you make the split

new design. In simple terms, it was a snowboard

you'll never go back!

which could be separated into two skis for the way up, and then returned to its normal shape for

Winter sports are constantly evolving, and for

the way down.

backcountry ski and snowboard touring, the late

Edges were added to the inside cut line for grip

1980s saw an evolutionary quantum leap: the

and control on the ascent, and better clips and

invention of the world's first split-board.

binding systems have also since been introduced.

It happened one day in Utah's Wasatch

Now almost all major snowboard manufacturers

Mountains, when a local rider and freethinker by

have one, if not several split-board models in

the name of Brett 'Cowboy' Kobernick took to a

their fleet.

regular old snowboard with a hacksaw. Slicing

Snowboard movies featuring pros on split-boards

it down the middle vertically, he attached some

such as 'Further', which was shot in Hakuba with

bindings with door hinges and the split-board

Evergreen guides, have also brought the concept

was born.

into the mainstream public's eye, making it the

From there, a local ski and snowboard production

very 'in' way to travel in the backcountry.

88

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BACKCOUNTRY

Thanks to its legendary deep powder, a big

your dust.

snowboarding population base and growing

If you are a snowboarder and keen to get out

backcountry community, the split-board idea has

and try a split-board while you are visiting

been quickly and easily accepted here in Japan.

Japan, come by the Evergreen Outdoor Center

There is a yearly split-board festival at Cortina Ski

in Hakuba, where you can learn the tricks of the

Resort in Hakuba that attracts growing numbers

trade from professional backcountry split-board

of riders, all intent on trying and buying the latest

guides. We carry a wide range of boards and

setups.

can help you set one up so it's just right for you.

One may ask though, what are the advantages

Evergreen also offers guided off-piste tours for

and why all this recent hype?

skiers and boarders, avalanche safety courses,

In a nutshell, split-boards maximise your time

and has all the gear you'll need to head out and

snowboarding down the mountain - which is why

enjoy Hakuba's winter wilderness and deep

you are out there in the first place!

powder safely.

They mean faster, more efficient climbs, with a greater surface area below your feet to stop you

James A. Robb is a professional guide and General Manager

sinking down into the snow. You can also glide a

at the Evergreen Outdoor Center in Hakuba, Nagano and

little on each step, so if you have to go across any flat terrain or need to make any short descents you can just 'ski' down, leaving snowshoers in

has resided in Nagano for over 10 years. He has attained his CAA Level 1, CSGA Level 1, CSIA Level 2, CASI Level 2, CIGA Professional and Advanced Wilderness First Aid & CPR as well as multiple other summer guiding certificates.

89

Japan’s Premier Powder snow

Family fun activities

1998 Winter Olympic Games

Fulfill your needs and satisfy your desires at Hakuba Valley.

Organize all your holiday activities at Hakuba Sanroku Tours.

Heli-skiing activity

Day Tour

Hot spring

Powder Destination Waiting for you to DISCOVER...

The Hakuba Valley has long been Japan’s premier destination for skiers and snowboarders, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games with multiple FIS World Cup events is fast becoming a world class resort destination. This wonderful snow playground also offers non-skiers plenty of great activities.

Together with local historical culture, natural hot springs and a variety of culinary delights, you will have the time of your life in this winter wonderland.

HAKUBA SANROKU TOURS

We are a specialist travel agent of Hakuba offering you a full winter package.

Take the advantage of our experience in booking a special winter vacation of Hakuba in an easy way!

All our 7 convenient locations throughout the Hakuba Valley give you the best advantage of rental service.

◦Accommodation ◦Lift pass ◦Gear and wear rental reservation ◦Ski / Snowboard lessons reservation ◦Airport Transfers ◦Day tours (Snow monkey tours, kimono dressing, sushi making, etc)

◦All Mountain Skis / Snowboards ◦Twin tip Skis / Snowboards ◦Powder Skis / Snowboards ◦Ladies Specific Skis ◦Carving Skis ◦Racing Skis

Hakuba Sanroku Tours 6900@hakuba1.com ☎ +81-261-72-6900 http://www.hakuba1.com

Spicy Rentals info@spicy.co.jp ☎ +81-261-72-2858 http://www.spicy.co.jp/english

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Tsugaike Kogen www.tsugaike.gr.jp/winter (Japanese Only) Tsugaike Kogen, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-261-83-2515 Days 8:00-17:00, nights 18:00-21:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

203cm 270cm 328cm 302cm 196cm

Beg

Int

Adv

50%

30%

20%

4.6km

1

21

880m

35°

“…the highest terrain park in the Hakuba Valley…”

Tsugaike Kogen is one of the Hakuba Valley's biggest resorts, and transforms from a highland oasis of colour in the off-season to a powder paradise in winter.

The twelve courses within its 155 hectares are connected by 27 lifts, giving everyone more than enough space to stretch out and enjoy themselves.

Views of the valley around the resort are magnificent, especially from the courses descending its upper reaches around 1,700m. They include the Tsuga-no-mori Course, a wide intermediate slope, and the Uma-no-se Course, a 35° expert’s run with tighter turns and moguls.

Also located high up at Tsugaike Kogen is its Hit Park, the highest terrain park in the Hakuba Valley. It opens during January on the Han-no-ki Course and shifts to the Tsuga-no-mori Course during March, offering a mix of kickers up to twelve metres high, boxes and banks. For even more terrain features for all riders, head to the Jib Park next to the Champion Course.

And if you prefer your powder off-piste, Tsugaike Kogen's ungroomed runs, or better still its backcountry are waiting to be explored.

Helicopter trips take skiers and snowboarders to the Tsugaike Kogen backcountry from March every year, dropping them off at 2,200m to enjoy the long 14km run back to the base. It's an unforgettable journey through the dynamic surroundings of the Hakuba Valley, and of course its sensational powder snow.

The area is part of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, and can also be enjoyed at a slower pace on a guided snowshoe hiking tour.

Back at the base, Tsugaike Kogen has plenty of wide open spaces for beginner and intermediate riders like

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the Kane-no-naru Oka and Oya-no-hara slopes, as well as play areas and other facilities for kids.

The resort holds some fun events like the Ultra Kansha Matsuri ("Ultra Thank You Festival") in February, lit up by one of the Hakuba Valley's biggest fireworks displays. The programme also includes a torchlight ride, which attracted an impressive 550 riders in 2014 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of government administration in Otari Village - the part of the Hakuba Valley that the resort is located in.

Accommodation in the village is as plentiful as anywhere else in the valley, with a mix of ski-in, ski-out hotels, B&Bs, traditional inns and lodges.

Complementing them perfectly are the local hot springs - essential après ski therapy after another great day exploring all that Tsugaike Kogen has to offer.

Travelling times to Tsugaike Kogen Tokyo: 2 hrs 50 min Osaka: 5 hrs 25 min

Ski in Ski out Location

HAKUBA Tsugaike Hill Top Terrace Miyagawa •Relax in the Onsen •Owned and operated by a friendly couple

TEL. 0261-83-2507 FAX. 0261-83-2588 www.okanouehotel.com 93

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Iwatake Snow Field www.hakuba.jp/iwatake/en Hokujo Iwatake, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-261-72-2780 Open 8:00-17:00

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68cm 143cm 180cm 177cm

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3.8km

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13

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“…an uninterrupted panorama of the Northern Alps…”

The 26 courses at Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field follow natural lines down Mt Iwatake, sprawling in all directions of the compass from its 1,289m peak. The summit area is hidden from the gondola station at the base and the adjacent highway, leading some to mistakenly assume that Hakuba Iwatake is small potatoes.

Never judge a book by its cover though – a vast expanse unfolds as you ascend, to find yourself in the middle of an uninterrupted 360º panorama that takes in the Northern Alps and Hakuba Basin - the only location that enjoys this view in the Hakuba Valley.

Hakuba Iwatake is divided into four areas tailored to different levels of ability. Mountainside, the area immediately around the summit, is gently undulating and gives beginners the rare opportunity to enjoy riding at a higher altitude and soak up the beautiful scenery – which makes Mountainside worth a warmup even if you’re a more experienced rider.

The snow field's Hillside area follows a wide creek bed with nice banks on either side to carve up, and also has an off-piste subsection in the shadow of the mountain – where the powder stays fresher for longer.

Don’t forget to cut a few lines through the Love Snow Park either. Starting off from the top of the northern slope, it will challenge you with a series of fun boxes, rails and kickers up to ten metres high.

Other features of Hakuba Iwatake include a natural hot spring, restaurants, and a kids room.

Travelling times to Iwatake Snow Field Tokyo: 3 hrs Osaka: 4 hrs 30 min

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Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort hakubacortina.jp/ski_winter/index.html Chikuniotsu 12860-1, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-3-6833-1097 (Free: 0570-097-489) Sun-Fri 8:30-20:00, Sat 8:30-21:00

Dec

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134cm 216cm 295cm 280cm 288cm

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530m

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“…powder heaven complete with tree runs on the side…”

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort boasts a gigantic natural bowl, which enjoys Hakuba’s biggest powder dumps each season. Just add its liberal off-piste policy, and you have a serving of powder heaven complete with tree runs on the side. Cortina has plenty of other exciting options to suit all riders, and classy accommodation at its Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba.

Travelling times to Hakuba Cortina Tokyo: 2 hrs 30 min Osaka: 4 hrs 40 min

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Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort www.hakuba-alps.co.jp/ski/ (Japanese only) Hakuba-norikura-kogen, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 2 +81-261-82-2811 Open 8:30-16:30

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“…excellent powder and a relaxed local atmosphere…”

Secluded amidst rugged alpine scenery in the north of the Hakuba Valley away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort area, Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort, or Hakunori for short, is popular for its wide variety of courses, excellent powder and relaxed local atmosphere.

With a range of facilities, accommodation and hot springs, it is well-equipped to offer the ideal snow resort getaway for everyone from couples to families, and groups of mates to solo travellers.

Hakunori has 14 courses for all levels, from the legendary steep inclines and deep powder of the Expert and Skyview Courses, to the gently undulating Family Course. The Skyview course in particular is one of the resort's most famous, boasting a generous width of 250m, a 20º to 38º incline, and jaw-dropping views.

The slopes include other features like tree runs, moguls, a terrain park and a kids park with free rafting and tubing, and they are interconnected with neighbouring Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort - adding even greater variety.

The Hakuba Alps Hotel at Hakunori has ski-in, skiout access to the slopes, and is especially well-worth visiting for its spa and natural hot spring.

Unique to the local area and open to outside visitors, its Cure House health spa has features like a jet bath, body-massaging Jacuzzi, beating shower, lie-down bath and steam sauna, and beautiful night views of the slopes.

Travelling times to Hakuba Norikura Tokyo: 3 hrs Osaka: 5 hrs 30 min

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S T ART YOUR NE X T SNOW HOLIDAY IN POLE POSITION.

H A KUB A A LPS HOT EL Exciting variety of terrain for all riders Discounted lift passes for guests Early booking discounts on accommodation Complimentary shuttle from JR Minami Otari Station

Hakuba Alps Hotel combines all the classic elements of an unforgettable Japanese snow holiday, right where you need them. Situated at the base of Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, we offer ski-in ski-out access to fresh powder, excellent natural hot spring bathing and health spa facilities, and authentic dining options that include French, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. The only thing that's missing is you.

Bookings and further information www.hakuba-alps.co.jp/en/ 2 +81-(0)261-82-2811

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Kashimayari Sports Village www.kashimayari.net/snow/ (Japanese) Kurosawa Kogen, Taira Kashimayari, Omachi-shi 2 +81-261-23-1231 Mon-Fri 8:30-21:30, Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 8:30-16:30

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75cm 132cm 185cm 165cm

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720m

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“…a popular choice for skiing and snowboarding groups…”

Kashimayari Sports Village is a year-round paradise for groups of outdoor sports lovers, with extensive accommodation facilities and close proximity to the Omachi hot spring village.

Named after the 2,889 m Mt Kashimayari, which dominates the splendid alpine surrounds of ChubuSangaku National Park, Kashimayari is the closest to Tokyo of the Hakuba Valley's resorts and celebrated its 50th anniversary in the 2013-14 season.

Skiing and snowboarding kicks off at the resort from mid-December and continues until early April, and it offers 22 courses for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. They are spread between the 1,550 m summit of the resort down to its 830 m base, with exciting variation all at a very affordable price.

Kashimayari also has a popular snow park with a range of different terrain features, one of the biggest night skiing slopes in the Hakuba Valley, and a Sponge Bob Kids Park, packed with fun play equipment that will keep youngsters amused for hours.

The main hub of Kashimayari is its Central Plaza 1130, which includes restaurants, a childcare facility, a large public bath with alpine views, and the neatlypresented Skiers Bed budget accommodation, with space for more than 200 guests.

Within a 15-minute drive are the Nakatsuna and Omachi hot spring village areas, with a collection of welcoming bed-and-breakfasts and hot spring inns. They combine perfectly with the facilities at the resort to make it a popular choice in the Hakuba Valley for skiing and snowboarding groups.

Travelling times to Kashimayari Sports Village Tokyo: 3 hrs 45 min Osaka: 4 hrs 45 min

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OMACHI

LOCAL AREA

OMACHI

The No. 1 town in the Northern Alps A small alpine town in the south of Hakuba with a real grassroots community feel, Omachi keeps its visitors warm and entertained in winter with a combination of powder, festivals and… you guessed it – hot springs!

Expect to be put through your paces skiing or boarding at the nearby Kashimayari Ski Resort no matter how experienced you are; it has some great courses running down from two different peaks, with a fun little terrain park, as well as night skiing and boarding. If simple is beautiful for you though, head to Jiigatake Ski Area or Yanaba Snow Park instead.

Après ski, you can’t go wrong with a soak in the baths at Omachi Hot Spring Village, which fully capitalise on breathtaking vistas of the Northern Alps. The village has a combination of 17 dangerously

OFF - SEA SON The 90 km-long Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route lies close to Omachi in Chubu Sangaku National Park, and is filled with beautiful splashes of colour during the ski off-season from April to November. It is known as the 'Roof of Japan',

comfortable inns and

and Omachi makes a great base for exploring it.

hotels – but before you

One of the many impressive sights on the route

cancel all other activities,

is 186 m-tall Kurobe Dam, Japan's biggest. As

let your hair down with

melting snow from the Northern Alps fills it to

the locals at their February

capacity, water cascades from its floodgates

Festival of Fireworks and

with incredible power.

Sound – and say cheers to

There is also the enormous Murodo snow

Omachi!

corridor at 2,450 m, which towers up to 20 m

Further Information kanko-omachi.gr.jp/english

and is open from mid-April to mid-June.

More: www.alpen-route.com/en

City of Omachi Your number one base for exploring the Northern Alps

2884-26 Taira, Omachi City, Nagano, 398-0001 Phone: +81-(0)50-3786-0099 (8am-9pm) http://global.hoshinoresort.com/kai_alps/

Omachi City Tourism Association Phone: 0261-22-0190 http://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/english/

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SHIGA KOGEN

INTRODUCTION

SHIGA KOGEN

© Toshio Hagiwara

Japan's biggest resort area

WELCOME TO SHIGAKOGEN

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INTRODUCTION

It's become common knowledge that Japan has a number of impressive powder resorts, all vying for attention with their huge snowfalls, relaxing hot springs, and exceptionally good local cuisine. There's only one though, that comes with complete with snow monkeys.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Shiga Kogen resort area in Nagano Prefecture. For skiers and boarders, it's like going to a music festival with more great bands than you can physically manage to see.

As well as the snow monkeys, the bill at Shiga Kogen features 19 different resort areas, with a

Ryuoo Ski Park

total course coverage of more than 400 ha between

Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort

them. They lie at altitudes of between 1,340 m and 2,307 m within the spectacular Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park, and are connected seamlessly with a

Yamanouchi

combined total of 52 lifts and gondolas, and interresort shuttle buses - which can all be used with one streamlined pass. Their season is one of Japan's

Shiga Kogen Ichinose Yamanokami Ski Field Ichinose Family Ski Field Shibu Onsen Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Nishitateyama Ski Field

longest, beginning in mid November and continuing

Higashi-tateyama Ski Field

in the uppermost areas through until late May, and they are accessible from Tokyo by bullet train and bus in just over three hours.

To satisfy serious powder skiers and boarders, Shiga Kogen implements a no-grooming policy the morning after a fresh dump at its Teragoya, Ichinose

Main Road Railway Expressway

Yokoteyama Ski Field

Family, Ichinose Diamond, Higashi Tateyama and Nishi Tateyama resorts, while there are permanently Shiga Kogen Ichinose Yamanokami Ski Field Ichinose Diamond Ski Field Takamakehara Mammoth Ski Field

Ichinose Family Ski Field

Terakoya Ski Field Nishitateyama Ski Field Higashitateyama Ski Field Giant Ski Field

Happbunadaira Ski Field

Sun Valley Maruike Ski Field Hasuike Ski Field

How close is Shiga Kogen to?

Tokyo: 3 hrs 10 min Osaka: 4 hrs 45 min Further Information www.shigakogen.co.jp

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INTRODUCTION

ungroomed slopes at its Takamagahara and Maruike

family-friendly resorts. Lift passes for kids during the

resorts.

early bird stage of the season in December, as well

The highest slopes at Shiga Kogen - and the

as the spring season from April through May were

panoramic views that come with them - are to be

completely free at the resort during the 2013-14

found at its Yokoteyama Ski Resort, which extends

season, and it also offers private and family lessons

to the 2,307 m summit of Mt Yokote. It is Japan's

in English.

highest ski field and enjoys excellent snow until

Accommodation options in Shiga Kogen are as

the end of the season, making it a mecca for riders

vast as the resort area itself. In addition to the

still hungry for a taste of powder with the spring

convenience and comfort of plush ski-in, ski-out

cherry blossoms below. The course layout around

hotels, there are a number of traditional Japanese

the summit weaves through 'juhyo', or frost-

hot spring inns located in towns and villages inside

covered trees known as 'snow monsters', a rare

the resort area, like Yamanouchi, Yudanaka and Shibu

natural phenomenon which adds to the beauty and

Onsen.

excitement of the area.

The inns are a great opportunity to experience an

The most expansive and well-developed of Shiga

outstanding kaiseki degustation banquet prepared

Kogen's resorts is Yakebitaiyama, which has 15

with the seasonal produce of Nagano Prefecture,

courses connected by two gondolas and two high-

which can include delicious salmon, beef and

speed chairlifts, as well as a terrain park with

mountain vegetables. They make superb bases to

plenty of great features. Experienced riders will

enjoy the powder at a variety of resorts, visit must-

enjoy the challenge of its Olympic Course - specially

see attractions in the area like the snow monkeys in

constructed for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics -

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, boutique breweries

and Expert Course, which has a cartwheel-inducing

and restaurants, returning at the end of the day to

39ยบ incline.

the luxury of a steaming hot spring bath.

Yakebitaiyama is also one of Shiga Kogen's most

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Ichinose Family Ski Field www.shigakogen.co.jp.e.aafw.hpf.transer.com Hirao 7149, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 2 +81-269-34-2241 Days 8:30-16:30, Nights 18:30-21:00

Dec

Jan

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20cm 250cm 280cm 250cm 180cm

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“…an ideal learning environment…”

Almost half of the courses at Ichinose Family Ski Field are rated beginner, and it is an ideal learning environment with a kids park and plenty of gently inclining, wide open spaces to enjoy.

The ski field is located in the Yamanouchi district of Shiga Kogen near the summit of Higashi-Tateyama, which it shares with neighbouring Terakoya Ski Field, and also has some good areas for intermediate and experienced riders to explore.

They have classic features like the moguls and steep 30º downhill on the Perfecter Course - often used as a competition course - which are complemented by a terrain park for snowboarders.

Ichinose Family's longest ride is the 3.2 km Tengu Course, a beginner's run which winds gently down from the ski field's 1,946 m summit on a long, treelined detour to its base at 1,623 m.

Night skiing is also available at Ichinose Family.

Travelling Times to Ichinose Family Ski Field Tokyo: 3 hrs Osaka: 5 hrs

it is n ! m i l nly atio The ro imagin you

The thrill of a 700m vertical drop!

The overwhelming scale of 1 gondola and 25 lifts to 13 slopes!

SHIGAKOGEN RESORT AREA www.shigakogen.co.jp 103

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Okushiga Kogen

Snowboarders, please turn the page. You are now

but also its own brewing ingredients at local farms.

entering a skier-only zone.

To go with the local beer and sake around Okushiga

It's two planks or the highway in Okushiga Kogen,

Kogen of course, is the fresh produce of Nagano

a powder sanctuary for skiers located in the

Prefecture. One of the best places to indulge locally

northernmost reaches of Shiga Kogen.

is the French and Japanese fine dining restaurants

The resort enjoys snow from December to May, and

at the Okushiga Kogen Hotel, the premier

thanks to north-facing slopes and a high altitude

accommodation facility in the area since it was first

range between 1,500 m and 2,000 m, the quality of

established in 1969. The hotel has ski-in, ski-out

it is excellent.

access to the powder at Okushiga Kogen, and a range

Within the surrounds of Okushiga Kogen are some of

of convenient guest services that include Wi-Fi and

the best attractions in Nagano Prefecture, which add

gear rentals.

an extra touch of unique flavour that makes it all the

The capacity of the accommodation facilities in

more rewarding as a snow holiday retreat.

Okushiga Kogen as a whole has been carefully

As well as the world-famous snow monkeys in

planned to maintain a quiet, peaceful atmosphere in

Yamanouchi, there is the nearby hot spring village of

the spectacular surrounds, and it succeeds brilliantly,

Shibu Onsen, a collection of beautiful old inns with a

providing the perfect environment for skiers who

tradition of refined hospitality stretching back more

want to enjoy a long holiday at a relaxed pace.

than 400 years.

Boutique breweries are another highlight of the area, including Tamamura Honten, which produces not only acclaimed Belgian and Czech-style craft beers,

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Further Information www.okushiga.jp/ss

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Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort www.okushiga.jp/eng/ws/index.html Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 2 +81-269-34-2034 Open 8:30-16:30

Dec

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“…nine courses with terrain for all riders…”

Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort has nine courses with a good spread of terrain for all riders, and a kids park.

The resort is off-limits to snowboarders, but don't worry if your group has some in it; directly accessible from the mountain is the snowboarder-friendly Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort next door.

Travelling times to Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort Tokyo: 3 hrs 10 min Osaka: 5 hrs 10 min

Okushiga Kogen Hotel Experience an unforgettable snow holiday at the leading hotel in Shiga Kogen.

Ski-in, ski-out access to the powder of Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort Delightful cuisine featuring Nagano’s abundant harvest Cosy, comfortable guest rooms with timber feature walls Guest services include Wi-Fi, and ski and snowboard rentals Easy access to Snow Monkey Park

Visit us at www.okushiga-kougen.com/eng to find out more.

Okushiga Kogen Resort | Okushiga Kogen, Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture E-mail: info@okushiga-kougen.com | Phone: +81-(0)269-34-2034 105

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SHIBU ONSEN Hot Spring Bliss

Legend has it that Buddhist pilgrim Gyoki enjoyed

This historic hot spring village is the ideal snow holiday base in Nagano Prefecture, providing a slice of traditional Japan just around the corner from the snow monkeys, and 40 minutes by car from the world-class powder of Shiga Kogen…

the first relaxing bath at a more Spartan, untamed version of Shibu Onsen some 1,300 years ago.

Fearsome warlords and their retainers followed in his footsteps to heal their wounds during bloody civil wars, and by the time Japan was unified in the seventeenth century, the original spring heads were being siphoned off to supply ornate bathhouses and inns.

These buildings are still standing in Shibu Onsen over 400 years later, and their beautiful array of creamy white, rusty brown, jade green, and crystal clear bath waters continue to flow straight out of the ground at temperatures ranging from 42°C to a searing 98°C. Aside from the nine public bathhouses in the village, there are a host of traditional inns sharing almost 40 different spring heads between them. Stay a while to slowly savour the pleasure of private hot spring baths, authentic Japanese hospitality and boutique sake breweries, and the only regret you’ll feel is that you didn’t discover Shibu Onsen earlier in life.

The pleasure of a sojourn in the village doesn’t stop there either – within walking distance are the only

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monkeys in the world with their own personal hot spring baths, and the world-class powder snow of Shiga Kogen is just 40 minutes away by car.

Shiga Kogen enjoyed the international spotlight during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and its variety of runs set over an expansive 80 km reserve it the title of Japan’s biggest ski resort.

Further afield are the historic gems of Matsumoto

LOCAL AREA

You can walk to the snow monkey park?

That's right, Japan's famous snow monkeys are 40 minutes from Shibu Onsen on foot, or five minutes by bus followed by a 10-15 minute stroll. The village is an essential accompaniment to the snow monkey experience, whether you stay at one of its historic inns or just soak up the atmosphere.

Castle and Zenkoji Temple, both National Treasures of Japan and two of Nagano Prefecture’s most memorable places to visit.

The seasonal colours of Shibu Onsen make the day trip stunningly beautiful all year round, but with the addition of snow to the nearby slopes and snow monkey park, winter is undoubtedly one of the best times to enjoy it.

Visit Shibu Onsen online: www.shibuonsen.net/ english

Six different springheads.

400 years of history.

One hotel.

The pride of Shibu Onsen for sixteen gener ations, the Kokuya Hotel has become the second home of guests from around the world for its bewitching selection of private and public hot spring baths, and exquisite creative modern cuisine. M ake it yours too.

Kokuya Hotel Nagano

Shibu Onsen St, Yamanouchi-machi Shimotak ai-gun, Nagano

www.ichizaemon.com 107

RELA X IN LUXURY 100% natur al hot spring water from the source

Free shuttle to

the SNOW MONKEY PARK

RYOKAN BIYUNOYADO

3 Experience 400 years of Japanese inn tradition 3 See the real Japan! Something you’ll never see at a 5 star Hotel or Back Packers!!

3 Free shuttle to all ski areas in Shiga Kogen 3 Stay with us for more information on activities in Yudanaka Village!

www.yudanakaview.co.jp biyunoyado@yudanakaview.co.jp +81-(0)269-33-4126

SHIGA KOGEN Extreme 360° 2300m panorama Ultr a-long ski season from November to May SHIGA PALACE HOTEL www.shigapalace.co.jp +81-(0)269-34-2221 Palace@crocus.ocn.ne.jp

3 Views of Mt Fuji, the Northern Japanese Alps, and even the ocean on a fine day!

3 Huge combined network of 21 ski areas, accessible with one super pass 3 45km of unsurfaced & 70km of surfaced alpine roads & trails, accessible in winter or summer 3 Nature’s best snow in Shiga Kogen National Park 3 Rental skis, snowboards, and snowshoes available 3 Free shuttle to all ski areas in Shiga Kogen

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Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park Home of the snow monkeys

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, a town

Trail to see the snow monkeys.

in the Shiga Kogen resort area, is world-renowned for

The park's closest rail connection is Yudanaka

providing its visitors with the unique opportunity to

Station, from where bus and taxi services operate to

observe the impossibly cute antics of its 200-strong

Kanbayashi Onsen.

Japanese macaque troop during bath time.

All roads to the park lead to Kanbayashi Onsen, a hot spring retreat in Yamanouchi, from where it is a further half an hour's walk down the Yumichi Natural

Skiing Snowboarding

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, Yamanouchi www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp

Traditions & Atmosphere

Snow Monkey

in 1 town

YAMANOUCHI-TOWN

「SNOW MONKEY TOWN YAMANOUCHI」 ShigaKogen • Yudanaka & Shibu Spas • Kita-ShigaKogen

For more information, please visit Yamanouchi-town website

www.info-yamanouchi.net/english

Yamanouchi-town (Snow monkey town Yamanouchi) is situated in northeast Nagano. Mountains that reach over 2,000 metres surround the town, creating absolutely sublime scenery. Yamanouchi is a pleasure paradise for tourists as it features many unique attractions, including the Shigakogen highlands, hot spring villages and excellent snow.

Yamanouchi is easily accessible, only 40 minutes from Nagano station.

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Kitashiga Kogen

Š JNTO

Blessed with great powder, scenery and natural hot

to the mountain with a single pass. It has created

springs, Kitashiga Kogen was always a snow holiday

a huge 54 ha playground especially well-suited to

destination in the making.

snowboarders, with a massive collection of terrain

The area is open for riding from December until

park features to enjoy.

May and includes Ryuoo Ski Park, which boasts a

Immediately in the vicinity are other attractions like

166-person capacity ropeway to its summit, the

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, home of the snow

1,930 m Mt Ryuoo, offering incredible views of the

monkeys, and the scenic hot spring retreat of Yomase

surrounds. Within the park are a variety of courses

Onsen, making Kitashiga Kogen an attractive base in

for all levels, as well as a fun area for kids around the

the Shiga Kogen resort area.

base.

Nearby on the 1,352 m Mt Kosha are four more resorts headed by Yomase Onsen and X-Jam Takai Fuji, which have united to provide streamlined access

Further Information www.kitashigakogen.gr.jp

HOTEL SELAN

Indulge in our magnificent public and private open-air hot spring baths commanding sweeping alpine views around Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, just a 3 minute walk away.

Reservations & Enquiries: www.hotel-selan.com/en

Location: 6995 Yomase, Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture Phone: +81-(0)269-33-1111

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N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

SHIGA KOGEN

RESORT

Ryuoo Ski Park www.ryuoo.com/index_winter.html (Japanese) Ryuoo Kogen 11700, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 2 +81-269-33-7131 Open 8:30-21:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

33cm 158cm 258cm 229cm 152cm

Beg

Int

Adv

35%

40%

25%

6km

2

12

1080m

39°

“…take in the stunning panorama of the Japanese Alps…”

Along with Shiga Kogen's trademark top-quality powder snow, Ryuoo Ski Park's major draw cards include its jumbo-sized ropeway, long, indulgent courses of up to 6 km, and fun activities for kids.

One of Japan's longest ungroomed runs, the park's 1,400 m Kiotoshi Course, inclines up to 36º and is popular with experienced riders.

The magic carpet at Ryuoo's Chibidora Kids Park makes climbing to the top of the snow tubing run a breeze, and it can be enjoyed over and over.

The kids park also has an air trampoline, slide and animal-shaped bouncy castle, and includes childcare facilities for infants aged 6 months and older.

No matter what level you're at, don't pass up the opportunity to ride the park's 166-person capacity ropeway - one of the biggest in the world - to its 1,930 m summit atop Mt Ryuoo, and take in the stunning panorama of the northern Japanese Alps.

Ryuoo Ski Park's bus information centre is open from 4am, and conveniently has change rooms and lockers, as well as a Murasaki Sports outlet, souvenir shop, Subway and Go Go Curry.

A free shuttle bus service connects the park with the nearby village of Yudanaka, putting its historic baths and hot spring inns within easy reach for more variety.

In the 2014-15 season, Ryuoo Ski Park will feature a new tree run, and its gear rental outlet will be joining forces with Hakuba's Spicy Rentals. The park will also be releasing a new and improved English website.

Travelling times to Ryuoo Ski Park Tokyo: 2 hrs 40 min Osaka: 5 hrs

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The first choice for an outstanding snow holiday in Nozawa Onsen.

In a country where hot spring inn hospitality has been refined to an art, it takes something exceptional to shine. But when it was officially recognised as Japan's best ski boutique hotel in the 2013 World Ski Awards, Ryokan Sakaya proved that its house blend of hot springs, accommodation and local cuisine is a winning formula.

Steeped in 17 generations of family tradition, the inn is located in the historic hot spring village of Nozawa Onsen, which is famous for its incredible powder snow.

One of its showpieces is its main bath, a masterpiece constructed by a temple and shrine carpenter. It is a joy to behold as you relax in one of its hot or warm tubs, or roomier lie-down baths, the rich, warm tones of the timber reinforcing the soothing effect of the natural hot spring.

The spring water is famous for its abundant skinnourishing minerals, and can be also be enjoyed - along

with superb seasonal views - in the inn's outdoor bath, or in the seclusion of one of its luxurious private baths.

Dining at Ryokan Sakaya is at once an exercise in the appreciation of fine food and art, with the delicious local produce served in arrangements that are almost to beautiful to eat. Accompanying them is the local sake, which the inn still produces in keeping with its heritage as a sake brewery.

Visitors to Nozawa Onsen will pleased to know that Ryokan Sakaya has a sister hot spring inn in the village, Ryokan Jonnobi, which provides a similarly refined combination of public and private hot spring bathing, Japanese and western-style guest rooms, and delicious local cuisine.

Both inns provide additional facilities for skiers and snowboarders like drying rooms, and are the first choice for an outstanding snow holiday in Nozawa Onsen.

Ryokan SAKAYA 9329 Nozawa Onsen, NAGANO Phone: +81-(0)269-85-3118 www.ryokan-sakaya.co.jp

Ryokan Jonnobi 9288 Nozawa Onsen, NAGANO Phone: +81-(0)269-85-1230 www.jonnobi.jp/en/index.html

Japanážżs Best Ski Boutique Hotel

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

N O Z AWA O N S E N

INTRODUCTION

NOZAWA ONSEN

Pioneering powder resort with historic hot springs

Nozawa Onsen has depth as a snow holiday

boutique ski hotel in the 2013 World Ski Awards.

destination in more ways than one.

It's one of the many other inns, bed-and-breakfasts,

The first things that come to mind for skiers and

restaurants and izakaya bars in Nozawa Onsen that

snowboarders are its average 12-metre snowfall

showcase the delicious local food and sake.

every year, and snow pack exceeding five metres in

A free shuttle bus conveniently connects the

the highest sections of the resort during the peak of

accommodation facilities in the village with the

the season.

slopes, operating every day from December to

Another for more seasoned riders is Nozawa Onsen's

March.

deep history as one of Japan's legendary ski villages,

One of the best times to be in Nozawa Onsen is

having produced no less than 15 Olympians over

January 15, to experience the magic, mystery and

close to a century of involvement with the sport.

mayhem of its Dosojin Fire Festival. The centuries-

Then of course is the even deeper history of the

old event is one of Japan's three most famous fire

village's abundant hot springs, long famous for the

festivals, and features the incredible spectacle of a

healing properties of their mineral-rich waters.

ten metre-high shrine being burned as an offering to

The classic way to experience them is by visiting one

the local gods.

of the Soto-yu - 13 public hot springs in magnificent

It's the perfect occasion to enjoy the unique

feudal buildings scattered throughout the village.

atmosphere of one of Japan's most unforgettable

There is no better way to recharge after a day on the

winter destinations - just be ready to dodge some

slopes than with a soak in one, and they are also a

sparks!

great place to soak up the local atmosphere at the same time.

Luxury private hot spring baths are also available for guests to enjoy in a number of Nozawa Onsen's hot spring inns.

One of the most famous is Ryokan Sakaya, a 17-generation inn which won the title of Japan's best

How close is Nozawa Onsen to?

Tokyo: 2 hrs 55 min Osaka: 5 hrs 15 min Further Information nozawakanko.jp/english

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N O Z AWA O N S E N

RESORT

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort www.nozawaski.com/winter/en/index.php Toyosato 7653, Nozawaonsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun 2 +81-269-85-3166 Days 8:40-17:20, Nights 16:30-20:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

270cm 390cm 390cm 300cm 140cm

Beg

Int

Adv

40%

30%

30%

10km

2

18

1085m

39°

“You don't have to choose between quality or quantity…”

You don't have to choose between quality or quantity at Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort - you get them both.

The resort enjoys exceptional falls of fine, dry powder, which can reach depths of over five metres around its 1,650 m summit when the long DecemberMay season peaks during January, February and March.

There are powder burns aplenty to enjoy it on among Nozawa's 36 courses, which criss-cross an area of almost 300 ha from the summit down to the village a vertical drop of more than a kilometre.

One of the best things about them is the enormous variety they offer all skiers.

Beginners are well-catered for with 40 per cent of the terrain, and some of its scenic highlights include a five-kilometre tree run linking the Paradise and Hikage slopes.

The Hikage slope is Nozawa's main slope, and is great for families and beginners with its ski school, kids park and child care facilities.

The remainder of the terrain is divided evenly between intermediate and expert courses, which incline as much as 39º and include competition runs.

Nozawa's Uenotaira Snow Park boasts a 3.5 m tall, 110 m long, and 4 m wide half-pipe, to complement a good selection of fun boxes, waves, rails and kickers designed with something for all riders in mind. The resort also offers snowshoeing tours, the perfect way to experience its amazing winter landscape off the beaten track.

Travelling times to Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort Tokyo: 4 hrs 35 min Osaka: 6 hrs 20 min

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N O Z AWA O N S E N

LOCAL AREA

Nozawa Onsen's Historic Hot Spring Baths A cherished blessing of nature

The welcoming village of Nozawa Onsen remains untouched by the commercial developments that have sprung up in other internationally renowned Japanese powder destinations like Niseko, and with 13 different public hot springs to explore down quaint, narrow laneways lined with rustic traditional buildings, it is a wonderful place to stroll about aprés-ski and stumble on a delicious restaurant or cosy bar to enjoy for the evening.

First, of course, comes a life-affirming soak in one of the village's hot springs.

The main flagship of the 13 public springs (Sotoyu) in Nozawa Onsen is the sulphurous O-yu, in

SPArena: Where swimmers are OK Swimmers are the rule, not the exception in one of the two enormous open-air hot springs at SPArena, just a minute away from Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort.

The bath is mixed, and makes the hot spring experience more social and fun for families and friends alike.

SPArena also has indoor baths, saunas, a reclining area and a restaurant, and is the perfect place to relax after a day in the powder at Nozawa Onsen.

SPArena, Nozawa Onsen Phone: +81-(0)269-85-4567

essence a beautiful marriage between a 66ºC spring head and the graceful curves of a feudal Japanese bathhouse.

In many ways more important and unique to the village however, is the Ogama. Classed as a Natural Monument of Japan, its waters bubble forth from the ground at a searing 90°C and have long been used by the villagers for preparing food.

They congregate together at the spring, blanching vegetables for their famous local Nozawana pickles and soft-boiling eggs - a delicacy known as onsen tamago. These and other local specialties can be enjoyed around Nozawa Onsen, and the village also has a collection of charming gift shops.

Find out more about Nozawa Onsen's hot springs: www.nozawaski.com/winter/en/hotspring.php

When in the bath…

Here are five essentials to enjoying a soak in one of Nozawa Onsen's hot springs: 1. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

2. Shower first, bath second.

3. Leave the spring waters how you find them.

4. Dry off well before returning to the change room - the floor is slippery when wet.

5. Top up on water after your bath to stay hydrated.

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N O Z AWA O N S E N

EVENT

DOSOJIN FIRE FESTIVAL Religious tradition or grudge match?

The Dosojin Fire Festival, held in Nozawa Onsen on

defenders on a platform measuring eight metres on

January 15 every year, is famous as one of Japan’s top

all sides.

three fire festivals.

Beech trees are felled for it during the preceding

It's centrepiece is a giant beech wood shrine, which is

autumn, measuring as high as 20 metres. The

ceremonially incinerated in an offering to local gods

yakudoshi men are among the villagers who spend

known as Dosojin.

hours hauling the timber from the forest back to

The gods are believed to ward off disaster and are

Nozawa Onsen, where it is prepared for construction

enshrined in stone carvings by waysides throughout

the night before the festival.

the village, with the festival held to pray for peace,

Once the spirit of the Dosojin has been transferred to

prosperity, a good harvest, and a good ski season in

the shrine by the local priest and its occupants are all

the coming year.

aboard the following evening, their only hope is the

For a number of village men aged 42 that year, the

25 year-old men forming a ring of resistance around

small catch is that you have to stand on the shrine

it. Villagers encircle them with burning torches, and

while everyone else tries to burn it down. And if

the battle of the shrine commences.

you're a man aged 25, you might be chosen to stand

The yakudoshi men flee just before it goes up in

in front of it and defend them.

flames, a towering pyre lighting up the night sky.

Both of these ages are considered unlucky

The entire spectacle is nothing short of

(yakudoshi) for men in Japan's Shinto religion, and

unforgettable, and one of the best times of year to

in Nozawa Onsen, stepping up to the plate and

experience the red hot community spirit of Nozawa

defending the shrine at the fire festival is believed to

Onsen.

help counter this and ward off misfortune.

The ten metre-high shrine is constructed without a single nail using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques, and is robust enough to support its

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Discover more events and traditions in Nozawa Onsen: www.nozawaski.com/winter/en/event.php

Hungry for powder?

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is the place to satisfy your appetite. A serious powder dump here means as much as 60-70 cm of snow in a single night, and the fine, dry quality of it has to be ridden to be believed. The resort has ungroomed runs to enjoy it on, among 36 courses covering almost 300 ha. Added to them is the kids park and snow park, as well as a high-speed lift network, giving everyone from youngsters to Olympic athletes the opportunity to experience some of the world's best powder in their own way.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort 7653 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village Shimotakai-gun Nagano Prefecture 389-2502 Phone: +81-(0)269-85-3166 Email: info@nozawaski.com

Over 1,000 years of hot spring tradition, and still soaking...

There's hot spring villages, and then there's Nozawa O ns e n . A b e a u t i f u l l y m a i n t a i n e d t i m e c a psu l e o f Japanese hot spring tradition, it is filled with ornate public baths and inns harnessing steaming waters that have been enjoyed for over 1,000 years by wandering monks, local farmers, samurai warriors, and now skiers and snowboarders. After a day on the slopes, there's simply nothing better than a soak in one of Nozawa Onsen's grand old wooden bathhouses, famous for the healing minerals in their 100% natural hot spring water.

Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association Please contact us 8:30-17:30 7 days Phone: +81-(0)269-85-3155 Email: tour@nozawakanko.jp

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

M YOKO

INTRODUCTION

MYOKO

Historic alpine retreat, blessed with abundant powder

© Damien St Pierre - Myoko Snowsports © Damien St Pierre - Myoko Snowsports

Half an hour from the Japan Sea coast in the

that contain healing, revitalising minerals, as well as

mountains of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Myoko

the delicious local food from the mountains and the

has a charming combination of superb scenery,

Sea of Japan to be enjoyed.

champagne powder and a diverse variety of natural

Myoko is located in Niigata Prefecture, one of

hot springs.

Japan's best rice farming regions, and its local sake

Its four main resorts are Akakura Kanko, Akakura

is another highlight when dining and drinking in the

Onsen, Ikenotaira Onsen and Suginohara, which

area. Discover it together with the local cuisine at

are all accessible for great value with a streamlined

one of Myoko's refined hot spring inns, traditional

Myoko Big-4 One-Day Lift Pass.

alpine retreats of the rich and famous.

They follow ridges down a cluster of peaks dominated by the 2,454 m Mt Myoko, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains.

Akakura Onsen is a good example of the wide variety of terrain they have to offer all riders, with 20 courses and two slopes specially designed for kids.

Aprés-ski, there are hot springs with waters ranging from black clay to reddish-brown and milky white

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How close is Myoko to?

Tokyo: 2 hrs 30 min Osaka: 5 hrs Further Information www.myoko.tv/english

N A G A N O - N I I G ATA

M T. N A E B A

INTRODUCTION

MT. NAEBA Family-friendly powder giant

The 2,145 m Mt. Naeba has the honour of being one

more than 400 ha on opposite sides of the peak.

of Japan's 100 famous mountains, and is a majestic

They share 44 courses organised into four different

centrepiece of the Naeba and Kagura ski resorts -

areas designed to offer excitement for all skiers and

which are also collectively known under the title of

snowboarders, and are interconnected by the 5.5 km

Mt. Naeba.

Dragondola ropeway - the longest in Japan.

The mountain is part of the Echigo-Yuzawa region

Mt. Naeba is also especially family-friendly with

in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, and sits on the

facilities like the world's first indoor kid's slope,

border of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures just two

and the well-appointed Naeba Prince Hotel on site

hours from Tokyo.

provides ski-in, ski-out access to the resort's amazing

Accessibility from the capital is so good that it has

powder.

become the venue for the massive Fuji Rock Festival, and with the largest vertical drop going locally of almost 900 m, Mt. Naeba enjoys unwavering popularity as one of Echigo-Yuzawa's best snow resorts.

It is also one of Japan's biggest, with the combined resorts of Naeba and Kagura covering an area of

How close is Mt. Naeba to?

Tokyo: 2 hrs Niigata: 1 hr 35 min Further Information www.naeba.gr.jp/en

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M T. N A E B A

RESORT

Naeba Ski Resort www.princehotels.com/en/ski/naeba.html 202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minami Uonuma-gun 2 +81-25-789-2211 Open 8:00-17:00, Nights 17:00-21:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

82cm 222cm 302cm 276cm 201cm

Beg

Int

Adv

30%

40%

30%

4km

3

11

889m

32°

“…a great range of courses and breathtaking scenery…”

Naeba Ski Resort enjoys a wide appeal among everyone from families to hardcore skiers and snowboarders for its great range of courses set amidst breathtaking scenery. The powder at the resort is deep, with falls in the 20-30 cm range a night, and is spread over 22 courses descending its 1,789 m summit. Naeba also has extensive facilities for families, and it is connected by the Dragondola to Kagura Ski Resort next door. On the way is the Tashiro ski slope, which commands magnificent views over the emerald green Tashiro Lake.

Kids ski free at Mt. Naeba When Mt. Naeba says it's a family-friendly resort, it means it. Lift passes for kids under primary school age are free at both Naeba and Kagura ski resorts, and with its cute giant panda character, Naeba's Panderuman Kids School is one of the funnest ways around for kids to make their riding debut. Naeba also has a great kids park, and a Family Snowland with activities to enjoy like snow mobiling and snow tubing. www.princehotels.com/en/ski/naeba.html

Naeba

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M T. N A E B A

RESORT

Kagura Ski Resort www.princehotels.com/en/ski/naeba.html 742 Mitsumata, Yuzawa-machi, Minami Uonuma-gun 2 +81-25-788-9221 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00, Sat & Sun 7:30-17:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

113cm 293cm 366cm 380cm 343cm

Beg

Int

Adv

45%

35%

20%

6km

1

19

1225m

32°

“…excellent backcountry touring and long tree runs…”

Kagura Ski Resort is famous for its champagne powder, and a long season lasting from November right through to May around its 1,845 m summit. The resort is made up of three different areas: Kagura, Tashiro and Mitsumata, occupying the slopes of the 2,029 m Mt Kagura.

It has excellent backcountry touring areas and long tree runs, as well as two great snow parks for both beginners and experienced riders. For a truly immersive powder experience, spend a night in its Wadagoya, a cosy log cabin perched up at 1,380 m.

Stay at the Naeba Prince Hotel The Naeba Prince Hotel is a stylish and comfortable six-building complex with 1,224 rooms and a natural open-air hot spring, all within skiing distance of the slopes at Naeba. Choose from 22 delicious restaurants inside with Japanese, Chinese, French and more on the menu, and relax in the plush Chatelaine Cocktail Lounge or Windsor Main Bar afterwards. The hotel is accessible from Tokyo in just two hours. www.princehotels.com/en/naeba

Tashiro

Kagura

Mitsumata

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Yamagata Prefecture A feast for the senses awaits you all year round in Yamagata Prefecture, just a couple of hours on the bullet train from Tokyo.

Yamagata Tourist Information Center Kajo Central, 1-1-1, Jonanmachi, Yamagata-shi 2023-647-2333

yamagatakanko.com

Let's enjoy skiing in

Yamagata

In a region of Japan blanketed by some of the country's heaviest snowfall every winter, •Shin Aomori

Yamagata Prefecture stands out as a must-visit powder destination. Its rare natural and cultural attractions combine with an abundance of hot

Tazawako Akita• •

•Morioka

Akita Shinkansen

springs to offer an authentic, unique holiday experience, easily accessible from Tokyo on the

Tohoku Shinkansen

bullet train.

Yamagata •Shinjyo •Sendai Yamagata Shinkansen •Yamagata •Zao

•Koriyama

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TOHOKU

YA M A G ATA

INTRODUCTION

YAMAGATA PREFECTURE

Powder-rich domain of the ice monsters

Yamagata Prefecture is one of Japan's most naturally

other facilities.

blessed snow holiday destinations.

As well as its healing mineral-rich baths, the hot

Located less than three hours to the north of Tokyo

spring inns of Yamagata are especially good places to

by bullet train, some 160,000 ha of the prefecture is

experience the local food, which includes delicacies

National Park and other natural reserve area, and it

like Yonezawa Beef - ranked in of Japan's top three

is part of Japan's heaviest snowfall region.

Wagyu breeds.

Within it lies the vast Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort,

Yamagata also offers some exciting day trips and

renowned not just for its long history and superb

other journeys in winter. Take a cruise past the

powder, but for its rare and beautiful 'ice monsters'.

waterfalls of its impressive Mogami Gorge while

Groves of conifers covered in ice crystals that expand

dining on a hearty nabe hotpot, have a drink in the

into giant, twisted shapes during the winter, the

ice bar at the Yuki Hatago Festival in Shizu Onsen,

monsters occupy sweeping tracts of terrain around

or see a special performance by Yamagata maiko

the summit of the resort and decorate the opening

apprentice geisha, and let the depth of its local

stages of its ten-kilometre longest run - which offers

culture add the unique touches that turn a good

incredible vistas of the surrounding peaks.

snow holiday into a great one.

Nearby is the 1,900 year-old hot spring village of Zao Onsen, one of countless hot spring villages in Yamagata. The prefecture is famously known in Japan as a 'hot spring kingdom', and natural hot spring baths are available to enjoy at a combined total of more than 500 of its inns, bathhouses and

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How close is Yamagata City to?

Tokyo: 2 hrs 30 min Osaka: 5 hrs Further Information yamagatakanko.com

TOHOKU

YA M A G ATA

RESORT

Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/index.html Zao Onsen, Yamagata-shi 2 +81-23-694-9617 Open 8:15-21:00

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

49cm 176cm 217cm 203cm 134cm

Beg

Int

Adv

40%

40%

20%

9km

1

37

880m

38°

“…unforgettable scenery, hot springs and powder snow…”

Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort is one of Japan's vintage snow resorts, famous for its combination of rare, unforgettable scenery, abundant hot springs and powder snow.

It was established in 1925 soon the birth of skiing in Japan, and has gradually expanded to cover an area of more than 300 ha in Yamagata Prefecture's Zao Mountain Range.

The slopes near the 1,660 m summit of the resort are home to its 'ice monsters' - conifers covered in ice crystals that expand to form wildly abstract © Yamagata Prefecture / © JNTO

shapes. Riding through them on the ten kilometre run from top to bottom is one of the resort's biggest highlights, and they are illuminated with beautiful colours at night for major events, festivals and other parts of the season.

There are 12 courses and 14 slopes in total to be enjoyed at Zao, ranging widely from gentle beginners' slopes to FIS approved racing courses, and the resort is family-friendly with a kids park and childcare facilities.

The high-altitude Paradise Slope offers a great combination of courses for all levels, with the challenging Yokokura-no-kabe wall for experts, and mellower, open sections for beginner and intermediate riders. The slope is surrounded by Zao's ice monsters, and is open until early May - a true paradise for skiing and snowboarding.

And of course, no snow holiday at Zao is complete without a soak in one of the nearby village's famous hot springs.

Travelling Times to Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort Tokyo: 3 hrs Osaka: 5 hrs

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TOHOKU

YA M A G ATA

LOCAL AREA

Charming winter journeys in Yamagata

Mogami

Dewa Sanzan

The Mogami region is one of Yamagata's most

Dewa Sanzan is an ancient power spot, and holds

naturally scenic.

some beautiful attractions for visitors to Yamagata

More than three quarters of it is covered in

during winter.

mountainous forest, and it is named after the 224

A standout are the life-sized snow sculptures at the

km-long Mogami River which flows through it.

Yuki Hatago Festival, held in the hot spring village of

A large area of the forest is old-growth, and contains

Shizu Onsen every February.

more than ten different species of Japan's tallest

The sculptures re-create traditional inns used for

trees. These giants measure at least three metres

centuries by pilgrims to the nearby Mt Gassan, on of

around the trunk near ground level, and some are

the three sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan along with

more than 1,000 years old.

Mt Yudono, and Mt Haguro.

The rugged surrounds made the Mogami River a vital

The interior of the inns is candlelit, adding to the

link in an ancient trade route from the port of Sakata

feeling that you've stepped back in time when you

on Yamagata Prefecture's Japan Sea coast to Kyoto,

enter, and one is fitted out as a bar serving mulled

Osaka and Tokyo, which was known as Edo in those

wine and other drinks for visitors to enjoy.

days.

The 1,984 m Mt Gassan can be explored from Shizu

Carrying goods like rice, tobacco, salt, sugar and

Onsen on a snowshoe hike, which traverses a section

other agricultural products, it was romanticised by

of its mystical old-growth beech forest.

wandering haiku poet Matsuo Basho in his famous

At 414 m, Mt Haguro is more accessible, and just

work "The Narrow Road to the Deep North".

as beautiful with its traditional buildings amidst

The Mogami Gorge, a section of the river which

towering old-growth cedars. One of the highlights

inspired Basho back in the 17th century, is now one

is the five-storied pagoda on the way to the top, a

of the most popular parts of it, enjoyed by visitors on

national treasure of Japan.

scenic Mogami Valley Basho Line river cruises. The

To immerse yourself deeper into the spiritual

journey takes in almost 50 waterfalls, and winter

atmosphere of the Dewa Sanzan area, stay at a

cruise boats - or kotatsu-bune - include the luxury of

temple lodging in the village of Toge, near Mt Haguro.

a Japanese kotatsu foot warmer, keeping passengers

They are excellent places to try the vegetarian cuisine

cosy as they enjoy a hearty winter hotpot with hot

of the ascetic yamabushi priests who have trained in

sake on board.

the area for centuries, created with fresh mountain flavours.

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YA M A G ATA

LOCAL AREA

The historic hot springs of Yamagata

Steaming mineral-rich pools of health and

nourishing minerals for the skin, earning them the

happiness are found everywhere from the coastline

title ‘The Fountain of Beauty’. Legend has it that a

to mountainous interior in Yamagata, and can

warrior first discovered a spring in the area after a

be enjoyed quickly on a day trip, or slowly and

battle 1,900 years ago, using it to bathe his wounds,

decadently on an overnight stay.

and it has grown into one of Yamagata's most

For visitors on a snow holiday, local hot spring (onsen)

prominent hot spring areas.

villages are one of the ultimate ways to authentically

Almost 50 different spring heads now supply

experience the traditional culture of Japan at the

water to more than 100 hotels, inns and bed-and-

same time as its powder snow - and Zao Onsen, a hot

breakfasts scattered throughout this alpine retreat,

spring village next to the famous Zao Hot Springs Ski

and many offer the luxury of hot spring bathing just

Resort, combines these two highlights beautifully.

minutes from the slopes.

The milky-white springs at Zao are especially rich in

Yoshidaya Ryokan

Hotel Oakhill

Relax and revitalise in the mineral-rich waters of our well-established inn, conveniently located in the nostalgic street of Zao Onsen.

Our stunning view of Mt Zao and the slopes gets even better from skis or a snowboard - and we're just a 2 minute walk from it all!

13 Zao-Onsen, Yamagata Ph: 023-694-9223 www.hoteloakhill.com/yoshidaya01.html

756 Zao-Onsen, Yamagata www.hoteloakhill.com

Enquiries: yoshidaya@view.ocn.ne.jp

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A TASTE OF JAPAN Exploring the flavours of Japanese cuisine and sake One of the best memories visitors to Japan take home with them is of dining and drinking.

Affordability and value for money is excellent, and there is an astonishing level of regional diversity in cuisine from north to south across the archipelago. Beyond the beautiful presentation and exquisite flavour lies a deep connection with traditional ceremonies and events, the seasonal rhythms of the nature, and a philosophy of nutritional balance that is considered to be one of the secrets of Japanese longevity‌

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Six things you didn't know about Japanese food Impress your friends next time you're out together with these six interesting pieces of Japanese food trivia…

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Sushi is the favourite meal of the world's oldest living person Ms Misao Okawa celebrated her 116th birthday on March 5, 2014, and apart from being the world's oldest living person, is an ardent appreciator of sushi. Mackerel sushi (saba) is her favourite, and the pressed variety (battera) is also a famous specialty of Osaka, her home city.

It's just another one of the many types of sushi with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. These essentials to good health are associated with many benefits including a reduced risk of cancer, and increased resistance to heart disease.

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Japan's 'Washoku' dietary culture is World Heritage-listed In 2013, Japan became one of just a handful of nations to have its traditional dietary culture recognised on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Known as 'Washoku', its reverence for nature and the four seasons is showcased brilliantly by the symbolic osechi ryori dishes eaten during New Year, and stunning kaiseki degustation banquets. Seasonings and sauces are used only sparingly in the Washoku tradition, which instead focuses on appreciating the flavours already inherent in the food.

Tokyo Mart

Shop 27, Northbridge Plaza, Northbridge NSW 2063 T: (02) 9958 6860 Open: Mon-Wed, Fri 9:00-17:30, Thu 9:00-18:30, Sat 9:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-16:00 Closed: Public Holidays

Great range of high quality Japanese groceries, all at a reasonable price • One of the biggest Japanese supermarkets in Australia • Product lines almost identical to supermarkets in Japan • Diverse variety of products in stock, from everyday seasonings, to sweets • Freshness, quality, and value guaranteed on all products Fuji Mart Goald Coast: Southport Park Shopping Centre, Cnr Ferry & Benowa Road, Southport, QLD 4215 T: (07) 5591 6211 Fuji Mart Melbourne: 34A Elizabeth Street, South Yara, VIC 3141 T: (03) 9826 5839

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Tokyo out-stars Paris and New York in the Michelin Guide

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Tokyo continued its recent dominance over fellow gourmet capitals Paris and New York in the Michelin Guide Tokyo Yokohama Shonan 2013, leaving them behind in second and third place with 14 three-starred restaurants - the cream of the 242-strong crop from Tokyo awarded stars by the guide.

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Japanese fermented foods are elixirs of health and beauty

From the tiniest apartments to the fanciest restaurants, the humble bowl of miso soup holds its own in Japan. The soybean paste that gives it its name is one of the many fermented staples of the Japanese diet, which packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, are famous elixirs of health and beauty.

Sake has more amino acids than any other alcoholic beverage

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Healthy skin, hair and nails require amino acids - nourishing essentials that are the building blocks of protein. The sake brewing process of fermenting rice, water and koji mould produces the highest number of amino acids found in any alcoholic beverage, outstripping wine by as much as seven times.

November 11 is Pocky and Pretz Day

The world loves Pocky.

Some 500 million boxes of these moreish biscuit sticks are sold in 30 countries annually, and they are one of Japan's most iconic treats. Together with Pretz, their savoury cousins, they look just like a '1', and are officially celebrated on 11/11 - international Pocky and Pretz Day. © Nagano Prefecture / © JNTO

© Yusuke Kawasaki

© Janine

INSTANT MISO SOUP Miso Soup 8-Servings Value Pack

Miyasaka Jozo is a company driven by their high standards of quality, healthy food and respect for the environment. It offers a variety of miso pastes made from traditional recipes, sourcing only the best ingredients manufactured in ISO9001 plant. An essential item in every Japanese kitchen, miso is extremely nourishing and easy to use for miso soups; the company's wide range of delicious instant soups, garnished generously with tofu or seaweed, are particularly quick and easy to make.

M I YA S A K A J O Z O

2+ 81 3 3 3 8 5 212 3

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Celebrating with Washoku, Japan's World Heritage-listed dietary culture 'Washoku', Japan's traditional dietary culture, was World Heritage-listed in 2013 and is a prominent part of events and ceremonies throughout the year.

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New Year: Osechi Ryori Osechi ryori has been around as long as rice cultivation in Japan, and embodies its Washoku tradition. Originally developing as a way of marking the seasons and giving thanks for the bounty they produce, it is now primarily associated with New Year celebrations and is steeped in symbolism for health and happiness. Three classic elements of osechi ryori are black beans (kuromame), crispy baby sardines (tazukuri), and herring wrapped in kelp (konbu-maki), arranged tastefully with a variety of others in lacquer boxes known as 'jubako'.

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Setsubun: Eho-maki

The Midsummer Day of the Ox: Unaju

Eho-maki sushi rolls have become part of Setsubun, a traditional ousting of demons from the household by scattering roasted soybeans on the final day of the old lunar calendar in early February. They contain seven elements symbolising the Seven Deities of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin), and are believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

The heat of midsummer Japan may feel overpowering, but there is a way to overcome it: eating eel. Or so the legend goes on The Midsummer Day of the Ox (Doyo no Ushi no Hi) - the proverbial hottest day of summer in late July. Eel is believed to boost stamina, and is eaten grilled and served on rice (unaju) during this testing time of year.

©HVCB / © JNTO

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© Daisuke Yatsui / © JNTO

Girls' Day: Sakura Mochi

New Year's Eve: Toshi-koshi Soba

Girls' Day (Hina Matsuri) originates from a spring purification ceremony of the Imperial Court, in which misfortune was symbolically transferred to dolls that were then cast afloat (Nagashi-bina). Now an occasion to wish girls a bright future, a variety of auspicious foods are eaten for it including sakura mochi, a sweet rice cake.

The humble, austere buckwheat noodle (soba). Yet within, health and good fortune over the coming year. Although they are eaten regularly on any day of the week, the custom of eating extra long, thin soba noodles on New Year's Eve holds this special symbolism in Japanese culture, and has been widespread since feudal times.

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Discovering the real Japan Interview with Taka Ueda Head Chef, Sushi Studio The perception of Japanese food is changing in Sydney, according to Sushi Studio's Head Chef Taka Ueda.

'When I chat with customers who have been on a trip to Japan, some of them comment on the difference between the food there and what passes for Japanese food in Sydney.

They're impressed by the huge number of niche restaurants and street stalls Japan has, specialising entirely in things like yakitori chicken kebabs, sushi and ramen.

No matter how small these places are, the seriousness with which they take the taste of their food leaves a big impression on people.

So customers who assumed sushi was a big, chunky roll with mayonnaise on it for example, realise that there's actually a difference between that and the real thing, and increasing numbers of them want to explore further.

They ask me "is what I've been eating until now really Japanese food?"

It's a change from the generally

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conservative tendencies I see at the beginning in my Australian customers. If they enjoy something like salmon teriyaki, then they usually just keep on ordering it every time.

Once they become regulars though, some are more adventurous and try other dishes I recommend to them.

One of these is simmered yellowtail and Japanese radish (buri daikon, 1 ).

A dish I'd specially recommend to anyone is barracuda salted and dried overnight (kamasu no ichiyaboshi, 2 ). The addition of nothing more than a dash of salt might seem overly simple in a Westernstyle cooking situation, but it concentrates the umami flavour of the fish very effectively. It's a good example of just how completely this traditional flavour enhancer can transform a dish on its own.'

About Taka Ueda Taka Ueda has been involved with sushi for three decades, and like the best itamae chefs in Japan, personally hand-picks the finest quality seafood from the local fish markets each day.

Welcome to the world of real Japanese sushi!

We uphold all the traditions of an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant because we want to offer a truly unforgettable sushi experience for our customers.

75 Military Road, Neutral Bay NSW 2089 Tel & Fax 02-9953-7317 http://www.sushistudio.biz/

Trading Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun: 6pm-11pm (Last order 10pm) Fri, Sat: 6pm-11pm (Last order 10:30pm) Tuesday Closed

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匠 Three fine sakes from the Hokuriku region Interview with Yuichi Kanamaru Sake Sommelier, Masuya Japanese Restaurant Japan's Hokuriku region is heaven for lovers of fine sake.

It's where some of the country's best rice is produced, and its purest waters flow. In addition, it has a cold and snowy winter - the ideal climate for fermenting sake slowly to achieve more distinct, refined flavours.

Hakkaisan, Masuizumi and Kuroobi are three fine sakes from the Hokuriku region available in Sydney, at Masuya Japanese Restaurant. And as Masuya's Sake Sommelier Yuichi Kanamaru explains, they offer an exquisite profile of local flavours from Hokuriku's Niigata, Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures.

'Hakkaisan is a junmai ginjo sake from the Hakkaisan Brewery in Niigata. Wine drinkers will feel immediately at home with it - when we served Hakkaisan at Ninja @ Tinja, a winery event hosted

by Lowe Wines in Mudgee, it disappeared rapidly. It was paired perfectly with kingfish sashimi carpaccio ( 1 ).

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Masuizumi is a junmai ginjo sake with a deep, rich flavour from Masuda Shuzo-ten in Toyama, also available in junmai and junmai daiginjo grades. It strikes the ultimate balance between smoothness and richness, and is a fine accompaniment to otoro sashimi ( 2 ) - a fatty, highly-prized cut of tuna which complements the long finish of the sake.

Kuroobi is a special junmai sake from the Fukumitsuya Brewery

in Ishikawa - famous for the 100 year-old underground spring water it uses for brewing. The sake is matured for two years, and has a full-bodied flavour which goes well with Wagyu ( 3 ).

Masuya is the only restaurant serving Kuroobi in Sydney, and has also recently confirmed the addition of Naotora, an extremely rare unpasteurized junmai ginjo sake, to its sake list.'

About Yuichi Kanamaru Yuichi Kanamaru came to Australia in 2002 to follow his passion for wine, studying to become a qualified sommelier. He is also certified as a sommelier by Japan's Sake Service Institute.

利酒師

Masuya Basebment Level, 12-14 O'Connell Street, Sydney TEL +61-2-9235-2717

Izakaya Masuya Ground Floor 12-14 O'Connell Street, Sydney TEL +61-2-9233-8181

Sushi of Masuya 5/447 Pitt Street, Sydney TEL +61-2-9280-0377

日本各地の酒蔵をオピニオンリーダーとし、日本を世界の観光立国に！

Masuya

金丸雄一

Izakaya Masuya

長滝翔吾 富岡乙羽

www.masuya.com.au

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Movies & Anime

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Dance & Music

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Martial Arts

Snapshots of Japanese Culture in Sydney

Sydney has a vibrant Japanese cultural life. From the cinema to the stage, and the ryokan to the dojo, it can be enjoyed in a colourful variety of traditional and modern forms that provide a glimpse of the diversity, originality, tradition and profound philosophy of Japanese culture. See a performance or try a workshop, and experience it for yourself‌

Š Karen Steains

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TRADITIONAL Traditional Japan is alive in Sydney. One of its strongholds is Ryokan Gojyuan, a unique cultural asset of the Harbour City with its authentic Japanese design and variety of interesting workshops.

Another is the Japanese Garden in Auburn Botanic Gardens, a beautiful combination of cherry blossoms, water features and other quintessential elements that evoke the Japan of old…

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Ryokan Gojyuan

There are few places you'll feel closer to traditional Japan in than a ryokan.

These inns have been shaped by feudal design aesthetics in their gracefully sloping architecture; profound religious philosophy in their meditative gardens; and Japan's bathing culture in their wonderful bath houses. It goes without saying that they are one of the best places to experience fine local Japanese cuisine, often served in seasonal kaiseki degustation banquets.

And Sydney has its own.

It's called Ryokan Gojyuan, and has given a new lease of life to a sandstone building in the iconic suburb of Balmain dating back more than 150 years.

The interior has all the classic features of a ryokan, including showpieces like its aromatic cedar wood (hinoki) bath and koi pond, not to mention its tatami guest rooms replete with rustic Japanese pottery and calligraphy scrolls. Kaiseki banquets are also served at Ryokan Gojyuan, and it is just as wonderful to visit for a workshop or event as it is to stay for a unique Japanese inn experience in Sydney.

More: www.ryokangojyuan.com

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Some of Japan's most beautiful destinations are the historic gardens of ancient shrines, temples and traditional residences, which typically combine seasonal aesthetics with deep philosophy.

The World Heritage-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto include 12 of these gardens, and Ryoanji Hojo Temple Garden is one of the most famous, a simple yet profound fifteenth-century Zen Buddhist rock garden designed to portray a chain of islands on a vast ocean.

Its far-reaching influence can be seen in Sydney in the Japanese Garden at the Auburn Botanic Gardens.

A Ryoan-ji-style rock-scape is one of the garden's many classic highlights, which also include decorative bridges, a lake filled with colourful carp (koi), a tea house, torii gate, waterfalls and of course cherry blossoms.

Visit the Japanese Garden's cherry blossom festival between mid-August and early September, to enjoy live music, workshops and other activities amidst the brilliant splashes of pink.

More: www.auburn.nsw.gov.au/Explore/ AuburnBotanicGardens

Cultivating your Japanese side in Sydney

Six Workshops at Ryokan Gojyuan Calligraphy Write kanji and kana characters, and appreciate the beauty and spirituality that gives Japanese calligraphy great depth as an art form.

One of the best ways to get in touch with your Japanese side in Sydney is a cultural workshop at Ryokan Gojyuan.

Intimate and friendly, the workshops are led by a number of expert teachers of classic Japanese art forms like samurai tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy and sweet-making.

They include Adam Wojcinski for samurai tea ceremony, who is trained in the Ueda SoÂŻ ko School of Tea and is a disciple of Ueda SoÂŻ kei, the 16th Grand Master of the Tradition. His classes transcend the mere preparation and serving of tea to present the ceremony as a means of cultivating the samurai pursuit of beauty and tranquility in everyday life.

Yukiko Hirano is another of Ryokan Gojyuan's workshop teachers, and introduces participants to the joy of Japanese sweet-making. It lies not only in the delicate, subtle flavours of the sweets (wagashi), but in the artful presentation that makes them almost too good to eat.

The current workshop program at Ryokan Gojyuan is available on its website and Facebook page.

Ikebana Learn the basics of Japanese flower arrangement, famous for its use of asymmetry and space while maintaining balance and harmony.

Origami Take a simple sheet of paper and turn it into something 3D with origami, the famous Japanese art of paper folding.

Samurai Tea Ceremony Practice samurai tea ceremony and learn about related arts including flower arrangement, kaiseki cuisine and wagashi sweets.

Sumi-e Understand and apply basic tonal values in Japanese ink wash painting, using different brush and ink grinding techniques.

Wagashi Create your own traditional Japanese sweets, and enjoy their refined flavours and elegant presentation evocative of the seasons.

Traditional Japanese accommodation and culture in the heart of Sydney

RYOKAN GOJYUAN

www.ryokangojyuan.com

Authentic Japanese design harmoniously blended within a heritage sandstone building Guest services include tatami rooms, aromatic cedar bath and kaiseki degustation banquets Regular cultural workshops by Japanese artists and craftspeople, and other events 208 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041 Phone: (02) 9810 3219

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MOVIES AND ANIME From black-and-white epics directed by Akira Kurosawa to the classically kawaii anime of Osamu Tezuka, Japan has made an indelible imprint on popular screen culture; beyond these iconic, well known works however, lies a boundless world of subcultures and subgenres. Experience a taste of them all in Sydney at SMASH! and the Japanese Film Festival…

© Kris Ezergailis

© Kreeson Naraidoo

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Japanese Film Festival

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SMASH!

A typical year over the past decade of Japanese cinema has seen the production of hundreds of feature films.

Eclipsing the average Australian total of some 25 feature films annually, the industry in Japan is generally closer to par with the USA in its vibrancy, and has a colourful wealth of sub-genres which often remain hidden outside Japan in the shadow of popular titles.

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) stepped in to bridge this gap in 1997, screening three films to a small audience at Film Australia in Lindfield, Sydney. The philosophy at its core has been to introduce the Australian public to the diversity inherent in Japanese cinema, and as it has grown, its range of films has continued to cover everything from niche medical dramas to anime, horror and feel-good romance.

The JFF has now established itself as one of the leading Japanese film festivals outside Japan, presenting its first national program in 2013. It featured 12 box office hits and five classic films with 11 Australian premieres, and attracted an audience of some 25,000.

SMASH! (Sydney Manga and Anime Show) started out in 2007 as a grassroots, artist-focused anime convention at the University of New South Wales, with almost 1,500 people attending.

It hosted guests from Japan immediately the following year, and as its program has diversified attendance numbers have continued to grow, now reaching some eight times that of the inaugural convention.

Prominent guests to have featured at SMASH! include voice actor Masakazu Morita in 2013, who is famous for his roles in a host of popular anime including Bleach, Final Fantasy X and One Piece. The same year, it also hosted Haruko Momoi, a veteran voice actress and singer/songwriter who has written theme songs for more than 20 anime series'.

SMASH! continues to entice its fans with an interesting line up of cosplay, gaming and Gundam events, maid and butler cafes, panels, and workshops, maintaining the emphasis on art, creativity and fun that it has had since day one.

More: japanesefilmfestival.net

More: www.smash.org.au

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LANGUAGE The richness and depth of Japanese culture inspires many a language learner. And whether your goal is to be able to sit back and enjoy subtle nuances in a Japanese novel or roughand-ready banter in a manga comic, or to simply find out what's on top of your rice at dinner, there is a means of achieving it in Sydney‌

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Shaberanaito

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J-Course

There are various community groups and associations in Sydney which support opportunities to use Japanese actively, including events like Shaberanaito organised by the The Australia-Japan Society of NSW Incorporated (AJS-NSW).

Shaberanaito is an informal way of saying 'you have to speak', and the 'naito' part of the word is deliberately written using different characters in Japanese to create a play with the English word 'night'.

It perfectly describes the event, which brings together both Japanese and non-Japanese participants from a range of different backgrounds over dinner and drinks.

And speaking in Japanese is the name of the game, with the lingua franca for the evening decided from the outset. This isn't designed to make it exclusive however, and speakers of any level are always welcome to join in.

Visit the AJS-NSW website to find out more about its variety of interesting events, which have included presentations from guest speakers on Japanese business and current affairs, gourmet events and cultural performances.

At a glance, the sheer volume of textbooks, dictionaries and other learning materials for the Japanese language can make the notion of attending classes superfluous.

But with the complexity of three alphabets totalling thousands of characters between them, honorific language and other hurdles, simply finding a comfortable starting point can be a daunting task.

It doesn't get any easier for adult learners with a passion, yet unable to commit to a university or TAFE course.

Enter the Japan Foundation, Sydney.

Its J-Course language program for adults is organised into seven different levels from Starter to Advanced, and is based on its own JF Standard curriculum - which is used by the Japan Foundation internationally.

It is designed to develop both verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on active participation and interaction in class. In addition to its language program, the Japan Foundation in Sydney also has an excellent library, which enables students to take control of their own learning.

More: www.ajsnsw.org.au

More: www.jpf.org.au

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DANCE & MUSIC Music and dance are an inseparable part of Japanese culture, expressing a kaleidoscope of celebration, unity, philosophy and spirituality.

While their traditional rubric continues to be passed down and meticulously preserved, each continues to develop in fresh and exciting ways. Sydney offers two fine examples of this: taiko drumming, and Yosakoi Soran dance…

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© Karen Steains

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Yosakoi Soran Dance

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Taiko Drumming

Japan is home to an array of dance styles, which continue to evolve and assume new forms in the present day.

Many have been passed down since ancient times as integral parts of festivals throughout the country, performed by a sea of parading locals in bright costumes.

An especially vibrant, vigorous modern style is Yosakoi Soran, developed during the early 1990s by a student from Hokkaido. Inspired by what he saw at a local Yosakoi dance festival in Kochi on the island of Shikoku, he fused it with Soran, a traditional style of music from his native region.

The Japan Club of Sydney Inc (JCS) established its own Yosakoi Soran Dancing Troupe several years ago, and brings its special energy to Japanese cultural performances and festivals throughout Sydney.

Its main aim is to promote Japanese culture through Yosakoi Soran dance, and also to maintain a healthy, close-knit community through the vigorous exercise that it provides.

The thunderous power of taiko drumming has formed the backbeat for mighty armies and colourful festivals over the centuries in Japan.

It stands in stark contrast to the more delicate, yet equally moving timbres of the shakuhachi, a bamboo flute synonymous with deep spirituality and enlightenment.

Both elements are a part of the unique sound of TaiOz, Sydney's world-famous Japanese drumming group, which has also featured koto, marimba, saxophone, cello and didgeridoo in their performances across Australia, Asia and Europe.

While exploring innovative directions in music with a number of renowned composers, TaikOz continue to bring the magic of taiko drumming to the community at workshops in their Sydney and Brisbane studios.

No musical knowledge is prerequisite for their introductory 'Taiko is for Everyone' classes, and they are an excellent opportunity for anyone who has been inspired by a performance to go behind the scenes and get closer to this incredible art form.

More: www.japanclubofsydney.org/english

More: taikoz.com

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MARTIAL ARTS An iconic part of world cinema and sports, Japanese martial arts possess a special mystique that evokes images of superhuman feats. Beyond the physical realm they rest upon a bedrock of traditional philosophy geared towards enlightenment, and demand a lifetime of dedicated practice to master. Experience some of their innate wisdom in Sydney at a karate or judo dojo…

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Judo is a relatively recent Japanese martial art, created in the late nineteenth century by Jigoro Kano.

A bureaucrat by trade, Kano developed judo after years of dedication to the martial art of jujutsu, and established it within the physical education curriculum of Japanese schools.

Judo has since attained global recognition as an Olympic sport, and is instantly recognisable with its clever array of throws, arm-locks, chokes and other manoeuvres. In essence, they are designed to efficiently re-direct the force of an opponent, and defeat them with minimal use of energy.

This approach of achieving 'maximum efficiency with minimum effort' - a famous motto of Kano - also defines judo as a spiritual philosophy, along with his other maxim of 'mutual welfare and benefit.'

Sydney has a number of training centres (dojos) at which judo can be experienced, including the Budokan Judo Club, and Zenbu Judo and Jiu-Jitsu.

Karate originates from Okinawa in Japan's far south. It is believed to have developed more than five centuries ago from a combination of indigenous and Chinese martial arts, and continued to be passed down in secret by local islanders after they were banned from possessing weapons under controls imposed on them by successive rulers.

At the heart of the philosophy of karate lies a dedication to sharpening both body and mind, and it is said to take a lifetime of diligent training to truly master. The art is practiced well past retirement age, with legendary Okinawan master Seikichi Uehara famously defeating a 30 year-old former champion boxer at the tender age of 96 on live television in the year 2000.

Karate has branched off into a number of different styles in the modern era. Shinkyokushin is one of them, and can be experienced at training facilities (dojos) around Sydney.

More: www.budokan-judo-club.com / www. zenbu.com.au

More: www.shinkyokushin.org.au

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Investing in the Hakuba property market

Aki Matsumoto – Sales Manager of Sakura Real Estate Inc. At Sakura Real Estate, we receive a range of property enquiries from overseas clients looking to secure a slice of paradise here in Hakuba as an investment, or to fulfil their dream of moving to the Northern Japanese Alps. It can appear quite confusing without a good knowledge of the Japanese system, but we specialise in simplifying everything with a clear, step-by-step process explained in English. Here are four of the most common topics that we cover during our initial consultation.

1. Market Conditions

the attention of our investors looking to develop.

Their business strategy often involves adding Land and housing values entered a steady decline western touches to Japanese-style accommodation after Japan’s real estate bubble burst in the mid facilities, and remarketing them as boutique 1990s, creating a buyer’s market in both urban and lodges. rural areas. Today, real estate prices in Hakuba have fallen to 30% below the levels they were 3. Avoiding legal pitfalls at around the time of the 1998 Nagano Winter We guide our clients through the legal Olympics, and are substantially lower than many other snow holiday destinations around the world. procedures of acquiring a property, and outline the documentation that must be provided for a While the 2007-08 financial crisis did have a successful application. By knowing the process discernible impact on overseas interest in the property investment market here for a short while, inside out, we eliminate any unwanted stresses that may arise later as a result of inconsistencies in there has always been a steady stream of people looking to acquire their own special retreat abroad the application.

– and Hakuba’s beautiful Northern Japanese Alps 4. Asset Maintenance location fits the bill perfectly.

2. Property Types We recommend real estate based on the orientation of our clients; small chalets, for instance, are ideally suited to expats living in Japan. They offer an idyllic resort lifestyle all year with easy access to major cities - and Hakuba is just three and a half hours from Tokyo.

Commercial properties close to the ski resorts on the other hand, merit

It can be hard to reach a firm decision if you’re unsure about how to maintain your property during long periods away – and considering the potentially devastating effect of excessive snow accumulation in Hakuba, this is not something to be taken lightly.

Fortunately, we have a network of reputable property managers who are more than capable of solving this problem.

SAKURA REAL ESTATE INC. Ph. 0261 72 6133 www.srehakuba.com

HAKUBA PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

SAKURA REAL ESTATE Open 7 Days a Week Located Opposite Hakuba Station

Ph. 0261 72 6133 www.srehakuba.com Licensed by governor of Nagano (6) 3560

Helping international visitors to purchase properties and fulfill their dream of owning their special properties in the beautiful village of Hakuba since 1984.

seiko.com.au