Niseko.com - Issue 34 | 10 Year Anniversary

YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING NISEKO | WINTER 2017/18 ISSUE 34

10 CELEBRATING

YEARS

CULTURE | PROPERTY | TOURS | TIMETABLES | MAPS | FOOD | FUN

2017

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N I S E KO ’ S P R E M I U M P R O P E R T Y M A N A G E M E N T Professional, Reliable & Experienced Asset Management of Residential, Commercial & Holiday Investment Properties since 2004

SPECIALISING IN NISEKO FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS • Global Marketing, Promotion & Branding • Project Management, Architecture & Design Team • International Sales & Reservations Management • Generous Owner Benefits Program • Dedicated Owner Liaison Service • Complete Property, Asset & Letting Management Services • Security of your investment • Competitive fee structure • Capital growth strategies • Achieve high returns • Flexible options 具有20年專為二世古作全球市場推廣 • 宣傳及品牌化的經驗 完善的物業 • 資產管理及租賃服務 項目管理 • 建築及設計隊伍 • 專屬的業主聯絡服務 • 國際銷售及預約管理 • 價格相宜的收費制度 豐富的業主優待計劃 • 資本增值策略 • 保障你的投資 • 達至高回報 • 靈活的選擇

2017

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A N D A S S I S TA N C E C O N TA C T O U R E X P E R I E N C E D P R O P E R T Y A S S E T M A N A G E M E N T T E A M

Owner.Liaison@SkiJapan.com • +81 0136 22 4611 | #34

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It’s another beautiful winter here in Niseko, and to celebrate ten years of Niseko.com we’ve expanded our 34th issue to explore everything Niseko has on offer 356 days a year. We’ll also meet some of the local figures that have helped shaped Niseko into the little slice of heaven it is today.

To start our journey off, we sat down with some local legends and learned what has kept them here over the years, as well as picking up a few tips to help everyone make the most of their visit, along the way.

Then we step into everything you need to know during your visit; we’ve got local banking info, rental and retail guides, transport and maps, all the best natural onsens to take a dip in, and your comprehensive guide to all the local on-snow and cultural tours in the region. If you’re new to Niseko, we’ve got you covered!

Our extra-large issue really starts cranking when we enter White Season; it’s the reason everyone flies from all over the world to experience this fantastic little corner of the world. We ventured out to report back on some of the best back country guiding, snowmobiling, and cat skiing opportunities in the area. Don’t miss the stunning images from talented photographers who have been venturing far and deep to capture the very best of Niseko.

As the white-out days start spreading out and the powder snow takes on a slushy midday consistency we enter everyone’s second favourite time of the ski season. Don some sunnies, crank open a cool one and sit back with Masa and Koutalow as they prepare for another Mad Dog Jam - Niseko’s favourite park jam! Warmer weather brings plenty of other spring-time activities so we take a peek at some cross country skiing and spring river rafting before things start heating up for the summer.

Green season is a local favourite, and with the amount of local festivals, BBQ’s and activities on offer during this time of year it’s no wonder that it leaves such a lasting impression. We spoke to Kelly Tye to get an idea of what everyone can expect and it sounds like you’d be crazy to skip out on summer.

One of the best things about a visit to Japan is the food, and local Hokkaido cuisine is some of the finest so don’t miss the chance to try some local favourites. Delve deep into sushi with Luke Clayton of “Wa Creations” fame, and get the inside word on the industry from Chef Satake from Sushi Shin.

Just stepped off the hill and feeling a wee bit thirsty? We’ve got the dates and locations of all the best local drinks specials in our Happy Hour Guide so you’ll never miss out on the best priced beverages!

There’s a whole lot more inside, including local interviews, Hokkaido history, and of course all the best local information to see you through your trip in style.

Have a great holiday in Niseko, and look forward to seeing you all on the slopes!

JARON FOOTE MANAGING EDITOR

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A BIG THANKYOU TO ALL OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS...

EDITORS Alister Buckingham / Agnes Backhouse / Katsumi Jojo / Maya Oishi CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Agnes Backhouse / Alister Buckingham / Belinda White / James Winfield / Jaron Foote / Katsumi Jojo / Kunitake Murai / Luke Clayton / Tadashi Takehara / Wennie Tan TRANSLATIONS Katsumi Jojo / Maya Oishi / Yukiyo Hogano PHOTOGRAPHY Alister Buckingham / Matthew Littlewood / Juan Aizpuru DESIGN Jaron Foote ADVERTISING Katsumi Jojo COVER PHOTO Juan Aizpuru / RIDER Sven Gorham Niseko’s legendary early season powder provided unprecedented riding and photo opportunities this year - shot taken 09 Dec 2017 INSIDE SPREAD Alister Buckingham / RIDER James Winfield

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE / CONTENTS INTRO TO THE AREA Welcome to Niseko................................... 12–17 Activites & Tours........................................ 19–21 Onsen Guide............................................. 22–23 Hirafu Happenings.................................... 26–27 Hot off the Shelf..........................................28-29 Local Picks..................................................30-31 WHITE SEASON...................................... 32 Living the Snow Life ........................................33 Yotei by Moonlight ....................................34-35 King of your Mountain....................................37 Snow Kite....................................................38-39 HBC Shimamaki Tours.................................40-41 Local Craft: Ideal Snow Shape.................42-43 Discover Hokkaido.....................................44-45 CORN SEASON...................................... 48 Riding for Spring Conditions ..........................49 Spring Jam ......................................................51 Corss Country Skiing...................................52-53 Spring Rafting..................................................55 GREEN SEASON..................................... 58 Summer Events................................................59 Living the Summer Life.............................. 60–61 Summer Activities............................................63 DINING The Art of Enjoying Sushi............................68-69 Hokkaido Kitchen - Sushi Shin................... 70–73 Japanese Food..........................................74-75 Happy Hour Guide..........................................77 FEATURES Local Word.................................................. 8–11 Iado: A smooth Draw.................................80-83 Ainu: Humans of Hokkaido.............................85 ESSENTIALS Property: Niseko for any Budget...............86-87 Property: New House Trends...........................89 Property: Enjoy a Slice of Haven...............90-91 SkiJapan.com Services..............................92-93 Rental & Retail Guide................................96-97 Transport Timetables................................. 98–99 Resort Map............................................ 100–101 Hirafu Village Map................................ 102–103

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TITLE

MATTHEW SUITES

Luxury Accommodation

YUKITEI NISEKO 雪庭ニセコ レストラン

Shabu Shabu & Sashimi Restaurant Matthew Suites, 1F

FUYUTSUKI NISEKO 冬月ニセコ 天ぷら

Tempura Restaurant Matthew Suites, 2F

HANA ROBATAYAKI 花炉端焼き

Hokkaido Farm Grill Kutchan Ekimaedori (Next to Hokuyo Bank, Kutchan) Opening 15 December 2017!

9.4 out of 10 on booking.com*

WWW.MATTHEWSUITES.COM BOOKING@NISEKOL AND.JP +81 (0) 90 3117 1001 *2017 statistics on booking.com

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To Niseko

ODIN PLACE

SEICOMART

MATTHEW SUITES

To Kutchan

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2017

NISEKO’S #1

RENTAL, RETAIL

& SKI SCHOOL SOLUTION

KIDS CLUB LESSONS FOR ANY ABILITY LEVEL! • THREE AGE BRACKETS FROM 3-14 YRS • MORNING AND ALL-DAY CLASSES • BRAND NEW FACILITES NEXT TO ALPEN RIDGE!

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LOCAL WORD

SUMMER IN NISEKO IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL - I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE THAT HAS A CHANCE TO VISIT!

PHOTO / SKIJAPAN.COM PHOTOGRAPHY | JUAN AIZPUREZ

FUMIYOSHI OKADA / AGE 66

岡田 文義（おかだ ふみよし） さん

OWNER OF KOROPOKKURU LODGE

1951年生まれ、北海道・ニセコ出 身。1961年に設立された「ロッジ・コロ ポックル」 を経営している。夏ではサッカ ー、 ラグビーなどに使える芝のスポーツ フィールドもご利用可能。 ロッジ・コロポ ックルが提供する自家製の野菜を使っ た、洋朝食が人気である。

Family-run Lodge Koropokkuru is reknown throughout the country for it’s omotenashi service (hospitality). Owner Okada-san and his family have been running this homely lodge for over 60 years, with a focus on affordability, simplicity, Japanese-style hospitality, and delicious home grown food fresh from the family farm.

While winter season brings many guests to fill their rooms, Okada-san is a big fan of summer, embracing the excellent weather and vibrant greenery that emerges when the snow finally melts. During the warmer seasons school groups from around Hokkaido pass through Niseko and stay at the lodge, which prompted Okada-san to build tennis courts right next to his farm. His aspiration is that international teams can one-day see Niseko as an attractive destination for tournaments in summer, and use the facilities to play and mingle with the locals here in Hirafu.

Although Okada-san enjoys summer, he always looks forward to winter as well, because many guests return to stay with them each season and he loves to see familiar faces returning to enjoy Niseko. Over the years the family has made friends with many guests, some of which have become like family, themselves.

If you’re planning a trip to Niseko, consider Lodge Koropokkuru for your stay - located only a few minutes from the slopes of Grand Hirafu ski resort, you’re guaranteed a lovely experience, and you might just make some lifelong friends during your stay!

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日本の伝統と和の趣を大切にしたおも てなしの宿「ロッジ・コロポックル」 。経 営者の岡田 文義さんをインタビューし ました。 近年では通年型リゾート地としての変化 を遂げるニセコですが、岡田さんがこれ から期待していることは何ですか？ 外人のお客さんが増えたのは勿論だけ ど、昔から見ていると、色々な変化があ ったね。１７年前に大学のクラブなどか らリクエストが増えてきて、 スポーツフィ ールドを作ったんだけど、夏には年々利 用者が増えているよ、外国からも、サッ カーなどのチームが来て、 日本のチーム と交流戦なんかが始まるといいでしょう ね。 まだまだ夏に外国のお客さんが来 る事は少ないけど、増えてくれると面白 いだろうね。

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ニセコの魅力を教えてください。 羊蹄山が見えて、景色もきれいだし、最 近は以前に比べれば建物も増えて、だ いぶ都会のようになってきたけど、 それ でも自然は豊かだし、食べ物もおいしい ね。冬場はスキーがメインだけど、 スキ ー以外にも楽しい季節があります。３月 は天気も良くて、楽しい時期ですよ。夏 は緑がきれいで、過ごしやすいシーズン です。是非遊びに来てください！ ニセコで暮らしていて、最も楽しかった 思い出は？ 昔は年末や、お正月になると、 リピータ ーのお客様が集まってね、みんなで飲ん で楽しんだよ。 まるで家族の集まりみた いにね。すごく忙しくもあったけど、 あれ は楽しかったね。 自家栽培野菜を使った、心をこめた手作 り料理でおもてなし。 農業は昔からやっていて、 その当時、冬 はスキーのお客さんは来るけど、泊まる ところがあまりなかったので、民宿のよ うなこともやっていましたね。 それが今 のロッジの始まりですね。料理作りは手 間を惜しまないのがわが家のスタイル です。 アットホームな雰囲気でやさしい 美味しさをどうぞ。

LOCAL WORD

EVERYTHING IN NISEKO CHANGES SO FAST, BUT THE MOUNTAIN STAYS THE SAME PHOTO / SKIJAPAN.COM PHOTOGRAPHY | JUAN AIZPUREZ

MASAYUKI SAKAI / AGE 81 OWNER OF IZAKAYA SAKAI

54 years ago, Sakai-san began his journey in food and hospitality as an 阪井 正行（さかい まさゆき）さん Itamae (Japanese chef) right here in Hirafu. At the age of 29 he met the love 日高の三石町字歌笛出身。54年前に板 of his life and before long they decided to open Sakae Ryokan together. 前としてヒラフにあった宿で働き始め、 This Japanese style accommodation was a great addition to the village as 奥様と知り合あい結婚、その後二人で「 Hirafu was the host of the National Athletic Championships at the time, 旅館さかえ」を始める。現在は「居酒屋 and the town had previously struggled to cope with the influx of guests to さかえ」を経営している。 the region. 「旅館さかえ」 を約40年ほど、経営して Now operating Izakaya Sakae, Sakai-san’s nostalgic Japanese home-style いましたーと語り始める坂井さん。 dishes have filled bellies in the area for over 50 years. Looking back on 国体があり、宿泊施設が足りなく、町か his time serving customers in Hirafu there have been ups and downs but ら依頼されて、旅館を始めました。やは they have relished the opportunity to grow and prosper together. Sakai-san り旅館は好きです。大変だったけど、色 smiles as he retells fond memories of skiing his favourite runs, and sharing 々な変化があって、仕事としてもどんど a beer and chatting with guests at their Ryokan during the evenings over ん大きくなりましたからね。今の居酒 屋は場所が中心から少し離れているの the years.

These days, the sheer number of tourists visiting Niseko during winter で、お客様に不便をかけているので心 has been mind blowing, and Sakai-san advises that from the moment you 苦しいですね。 arrive in Niseko, even though you might fantasize about climbing and skiing 「居酒屋さかえ」のおすすめメニューは Mt. Yotei, being safe comes first! Make sure that you do your homework, 何ですか？ check the weather, use a guide and take all of the precautions to do it safely. 天ぷらや、鍋は人気があります。出来る Be sure to visit Sakai-san and his wife at Izakaya Sakai to try some heart- だけ地元でとれるものを料理するよう にしています。昔ながらの田舎の味を大 warming seafood nabe and assorted tempura. 切にしています。

第2の故郷とも言えるニセコ。 ニセコの人

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々に触れ、たくさん思い出もあるのでは ないでしょうか？ スキーをしていたころは本当に楽しか った。夜にはお客さんとスキーの話を するのも楽しかったですよ。お客さんと 接するのが楽しかったでね。 お客さんが来ないときもあったけど、い くつかの波のある中で、外国からのお 客さんが、急に増えたりで、変化に富ん でいましたね。 お二人にとって、 「ニセコの良さ」 とは何 ですか？ 妻）今の店の周りは自然がいっぱいで、 すごくきれいで、幸せです。 夫）色々な変化があるが、山はずっと変 わらないです。やはり新雪が楽しいです し、雪がたくさん降るのもいいですね。 とにかく安全に楽しんでもらいたいで す。ニセコは大体どこに行っても楽しい ですが、少し離れると危ない所もある ので、危険な所に行ってもらいたくない し、ケガをした人も見てきたので、安全 が一番で楽しんでもらいたいですね。

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LOCAL WORD

NISEKO IS FULL WITH HIDDEN TREASURES TALK TO THE LOCALS TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT

PHOTO / SKIJAPAN.COM PHOTOGRAPHY | JUAN AIZPUREZ

JUNKO WATANABE OWNER OF GRAUBÜNDEN CAFE

Watanabe-san was raised in Niseko, calling the powder jewel of Japan 渡辺 淳子（わたなべ じゅんこ）さん home for over 50 years. Her younger days were spent in the mountains - 北海道・ニセコで育つ。1990年におやつ she loved waking up extra early to enjoy skiing fresh lines before the other とサンドイッチのお店「グラウビュンデ locals and tourists. ン」をオープン。ボリュームたっぷりのサ Watanabe-san has watched with interest as Niseko has developed over the ンドイッチとケーキが観光客からも、ロ years, from the smaller beginnings of her childhood days to the sprawling ーカルからも愛されている。 international resort it has become. Along the way, she opened Graubünden 「グラウビュンデン」開店から20年以上 Cafe, wanting a homely little place where she could offer a relaxing cup of を経た今も1年を通してにぎわっている。 coffee to visitors. For almost 30 years Graubünden - which shares it’s name with the region of Switzerland where sister City St. Moritz is located - has 「グラウビュンデン」をオープンしたきっ provided locals with warm brews, tasty sandwiches, and delicious home- かけは何ですか？ そのころは、 スキーヤーがゆったりと made cakes. おしゃべりが出来る、居心地の良い場 Watanabe-san takes great joy in seeing customers enjoy her baked goods 所をが無かったので自分でお店を始 - a smiling face is infectious and it’s hard not to smile when you’re enjoying めました。 great food and a great atmosphere! って、笑顔を見せて Her advice to visitors; “Ask the locals!” There are hundreds of hidden みんなが「美味しい」 gems in Niseko that no travel guide or brochure can teach you. The locals くれることがうれしかったです。ケーキ の向こう側には“お客さんの笑顔がある“ are a wealth of knowledge. と思ってケーキを作っています。みんな Graubünden is located in Izumikyo 2 - drop by and say hello, and be sure をもっとハッピーにしたいから、一生懸 to consider it for all of your cake needs in Niseko! 命作るんだよね。おいしかったよって笑 顔で言ってくれると自分もハッピーにな れちゃうんだよね 。

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生粋のニセコ・ローカルだからこそ言え る、ニセコの魅力は？ 四季をはっきり感じること、素晴らしい 自然があって、おいしい食材があるとこ ろ。あと冬になると、外国人がいっぱい で賑わっていること！気が付いたら、国 際的な観光地になっていました。昔は 今ほどスキーヤーもいなかったので、朝 いちばんで、誰もいないゲレンデで、パ ウダーを楽しんでから、仕事を始められ て最高に気持ちよかったよ。 ここはおもちゃ箱をひっくり返したよう なところだから、探すと、すごく面白いこ とがたくさんあります。ニセコの魅力は 人だったりもするから、探せば探すほど 素敵な物、人、出来事が見つかるはず。 楽しんでください。

LOCAL LOCAL WORD WORD

HOKKAIDO’S REPUTATION FOR THE BEST QUALITY FOOD IN JAPAN IS WELL DESERVED!

PHOTO / SKIJAPAN.COM PHOTOGRAPHY | JUAN AIZPUREZ

MAMORU TAKAHASHI / AGE 65 OWNER OF TAKAHASHI FARM & MILK KOBO

As a young boy growing up on his parents’ farm, Takahashi-san’s passion for the dairy industry was slim; doing farm yard chores was far from his childhood idea of fun and he’d routinely find ways to get out of daily duties.

His perspective totally changed when his parents’ farm was first nominated for, and won, the Zenkyo Award (“All Japan Wagyu Show” recognising the best cows in the nation); the recognition of their hard work sparked a new interest in farming and he now operates the sprawling Takahashi Farm, complete with hundreds of it’s very own trophies and home to a variety of shops selling cakes, ice cream, yoghurt and other dairy treats made with fresh milk from cows raised on site.

Farming in Japan can be challenging: even with the experience of growing up feeding and milking cows, milk prices have been at record high prices in the past which leads to a lot of economic pressure for farm owners.

Takahashi-san made the decision to open Milk Kobo about 20 years ago the first of his on-site stores - to sell ice-cream, yoghurt, and the now-famous Milk Kobo Shu Cream (Japanese Cream Puffs). Over the years Milk Kobo has evolved into an area to not only enjoy hokkaido dairy products, but also a cafe, yoghurt workshop, outdoor apparel store, art studio, gift shop, and most recently a brand new pizzeria using their very own local cheese.

Takahashi-san has been a significant influence on the evolution of Niseko over the years, as the local council chairman, and attracting thousands of visitors to his farm to sample some of the best locally produced items Hokkaido has on offer.

高橋 守（たかはし まもる） さん 1952年生まれ、北海道・ニセコ出身。 「 高橋牧場」、乳製品・菓子の製造販売し ている 「ニセコミルク工房」 ファームレ ストラン「PRATIVO」を経営、牧場で作ら れた牛乳や地元野菜を使ったブッフェ レストランが今、大注目を受けていま す。1年前には、 自家製チーズを使用し たピザレストラン「アンドリアーノ」をオ ープンし、ニセコ町の町議会議長も務 めている。 高校三年の頃に、共進会で「優勝盾」 を 取ったことから酪農に目覚めたという高 橋さん。酪農業から飲食店「ニセコミル ク工房」のオープンまで、 その経緯を詳し く聞いてみました。 農家で育ったのですが、農業には興味 があまりなく、子供の頃は家業を手伝っ た記憶はありませんでした。高校三年 的の時に、 「共進会」の手伝いをして、優 勝したのがきっかけで、農業を始めまし た。今ではトロフィーが1,000本ぐらいは あると思います。いつもお客様の笑顔 に力をもらっています。

単ではなく、牛乳の値段も安定せず、大 変でした。洋菓子を作る事により、年間 通して、雇用も含めて仕事が安定するこ とができました。 ニセコで暮らしていて、最も楽しかった 思い出は？ 自分で牛を育てて、共進会で賞をもらっ た時が一番の感激でしたね。それがす べてのスタートにななっています。そし て仕事の岐路に立った時に、色々な人 に助けられて、成功させていもらいまし た。感謝と共に感動します。 最後に、ニセコに来る方々へ、一言メッ セージお願いします！ ニセコに来てくれた皆さんに楽しんで もらい、満足して頂きたいですね。ニセ コの良さ、農作物を含めて、ニセコの 良いもの沢山ありますので色々試して 欲しいです。 自然を楽しんでもらえる地 域だと思います。町づくりも含めて日 本人も、海外のお客さんも、 日本の文 化を基本として、色々なものを体験、経 験し楽しんでもらえるところであってほ しいです。

ミルク工房を始めたのはちょうど20年 ほど前になります。酪農経営は決して簡

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TITLE WELCOME TO NISEKO

WELCOME TO

AN INTRODUCTION TO NISEKO, JAPAN

NISEKO UNITED Niseko is an area name used to refer to Niseko Town, Kutchan Town and Rankoshi Town.

The Niseko United area is comprised of four inter-linked ski resorts; Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono, all on the one mountain: 1308 metre Mt Annupuri.

The biggest resort is Grand Hirafu. Hirafu Village is located at the foot of the resort area of Grand Hirafu and there are a variety of accommodations, restaurants and shops that form the town.

Niseko United Mountain Statistics Resorts: Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village, Niseko Grand Hirafu, & Hanazono resorts Peak altitude: 1308m Vertical distance: 1048m Longest run: 5.6km Steepest run: 35 degrees Number of courses: 72 Number of lifts: 26 Chairs, 3 Gondolas Terrain: Beginner 36%, Intermediate 38%, Advanced 26% Average total snowfall on top station for past 5 years: 17m

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PHOTO / SKIJAPAN.COM PHOTOGRAPHY | JUAN AIZPUREZ RIDER / ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

NISEKO

WELCOME TO NISEKO TITLE

Hirafu Welcome Centre The Welcome Centre is located in Hirafu’s central access area and is the place to collect Information and Brochures. Coin lockers, changing rooms and free Wi-Fi facilities are also available.

Hours: 08:30–18:00

Kutchan Station - iCentre Tourist Information Located in Kutchan Station - this is a great place to organise your next steps once arriving in Niseko. English speaking staff are available as well as free Wi-Fi. Hours: 09:00–19:00

KUTCHAN We encourage you to take a short trip out of the main parts of Niseko and Hirafu to truly experience rural Japanese culture. Kutchan is the nearest major town to the Niseko resort and Hirafu Village and has a population of around 15,000. Kutchan has a long history as a ski town and is one of the snowiest towns on earth averaging over 10 metres of snow each season. In summer, Kutchan is primarily a farming district most famous for its potatoes and potato products - particularly "gosetsu-udon"; a potato flour based noodle. The town’s mascot is a combination of these two traditions; a skiing potato named Jagata-kun which translates as "Potato boy".

TRANSPORT Grand Shuttle Bus Free shuttle buses run throughout Hirafu Village every 20 minutes from 08:30. Buses finish at 22:30 during peak season (Dec 13th - Mar 22nd), and at 16:30 during shoulder periods (Dec 6th - 12th & Mar 23rd - Apr 6th).

Hanazono Shuttle Bus Runs from Hirafu Village to Hanazono every 30 minutes for free from 07:50 to 17:10.

Niseko United Shuttle

INFORMATION CENTRES SkiJapan.com Tour & Info Desk SkiJapan.com can book all of your tours, trips, activities and transfers.

Speak to our friendly Service Staff at the SkiJapan.com office or Alpen Ridge.

Hours: 08:00–20:00 (Dec–Mar)

Explore Niseko Explore Niseko provides information, activity and transfer bookings plus bus and taxi services. It is located next to Seicomart.

Hours: 09:00–20:00

The Niseko United Shuttle connects Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri resorts, some onsens and Kutchan Town. Holders of the Niseko All-Mountain Pass can board the bus for free (using this method will activate new lift passes so it's best to use only on the same day you intend to ski). The bus service is also available at the regular fare for those who do not have a pass. The regular one way fare from Hirafu Welcome Centre to Kutchan Station is ¥390.

See pages 98 & 99 for timetables.

Taxi Niseko INT Transport Taxi, Sprint Taxi & Hachiriki Taxi are the local taxi services. The average one-way fare between Hirafu and Kutchan is ¥2,500. Book a taxi at least 30 minutes prior to the time you wish to depart. Unless you speak a little Japanese you may need to ask your accommodation provider for assistance with your booking. If you are staying with SkiJapan.com, please contact their friendly staff to make a booking for you.

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TITLE WELCOME TO NISEKO

Seven Bank International ATM Located: Niseko Supermarket & Deli in Shiki, Lucky Supermarket, Lawson and 7-11 in Kutchan Town and Niseko Town Accepts: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, China UnionPay, Discover, Diners Club Hours: 08:00–20:00 (Niseko Supermarket & Deli) 09:30–21:00 (Lucky Supermarket) 24 hrs (Lawson)

The Hokkaido Bank International ATM Machine: Aya Niseko building Open: 08:00–21:00

Kutchan Post Office Accepts: VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China UnionPay, DISCOVER Hours: 08:45–19:00 (Mon – Fri)

INTERNET & MOBILE PHONES

09:00–17:00 (Sat/Sun/public holidays)

Free Wi-Fi

Travellers Cheques

A majority of accommodations and cafes in Hirafu offer free Wi-Fi. A Hotspot is also available at the Hirafu Welcome Centre.

Not accepted by most shops and restaurants. Can be exchanged at the Hokuyo Bank and Post Office in Kutchan.

Mobile Phone - Roaming

Foreign Exchange

If you have a 3G or 4G mobile phone that is enabled for International Roaming then you should be able to use it here in Japan. Just go into your network settings and select from NTT Docomo, KDDI AU, or Softbank.

Some phones may automatically select a network, however your home provider may charge high rates for this service.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the HTM office in Yama Shizen East, at the Hokkaido Bank machine located in Seicomart, at iGATE Niseko in Hirafu188, and Hokuyo Bank, Post Office, and Supermarket Lucky in Kutchan Town.

Mobile Phone - Rental SIM and MiFi If you're visiting Japan and would like to avoid high roaming data charges you can rent or buy a Japanese SIM or portable Mi-Fi device.

CDJapan offer SIM cards online which can be delivered to a hotel, residence or sent to the airport post office for you to collect upon arrival.

Contact (rental.cdjapan.co.jp) for more information.

SHOPPING

MONEY Cash & Credit Cards While the use of credit cards is increasing throughout Japan, cash is still the preferred method of payment at most shops and restaurants, even in Niseko.

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There are no large supermarkets in Hirafu, though you can get some handy essentials including imported brands and some fresh vegetables at the Gorilla Supermarket & Deli in Shiki, Sapporo Drug Store in Hirafu 188. The nearby Seicomart and Lawsons convenience stores also offer basics as well as hot-meals to go. Kutchan has three major supermarkets – CO-OP, MaxValu and Supermarket Lucky. Produce is also available at the Yukidaruma Market in Homac.

LUCKY – Supermarket Lucky is on the bus route between Kutchan and Hirafu. They have fresh seafood that has been delivered directly from Iwanai and Otaru fishing ports, a wide range of international wines as well as a bakery, clothing store and ¥100 shop in the same building. There

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WELCOME TO NISEKO TITLE

is an International ATM and a service counter for currency exchange, international bank transfers and assistance for the consumption tax exemption. SkiJapan.com Guest Privilege card accepted here.

MaxValu – Located along the bus route a short way from the centre of town. Similar to CO-OP you can get all the regular shopping supplies.

They also have a bakery and amusement corner. Right next door you’ll find a Tsuruha Drugstore and ¥100 shop Daiso. Just up the road is Homac, a large hardware store.

CO-OP – Probably the most convenient given its location next to the train station and the bus stop. Here you’ll be able to purchase all kinds of fresh vegetables, meat and alcohol etc. There’s also a drug store, a clothing shop, a book store and a bakery in the same building. It’s a great place to pick up some great costumes and clothing. SkiJapan.com Guest Privilege card accepted here.

Gorilla – This store sells a variety of western imported products as well as a wide selection of local products at reasonable prices. If you are looking for familiar brands then be sure to look here when you are in Hirafu.

K’s Denki – The largest electrical goods store in Kutchan; supplying everything from digital cameras to washing machines, it is definitely worth a visit.

Can-do – ¥100 shop located in Lucky Supermarket, probably the cheapest store you can find in Kutchan, providing quality, variety and uniqueness, all for only ¥100; what a bargain! This shop offers a little bit of everything at great value.

CHILD CARE Whether you want to enjoy riding fresh powder, a romantic dinner or just want to relax, child-care services are always available. Niseko Happy Kids, Niseko Babysitters, Kids Club in AYA and Win D'ol provide babysitting services. If you are staying with SkiJapan.com, you will receive a 10% discount with these companies. Day care services are also available at Hotel Niseko Alpen.

RUBBISH Due to the lack of space for landfills, Japan was one of the first countries in the world to adopt a program for sorting and recycling rubbish. Most accommodations in Niseko will have several bins available to guests, each labeled with the type of garbage for that bin. Please assist your hosts by sorting your garbage correctly.

You may have noticed that there are no bins on the streets in Niseko and Kutchan. This is common throughout Japan. Please carry any rubbish with you and dispose of it at your accommodation or in the bins you may find in front of convenience stores, the Welcome Centre or in the rest centres on the mountain.

LUGGAGE DELIVERY SERVICE With Blackcat’s “Takkyubin” service, your luggage can be delivered in advance between the airport (Tokyo, Kansai and New Chitose) and your accommodation in Niseko. It usually takes 2 to 3 days to have your luggage delivered to the destination and the fee per item is around ¥2,500 to ¥3,500.

If you are staying with SkiJapan.com, please contact their staff for details.

POWER Japanese electrical goods run at 110V. Plugs in Japan consist of two prongs with no earth. If you come from a country that uses 240V your appliances may not work in Japan unless they contain a switching power supply, usually indicated on the label by the text “110V - 240V”.

If you don’t have a plug adapter you can purchase a handy universal adaptor from SkiJapan.com’s main office, NBS or the Alpen Ridge front desk.

LAWS Please respect the local laws.

The legal age for drinking and smoking in Japan is 20 years old. Japanese law has a zero tolerance for possession and sales of illegal drugs.

Unlike Australia and some other countries, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The effective blood alcohol limit is 0.

MEDICAL SERVICES Niseko International Clinic located at Yamada Intersection will provide urgent and primary care services to adults and children in English.

Operating times are 09:00-17:00 daily from Dec 11 -Mar 31.

The regional hospital located in Kutchan is the Kosei General Hospital.

During winter, English translation services are available, however there may be additional waiting times. The hospital clinic hours are 08:00 to 16:00 on weekdays. In an emergency you can call 0136 22 1141.

However, after clinic hours, the hospital only accepts emergency patients carried by an ambulance. Please only use the hospital after hours if it’s a genuine emergency or illness.

Basic medicines for headaches, pain relief, cold/flu and muscle pain can be purchased at the Tsuruha Drug store in Kutchan, next to MaxValu as well as Sapporo Drug Store in Hirafu 188 in Hirafu Village.

Use of foreign-made UHB CB radios is prohibited as they can interfere with emergency transmissions and digital TV signals.

POLICE BOX The police box “Koban” is located opposite the Rythm store in Hirafu village, right next to the Firetruck garage, and is always in operation during winter. Visit the Koban whenever you need police help with reporting a loss, theft, or other crime. If you have had something stolen, you need to fill out a few report forms and go to the police station and cite verification. There is a possibility that it may take more than one day to process your police report. We recommend you submit your report form to the police station as quickly as possible. Tel: 0136-55-8350

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TITLE WELCOME TO NISEKO

LESSONS & RENTAL

SKI CAMPS & PROGRAMS

So you’ve arrived in Niseko and there’s all this snow and you can’t wait to ride it! Just one problem; you’re not quite sure how to do that.

One of Niseko’s most wide-spread ski school and rental centers is Niseko Base Snowsports with offices in 4 convenient locations: at the base of the Ace Family Run, Snow Crystal building, inside Shiki, and a new Uptown location on Hirafu Zaka St - perfect for anyone walking to and from the Ace Quad chairlift.

There you can find lessons, equipment rentals and retail options to suit any age and skill level.

Adults Adult group lessons are capped at 6 students to offer you the most opportunity to gain some valuable skiing/riding tips in a relaxed and intimate lesson environment. Students are grouped with others of similar ability and spend either the morning or the full day working together to improve technique and explore the mountain.

Private lessons are the ultimate, personalized instruction/guiding experience for all ages and abilities. Ski the terrain you want, with an instructor of your choice, focusing on the technique you wish to improve, at your own pace!

SkiJapan Junior Training Academy Now entering its 5th year of operation the purpose of these camps is to prepare aspiring junior skiers/boarders aged 7-18 years for success at Interschools & SSA competitions.

SJTA organise structured 4, 5 & 6 day camps that run from December to April. Each camp is run by the professional instructors and is designed to encompass all aspects of ski and snowboard competition.

More at www.SJTA.net

HIT CAMP Hokkaido Instructor Training is a camp for those wanting to gain the professional qualifications required to become snowsports intructors.

Their fully certified trainers/examiners will provide the training needed to be successful in the level 1 & 2 NZSIA/SBINZ instructor exams whilst ensuring you have the most incredible experiences along the way.

More at www.nisekobase.com/lessons/hokkaido-instructor-training

Kids Club For parents who would like to know their kids are in good hands and having a great time, NBS offers morning and all-day children’s programs for kids aged between 3 and 14 years. Groups are divided by age and the programs are tailored to suit children that are experiencing ski/ snowboarding for the first time as well as those who have been shredding it up since they started walking. It’s all about fun and safety on the slopes for these energetic groups.

Specialist Lessons For those seeking a more specialised experience, NBS offers a number of unique programs to cater to the tastes of higher level riders.

Powder Project caters to strong adult skiers who would like to explore the local powder stashes with a qualified coach.

Women’s Workshop is great for up to 5 like-minded women to explore the mountain with guidance and coaching from a qualified female instructor.

Junior Mountain Riders is a fast paced program for 7-17 year olds who are done with ‘ski school’. Ride the mountain, discover the local stashes and get some tips along the way!

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PLATINUM PRO Enjoy return transport to and from the lavish champagne powder fields of Niseko and surrounding resorts with an exlusive PlatinumPRO. PlatinumPRO services are absolute indulgence on the snow with the very best instructors/guides to take care of your every need.

More at www.PlatinumProExperience.com

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TITLE WELCOME TO NISEKO

HIRAFU VILLAGE RULES & TIPS

SAFETY

When staying in the Hirafu area there are a number of local rules to be aware of, as well as tips to help keep you and your possessions safe.

Please take the time to go through these points and raise awareness of safety, security and consideration.

Accidents during winter don’t just occur on the mountain. In winter the footpaths and roads are covered in ice and snow making the ground very slippery. Running, especially when crossing roads, is not advisable.

1.

Restaurants and bars are permitted to operate until 2am.

2.

Fireworks are not permitted after 9pm. Skyrockets are prohibited at all times.

3.

Please follow local noise and vibration control laws - be aware of the hour and respect your neighbours.

4.

Skiing and snowboarding on the roads is strictly prohibited.

This is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death as there is large snow clearing machinery in operation throughout the day.

5.

Please avoid drinking in the streets. Rowdy behavior in public is considered rude.

6.

Don't litter - please respect the country and use a bin for any rubbish. Littering during winter results in time consuming community cleaning efforts when the snow melts during the warmer months.

7.

Drink responsibly - if a friend has had too much to drink please escort them home ensuring they arrive safely. It's very easy to become disoriented in Niseko - especially during poor weather - and hypothermia is a very real danger if you are intoxicated and lost.

9.

8.

There is a lot of snow on the roofs of buildings. There are also many icicles suspended from the eaves of buildings. Please do not stand or walk near the edge of buildings as this ice and snow may fall on you.

When out and about for a few drinks at night it is highly recommended to take a friend or at least make sure you let your group know where you’re going. Always stick to the main roads. Snow drifts can be quite deep in certain areas and if you were to slip into one you may be unable to get out without assistance.

Please be safe and use common sense - on and off the mountain.

SERVICE

LOCATION

SKIJAPAN.COM SERVICE DESK

HIRAFU

PHONE 0136 22 4611

Ambulance

KUTCHAN

Respect the local accommodations, restaurants and bars - vandalism and theft will result in police intervention.

Fire Brigade

KUTCHAN

119

Police Station

HIRAFU/KUTCHAN

110

Please don't make yellow snow!

Annupuri Ski Fields

Annupuri

0136 58 2080

Bigruns (Niseko ground services)

NISEKO

0136 55 7007

Donan Bus Company

KUTCHAN

0136 22 1558

Gorilla Supermarket & Deli

HIRAFU

0136 55 8235

Grand Hirafu Resort

HIRAFU

0136 22 0109

Hokkaido Resort Liner

HIRAFU

011 200 0506

Hokuyo Bank - Kutchan Branch

KUTCHAN

0136 22 0181

Homac

Kutchan

0136 23 1496

iCentre - Kutchan Station

KUTCHAN

0136 22 3344

Ito Dental Clinic

KUTCHAN

0136 22 1595

Japan Post - Kutchan branch

KUTCHAN

0136 22 1302

JR Train Information Centre

SAPPORO

011 222 7111

Kosei General Hospital

KUTCHAN

0136 22 1141

Kutchan Azuma Eye Clinic

KUTCHAN

0136 23 1146

Kutchan Town office

KUTCHAN

0136 22 1121

Lost and Found Police Station

HIRAFU

0136 22 0110

NISEKO MOUNTAIN RESORT RULES The Niseko Rules are the official rules for the area created to ensure the safety of those skiing outside the controlled ski areas and all users of the ski resort. Please respect the Niseko Rules to ensure off-piste freedom and safety. Daily avalanche information is available at lift ticket counters, lift stations and at http://niseko.nadare.info

119

Nakagawa Dental Clinic

KUTCHAN

0136 23 2200

Niseko Auto 4WD Rental & Sales

NISEKO

0136 55 5991

Niseko Clinic

NISEKO TOWN

0136 44 2201 0136 21 5454

1.

"Haru no taki" & "Yu no sawa" areas are strictly off limits at all times. Please refer to resort map on page 80 & 81

Niseko International Clinic

HIRAFU

2.

Access to areas outside of the boundary ropes is only permitted through designated gates. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited.

Niseko Dental Clinic

NISEKO TOWN

0136 43 2225

Niseko Physio

HIRAFU

0136 22 0399

Niseko Village

NISEKO VILLAGE

0136 44 2211

3.

There is no safety control & no patrol beyond resort boundaries.

Police and Safety Centre

HIRAFU

0136 22 0110

Access gates are closed during hazardous conditions - out-ofbounds skiing is strictly prohibited while gates are closed.

Shiribeshi Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic

KUTCHAN

0136 21 3387

Ski Patrol

HIRAFU / HANAZONO

0136 22 2167

Sprint Taxi & Hire

KUTCHAN

0136 55 5400

Toyota rent a car

HIRAFU/KUTCHAN

0136 21 2005

Tsuruha Drug Store

KUTCHAN

0136 21 2501

Ueda Orthopedic Hospital

KUTCHAN

0136 22 1386

4.

5.

The "Niseko Avalanche Information” is the official daily info of the Niseko Rules.

6.

Charges will be applied for out of bounds search and rescue.

7.

Ski Patrol's instructions must be obeyed.

Visa & Immigration service

SAPPORO

011 261 7502

8.

The resorts and the local community respect the freedom of all resort users, but are also deeply concerned about their safety please respect the Niseko Rules.

Western Union

KUTCHAN - LUCKY

0136 21 3677

White Liner

HIRAFU

011 624 8822

Yamada Denki - Electronic store

KUTCHAN

0136 55 5700

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TITLE

Embrace the thrill of tandem skydiving with an experienced skydive instructor. From an altitude of ,3500m you will freefall for 50 seconds before the parachute opens and you float to the ground while enjoying an amazing panorama of Yoichi Port in Hokkaido.

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TOURS & ACTIVITIES Whether it’s a day out in the elements accessing the best lines on an untouched mountain via snow cat or a break from the powder to enjoy some local crafts and traditions, we’ve got it all! Niseko offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor tour options both locally and nearby in Otaru and Sapporo. Get a real taste of the fun offered in the region by ticking a few of these top experiences off the list!

Cross Country Skiing Try something different and clip into some X-country skies for a scenic trip through Niseko’s nature trails fully guided and accompanied by a local Japanese international X-country skier.

90 mins

Niseko Photography & Guiding - Cat Skiing

Rusutsu Private Transfer Package

You will be accompanied by a professional photographer / guide who will be there to capture every moment. Backcountry cat skiing accesses some of Niseko’s most exciting terrain and you don’t have to share it with anyone.

Only 45min from Niseko, you will find yourself in powder paradise. A quiet resort with less crowds and fresh tracks usually enjoyed all day long. Rusutsu has immaculately groomed runs and incredible tree skiing.

Depart Hirafu 08:30 - return 16:00

Door to door transport

¥10,000 Adult ¥5,000 Child ¥2,500 Cross Country Gear ¥7,000p/p 3+ Adults ¥5,000p/p 4+ Adults

Door to door service Cat skiing Back country safety gear Qualified guide and photographer Lunch

¥54,000 per person

07:30-17:00 Minimum 4 adults Door to door service Private taxi service Ski lift ticket (¥500 deposit included in price)

¥13,500 Adult ¥5,600 Child

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TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Snowmobile Assisted Back Country Guiding For the more experienced skier or snowboarder, snowmobile assisted back country is a great alternative to cat skiing. Take a tour out into nearby state forest, where you will be towed up trails to some excellent powder bowls. Ski or board down with your guide whilst the snowmobile driver takes video and photos of your group’s turns.

Mon, Wed, Fri 08:30-15:00 Includes 5 hours riding time

Average run 6-9 times (dependent on availability) • Insurance included • Door to door service • Safety gear available for rent ¥3,000 • Pre-booking necessary • On site Payment in cash.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Snowshoe & Night Snowshoe Tours with NAC A snowshoe trip is an easy and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors in the snow. For night snowshoeing, you will experience walking through tranquil forests under the stars followed by dinner at JoJo’s restaurant.

09:00–12:00,13:30–16:00,17:00–20:30

Door to door service • Snowshoes • Rubber boots recommended • Insurance • Dinner (night tour only)

Supernatural Niseko Supernatural Niseko offers snowmobile assisted backcountry tours to some of the Niseko region’s best powder fields. You will be guided to untracked backcountry zones where you can ride from top to bottom in blissful solitude.

Riding on snowmobiles we guarantee you at least 5 powder runs or more depending on your skills.

From 08:30 5 runs guaranteed Door to door pickup service Basic insurance

Day Snowshoe ¥24,000 up to 6 people / ¥5,000 per child / ¥7,000 up to 3 people

5 hours ¥40,000 Private / ¥35,000 p/p in group

Night Snowshoe ¥9,000 per adult

6 hours ¥60,000 Private / ¥55,000 p/p in group

¥32,000 per person

Private ¥30,000 up to 6 people

¥6,000 Back Country Gear

Weiss - Snowplay 250cc/499cc

Weiss Snowkite

Otaru Private Transfer Service

A fun filled adventure that allows you to experience a range of snow activities such as snowmobiling and banana boat! Perfect for families and friends who want a break from skiing but still want to enjoy the snow and outdoors.

This sport is becoming more popular and current kite technology is easier to learn than ever with proper instruction. This activity is for intermediate or advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Otaru is a prominent fishing town rich in Japanese culture. During the day you can visit the Nikka Whiskey Factory, see the historic “Herring” mansion and spend time in Otaru Sakaimachi (shopping area). This is an 8 hour private transport service to Otaru rather than a guided tour.

60 mins

Snowmobile is for ages 16+ only Snowmobile private tour is also available

60min Snowplay 250cc ¥15,000 Adult ¥14,500 Child machine (13-15 years old) ¥20,000 Tandem with child ¥22,000 Tandem with adult ¥15,000 Tandem with instructor

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1 hour for beginners lesson 2 hours for step up lesson Min 2 people, Max 3 people Training Kite (beginners lesson) Kite (step up lesson) Return transfers Helmets Insurance

¥10,800 Beginners Lesson

On request

Return transfer to Otaru Nikka Whiskey Factory (free admission) Kihinkan-Herring Mansion: (Adult: ¥1,080 Child ¥540) Free shopping time

Jumbo Taxi ¥55,000 9 people max Regular Taxi ¥42,000 4 people max

¥21,600 Step up Lesson

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TOURS & ACTIVITIES

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Niseko Gourmet Cooking Workshop Our two and a half hour cooking workshops will have you learning to prepare amazing meals. Learn everything from preparation and cooking through to plating and arranging - and of course partaking in the results!

10:30-14:00 Daily Min/Max 3/8 people

¥10,000 Cooking class ¥14,250 Includes a copy of the Harvest

During this festival the seaside town of Otaru becomes decorated with lights and small snow statues for ten days. The frozen town is a beautiful sight awash with the glittering of thousands of candles. Running since 1999, locals want people visiting this festival to relax and unwind and they hope this festival will continue as a spiritual event. Otaru Snow Light Path remains as it has been since its inception as a fun and enjoyable free from commercial interference.

14th Feb. 14:30-22:00

Return coach transport between Hirafu and Otaru Information kit

Sandblast Glass Art Experience Sandblasting is a unique method of carving images on a glass surface by blasting it with sand, which wears away the glass around your choice of stencil. In addition to creating your own work of art, you can also see the many beautiful items on display in our gallery. Take time off the mountain and make your own piece of art. This activity allows you to choose your favourite designs, etch your own pattern, then sandblast your glass and take it home.

A truly unique experience.

2–3 hrs, between 09:00-17:00

Niseko cookbook.

¥6,000 Adult ¥5,000 Child (under 12 years old)

¥3,500-¥5,000 (depending on selected glass)

Sapporo Private Transfer

Sapporo Snow Festival

Soba Noodle Making

This event is held in Sapporo from the 5th until the 12th of Feb 2018. Snow is used to create sculptures ranging from re-creations of famous buildings through to intricate ice figures.

SkiJapan.com will be running day tours twice during the festival so don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy this magical event.

Soba is the Japanese name for a thin noodle made from buckwheat flour. In Japan, soba noodles are served in a variety of situations; they are a popular, inexpensive fast food and are also served at specialty restaurants.

This is for guests who are not interested in snow activities but have come along on a holiday to Niseko. This is a one day trip to Sapporo, which is the 5th biggest city in Japan. You can enjoy the large shopping area located right outside the Sapporo train station while your family or friends are playing in the snow back in Niseko.

We will organize a private taxi to take you to all the great places for shopping, great restaurants and cafes.

08:00-18:00

10 hours return transfer to Sapporo

Jumbo Taxi ¥55,000 9 people max Small Taxi ¥42,000 3 people max

Mon 5th & Sun 12th Feb 2017 12:45-22:00

Return coach transport between Hirafu and Sapporo SJ attendant staff Information kit

10:00–12:00, 14:00–16:00 Transfer service included (pending availability) Jam making and Glass Ritzen classes also available

¥4,320 p/p (2-3 people) ¥3,780 p/p (4 people or more)

¥7,000 Adult ¥6,000 Child (5-11 years old)

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TITLEGUIDE ONSEN

Rest, Relax Rejuvenate Immersing yourself in an onsen (Japanese hot spring) is an experience not to be missed whilst travelling in Japan.

Naturally occurring volcanic hot water springs are a source of welcome relief from tired muscles and joints after a long day on the mountain. But what you perhaps didn’t know is that not every onsen is the same; the water used in an onsen can have a wide variety of mineral compositions based on its location and path of the water.

The Japanese categorise the types of onsen and associate different health benefits with different types of water.

YUKORO

G UEST

PRIVIL EGE

CARD

HIRAFUTEI

GUE ST

ゲ ストカ ー ド

PRIVILE GE

NISEKO GRAND HOTEL

CARD

GUEST

ゲ ストカ ー ド

Conveniently located in lower Hirafu Village, Yukoro is popular among locals. You can find your way to Yukoro by the smell of chloride salts emanating from this outdoor onsen.

PRIVILEGE

CARD

ゲ ストカ ー ド

Located in one of the most popular hotels in Hirafu, the onsen at Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei is perfectly situated with Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annupuri views.

Set in a beautiful, natural outdoor and indoor setting, this is one of the few onsens where one can experience mixed bathing within the Niseko area.

17:00–22:30

07:00am–10:30, 13:00–22:00

11:30am–22:00pm (last entry 21:00)

¥600 Adult, ¥380 Child (age 4–12) ¥100 Face Towel rental, ¥200 Bath Towel rental.

¥1,000 Adult, ¥600 Child (age 4–12) ¥200 Bath Towel rental, ¥200 Face Towel purchase.

¥900 Adult, ¥450 Child (age 6–12) ¥100 Face Towel rental, ¥150 Bath Towel rental, ¥100 Modesty Dress rental.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, men & women separate.

Indoor/outdoor onsen & sauna, men & women separate.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, mixed & separate baths available.

0136 23 0205

0136-23-2239

0136 58 2121

KIRA NO YU

G UEST

PRIVIL EGE

CARD

ゲ ストカ ー ド

A great place to unwind in a handy location in front of the JR Niseko Railway Station. Private family bathing area available.

10:00-21:30 (last entry 21:00)

IKOI NO YUYADO IROHA

GUE ST

PRIVILE GE

MAKKARI ONSEN

CARD

GUEST

ゲ ストカ ー ド

PRIVILEGE

CARD

ゲ ストカ ー ド

The onsen is located at the base of Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort. Metasilicate contained in the hot spring water is believed to be effective at making skin smooth and beautiful.

With magnificent views of Mt. Yotei and located only metres away from a Michelin Star rated restaurant, this is definitely a diamond bathing experience.

¥500 Adult ¥250 Child (age 4–12) Private onsen ¥1000/hr + entry fee ¥300 Bath & Face Towel rental

12:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00)

10:30-21:00 (last entry 20:30)

¥800 Adult, ¥400 Child (age 6–12) ¥310 Bath & Face Towel rental.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, private onsen.

Indoor/outdoor onsen & sauna, men & women separate.

¥500 Adult ¥200 Child (age 4–12) ¥600 Bath Towel purchase, ¥220 Face Towel purchase.

0136 44 1100

0136-58-3111 (call before arrival please)

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Indoor/outdoor onsen.

0136 45 2717

TITLE ONSEN GUIDE Don’t forget your

GUEST PRIVILEGE CARD

ST GUE

EGE VIL PRI ー ド

Locations featuring this icon will offer a discount on entry.

Contact SkiJapan.com for details and enquiries.

D CAR

ト カ ゲ ス

Tattoos are still considered taboo throughout Japan.

You may be denied entry if your tattoo is visible.

Coin lockers are usually provided for valuables.

Although beer is permitted in some onsens they are a place for relaxation and noisy behaviour is considered rude.

Bathing suits are not permitted. Some onsens provide a modesty dress for mixed bathing areas.

ONSEN MINERAL COMPISITION GUIDE

Most onsens provide towel rental or purchase - bring your own to save money.

Sodium Bicarbonate Saline - for beautifying the skin Chloride - retains body heat

Wash hair and body thoroughly in the showers provided before entering the onsen pools.

Sulphate - for cuts & bruises Ferruginous - for recovering iron levels

Look for the appropriate changing room.

Blue flag = Men. Red flag = Women

Sulphur - for high blood pressure & joint pain Acidic Antibacterial - not recommended for people with skin sensitivities

Respect other bather’s space and avoid staring.

Carbon Dioxide - for high blood pressure and rheumatism

HILTON NISEKO VILLAGE

GUEST

PRIVIL EGE

YUKI CHICHIBU

YUGOKORO-TEI

CARD

ゲ ストカ ー ド

A 15-minute drive from Hirafu village, the onsen at Hilton Niseko Village has a spacious outdoor bath with old-fashioned stone construction.

You can see Mt. Yotei across a pond filled with Japanese carp.

13:00–21:00 ¥1,000 Adult, ¥500 Child (age 6–12) ¥300 Face & Bath Towel rental.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, men & women separate.

This historical outdoor onsen offers a total of 8 different onsen baths including the women-only mud onsen - a must-try!

10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30) ¥500 Adult, ¥300 Child (age 6–12) ¥300 Bath Towel rental, ¥200 Face Towel purchase.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, men & women separate. Ladies mud bath.

0136 58 2328

0136 44-1111

KANRONOMORI

Located on the edge of the National park, you will feel at one with nature. Kanronomori is the only hotel in the district that offers a private onsen for hire.

GOSHIKI ONSEN

¥800 Adult, ¥700 Child (age 13–15), ¥500 Child (6–12 years). ¥250 Face & Bath Towel rental.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, free massage chairs & bed, men & women separate.

KOIKAWA ONSEN

The baths here are made out of beautiful larch wood and use natural water fresh from Mt. Iwanopuri. This popular hot spring sees guests returning time and time again.

10:00–19:00 (last entry 20:00)

¥800 Adult, ¥300 Child (age 6–12), ¥3,000 50mins Private Indoor onsen, ¥200 Face & Bath Towel rental.

¥700 Adult, ¥500 Child (age 5–12) ¥300 Face Towel, ¥600 Bath Towel.

0136-58-3800

6:00–23:00

0136-58-2500

11:00am–22:00 (last entry 21:00)

Indoor/outdoor onsen & sauna, men & women separate.

Using only natural, unadulterated spring water, Yugokoro-tei provide a large, deep outdoor onsen bath as well as free massage chair service in the relaxation area.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, men & women separate.

0136 58 2707

With over 115 years of history, this is said to be one of the most eminent hot springs in the Hokkaido prefecture. Enjoy an old Japanese tradition amidst natural surrounds.

10:30–20:00, closed for cleaning ocassionally ¥600 Adult, ¥300 Child (age 4–12), ¥100 (age 3 years and under), ¥200 Face Towel rental, ¥300 Bath Towel rental.

Indoor/outdoor onsen, men & women separate.

0136-58-2111 (call before arrival please)

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NEW LOCATION: Kimobetsu Branch / Open 11:00AM - 8:00PM / Tel: 0136-55-5592

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At Taj Mahal, we uphold the highest standards by serving our customers with the best quality of ingredients.

The meat we use is strictly halal and we serve neither pork nor beef. Our delicious dishes are preservative-free and freshly made with healthy salad oil, so you can enjoy our food without any guilt.

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Premium house & land packages, delivering contemporary 3 & 4 bedroom homes as well as innovative 5 bedroom 2-key options.

P: +81 136 21 6960

E: sales@hokkaidotracks.com

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W: foxwoodniseko.com

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TITLE HIRAFU HAPPENINGS

Momiji

Oceans Bounty

Dairy Treats in Hirafu

The building formerly known as Montys has undergone a makeover; now serving Shabu Shabu, Teppan, Sashimi and a menu with plenty of izakaya favorites such as Agedashi Tofu, Sesame Chicken Wings and home-made Gyoza, Momiji is in a great location on the main street near the SkiJapan.com office, so be sure to drop by and indulge in some Japanese favourites.

Hokkaido is reknown for its fantastic seafood, and now it’s even easier to get your hands on some fresh fish. Kagra provides freshly caught seafood from the nearby coastal town of Suttsu, as well as an on-site restaurant with a delicious menu filled with Western and Japanese dishes prepared with seafood straight from the quay.

Everyone that knows anything about Niseko has heard about Milk Kobo - famed for their delicious Hokkaido dairy treats, Milk Kobo is located near Niseko Village which can prove challenging for visitors to reach during winter.

Fear not, because all of our delicious dairy needs will be fulfilled with Milk Kobo’s brand new stand located across the street from Niseko Sports, right here in Hirafu Village! Pop over and sample some of Hokkaido’s famous treats.

Hana Robatayaki

The House of Machines

New Rental & Retail Outlet

A new Robatayaki restaurant has opened its doors in Kutchan near the bank at the main intersection. Traditional robata style cooking involves slow cooking skewered fish, meat and vegetables over hot charcoal, and was popularised by Hokkaido fisherman who would cook on their boats using hot charcoal stored in stone boxes.

If you love coffee, motorcycles, and beer, The House of Machines located at Higashiyama Village is the place for you!

Niseko’s premier all-in-one Ski & Snowboard School, Kids Club, Rental & Retail centre has a brand new branch conveniently located opposite Hirafu 188. NBS Uptown – located on the first floor of the Piz Gloria building – will provide rental and retail services, as well as coffee-togo and delicious snacks for skiers and boarders heading to and from the Ace Quad Lift at .Base.

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Kagra mishmonger and restaurant can be found on route 66 on the way to Niseko village, near the 7-Eleven conbini store.

Offering sophistiacted drinks, tasty brews, merchandise, and a free-to-use workshop for any bikers passing through, The House of Machines promises to be a classy addition to the Niseko region.

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HIRAFU HAPPENINGS TITLE

Niseko International Clinic

New Lifts

Grand Hirafu Kids Park

New for 2017-18, Niseko International Clinic is located near the Yamada Intersection at Midtownand provides all-English services to winter guests. Medical services offered include general practice, sports injuries, minor emergencies, paediatrics and women’s health.

The facility will offer a wide range of medical tests which will be of great convenience to local staff and guests, preventing the need to travel the extra distance into Kutchan town where translation services are often overburdened.

The new Ace Family Quad Lift located outside Alpen Ridge and NBS offers extra seating capacity and speed for learners to make the most of their time on Family Run.

This fun park located right in front of .Base will keep the little ones entertained for hours.

Sled play, tubing, snow strider balance biking and more are available to enjoy in this safe area.

Ages 3-9 must be supervised. New toilet and rest facilities add to the convenience for parents.

Otaru Snowlight FEB 9-18

Sapporo Snow Fest FEB 5-12

Yukitopia

Snow lanterns and sculptures decorate the canal district of Otaru. The dates coincide with the much larger Sapporo Snow Festival making this a great area to visit en-route between niseko and Sapporo. This festival encourages people to feel easy, to think about things leisurely in the glow of the candlelight, and to have time to reflect on themselves. The organisers hope the festival will continue to grow as a spiritual event rather than a commercially oriented attraction.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a festival held annually in Sapporo, Japan, over seven days in February. The event regularly attracts over 2 million people from all over Japan and from around the world. A phenomenal amount of snow is used (around 30,000 tons) to create sculptures ranging from almost life size recreations of famous buildings through to the finest and most intricate ice figures.

Kutchan town is famous in Japan for two things; snow and potatoes. Yukitopia festival is held at Asahigaoka ski hill in Kutchan and celebrates both of these things with this fun family friendly event. There are food stalls, rides, slides and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Right next door at Niseko United’s Annupuri Resort, the “Dream #1 Quad Lift” grants skiin/ski-out access to Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri, Nook Annupuri and Annupuri Rest House. Handy!

MAR 17-18

HAVE SOME NEWS, EVENTS OR OTHER HAPPENINGS TO SHARE? HIRAFUHAPPENINGS@NISEKO.COM

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HOT OFF THE SHELF

HOT OFF THE SHELF STORY | JOEL GRAHAM Winter is here, the snow is piling up, and as usual the team at NBS have been busy over summer making sure they have what you need to get out there and enjoy the snow on your next trip to powder heaven.

Here are some of the exciting and new products available through the Niseko Base Snow sports Retail stores in The Alpen Ridge Building, Shiki Hotel and our exciting new location NBS Uptown this Season.

GOGGLE TECH This season is seeing another push forward in goggle lens technology with most major goggle brands continuing to offer interchangeable lenses and also some cool technologies coming across from the sunglasses industry which improve both clarity and snow definition for when you are out on the slopes.

Smith I/O X Navy Camo Split ¥35,100 (incl tax)

Smith ChromaPop and Oakley Prizm lenses are like seeing in HD and they are available at NBS now!

Oakley Line Miner Inferno (Heated lens technology) ¥36,720 (incl tax)

HELMET TECH A trend we’ve seen growing in the Helmet segment of the market is one called Multidirectional Impact Protection System or (MIPS). Coming across from cycling helmets. Each year there are more and more companies introducing this as a feature for their products to improve safety whilst skiing/riding.

Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet ¥49,680 (incl tax)

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Giro Union MIPS Helmet ¥28,080 (incl tax)

Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet ¥33,480 (incl tax)

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Oakley MOD 3 MIPS Helmet ¥24,840 (incl tax)

HOT OFF THE SHELF We have also received our deluxe skis and snowboards ready for the season with new models to destroy the Niseko Powder from our good friends at K2, Burton, Line, NeverSummer and RIDE. There is something to match everyone’s skillset so make sure you try them out. Below are a few of the staff choices for the new skis and snowboards available at NBS this winter.

LINE SICK DAY SERIES

NEVERSUMMER PROTO TYPE 2

Re-designed this year to make the Sick Day Series even Sicker for 20172018. With tweaks to the taper and an added Aspen Core reinforced by Magic Finger Carbon Filaments™, this ultra-dialled shape is now paired with a featherweight core and construction. The increasing waist widths in this ski make it super easy to match the Niseko conditions and also which terrain you will be skiing on a particular day!

The Proto Type Two is an asymmetrical twin design utilizing the Proto HD core for a perfect mid flex, adds the Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile for trench digging edge hold and tremendous pop, becoming the go anywhere, shred anything asym twin. This Snowboard of the Future’s deeper heelside sidecut, new space age topsheet, NS SuperLight Wood Core, and Vario Power Grip Sidecut creates a super stable, all mountain twin dominator.

Also available in the Proto Type Two X (wide version).

Sick Days 88, 94, 104, 114

Men’s and Women’s Poto Type 2

ARMADA TRACER & TRACE SERIES

INSTA/GATOR

Armadas newest ski collections have arrived to NBS. Extremely light & All Mountain focused, The Tracer (men’s) and the Trace (women’s) are designed to take you wherever you want to go. For those who paint outside the lines, whether dropping into the Annupuri Bowls or slaying the Hanazono trees, the varying waist widths ensure that there is a ski in this series to get you involved in the Niseko Powder!

Snap in and out of turns, spin like a machine, and rail like a train. The Newest Model in the already impressive NeverSummer Fleet. This board can be sized 10cm smaller than normal to improve your overall performance. The Fusion Rocker Camber Profile offers amazing nimbility with stability that is incomprehensible in a board this size. Downsize without losing the performance or ability to ride anywhere in any conditions. It’s a new world... adjust your stance width, placement, and angles for ride variations that fit the days mood, conditions, and style.

The NBS staff are all looking forward to trying this one out!

Tracer 88, 98, 108

Men’s and Women’s Insta/Gator It’s looking like being another amazing season here in Niseko so make sure you stop by and see the friendly staff at Niseko Base Snow Sports in one of our four convenient locations in Niseko!

Trace 88, 98, 108 CHECK OUT THE FULL RANGE OF GEAR AT NISEKO BASE SNOWSPORTS! WWW.NISEKOBASE.COM

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WHITE SEASON

“You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a lift pass” It’s the reason we’re all here; Japan’s glorious winters never fail to impress, and Niseko is renowned for the sheer volume of pure, champagne powder snow it receives. The vast, rolling, porcelain landscape of Hokkaido offers amazing riding conditions with waist deep turns, face-shots a-plenty, and a legitimate reason to keep those powder skirts fastened. The stunning scenery and glorious Ja-pow also harbors perils, with high avalanche risk, glide cracks, holes, blinding blizzards, and hidden creek beds. Be sure to enjoy your time in resort, but never understimate Niseko’s back country.

PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

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LIVING LIFE THE SNOW

N

BS Instructor and freestyle coach, Luke Juergensen, has travelled around the world, skiing in some of the most wellknown resorts in the world, and last season he came to Niseko for the first time to find out what all the hype was about.

“I grew up in New Zealand and started skiing when I was 4 at a resort called Cardrona.

My parents were pretty keen skiers, and took me for 1 or 2 weeks per season till I was 18 and then I started ski instructing at Cardrona in 2008.”

When asked to compare Niseko to other resorts, Luke remarked that “I’ve skied all over North America, New Zealand and Australia, but Japan is a whole new experience. Being able to see a whole new culture, and all the different food being served. I’ve lived in Fernie which gets a lot of snow, but it’s nothing like what Niseko gets when the weather turns on.”

Luke heard about Niseko before, but had not looked into coming over here until he talked to NBS Director Paul Lorenz while they were both instructing at Thredbo Ski Resort in Australia. “You always hear about how much it snows there, and it’s always been a place that I’ve wanted to go to. I guess I really heard a lot more about it when I was in Thredbo from Paul. From there, I looked up even more about Niseko, and everything lined up for work and I headed over.”

“Experiencing a whole new culture was by far my favourite part. Having that culture

difference really made it that much more special.

The food obviously is awesome, but then there’s onsens and the people… it’s just a really really nice experience”. There are so many parts of Japanese culture to experience, and Luke definitely made the most of his time here. “I love the fact that you can get coffee in a can. I think that is awesome”.

LUKE JEURGENSEN

improved quite a lot. And then we did the same kind of thing for the rest of the SJTA camp, but there was a lot more skiing involved. We also skied the spring park and got the kids a lot more comfortable in the air.”

Luke’s advice for people coming to Niseko is “Try to hike the peak of Annupuri if you can when it’s open. That was one of my favourite

I LOVE THAT YOU CAN GET COFFEE IN A CAN!

NBS Instructor & Jump Coach NBS offers an elite training program called SJTA, and Luke was invited to coach up-andcoming athletes for the program. Possible future Olympian George Murphy was among the athletes Luke coached through the moguls and jumps. “George was already skiing moguls really well, so we did a lot of jump training. We built an air site and worked on backflips and cork 720’s.

I did a lot of jump training with George so he

experiences when I was in Japan. I also loved the Grand Hotel Onsen… that was really cool. I’d say just try and eat as much Japanese food as you can. I love sushi and sashimi, but my favourite is raw tuna sashimi.”

This season Luke is staying in Australia, but is already making plans to come back to Niseko in the near future to coach with SJTA and NBS.

STORY | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

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n the evening of March 11th 2017, perfect conditions were forecast. A night of no wind, no cloud and a bright full moon from sunset to sunrise. These kinds of opportunities are extremely rare, so James Winfield, Sven Gorham, Ben Howells and I made the pilgrimage to Mt. Yotei’s summit.

We started our ascent just after sunset from the Makkari campsite. The sky was clear and the air was still; perfect conditions for hiking. Just before we reached the treeline at the base of the mountain, the moon began to rise in the east above the trees.

Initially we had our head torches on, but quickly realised we didn’t need them at all. The moon was full and bright and provided more than enough light to see clearly. The snow crystals sparkled in the moonlight, mirroring the stars overhead. When we rose above the dense forest, we looked out across to see the lights of Makkari Town, and out further to Lake Toya.

We reached the summit just before midnight.

There was not a cloud in sight, and the views were spectacular. The Oceanside town of Iwanaii was clear and bright and I could even make out waves breaking on the shore. We all had a lap in the crater before hiking out again and making our way to the ice-encrusted mountain hut near the summit where we sheltered from the freezing conditions.

At sunrise we hiked back up to the summit before following our tracks back down into the clouds.

STORY | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM | PICTURED: JAMES WINFIELD

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YOTEI BY MOONLIGHT TITLE

A LONE SKIER NAVIGATES THE PERIMETER OF MT. YOTEI’S CRATER IN PURSUIT OF PERFECT MOONLIT TURNS. | #34

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KING OF YOUR MOUNTAIN STORY | EDDIE DICKENS

n the misty distance of Niseko town a single peak stands in wait. Amongst weathered forest, a brilliant white face forged in the shape of a hound’s tooth. At its base our journey into Japan’s backcountry would begin.

We were picked up in the Fresh Track people mover just after 8:30am by Big Smiles, the company’s second in command. The car ride had the familiar excitement of a group of mates who knew that good times lay ahead. After winding through snow-laden farms we arrived at the mouth of a snowmobile track where Ken’s associate was waiting with two jet-black snowmobiles. Here we did the usual beacon checking and snack preparation programme. All kitted up, we sparked up the powder hogs for the ascent.

Our method was simple; the guides drove the snowmobiles up spaghetti-like tracks, towing us on ropes behind. Admittedly, it hadn’t snowed for three days so the tracks ran harder than usual. Small chunks of snow flew past us as we ducked and weaved through the trees with nothing around but a few fox tracks. After being pulled for 1 km or so, our guides signaled to take a much needed break while they went off to scout the path ahead. Gasping in cold, wintery breaths I started to wonder if this trip would prove to be the powdery dream I’d hoped for, as the toll of the ascent was felt in my aching legs.

After the brief respite to recharge our muscles, we were back on the track and soon reached our first snowy run. At this moment we realised it’s not just fresh turns that matter out here, it’s the perspective which squarely grabs you; the sprawling coast cut from the arctic sea, rolling alpine hills trundling over to Mt Yotei in the distance. We were now in the wild. The first few turns worked wonders to remove any pain in our legs from the journey up. Soft and plentifully stacked snow flew past as feathers brushing my board. The snow fall had formed a variety of natural features; pillows, rollers and hits off fallen trees which made each run down feel like its own little snow park.

After a quick snack we pressed on with new found enthusiasm for the final peak, the location of our drop into the last valley of the day. The tow up from here was easier than before, help coming in the form of cushy snow and widely spaced trees. Arriving, we dropped the ropes a

few metres from the lip of a steep valley which drained out to a snowmobile track below. Before indulging our powder addictions we allowed ourselves to be taken in by the uninterrupted views of Hokkaido.

IT WAS APPARENT THIS WAS A RUN TO TELL THE GRANDKIDS ABOUT: FACE-SHOTS ON DEMAND! Taking advice from Big Smiles Ken, I moved my bindings back on the board to avoid going over the handle bars in the deep stuff (this turned out to be particularly good advice). Grabbing a few last pictures for the album we strapped in for the first section. As I mentioned before it had been three days since the last snowfall, but you wouldn’t know it. From the first turn onwards it was apparent this was a run to tell the grandchildren about: face-shots on demand.

Wide arching turns guided us through the hollow valley which rolled out through fallen trees and natural half pipes. Although we only dropped once the guys at First Tracks will let you lap the untouched faces around here until your legs fall off.

Having well and truly fed our need for powder, we made our way back to the car and home to Hirafu. Looking back these were the best lines of the season (although Niseko’s gates come mighty close). Out there, at least for one day, we felt like kings.

HITCH A RIDE & RULE YOUR OWN PEAK THIS SEASON! VISIT A SKIJAPAN.COM SERVICE DESK OR CALL 0136 22 4611 PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | MATTHEW LITTLEWOOD

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SNOW TITLE KITING IN NISEKO

Harnessing yourself to a kite and using the wind to race around is usually an activity associated with either warm beaches and salty sea spray, or vast flats and a three wheeled buggy underneath.

But here in Niseko it’s one of the best - and definitely most unique - ways to experience the porcelain vistas of Hokkaido. Imagine Cross country skiing on ‘roids, or snowmobiling in serenity, and you might have an idea of what it’s all about!

On arrival the snow kiting area feels quite remote and peaceful, just a handful of people floating around at the mercy of the wind and an undisturbed view of Mt Yotei in the distance. It is a completely unique experience for most who are used to having gravity on their side, instead relying on catching the breeze and keeping the kite in the ‘power zone’. The instructors are very helpful and clearly passionate about what they do - a few key pointers as you step in to the harness will have you sliding along in no time!

TRY SNOW KITING FOR YOURSELF THIS WINTER! VISIT A SKIJAPAN.COM SERVICE DESK OR CALL 0136 22 4611

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SNOW KITING IN NISEKO TITLE

IT IS A COMPLETELY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR MOST WHO ARE USED TO HAVING GRAVITY ON THEIR SIDE, INSTEAD CATCHING THE BREEZE AND KEEPING THE KITE IN THE ‘POWER ZONE’

PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | MATTHEW LITTLEWOOD

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PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

BACK COUNTRY

HBC SHIMAMAKI TOURS STORY | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

As a backcountry adventure enthusiast I am constantly on the hunt for “the undiscovered gems”, both for myself and our guests. It was always my dream to offer a cat experience that rivalled Canadian cat ops and I knew it could be done given Hokkaido’s amazing natural assets and the fact that 80% of most cat skiing actually happens in the trees. I have been everywhere in Hokkaido that a snowmobile or cat could take guests, and of course I saw a ton of potential.

While there are some incredible backcountry areas near Sapporo and Niseko, a large scale cat

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operation will only work if it doesn’t encroach on current users, so I had to consider places that were more remote and hard to access.

After checking out Shimamaki several times and realizing that this was one of the two places where they used to do heli and cat skiing nearly 30 years ago, it was a no brainer! Little did I know just how good the combination of great snow, terrain and local interaction would end up being. Our office might be based in Niseko, but our hearts are in Shimamaki and every intimate small town in Japan!” – Clayton Kernaghan

BACK COUNTRY TOURS: SHIMAMAKI TITLE

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f you’re looking for the ultimate Japanese powder adventure, then look no further; you’ve found it. Hokkaido Backcountry Club have produced the goods once again with this amazing cat skiing tour in the mountains around Shimamaki. This is the real backcountry adventure.

Never heard of Shimamaki? Don’t worry; not many people have, and that’s kind of the best part. Shimamaki is a quiet oceanside fishing town about 2 hours south-west of Niseko. The town lies right on the coast, sandwiched between the Sea of Japan and rising peaks of the Karibayama mountain range.

One of the unique (and best parts) of the adventure is getting a rare glimpse into life in rural Japan. There’s a massive and very noticeable contrast between bustling Niseko and the very quiet surrounding areas. When heading along the quiet coastal road down to Shimamaki, the change is so sudden. There’s very few streetlights, only a few convenience stores, and not a single person in sight. Once you reach the town of Shimamaki, there’s a short drive inland about 15 minutes to a small Japanese pension, which is usually the first sign of life since leaving the major resort area. Hokkaido Backcountry Club alternates between two pensions; Motta Onsen and Chihasegawa Onsen. Both are family run, traditional Japanese pensions with incredible charm and, as the name suggests, both have their own onsen. After meeting your very friendly hosts, there’s dinner and briefing before a chill out then bed.

In the morning head out to the staging area, jump in the cat and head straight up to base of the ski area, which is the base of operations for each day. There’s toilets and a warming hut where lunch is served later; very civilised. There’s a comprehensive safety briefing with search and rescue practice, then it’s back in the cat and we head up to the top of the area. I was extremely lucky and got a mostly sunny day, so the view out of the cat was pretty stunning. At first it was glades of silver birch trees, and then as we reached the top into the open alpine area we were greeted with views across the valleys and out to the sea. The views are stunning when the weather is nice. From up here it was easy to see how large the area really was, and why HBC founder Clayton Kernaghan saw such potential in the area.

The Shimamaki terrain includes wide open alpine bowls, some really nice steep sections (up

to 35 degrees), nicely spaced tree sections with fun little valleys and rolls everywhere. There’s a lot of space up there with so many options on each run. On average guests can ride around 4,000 meters of vertical each day, which is among the most of any cat skiing operation in Hokkaido. The terrain had even attracted the attention of Salomon Free Ski TV team last winter and we got to ride past the spots they had filmed, which was by far one of the best zones in the area.

Of course the snow here lives up to the “Japow” hype. There’s no one else there, and no other operations are allowed to operate in Shimamaki, so there will always be fresh snow.

And the fact that it is almost constantly snowing on the west coast of Hokkaido means that tracks

Julian Hanna (on his day off) who were all too happy to shred for camera.

After smashing out lap after lap, it’s time for a quick, simple, hot lunch made by the locals using mostly local ingredients before hitting the pow again. The guides make sure that there are as many laps as possible before the last run at 3:30pm. It’s then time to head back down the mountain to the pension where you’ll arrive just before sunset. Get ready for a dip in the onsen and prepare for a local seafood feast. This is one of the best parts of the tour; the local cultural experience. It’s not easy to get this kind of connection to the Japanese culture, so I highly recommend taking advantage of it this amazing opportunity.

Being able to enjoy Japanese hospitality in

THE GUIDES MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE AS MANY LAPS AS POSSIBLE BEFORE THE LAST RUN are going to be covered up anyway before your next run.

Because this is real backcountry in deep Japan powder, a powder board is highlt recommended. If you don’t have one, HBC have a great line up of Weston Snowboards available to demo for free on the tour including the Japow; made specifically for long carves in deep powder.

There’s enough time to swap out boards during the lunch break if you want, because all the tools are in the cat and lunch hut. It’s a really great opportunity to try out some great boards.

The Hokkaido Backcountry Club guides are some of the best and most respected guides in the business. Our lead guide was the highly qualified and experienced Peter Leh. Peter has been with with HBC for 4 seasons, and is back again for the 17/18 season. Our group had a mix of abilities and Peter was able to skilfully manage the group and chose some awesome routes that everyone had a ball with. Our tail guide was Sam Roche and we were also joined by snowboarding guide

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this serene location is an incredible experience in itself.

The pensions are intimate and cosy, but very comfortable and the rooms feature traditional tatami flooring and futons. The beds are on the floor, but don’t be alarmed because they are surprisingly comfortable. The food at the pension is traditional Japanese style with lots of small dishes lovingly prepared by your hosts. Almost all the seafood has been caught by the locals and is as fresh as it gets. Once you’re settled in, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the hospitality with a few kanpai’s of sake & beer with your hosts and new friends before bed. Soak it all in because soon enough it will be time to rest up and do it all again tomorrow.

The Shimamaki Cat Skiing tour operated by Hokkaido Backcountry Club is a mix of amazing skiing and Japanese culture. For anyone that is looking for a real winter backcountry experience in Japan, this is nothing short of spectacular.

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LOCAL CRAFT ID EAL SNOW SHA P E

NOBUYOSHI CHIBA Tour operator & Snowboard Designer

STORY | JOJO KATSUMI

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he popularity of Niseko as a snow destination, and the steady increase in foreigners and Japanese alike who have settled in the region and now call it home, belies the relatively small population of locals that were born and raised here.

One such Niseko native, who called the snowy landscape here his playground growing up, now runs a backcountry tour company, as well as crafting his own custom powder boards.

Nobu-san’s relationship with the snow first began at the age of three, when his father presented him with his first pair of skis. Growing up on the mountain in his spare time with friends, cross country skiing home after the slopes had shut, and eventually joining the local ski racing and Slalom teams shaped his enthusiasn for all things Niseko.

During junior high school, after first getting a glimpse of the types of moves new snowboarders on the scene were pulling off, he decided to trade two planks in for one, and from there it was barely a year before he was part of the professional snowboarding crowd.

Competing in boarder cross competions with support from sponsors, he travelled to Switzerland, the US, and Canada. He explored the best resorts Japan had to offer and along the way he improved his riding skills, picked up a wealth of backcountry experience, and developed a keen understanding for exactly what sort of boards worked best for him in different riding conditions.

Under contract with a previous sponsor, he was obliged to ride their particular boards, luckily they involved him in the building process where he was able to provide valuable rider input, as well as glean a lot of insight into the process of snowboard manufacturing and design.

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Eventually he returned to Niseko and pursued his passion for riding in his childhood backyard, as well as setting his mind to designing his very own, Ideal snowboard.

Now in 2017, after 4 years of building and testing snowboards here in Niseko, his first Ideal Snowboard is ready for launch.

SUPERNATURAL 164 The snowboard Nobu recommends his customers ride during their backcountry tour experience. It floats and accelerates like a dream, nails the zipper turns, and is great on the slope, too.

What motivated you to start Supernatural Snowmobile Assisted BC Tours?

Exploring Niseko’s backcountry has been my passion since I was a child. When I returned to Niseko I was exploring the mountains on my snowmobile in search of the perfect terrain to ride. Soon, more and more people were joining me when I went out and after a while there was enough interest in our adventures to establish a proper tour.

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There are other companies in the area that operate snowmobile tours - what sets Supernatural apart from the competition?

Our operation is fully staffed by Japanese locals with in-depth knowledge of the Japanese mountains. Our operation isn’t just about finding the best lines, but also communicating with the people that live and work here, and offering a uniquely Japanese experience.

The preparation and journey is a great chance for guides and customers to bond - we check the gear with our clients, and offer them a chance to control the steering of the machines while riding tandem. Out in the backcountry our guides are in full control of the snowmobiles because if we don’t ride in sync it’s very easy to get stuck and

LOCAL CRAFT: IDEAL SNOW SHAPE TITLE

ツアーカンパニー “スーパーナチュラル ニセコ”

例えば？ 装備確認から初めて、 スノーモービルでの移動、 運転はガイドが責任を持ちますが、お客様にも ハンドルを握ってもらいます。

スーパーナチュラルとは「当たり前」 と言う意味 で使ってます。 自分たちのニセコで楽しみたいス タイルを提供しています。 ツアーを始めたのはどんな理由から？ 子供の頃楽しんだように、 自分たちが楽しむため の場所を探し、最高の一本を滑りたくて、 スノー モービルを使い、山に入ってました。 その楽しみ 方を見て、参加したいと言う人が増えてきて、 ツ アーになって行った感じです。 今ニセコに来ている人はそういう楽しみを求め ている人が多いと思います。 スノーモービルを使って、 ツアーをしている会社 はいくつかあるが、 スーパーナチュラルニセコの 特徴は？

ガイドと、 ゲストの息が合わないと簡単にスタッ クstuck（動けなくなること） しますし、移動も一つ のイベントとして楽しんでもらいたいので。 ツアーでも主にいくロケーションを教えてくだ さい。 ニセコの南にある昆布岳(KONBU DAKE) の東面 と北面を使い、 自分たちで厳選した8コースの中 から、 その日の安全面を優先してルートを作りま す。基本はスノーモービルでアクセスですが、一 部をハイクアップをしたりします。 参加者のテックニックや、条件次第では、ルート は無数に作る事が出来ます。

わたしたちは全員日本人のスタッフで運営する、 日本人のツアー会社です。 日本の山を知り尽くし た、 日本人のバックカントリーツアーに参加して 欲しいと思っています。 コミニュケーションの取 り方も含めすべてを楽しんでもらえるツアーにし たいと思っています。 参加するお客様に合わせたツアーの進行を常に 考えてますし、参加してもらった、総て日本にいる ことも含め楽しんでもらいたいと思っています。

昆布岳を選んだ理由は？ツアーはどんな感じ？ すごく面白い斜面があるけど、歩いてアクセスす るには時間がかかってしまったり、一日で楽しむ には難しいのです。 スノーモービルを使って初め て、一日何本かを楽しむツアーが成立する。滑っ ては、モービルに乗るというサイクルを繰り返し、 少しずつピークに向かって登っていく感じです。

THE BUSY SLOPES AND BUSTLING BARS FULL OF ENGLISH SPEAKERS REMIND NOBU THAT HIS CHILDHOOD PLAYGROUND MIGHT HAVE CHANGED, BUT HE HOPES EVERYONE FINDS A GENUINE PIECE OF JAPAN TO ENJOY DURING THEIR STAY IN NISEKO. delay the tour. Any delays means less riding! Plus safety is paramount.

Where do your tours take place?

We chose Konbu Dake located in southern Niseko. We have 8 courses selected on the east and north part in the mountain and select our route in accordance with the conditions and safety. To access the best riding we travel by snowmobile for most of the way but we also do a little hiking. Travelling in this area on foot would take many hours so snowmobile access is essential.

Depending on our clients enthusiasm and skill level, we have a good deal of flexibility in choosing routes.

The area is great because there are good slopes and it’s quite remote meaning plenty of fresh lines to enjoy. We ride the slope and move up on the snowmobile repeatedly towards the peak - this allows us to enjoy many runs throughout the day.

During spring we set up a tent on the slopes for lunch, and enjoy chatting with our customers.

This year our show room will be opening next to Niseko station. Please come by - we look forward to seeing you!

Which season would you recommend?

High season is great, but we recommend the spring, too; the texture of snow changes which allows us to reach areas that are inaccessable during high season - we can ride in wider terrain, plus it’s so much fun riding on the corn snow.

Between February and March you can experience deep powder snow - you can have lots of fun until the end of March!

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JUMP ON BOARD FOR A TRUE JAPANESE BACK COUNTRY TOUR! VISIT A SKIJAPAN.COM SERVICE DESK OR CALL 0136 22 4611

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Niseko is a perfect base of operations for anyone interested in exploring the greater Hokkaido region. The view from the top of Mt Shari, (pictured), is one of many stunning locations on Japan’s northernmost island.

After a busy season providing guiding and ski instruction in Niseko, Teddy and James took the opportunity in March 2017 to embark on a road trip around Hokkaido in search of unique skiing opportunities. They began their trip in the relatively well known central mountains of Asahidake and Tokachidake, then moved on to the intimidating island of Rishiri in the far north before finally ending up here, Mt Shari, in the east.

Mt Shari is part of the rugged Shiretoko peninsula, a UNESCO heritage site, famous for its population of brown bears, and for being

one of the southernmost places sea ice forms (in the northern hemisphere). Accessing Mt Shari isn’t easy, as many of the roads are closed in winter, so after a long walk on the flat in some fog, they began to climb before eventually the clouds parted, providing a spectacular view of the peninsula, sea and Kunashiri island, whose ownership is disputed by Japan and Russia. On the descent, the south face was a mixture of slush and ice, but the north face pictured held some great powder snow. After a couple of runs, it was time to get back on the road back to Hirafu, stoked to have explored a new mountain, and with ambitions to return again!

FURTHER READING AND GALLERY AT WWW.NISEKO.COM/FEATURES/DISCOVERHOKKAIDO/

PHOTO | TEDDY LAYCOCK / IG @flakinggoodtime WORDS | JAMES WINFIELD / IG @thejameswinfield

PHOTO: TEDDY LAYCOCK / IG @flakinggoodtime

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corn SEASON

Spring snow, slush, corn, snirt and mashed potatoes - it brings the park rats out to play, beers in hand and tees out all day. Bluetooth speakers on max and goggle tans on display - who needs winter when there’s a rail jam to slay?

It’s not the type of snow that Niseko is famous for, but after a long season of non-stop snowfall, the transition to sunny park days, BBQ’s, and apres beers on the deck is one that everybody has to love! Spring time in Niseko offers months of corn snow to play in, with the titanic snowfall levels of winter lingering as late as May before finally trickling down to the Shiribetsu River. When spring is in the air it’s hard not to smile - especially in Niseko!

PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | MATTHEW LITTLEWOOD

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ADJUSTING YOUR SKIING

For

Spring Snow Conditions ANDREW PEEK NBS Snowsports Instructor and Accredited Exercise Physiologist & Scientist

I love spring skiing! Long sunny days, bluebird skies, warmer temperatures and the occasional late season snow storm can provide challenge and variety to your skiing. You will often need to practice different techniques and tactics during the day to keep up with the quickly changing snow conditions.

Also, you will need to keep your equipment tuned and ready for the adventure ahead! Here are some tips to consider when skiing spring snow:

Hard-Packed Mornings Warmer spring temperatures that melt the snow during the day, followed by below freezing temperatures overnight can produce firm snow conditions in the morning. For these mornings, sharp ski edges can be very helpful. This will allow you to grip into the hard surface and make quality, controlled turns with minimal skidding.

A stance slightly wider than hip width will allow you to increase edge angles and improve balance against your outside ski. Keep your edging soft, smooth and progressive as abrupt movements can send you sliding sideways.

rocky seas! These tough conditions can help identify skills in your skiing that need to be refined. A soft, warm-snow wax can be helpful to allow your skis to glide smoothly through sticky, wet snow. Similar to skiing other snow conditions, round, S-shaped tracks are good tactics to ensure your speed is not slowed excessively. On flatter terrain, you may glide better keeping your turns open (not finishing your turns) to maintain your speed down the hill. Progressive leg turning, edging and loading of pressure on and off your skis can help create the desired, round, smooth turns.

Spring Powder… and Melt

Softening By Midday Spring skiing is often known for its “corn snow” which results from cycles of nightly freezing and daily thawing. It is wet, granular, and can become heavy and sloppy as the day warms and the snow melts. Corn is, however, highly carvable and can be delightful spring skiing. As the snow softens and at slower speeds, you may enjoy being on a ski with a softer flex, so the ski bends more easily, requires less steering, and allows the tails of your skis to follow the tips in a round, smooth arc. Strong leg (femur) rotation will allow your balance to be maintained more easily by keeping the upper body (centre of mass) stable. It will also set your pelvis up in a good position for edging and angulation.

Sloppy Afternoons Melting snow (or slush) can become heavy and wet. It can feel like you are getting bounced around in choppy waters similar to a boat on

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Fresh powder snow in spring is great while it lasts! It then enters the melt-freeze cycle as temperatures rise to seasonal norms, creating heavy “crud”. Crud can give a true indication of the adaptability of your skiing skills. Its inconsistency and irregularity will test many of your previously learned turns including carved medium and short turns, leg extension and retraction, bounce and jump turns. Although it may sound obvious, ensure your boots are buckled firmly. The boot’s plastic can soften during warmer temperatures providing less support. As such it can be quite easy to fall and hurt yourself in the crud. A narrower stance, more evenly distributed body weight between your two skis, strong leg turning and emphatic flexion/extension movements are just some of the skills required to master springs most difficult snow conditions.

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MASA NAGASHIMA

KOUTALOW MINAMIYA

Hokkaidog & Patty Daddy owner and Mad Dog Jam organiser

In Crew founder and Mad Dog Jam organiser

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here’s nothing like park laps with all your friends in the warm spring sun. That’s why a couple of locals put together one of the best events of the season. Mad Dog Jam is a day of music, food, friends, park laps and a whole lot of stoke.

Legendary snowboard team “In Crew” demo the custom built park, while local hot dog stand Hokkaidog serves long weenies slipped between soft buns with mustard and ketchup slathered over the top. It’s all about having a day of fun in the sun with friends.

We caught up with Masa & Koutalow; the masterminds behind this epic event. Masa has been in Niseko for over 15 years, and now runs a few restaurants in Kutchan as well as mobile hot dog stand. Koutalow is a legend in the local snowboarding community - he’s a snowboarding veteran, and is the leader of a snowboard crew called “In Crew”, who put out video edits four times every season.

VISIT @MAD DOG JAM ON FACEBOOK AND LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT PARK EVENT THIS SPRING

Why did you move to Niseko?

How do you organise the event?

Koutalow: I moved to Niseko for the snowboarding, the great people, the mountains and of course the powder. I now run a snowboard and skate shop in Kutchan called Lowstar with a mini-ramp inside.

Koutalow: We design the park together with our friends, and then we make a miniature version in clay. We take the design to the Hirafu terrain park team to get their input as well and then they help us to build it. It’s kind of donated by the park crew to the event.

Masa: I moved here 14 years ago to snowboard with my friends. I decided I wanted to open my own Hot Dog stand, called Hokkaidog, in Hirafu and a burger restaurant called Patty Daddy’s in Kutchan at the same location of an old burger shop that my friend used to run before he closed it.

What was the inspiration behind the event?

Koutalow: We wanted to create an event for local snowboarders and skiers so everyone can get together and have fun. We wanted it to be kind of casual with a jam session and make new friends too. Waya Festival used to be around, but it was run by people from Sapporo. We wanted to create an event by locals for locals.

Masa: There aren’t any other events in the spring anymore, even though the weather is really good.

It’s sunny and warm so everyone can relax and hang out outside and get together in the sun. It’s great to enjoy the weather and sun after winter.

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Masa: It’s a combined effort between Koutalow and myself as well as our friends and Hirafu park crew. Without the support from our friends, we might not be able to do it.

What does the future hold for Mad Dog Jam? Masa: It doesn’t matter if Mad Dog Jam gets bigger or smaller, we just want to help showcase local talent at a local event. We want to share our original vision with everyone in Japan and across the world. We want to show the world what we’re capable of, and what we can do here.

How can people sign up?

Koutalow: People can join by signing up at Lowstar or Patty Daddy’s in Kutchan. People can also sign up by messaging us on the Facebook event page.

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TITLE SLIDE INTO SPRING

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here’s much more to Niseko than just the mountains; there’s open fields, valleys and forests as well. One of the best ways to really appreciate the scenery and natural surroundings is not with gasoline hungry skidoo’s that tear up the landscape, but by gently gliding over the snow on cross country skis under your own steam.

Ex-National Cross Country skier Saori Maki offers cross country skiing tours through her company Win-Dol, showing off the best natural landscapes Niseko has to offer. Spring is one of the best times to cross country ski, as the weather is much less harsh, and visibility is generally much better. When the weather is clear, there is much more terrain available to explore, and the views can be spectacular. It’s an opportunity to see parts of Hokkaido that not many people get to experience.

Saori grew up in the region and knows the area better than most, and she loves to share her passion with locals and visitors to the area.

SLIDE INTO THE COUNTRY THIS SPRING VISIT A SKIJAPAN.COM SERVICE DESK OR CALL 0136 22 4611

PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

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ICONIC MT. YOTEI SETS A STUNNING BACKDROP FOR CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS TRAVERSING THE IDYLLIC LANDSCAPE | #34

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naking its way through 120km of rugged Hokkaido terrain, the Shiribetsu river hugs the base of Mt. Yotei on its journey through Niseko, and as the seasons change, the mood of the river changes with them.

Taking advantage of the temperamental waters, local rafting companies have experienced a great deal of success in recent years by offering tours which capitalise on the unique seasonal scenery, as well as offering an experience that ranges from serenely still, to bucking through churning rapids.

Between February and the end of March, Hokkaido Lion Tours Eco Rafting is a great way to enjoy the crisp scenery of the Niseko region.

When the conditions are still frozen over, the mood of the river provides a tranquil familyfriendly experience - even pets and children as young as 3 can take part.

On sunny days, the light dances off the surface of the water and sparkles on the powdery shores, there’s little noise or movement on the river at this time of year other than the gentle murmering of the water, and the occasional fish or bird making a brief appearance.

Eco rafting offers a zen-like experience as well as a unique view of Niseko which can’t be found in the village or on the mountain.

Closer to spring, blooming cherry blossom’s provide splashes of colour on the white backdrop of melting snow.

Make the most of

Melt season sees the volume in local waterways picking up significantly which makes late March and April a great time to enjoy a window of increased excitement on the Shiribetsu rivers’ bumpier sections.

A range of companies operating in Niseko provide rafting tours which include drysuit and safety gear rental. Even if the spring sun feels warm, it’s recommended to stay snug inside the drysuit as when you inevitably take a dunk in the frigid waters you’ll be thankful for it!

The experienced rafting guides are great at encouraging each boat to work together to navigate the churning rapids, as well as providing fun games and challenges during the ride.

A great way to experience more of the region; keep an eye out for wildlife on the banks of the river, charge through the rapids, and enjoy some team battles against other rafts!

Taking your camera on board is not recommended, but many tour operators have their own photographer located at strategic locations along the shore and at overhead bridges to capture the action - you’ll have plenty of snaps to share with friends and to remember the days’ fun.

Take a break from the slopes this spring and experienee what Niseko has to offer at lower altitudes!

TAKE A RIDE ON THE SHIRIBETSU RIVER THIS SPRING VISIT A SKIJAPAN.COM SERVICE DESK OR CALL 0136 22 4611 PHOTO: HOKKAIDO LION ADVENTURE

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CAR POLISHING “KeePer”

FUEL DELIVERY

CAR SERVICE CENTER CAR WASHING

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N A H ATA S E K I Y U C O . , LT D .

北 5条SS 倶知安町北5条東1丁目 • Open 07:00-20:00

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For some, Niseko is synonymous with snow, but for locals you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that doesn’t love the summers in Hokkaido! Experiencing green season in the region is usually the catalyst for people to drop anchor in town and call it home for good. The stunning transformation from a stark white landscape, to an explosion of life, colours, and sun takes many by surprise. Where once there were endless powder fields, now there are vast swathes of sunflowers, pathcwork farms, and impenetrable forest. With the relaxed atmosphere, mild summer temperatures, and wealth of outdoor fun and activities, it’s not hard to see why people love Niseko during summer!

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hile a winter trip to Japan to enjoy the bottomless powder should always be at the top of everyone’s ski bucket list, visitors to the country would be doing themselves a disservice to miss out on the massive amount of culture that flourishes during summer. Warmer months in Japan between April and October spell the beginning of matsuri season - summer festivals which are a staple of the local summer lifestyle. As well as the wealth of festivities taking place around the country are a wide range markets, music festivals, and brilliant fireworks (Hanabi) displays.

Summer is undoubtably the best time to enjoy the food and culture of Japan so don’t miss out!

Mu si c F est i va l s Music lovers will appreciate the fresh air and natural setting of outdoor festivals in Hokkaido. The Rising Sun Rock Festival, one of Japan’s top rock festivals held at Ishikari Bay Otaru, draws people from all around the country. The many food stalls selling locally farmed produce, seafood and craft beer makes for a gastronomic delight. Rock on!

Where to go: Sapporo City Jazz is the largest Jazz event in Japan. Rising Sun Rock festival is a must-try experience for a weekend of musical variety.

Fir ewor k s An integral part of Japanese summers is hanabi (fireworks displays). For centuries, Japanese have been fascinated by this spectacle of lights, which literally means “fire flowers”.

Join hundreds of spectators that come together to admire the magical art of lights that brighten the evening skies.

Where to go: Lake Toya offers a tremendous fireworks display nightly from April-October - a stunning spectacle over the reflective waters.

Mar k ets Green season heralds a host of fresh harvests with farmers’ markets exploding in vibrant and tantalizing colours. For a glimpse of the local produce on offer, head to Niseko View Plaza (michi no eki) and browse the aisles of freshly grown produce.

The quality and sweetness of fruit and vegetables grown in the area is second to none.

M a t s ur i A matsuri (festival) is often the highlight of a trip to Japan.

It’s a chance to see the local people at their most uninhibited, and gain some insight into the ancient traditions and beliefs of the country. Celebrate summer at one of the countless local festivals; experience the vibrant atmosphere, performances, parades, food stalls and fireworks. Grab your yukata and join in the fun.

Where to go: Niseko View Plaza Farmer’s Market features produce from more than 60 local farms. Try Marche Yukidaruma in the Homac building for yearround produce.

Where to go: Don’t miss Kutchan’s Jaga Matsuri for the areas biggest celebration of the local Potato!

EXPERIENCE THE SUMMER FUN IN NISEKO! CONTACT SUMMERJAPAN.COM OR CALL 0136 22 4611

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STORY & PHOTOS KELLY TYE Reservations at SkiJapan.com

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iseko is known to most people as one of the best ski resorts in Japan, if not the world. People come from all around the globe to experience the powder snow. But when the snow melts away and the crowds disappear, a whole new world blooms to life. I was lucky enough to have spent the last year living in Niseko and experienced the town through this transformation.

I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia, and first fell in love with Japan on a high school trip. I was totally captivated by the beauty of everything I saw; the business of the cities, the warmth of the people, the trains, the food and the stunning scenery.

I ended up working for a Japanese travel company in my hometown. At first, Niseko was just a ski resort to me. It was all about that famous powder snow. But the more I learned about Hokkaido, the more I realised there was a lot more to the island than just snow. Cloud covered mountains, endless fields of flowers and vibrant national parks all mean the island is just as beautiful in summer.

When I arrived in Niseko last November to work for just the winter season it was already a dream come true, but when the opportunity to stay for the whole year came up I couldn’t say no, and I’m so glad I stayed. The summer has been amazing - I’ve spent it enjoying endless

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summer barbeques, picking ample fruit in Yoichi and visiting the sunflower fields at Milk Kobo while trying all of their amazing sweets. It has been filled with weekend brunches at Green Farm Café, riding the summer gondola and relaxing at the top on a giant sofa. I watched as the whole area changed from a winter wonderland to a summer surprise.

What I was most looking forward to seeing was the nature and the scenery in Hokkaido.

Niseko has plenty of great walks and hikes that really showcase it and I tried to do as many of them as I could. Mt Annupuri was at the top of my list and it was certainly well worth the effort. Just like in winter, the view from the top is incredible. The whole hike is sprinkled with incredible views all the way up the mountain, which makes for a breathtaking walk, stopping and taking photos along the way. I did briefly consider hiking Mt Yotei, but decided I wasn’t quite ready for that challenge, but I can imagine the view from the top would be extraordinary.

On the days I didn’t feel like hiking, I would go to the nearby walking tracks at Shinsen numa Marsh, Kagami numa Marsh or Hangetsko (Half Moon Lake).

The road to Shinsen numa is closed during the winter so this one can only be enjoyed in the summer and autumn time. I came for both seasons and each time the scenery was

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completely different. In summer the marshland and surrounding forest is lush and green, while in autumn everything changes to bright yellows, oranges and reds. No matter when you visit though, the area is always full of seasonal flowers, spectacular mountain views and peaceful lakes.

If walking isn’t your thing there are certainly no shortages of outdoor activities in Niseko, with plenty of rafting, mountain biking and golf to keep you entertained. But every now and then I would venture a little bit further out of Niseko and explore some other parts of the island. The drive to Cape Kamui and the coast along the Shakotan Peninsula is particularly beautiful and makes for a great day trip. The road takes you along the very edge of the island, right beside the ocean, and on a clear day the ocean is the most magnificent bright blue colour. If you love seafood, Shakotan is definitely worth a visit.

It’s one of the best sources of Japan’s Uni (sea urchins), which are only caught during summer.

Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu are two other really great day trips from Niseko. These ones you might do in winter, but personally, I found them much more enjoyable in the summer. The contrast between the seasons is always incredible as you discover so much more about a place when the snow melts away. I could only be outside for so long in winter before I started freezing, but during the summer the days are warmer and the sun sets later, allowing you to enjoy the whole day outside in the sunshine.

Another must-do for my summer in Niseko, and I think for anyone travelling to Japan in August, was to experience the Japanese summer festivals. Summer festivals are held all throughout Japan in almost in every town. There are a few different ones in Niseko but one of the main festivals is the Jaga Matsuri, or Potato

Festival in Kutchan. They’re always a great time to get together with friends for a few drinks, try out all of the delicious Japanese street foods and be entertained by the terrific local performances.

I fell in love with the colourful yukatas worn by most locals. These ‘summer kimonos’ give the whole event a really authentic Japanese

THE MORE I LEARNED ABOUT HOKKAIDO, THE MORE I REALISED THERE WAS A LOT MORE TO THE ISLAND THAN JUST SNOW feeling and the nights always end with stunning firework displays.

Hokkaido is full of amazing places just like Niseko, with the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in Hakodate, the lavender fields in Furano, shopping trips in Sapporo and thermal lakes in Noboribetsu. If you ever get the chance to come back to this beautiful part of the world during the green season, I hope you’re able to experience a glimpse of Niseko’s summer for yourself.

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t’s no secret that the more southern areas of Japan experience a thriving tourism boom over summer. On the other hand Niseko and other northern regions, which may be considered a little bit off the beaten track, go through a period of calm after the last of the snow has melted. As the large cities overflow with an influx of tourists, locals fly north in search of respite from the humidity of concrete jungles to enjoy some rest and relaxation within the lush greenery of Hokkaido, idyllic beaches of the Shakotan coastline and some of the best golf courses in the country. Find out some of the activities that keep people coming back to Hokkaido every summer!

g ol f Niseko is blessed with some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses around, which incorporate the lush beauty of wilderness set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Yotei. For something different try your hand at park golf, a unique style of golf that originated in Hokkaido which is cherished by the local community; from children to grandparents alike.

r afting / SUP / water activiti e s Niseko’s Shiribetsu River plays host to a wide variety of water activities during the green season including canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding and rafting. Expect stunning alpine scenery and gorgeous seasonal colours. The beautiful Shakotan peninsula with its dramatic coastline and crystal clear waters hosts many marine activities too, including snorkelling and scuba diving.

Where to go: Tee off at Hanazono Golf, Niseko Village course, and Rusutsu Resort Golf 72 for great nearby holes.

Asahigaoka for park golf.

Where to go: Try NAC, NOASC and Hokkaido Lion tours for rafting, SUP and kayaking on the Shiribetsu and nearby Shakotan coast.

cam ping/ bbq / fis hing / hik ing The expansive mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and hiking trails makes Niseko the perfect base for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether your casting a line along the Shiribetsu River, hiking through forests and foliage or relaxing around a campfire with friends, the unspoilt natural wonders of the region won’t disappoint. Enjoy!

r o a d / d ow n h i l l b i ki n g For fans of greener ways to get around, the quiet roads, fresh air and idyllic scenery of Niseko provide a perfect road cycling environment. For those looking for less pedalling and more downhill action, Niseko’s Grand Hirafu ski resort is transformed into an impressive downhill mountain bike track that will test your skill with its steep terrain and rocky trails.

Where to go: Head to the Shakotan coast for numerous camping, BBQ and fishing spots. Mt Annupuri and the surrounding ranges provided fantastic hiking.

Where to go: Grand Hirafu resort offers a summer gondola for easy laps, the flow trail at Pavilions offers a more leisurely ride, and keep an eye out for Rhythm’s pump track. For road cycling try the Mt. Yotei circuit.

EXPERIENCE THE SUMMER FUN IN NISEKO! CONTACT SUMMERJAPAN.COM OR CALL 0136 22 4611

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TITLE

The iconic Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant An intricate fusion of East meets West, experience a wide range of avors with a delicate balance of local fresh vegetables, meats & seafood.

A degustation menu at 15,000 yen per person Dinner from 6pm on Monday to Saturday Reservation: Essential via our website or phone

Niseko

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KAMIMURA Seico Mart R343

Gondola zaka St

Gondola Sta.

Sasayaki zaka St

Hirafu zaka St

Hotel Niseko Alpen

Lawson

Kutchan

1st Floor Shiki Niseko on Route 343 in Hirafu Village, Niseko phone: (0)136 212 288 website: www.kamimura-niseko.com

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TITLE

& PIZZAPASTAGRILLBAR

ZI P R LBA AP L I R G ZZ A I T P S R PA BA ST A L A Z L I P Z I R A RP AG ZZ I A T P B S R L A AG A P Dine LInL-BTakeOut IL T -A Delivery A R S Z G RI AP TA PIZ S Z G R ILL Z A A A R I P T B P G S A L R 55 IL TA5553AR A (0136) PAWWW.NISEKOPIZZA.JP ZZ S I B R A L P A G Z L P R I A Z GR RPIZZA GRILLB LBA APAST LBARPI A T S IL ZZ IZ PA TA BA I R P S A L P R L Z A G R I P A Z A A R I P G LB ST ZA R L A A Z I I T A P R S P B A G PIZZ TAGRILL PIZZAPA RILLBAR APASTA S R G Z A A A Z I P T B P S A L R L Z RI BA APA G L Z L A Z I I T PAS LLBARP ASTAGR P RI TAG ARPIZZA LB L I R G For more information, menus and useful links, please visit our website

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TITLE

GRAND HIRAFU RESORT

Tsubara Tsubara

QUAD CHAIR LIFT

HOKKAIDO CURRY & TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CUISINE

HIRAFU VILLAGE

GONDOLA STATION

IZUMIKYO 1

IZUMIKYO 2 TSUBURA TSUBURA

Tempura, Sashimi, Hot Pot & more!

SEICOMART LAWSONS TOWARDS HIGASHIYAMA

Open Lunch: 11:30–15:00 (L.O. 14:30) Dinner: 18:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:00)

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0136-23-1116

TOWARDS KUTCHAN

CONVENIENT ACCESS - LOCATED AT THE IZUMIKYO BUS CONVENIENT AT THE STOP AND ONLY 5 ACCESS MINUTES- LOCATED WALK FROM LASONS IZUMIKYO BUS STOP & ONLY 5 MINUTES WALK FROM LAWSONS!

TITLE

Otaru ROUTE

9:30am-9pm Open Everyday Except New Year’s Day

Kyogoku

GS BUS

th lore e d e l xp

okka H f o id s r

Station

Kutchan

E

o!

5

Kutchan Intersection

Kutchan Chamber of Commerce

Hirafu & Niseko

s flav o iou u ic

ATM

withdraw cash

0136-21-3677

Currency exchange 12-6pm

English-speaking staff 12-8pm

Rest space with free wi-fi

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Duty free 12-7pm

Tax-free Shop

¥100 store excl. tax

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TITLE

THE ART OF

Enjoying Sushi LUKE CLAYTON Luke has spent 25 years living in Japan and is the CEO of Wa Creations, a Tokyo-based company that owns and operates highend Japanese restaurants. Wa Creations Partners with worldfamous chefs, and currently accesses a combined total of twelve -Michelin stars in Sushi.

O

riginally a humble street food, sushi has evolved to become one of the world’s most sought-after fine dining experiences. The appreciation of what is required to deliver world-class sushi has likewise evolved. Decades of disciplined training, lifelong relationships with fishmongers and obsession over the smallest of details is behind ever famous sushi counter.

In order to truly maximize a sushi experience, customers should likewise observe fine details on their side of the counter.

Truly world-class sushi counters offer an intimate setting and feature limited seating.

The limited seating is by design, typically only

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one master chef is present and has a deep sense of obligation to not only interact with each guest but, more critically, to maintain consistency across each serving. Awareness and respect for those seated around you is required to allow others to savour their experience. Importantly, it will also decrease the stress level for the chefs who take the task of ensuring every guest enjoys their experience very seriously.

If possible, I always encourage choosing a seat at the counter. Private kitchen seating is often hard to secure, and there is a reason for this.

It is a great opportunity to observe masters of their craft and to communicate directly with them. Your chef should make you feel comfortable and explain what is being served.

You are basically eating together, so the personality of the chef will have a meaningful

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impact on your overall dining experience.

Naturally, there can be language barriers but they can be overcome through mutual respect and appreciation.

Another important aspect of dining at the counter is timing. This is easy to accommodate, simply consume your sushi as soon as it has been presented in front of you.

A quick photograph of the works of art is not an issue but consumption within 30 seconds is recommended for maximum enjoyment. This is the standard time frame the chef has allotted when calculating rice temperature and other variables, to provide guests with the pinnacle of experiences.

This may sound extreme but there are reasons, which include the chemical reactions that take place between the produce accompanying your rice (‘neta’), the vinegar rice (‘shari’), wasabi and seasoning that is applied to each individual piece. The chefs take great care to ensure the temperature of the rice is appropriate for the many different types of neta.

For example, tuna should be served at room temperature with slightly more wasabi and an elevated shari temperature.

As a side note, wasabi is deemed by many to be the most difficult plant in the world to grow commercially. Your chef will grind the wasabi root on a wooden paddle covered in sharks skin to create the wasabi paste that is used for your nigiri sushi. If your wasabi is being served from a tube you are most definitely not about to enjoy a world-class sushi experience.

Some people feel slightly intimidated when sitting face to face with famous sushi masters.

This should not be the case and when asked if you have any allergies don’t be afraid to speak up. However, a dislike of raw fish or rice is problematic and a conversation best avoided.

Typically an ‘Omakase’ meal or ‘chefs selection’ will take between 1.5 to 2 hours. If you feel rushed it is not an insult to let your chef know you would appreciate it if they could slow down. The response may vary depending on the venue, but typically the chef will happily oblige.

Using one’s hands to eat sushi is recommended because the chef can serve the ‘shari’ sushi rice at a softer consistency. Chopsticks are also fine

THE ART OF ENJOYING SUSHI TITLE

USING ONE’S HANDS TO EAT SUSHI IS RECOMMENDED

but the rice will be served at a slightly different consistency depending on which method is used.

A world-class sushi chef will observe and confirm that the size of the rice accompanying the nigiri sushi is to your liking. You should never cut or bite your sushi in half.

You will notice that there are small wet hand wipes that are presented once you start your nigiri sushi, not to be confused with the ‘Oshibori’ hand towel that you will receive when you sit down at the beginning of your meal. The small towel is used to wipe your fingers between each serving of sushi in order to avoid mixing the different flavours.

Your sushi will be served exactly as it should be and does not require you to make any adjustments. There are times when you will be guided by the chef to apply sauces. Drowning your incredibly fresh sushi in sauce is a pet peeve

for chefs. You are paying for, what should be incredibly fresh ingredients, enjoy them. You can have a cup of soy sauce at home. Never place the rice in any sauce as it will become soggy and likely crumble, instead turn the piece upside down and only dip the fish itself.

Ginger or ‘Gari’ will accompany your sushi as a palate cleanser. Enjoy a small portion between each serving or as desired. It is similar to drinking water between tasting different wines.

If there is a serving that you particularly like, wait until you have been informed that the course has officially ended, before ordering additional individual pieces. Keep in mind some of the most popular servings such at tuna, uni(sea urchin) and abalone continue to see significant price increases at the fish markets. Be prepared for this to be reflected in your bill.

Whilst there are wines that pair well with

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sushi it is hard to beat the combination of raw fish and sake. Sake is growing in popularity as brewers and industry people commit more time to education. If you are unfamiliar, do not hesitate to ask the chefs for their suggestions.

Letting them know your personal preference (i.e. full bodied or dry) will help them choose something to match the upcoming dishes as well as your individual inclination.

It is a sign of respect and appreciation to offer a glass of sake to the chefs. They will typically be glad to join you in a quick toast but keep in mind their attention needs to remain focused on all guests. It is not uncommon to see guests that are complete strangers share a glass of sake with each other. It is always great to see and results from an awareness of what it is happening around them and loving every minute of it.

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TITLE

Sushi Shin

YOU NEED PASSION AND CURIOSITY TO BRING OUT THE BEST OF THE INGREDIENTS

HOKKAIDO KITCHEN

WITH CHEF SATAKE Head Sushi Chef at Sushi Shin

STORY | JOJO KATSUMI

A

long with tempura and sukiyaki, sushi is one of the most recognized and beloved Japanese cuisines and can easily be spotted on the menus of Japanese restaurants all over the world. Sushi has become so popular worldwide, there are now many different and unique forms of it, some of which are hardly recognizable in Japan.

Kaiten-zushi Sushi train is a popular and inexpensive type of restaurant where plates of sushi are placed on a rotating conveyor belt that encircles the serving bar. Customers can simply pick their selections from the steady stream of fresh sushi as they pass by.

The origin of sushi began in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, where river fish were preserved using a form of fermentation in salt and rice, after which the rice was discarded. This method was brought to Japan through China and Korea and is the earliest form of sushi. The dish is today known as Nare-zushi (matured sushi).

Since it took months to make Nare-zushi though fermentation, vinegar was later introduced as a substitute.

The use of vinegar in making sushi played a big role in developing a wide variety of sushi styles such as Haya/Oshi-zushi (quick/pressed sushi) and Nigiri/Edomae-zushi (hand-formed/ Edo-style sushi), where rice and fish were eaten together as a main dish.

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Haya/Oshi-zushi is made by layering vinegared rice and fish in a special wooden box.

Nigiri/Edomae-zushi was developed in the late Edo period. Edomae, now called Tokyo bay, was well-known for its abundant fisheries.

Together with good soy sauce produced in nearby towns, white rice and fresh fish, Edomaezushi became very popular among Edo people.

The trend later spread to the areas of Kyoto and Kansai.

There are many good sushi restaurants in Sapporo. Among them is Sushi Miyakawa, the first and only three star sushi restaurant in Hokkaido. Its branch restaurant, Sushi Shin, has recently opened here in Niseko.

We had the privilege to interview the head sushi chef of Sushi Shin, Mr. Hitonori Satake.

Mr. Satake was born and raised in Wakayama prefecture and enjoyed wrestling in high school. His mother was a chef and he became interested in cooking from helping her as a child. After high school, Mr. Satakes’ uncle recommended he work for a sushi restaurant that he knew. Mr. Satake was so fascinated by the professionalism of the chefs that he decided to undertake an apprenticeship without hesitation.

His training days were quite tough; for the first 3 years he wasn’t allowed to handle food and he just did dishes, chores and cleaned. The many years of disciplined training have paid off and 30 years later Chef Satake is enjoying his profession more than ever.

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HOKKAIDO KITCHEN: SUSHI TITLE SHIN 佐竹 仁典（さたけ ひとのり） さん 1975年生まれ、大阪府出身。東京都で“本場の江戸前鮨” の修業を始める。 その後北海道へ渡り、 ミシュラン三ツ星 店「すし宮川」のマスター・シェフである宮川政明シェフの 下で研鑽を積み、現在は 「すし宮川」の姉妹店である 「鮨 心」 でヘッド・シェフとして活躍中。 ニセコ町『鮨心』料理長・佐竹仁典さんは大阪で30年近 く、第一線で寿司シェフとして活躍してきたそうです。修 業時代に学んだことやシゴトのやりがいを伺いました。 修業時代に一番辛かったことはなんですか？ 出前や、掃除と洗い物ばかりのスタートだったので、早く 前に進みたい、料理を覚えたいと思う、焦りの気持ちが を抑えるのがつらかったですね。 食べ物を扱う仕事でもあるので「先ず清潔であること」 、 そして職場の「整理整頓」が基本です。振り返ると、修業 を始めた頃は掃除ばかりやっていたよう思います。 すし職人が大切にしている 「心」 とは？ 食材にこだわっています。経験として自分の中に構築し ていきます。食材選びは大変難しいです。 寿司を握るには、経験や技術は大切だが、 どうやったら 食材が生かせるか、おいしくなるか、探求心、情熱が大事 になっていきますね。色々なレストランがある中で鮨屋 は特殊だと思います。 その中で、お客様の目の前で調理 して出す。お客様の反応をダイレクトに受けることので きるのが楽しみですね。 ニセコ(北海道)で新たに修行をしましたが、 その理由を 教えてください。 北海道ならではの食材とか、新しい経験ができると思 い、思い切って決断しました。大変良い刺激になりまし た。今まで私が経験のないことを宮川の大将はなさって いたので、素晴らしい財産をいただきました。一生勉強 だと思います。 江戸前の伝統を大切にしながら、海外のお客様も多い ため、棒鮨を出したり、 ウニなども小鉢で出したり、楽し んでもらえる工夫をしていきたいです。一年を通して、北 海道の素材を大切にして鮨を創っていきたいと思ってい ます。 また鮨を通してお客様と心と心のつながりを大切 にしていきたいですね。 最後になりますが、宮川鮨の支店として鮨心スタートさせ ましたが、 その意気込みをお話しください。 日本の伝統芸術とも称される 「鮨」 。鮨という文化を正し い形で伝えていきたい。 そういった想いでこの度、鮨心 をオープンしました。ネタが新鮮であることはもちろん、 魚の熟成具合や温度にまでも気を使い、一番美味しいと される人肌の温度の酢飯を職人が精魂込めて握ります。 江戸前の伝統技術を守りながらも、海外のお客様にも 喜ばれるよう、鮨を通して心と心の繋がりを大切にし、 ス タッフ一同日々、精進して参ります。鮨心でしか味わえな PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | MATTHEW LITTLEWOOD

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いお料理を是非、 ご堪能ください。

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TITLE HOKKAIDO KITCHEN: SUSHI SHIN

What is the most important part of your job?

The key principles include focusing on our technique and ingredients to ensure our customers enjoy their dining experience.

What was the hardest thing you experienced during your training days?

The early years were particularly challenging as I had to prove to the senior chefs that I truly possessed the commitment and desire to become a sushi chef. The training was demanding both mentally and physically.

Being a sushi chef requires delicate handling. What is the most important thing in terms of hand forming sushi?

Experience and technique is required for this job, however I think the most important thing you need is passion and curiosity to bring out the best of the ingredients.

Finding the best ingredients can be challenging but thanks to the long standing relationships that myself and master chef Miyakawa have cultivated over the decades we are confident in our ability to source the finest ingredients available in Japan.

Tell us about your hotel restaurant experience.

What is the most exciting thing about being a sushi chef?

It was an opportunity to improve my skills and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of international guests. Now at Sushi Shin I am working with our team to offer traditional Edo Mae Sushi to the growing number of foreign visitors.

We make and serve sushi in front of customers and I take real pleasure in this interaction. The sushi counter is similar to a private kitchen experience as the customers can communicate throughout the meal directly with the chefs.

What made you want to work in Niseko?

Learning from master chef Miyakawa and experiencing the natural beauty of Niseko was too much of an opportunity to pass up.

Did you come straight to Niseko from Tokyo?

Before opening in Niseko I trained directly under master chef Miyakawa at his restaurant in Sapporo.

How did it feel to be an apprentice again after being an experienced and successful sushi chef?

Learning from and working closely with master chef Miyakawa is a great experience and honor.

I believe that you can never stop learning throughout your lifetime.

What are your plans now?

In keeping with the Edomae tradition, I would like our international customers to experience authentic traditional Edomae-zushi.

Together with master chef Miyakwa we are going to create sushi using Hokkaido’s exquisite seasonal ingredients. I also continue to focus on strengthening my relationship with our customers.

What do you look forward to in launching “Sushi Shin” in Niseko?

“Sushi” is the traditional art of Japan. The basic principal of sushi is not only to maintain the freshness of the raw ingredients but to keep the rice at body temperature throughout the process.

Following the traditional Edo-style, we aim to provide the highest level of hospitality and service to our guests from all over the world. Our goal is for customers to experience what we believe is truly world class Edo style sushi.

Grilled Splendid Alfonsino (RED SN A P P ER / SEA BREA M)

Ponzu juree 250cc dashi broth 70cc ponzu (citrus seasoned soy sauce) 5cc Akazake (red sake) 2 枚 (gelatine sheet) Seabream Cook konbu cured seabeam on a charcoal grill.

Cut into pieces for a single serving. Put on a dish, pour the ponzu juree sauce on the seabeam, and sprinkle some spring onions on top.

Steamed Abalone Cut steamed abalone into pieces for one serving, then place in a dish. Pour kimo sauce over the abalone.

Kimo sauce Boil down some of the cooking water used for steaming, and add your favourite seasoning.

Serve in two separate dishes

PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | MATTHEW LITTLEWOOD

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TITLE

SuShiTobi catering service

exclusive sushi experience Enjoy a private sushi banquet in the comfort of your own home or suite. Watch your private chef craft delicious sushi right before your eyes before sitting down to the meal of a lifetime.

鮨飛

松 竹 梅

Adult

Children

Standard

¥20,000

¥10,000

Special

¥30,000

¥15,000

Deluxe

¥45,000

¥22,500

(6-10 years old)

Minimum order: ¥6,000

Tel 080-9611-3897 Booking is required 3 days in advance.

Cancellation Policy: 1-3 day before 50%, less than 24 hours 100% of booking will be charged to your credit card.

OPEN 17:00-22:00 sushitobi.net

info@sushitobi.net

Booking is required 3 days in advance

松 竹 梅

Cancellation policy: 1-3 days before 50%, less than 24 hours 100% of booking will be charged to your credit card.

Adult

Children

Standard

¥20,000

¥10,000

Special

¥30,000

¥15,000

Deluxe

¥45,000

¥22,500

(6-10 years old)

Minimum order: ¥6,000

Tel 080-9611-3897 Booking is required 3 days in advance.

Cancellation Policy: 1-3 day before 50%, less than 24 hours 100% of booking will be charged to your credit card.

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JAPANESE FOOD TITLE

Soba

Soup Curry

Ramen

Made from buckwheat flour, this noodle dish is served in a number of different ways. In Hokkaido - where approximately 35% of buckwheat is produced, this dish is a summer favourite traditionally served chilled with shredded daikon radish, shallots, wasabi and dipping sauce. Most Soba restaurants make their noodles in house for the freshest and best tasting experience.

Local Soba chefs even use special spring water from the base of Mt. Yotei for the ultimate flavour experience.

Created in the bustling city of Sapporo, this dish is one of most modern on the list, only being officially conceived in the last 20 years. Soup Curry consists of a variety of seasonal vegetables, an egg and meat covered by a spicy broth, all in one bowl with a side of rice. Soup Curry is highly customisable, allowing diners to choose the type of broth, spice level, extra ingredients and more. You can usually order a yoghurt drink, also known as Lassi, to go with your meal which is highly recommended, especially if you’re getting a high spice level. This winter warmer is a dish not to be missed out on.

The best known noodle dish on this list, and certainly one of the easiest to come by in Japan is the humble Ramen. In Japan this dish is not just for university students down to their last few yen for the week. Ramen is enjoyed by everyone from businessmen to families to couples out on a romantic date. This brothy noodly bowl of happiness generally consists of thin ramen noodles, a thick broth of miso, soy or salt flavours, roast pork slices and bean sprouts.

Depending on the restaurant, you may have also have a boiled egg, spring onions and a few other vegetables. Ramen is a definite must try when you’re in Hokkaido, and it’s sure to warm you up on those cold nights.

WHERE TO GO

WHERE TO GO

WHERE TO GO

Ichimura Soba – Hirafu (Yamada Intersection)

Tsubara Tsubara – Izumikyo

Bar Moon – Hirafu

Markie Curry – Kutchan

Niseko Ramen – Hirafu

Shouan – Kutchan

Nakama Ramen – Kutchan

W

hen you ask any visitor to Japan what their favourite things were, invariably one of the first things they rave about is the food. There are so many different styles of food to choose from that are distinctly Japanese, and they’re all special in their own way. Hokkaido is specifically known throughout Japan as having some of the best produce, meat and seafood in the country. Hokkaido also has quite a few unique takes on the usual classics. We’re here to help break down a few of the best known styles of food and point you in the right direction to get some of the best meals in the Niseko area.

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JAPANESE FOOD TITLE

PHOTO: Genghis Khan Takigawa

Genghis Khan

Sashimi

Izakaya

Hokkaido is actually one of the top lamb farming areas in Japan, and Genghis Khan restaurants in Hokkaido definitely take advantage of that fact. Diners all sit around a dome shaped hot plate then the staff bring plates of marinated lamb for diners to cook. The hot plate has grooves to allow the marinate to drip off onto vegetables placed around the edges. Legend has it that Mongolian soliders used to use their helmets to cook their favourite meat, which was lamb. This was the inspiration behind modern Genghis Khan restaurants, and is an experience not to be missed.

Hokkaido is known for being the top producer of many types of food, but perhaps the cuisine most coveted by Japanese connoisseurs is Sashimi. The cold waters around Hokkaido are host to some of the largest fish populations in the world for a variety of species. Due to the proximity to the Arctic Circle and remoteness of the region, the fish here are totally wild. The Sashimi that you get in Hokkaido is amongst the freshest in Japan, as is kept at constant low temperature as soon as it is caught.

Sashimi is a pure seafood experience; elegant in its simplicity. Platters of sashimi are simple bite-size slices of raw and fresh seafood. An absolute delicacy in Japan, and Hokkaido boasts some of the best in the country.

One of the best ways to warm the belly is not only with food, but with drinks too. Izakaya is a wonderful blend of traditional Japanese dishes and drinking. Izakaya restaurants offer a broad range of tapas style dishes which are designed to be shared with friends over a few beers, sakes or any kind of beverage your heart desires. The main focus of Izakaya is to spend time with friends in a warm and cosy spot out of the elements. Popular dishes include Agedashi Tofu, Chicken Karage, Yakitori (grilled meat on sticks), Edamame, Gyoza and much more. All kinds of fried foods are definitely a favourite. If you’re feeling the cold and are in need of a hearty meal with a drink, Izakaya is for you.

WHERE TO GO

WHERE TO GO

WHERE TO GO

Puku-Puku-Tei – Hirafu

Yukitei – Hirafu

Bang Bang – Hirafu

Niseko Soan – Hirafu

Senchou 2 – Hirafu

Jam Bar – Hirafu

Niseko Genghis Khan – Higashiyama

Niseko Sakura – Hirafu

Otsukisama – Hirafu

Sato – Kutchan

Kougetsu – Hirafu

Hanayoshi – Niseko Town

Izakaya Yui – Lower Hirafu

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TITLE

Public Izakaya YUI 大衆居酒屋 結 ゆころ温泉 駐車場内 163 Yamada Kutchan

0136 55 6071

Car parking available next door at Yukoro Onsen

izakayayui@hotmail.com

Enjoy delicious Izakaya food & drinks in Niseko!

SEICOMART TO KUTCHAN

HIRAFU INTERSECTION

343 SKIJAPAN

YOTEI-ZAKA ST

Tempura / Seafood / Teriyaki Chicken / Yakitori / Karaage / Beer & Sake TRADITIONAL COSTUME - GET YOUR PHOTO TODAY!

YUI

KONNICHIWA AVE

Yukoro Onsen YUKEMURI AVE

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groceries + fresh produce + meats + wines + spirits + sake

Gorilla Market Gorilla Market offers a great selection of fresh vegetables, groceries, household goods, wines, spirits, and sake! Gorilla Market works with local chefs, bakeries, producers and business owners to bring you the most delicious provisions Niseko and Hokkaido has to offer.

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SHIKI Niseko, First Floor 190-4, Yamada, Kutchan-cho Abuta-gun Hokkaido,044-0081 Tel. 0136-55-8235

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delivery service available Pre-order most products

TITLE

MARCHE YUKIDARUMA

マルシェゆきだるま

ENJOY DELICIOUS, FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE & SOUVENIRS AT YUKIDARUMA MARKET マルシェゆきだるまではニセコのおいしいををそろえてお待ちしています。 91-21 Takasago Kutchan - inside Homac store Open time 9:00-21:00 7days a week except New Year’s Day TEL: 0136-55-5554 FAX: 0136-55-5364

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TITLE IAIDO: A SMOOTH DRAW

We spoke to local Iaido expert, Kendo teacher, business person and town councilor, Mr. Shinji Furutani.

How did you come about Iaido?

My father had started learning Iaido when I was in elementary school, and then he later talked me into learning Iaido when I became a junior high school student.

WITH SHINJI FURUTANI Iaido and Kendo Teacher

STORY | JOJO KATSUMI

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hen Samurai warriors existed in Japan, the swords they used were revered by the warriors and held the blades in a higher regard than their own lives.

In present era, all Japanese swords, or Katanas, need to be registered and carried in scabbards with registration certificates attached. The swords aren’t sold at antique stores or even specialist knife stores, and they can’t be taken abroad without permission from the Japanese government.

The martial art of “Iaido” (ee-eye-do) is an ancient Japanese martial art that uses katana swords in training. Less mainstream than high school taught martial arts such as Judo and Kendo, Iaido’s focus is on the anticipation of imminent attack, and the most efficient response to dispatch an attacker by drawing a sword directly into a cutting technique.

In Iaido, practitioners value each movement, from drawing the sword, preparing the strike, to returning the sword back into the sheath. The focus is on being aware of an opponents motive, and drawing only in response to imminent threat - lest a premature draw be an act of aggression.

This kind of ethos is uncommon for marital arts and it’s very specific to Japan.

Unlike Kendo, Iaido doesn’t comprise strikes and intense physical exercises, which allows anyone to learn Iaido regardless of any age and gender. However, Iaido is performed with sharpened swords and requires absolute control of one’s emotions and mental state. Iaido’s serene and quiet movement and Kendo’s rapid and aggressive movement are cited as two sides of the same coin.

Iaido is said to have been founded 450 years ago in the Muromachi period. Training in Iaido was quite dangerous, and one could even lose their life, so during the Meiji period the number of Iaido practitioners dropped significantly due to the dangers. In 1952 Iaido joined the All Japan Kendo Federation and Iaido was officially established as a martial art.

The first national Iaido competition was held in 1996 and from then on competitions in the sport became more common. Now competitors and enthusiasts in Japan and from abroad increase every year. Iai international competitions have been held in and out of Japan and Iaido is expected to be spread and prosper.

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What are the best things about Iaido?

In other sports your performance declines as your physical strength weakens, but that’s not the case for Iaido. You can develop technique as you gain experience in Iai and you can keep practicing Iai for as long as you live.

What do you enjoy about learning Iaido?

Every motion has its logic, and I find that those individual motions come together to form technique by practicing continuous movement respectively. It’s important to control my body to follow the principles.

What purposes does Iaido serve?

Iai is aimed not to kill people but to let people live, and we train ourselves to live. It’s best to defeat our rivals without using swords but by understanding relative positions of each other and keeping the distance in respective manners, you make your points clear. It’s a negotiating act.

We would like people to feel compassion from martial art demonstrations.

Do you teach by yourself?

Yes, I teach at my brother’s training hall once a week.

What’s good about learning Iaido?

You don’t need physical strength to learn Iaido.

Gender differences don’t affect the learning or performance of Iaido, and learners can learn to find peace in the mind. We have had an increase of female learners recently as well.

first and start using real swords as they improve.

Real swords have a sharpened blade and handling the real swords in the wrong way can lead to injuries of oneself and others, hence it means the trainers and trainees have to take it very seriously and control their motions accurately.

What type of people would you recommend Iaido to?

Anybody. Age gender and physical ability don’t matter; anyone can do this martial art even children. Small children should learn Kendo and Iaido at the same time.

Any advice to those that are interested in Iaidio?

Iaido is not a flashy type of martial art. I think anyone can find the smooth motions of Iai interesting and you will be surprised to discover more and more as you go. Martial arts are fascinating and you can enjoy them your whole life.

Have you experienced any other sports?

I took time off from Iai for a decade as I played hockey and did cycling, and running in college. I had an opportunity to teach Kendo to kids and that was at that time I started training for Iaido again.

How did you start in Kendo?

I’m the youngest of four siblings and my father was a Kendo instructor. All my siblings started learning Kendo as they entered elementary school and there was nobody to look after me at home so at the age of 6 before entering elementary school, I started Kendo and continued through high school.

What are the differences between Kendo and Iaido?

I’ve learned both Kendo and Iaido simultaneously, so there aren’t many differences between them to me. The basic principles are the same, however, Kendo uses bamboo swords, not the real ones, and the training methods are different.

What do you think of using real swords in Iaido?

Use of real swords lets trainees improve techniques of Iai. Beginners use fake swords at

IAIDO IS AIMED NOT TO HURT PEOPLE BUT TO LET PEOPLE LIVE, AND WE TRAIN OURSELVES TO LIVE

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IAIDO IAIDO: A SMOOTH DRAW TITLE

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PHOTO: SKIJAPAN.COM | ALISTER BUCKINGHAM

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TITLE IAIDO: A SMOOTH DRAW

WITH JOSHUA HIGASHIUCHI Iaido and Kendo Student

STORY | JOJO KATSUMI

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ocal Kutchan elementary school student, Joshua Higashiuchi, is currently learning Iaido with Furutani Sensei. His father is Australian and his mother is Japanese. Joshua was born in Bunbury, in eastern Australia and had an upbringing just like any other Australian kid.

The town of Bunbury is so removed from Japan, but his parents wanted Joshua to be in touch with his Japanese heritage. So, at the age of 7, Joshua went to his mother’s home town in Tokyo for school. During the orientation, while he was walking around on the campus, Joshua heard voices of kids practicing Kendo in the gymnastic hall. He went to check it out and had his first encounter with Kendo. Soon after, he started practicing Kendo in Japan before returning to Australia. He started taking Kendo lessons once a week at a Japanese school in Bunbury, however, he wanted to really focus on Japanese language and get better at Kendo, so Joshua went back to Japan.

Tokyo is the best city for studying Kendo, because the level of Kendo practitioners is quite high, but the city didn’t provide an ideal living environment for Joshua. He has an older brother that lives and works in Niseko, so he decided to move here and now goes to Kutchan elementary school and learns Kendo and Iaido almost every day.

When did you start learning Kendo?

I started in first grade of elementary school.

How did you feel about Kendo before you started?

It’s fun to watch Kendo and I wanted to start learning it as soon as possible.

How did you like Kendo when you first started practicing?

I had so much fun. I liked using Shinai, the bamboo sword, and striking with the shinai was a lot of fun.

What’s the hardest thing about practicing Kendo?

Making footsteps in Kendo style is difficult.

Unlike normal footsteps, I have to slide my feet along the ground. I still find it difficult.

How did you learn about Iaido?

I saw my Kendo teacher Mr. Furuya practicing Iaido and I thought it was so cool. Mr. Furuya recommended that I learn Iaido and that’s how I got started.

What do you like about Iaido?

I like using the Katana; it’s a real sword.

Which seasons do you like summer or winter? And why?

I like the summer because I like to go camping.

In winter I go out and snowboard with my brother who teaches me.

Do you have hobbies other than Kendo?

I like playing dodgeball and soccer.

Which country do you like to do Kendo in Australia or Japan? And why?

I like to do Kendo here in Japan because I get to practice Kendo every day here, but in Australia I can practice only once a week.

Do you like Niseko?

Yes, I do. There are many people from different countries and it’s a lot of fun.

Would you recommend Kendo to your friends?

It’s fun practicing Kendo at the Dojo. Everyone should come and try!

What do you plan to do in the future?

I want to get stronger so I can be the best Kenshi (swordsman) in Australia and participate in the World Kendo Championship as an Australian national team member.

What differences do you see in Kendo and Iaido?

How to make footsteps and the style of making strikes are different.

What’s difficult about Iaido?

Although it’s fun using the sword, it can be a bit intense to handle. Memorizing Kata (movements) is kind of difficult, too.

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TAKE A STAB AT KENDO AND IAIDO - CONTACT MR FUYURA AT THE NISEKO KANKYO OFFICE 136 22 6670

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APARTMENT & LUXURY HOME SALES LAND SALES • OPEN HOMES • NEW DEVELOPMENTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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SINCE 1993

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OURS ED TSA Y GUID R T N , PPORO U RO O RO C KI K U, C TS SU BA NISEKO, RU

www.nisekorealtysales.com info@nisekorealtysales.com Call: 0136-23-2221 Momiji Street, Niseko, Hirafu

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BOOK YOUR NEXT TOUR

0136-23-1688 WWW.NOASC.COM

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AINU: HUMANS OF HOKKAIDO

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he Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido and other areas of northern Japan, Sakhhalin Oblast, and the part of Kuril Islands. They were there long before the Yamato people (now called Japanese) moved to the region. The Ainu, meaning “human” in the native language, believed that in nature there were beings that existed that transcended human’s abilities and were believed to be Gods.

The Ainu didn’t have written language, but instead passed down stories about the gods over generations through oral literature. These stories were full of useful information and described ways of living in an environment as harsh as Hokkaido. These stories, along with the Ainu culture, were inherited and developed over the centuries. The Ainu were a hunter-gatherer society and traded fur and marine products with groups from Russia, China, and Mainland Japan.

HUMANS O F HOK K A IDO STORY JOJO KATSUMI

The Ainu built different types of ships that were used for different occasions such as fishing and trading. Dugout canoe style boats, or “chippu”, were hollowed out logs, made of Japanese Judas trees or Bakkou yanagi trees.

Boats for rivers and lakes needed to be thicker and sturdy, while boats that needed to be used on the sea for long periods of time were made lightweight and thinner, as they needed to be transported on land as well.

“Itaomatupu” ships were used for traveling across the open ocean and were often used for trading and fishing. They were made from hollowed out trees and shaped from logs. Wood from cypress trees were then attached to the sides of the log and tied with hemp ropes which tighten when soaked in water and help to strengthen the ship. Layers of wooden boards were then built up over the sides of the ship to make it taller and resist strong ocean waves.

Men hunted and fished, while women were in charge of cultivation, gathering wild plants, and raising children. Groups of men hunted everything from beasts such as Higuma bears, Ezo deer, hares, racoons, foxes, white-tailed eagles, sea eagles, ravens, to marine animals like salmon, trouts, seals, dolphins, and whales. Among those animals, the most important source of food for the Ainu were deer and salmon because they could be found in large numbers, and it was efficient to catch large numbers at once. These animals were essential to the Ainu for food supply as well as trading goods. The Ainu also developed hunting tools, ships, and daily and ceremonial equipment with unique techniques.

Tonkori and Mukkuri are well-known musical instruments of the Ainu culture. Tonkori is a stringed instrument with 5 unfretted strings. The Ainu associate instruments as extensions of the human body, and referred to parts of the instruments in a similar way to our own bodies.

The body of a Tonkori is made of hollowed out pine tree and is then covered with a wooden board to make a resonance effect. The strings are made from softened wood fibers of a staff tree.

The Tonkori is said to have magical powers, and can ward off demons that spread disease in villages. Playing a Tonkori is said to help heal the sick and can even calm storms.

The Mukkuri is the most iconic musical instrument of the Ainu. It’s a type of instrument similar to the commonly known “Jew’s Harp” which can be found all over the world. There are Jew’s Harps that are made with various materials such as metals, and some are made from wood and string. The Mukkuri is made with flattened bamboo wood with a string attached. Pulling the strings makes the bamboo vibrate, and putting the bamboo into one’s mouth helps to resonate the sound inside the mouth. The tone doesn’t change but the sound changes as it is resonated by moving one’s mouth.

The Mukkuri were often played by women mimicking the sound of nature and animals from the forests. The Mukkuri can be purchased at many gift shops that carry Ainu artefacts. In Niseko, “Yukidaruma market” at the entrance of Homac has Mukkuri available. Drop by and check out the traditional Ainu products alongside local produce.

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TITLE PROPERTY: AN OPTION FOR ANY BUDGET

NISEKO

Pens ion L ocomotion Locomotion is a comfortable family run pension with wonderful hosts and a quirky atmosphere. All rooms have western bedding and ensuites and include daily breakfast. There is a cozy lounge and dining area to relax too.

PRICED FROM 5,625 JPY PPN

F O R A NY B UD GET

L odge Kor opok k uru If you’re looking for a convenient location and Japanese style hospitality, Lodge Koropokkuru is the perfect place for you. This recently refurbished lodge offers basic rooms, hot public bath and daily breakfast.

PRICED FROM 5,065 JPY PPN

N

iseko offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Whether you’re a powder hound who wants to ski all day, a couple looking for a romantic getaway or parents who want to enjoy some well-earned R&R, Niseko has accommodation options to suit every personality. To get you started we have compiled a guide to all your options in Niseko, from humble family-run pensions to idyllic penthouses apartments and everything in between.

My Ecolodge This newly built lodge is a modern and economical option located at the Yamada Intersection opposite the shuttle bus stop.

Rooms range from shared dorm rooms to private rooms with ensuite facilities. There is a convenience store and activities desk onsite.

$

PRICED FROM 3,500 JPY PPN

BU DG E T BACKPACKERS, PENSIONS AND LODGES You’re here for powder and all you’re really looking for in terms of accommodation is a place to wash, sleep, eat and store your gear. The rest of the time you’ll probably be on the mountain or in a bar.

Most budget options in Niseko are small, family-run businesses with a lovely homey atmosphere and loads of local character. Room types vary from shared dorms to private Japanese and Western style rooms with or without ensuite bathroom facilities.

The majority have common areas that are perfect for guests who want to wind down and mix with other travellers after a day out on the slopes.

Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a buzzy atmosphere rather than top of the range décor.

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$$

MID RANGE

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NISEKO FOR ANY BUDGET TITLE

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HOTELS AND SELF-CONTAINED APARTMENTS/TOWNHOUSES

If you prefer a little more privacy and the thought of having to wait in line to use the bathroom makes you cringe, we suggest staying in a hotel, apartment or townhouse.

Niseko hotels are comfortable, affordable and offer many onsite facilities such as restaurants, onsens, ski rental and shops. However don’t expect state of the art furniture, fittings and décor except in smaller boutique hotels.

Self-contained options are the most common type of accommodation found in Niseko and range from simple studio apartments to stand alone townhouses. They are great for families and groups of friends looking for a relaxed style of holiday and would like to cook.

Depending on how many people you are travelling with, an apartment or townhouse can work out considerably cheaper than staying in a hotel.

That’s because the overall price of the property can be divided by the number of guests, rather than each person paying a fixed price per night.

The more of you there are, the less money you will each have to spend!

BOUTIQUE APARTMENTS AND PENTHOUSES Money is not an object when it comes to your ski vacation. You want a personalized home away from home with all the trimmings - ski concierge, luxurious spa treatments, five-star dining. If you’re in the market for big rooms, lavish décor and attentive service this is your most reliable option.

When you’ve got the littlies in tow there are a lot things to consider when choosing accommodation. Is it walking distance to the lifts? Does it have a kitchen? Is there a grocery store close by? Nestled at the base of the Ace Family chair lift are several swanky ski in/ski out properties offering all the services and amenities you need to keep the kids happy while keeping your own sanity. Furthermore, a dedicated concierge team are on hand to arrange all your in resort needs such as in-house catering, restaurant bookings and baby-sitting services.

Hot el N i seko A l p en A Niseko landmark, the Alpen Hotel is a true ski in/ski out hotel offering all resort style facilities including onsite restaurants, shops, swimming pool, onsen, child care and massage therapy.

PRICED FROM 11,440 JPY PPN

Alpen R idge In a spectacular and unbeatable ski-in/ ski-out location, this landmark property features onsite ski school, rental and retail shop, concierge, café and secure ski locker. Enjoy luxurious alpine resort lifestyle in a selection of stylish and fully selfcontained apartments and penthouses.

PRICED FROM 11,580 JPY PPN

Haven Nis ek o Exceptional luxury boutique apartments located conveniently in middle Hirafu Village. With premium appointments and first class onsite services, including village transports, concierge, Spa, cafe, and Wellness Center, Haven delivers five star alpine living at its best!

Y u t a k a Tow n h ou se

PRICED FROM 10,310 JPY PPN

Convenient and centrally located townhouses featuring spacious living areas, modern furnishings and fully equipped kitchens with western appliances.

PRICED FROM 5,685 JPY PPN

CONTACT SKIJAPAN.COM TO FIND THE BEST NISEKO ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT YOUR BUDGET! HOLIDAYS@SKIJAPAN.COM | 0136 22 4611 | WWW.SKIJAPAN.COM

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REAL ESTATE SALES & PROJECTS

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PROPERTY: NEW HOUSE TRENDS

PROPERTY: NEW HOUSE TRENDS

GRANT MITCHELL Owner-Operator of Niseko Property

N

iseko Property is best known as Niseko’s largest real estate agency, but the company is also very active with the project management of new builds throughout Niseko. We sat down for a chat with Grant Mitchell, owner-director of Niseko Property, to get a better understanding of construction trends in Niseko.

Good morning Grant. Firstly, when did you first come to Japan?

Good morning! I first arrived in Japan in 1989 and lived in Tokyo for around 13 years before moving back to New Zealand with my family for several years. Japan lured us back again in 2008 - this time to Niseko.

How long has Niseko Property been involved in project management?

Our first major project was the Hirafu 188 commercial building on Hirafu Zaka, completed in December 2014.

How did your involvement in this project come about?

What projects is Niseko Property managing at present?

Like many of our projects, we sold the land to the current owner and they were evidently satisfied with our professional level of service and engaged Niseko Property to manage the project for them. I think everyone was very happy with the outcome and the building is becoming an iconic landmark.

Currently, we have three house builds and a boutique hotel on the go. We are also in discussion with several other clients regarding potential house builds.

What exactly does project management entail?

Yes, definitely. All three of the houses we are currently project managing are much larger and of a higher quality than those when I first came to Niseko. At that time, most houses were up to around USD $1m and the more premium houses were around USD $2m. Now we are now seeing a growing number of houses over USD $4m and even up to USD $10m. I expect this trend to continue with houses getting up to values not seen in Niseko so far but which are fairly common in ski resorts in Europe and North America. I expect a USD $20m house to appear anytime now!

For us, project management is centred on providing expert, hands-on liaison between the owner, the architect, the construction company and the many other moving parts in the process.

This includes ensuring smooth communication between all parties, our input on the planned building’s function & design and coordinating details such as furnishings etc.

Has Niseko Property managed any house builds?

Yes, we completed our first build two winters ago a beautiful one-storey timber home in Kabayama.

Do your current house builds tell us anything about trends in Niseko?

Thank you Grant My pleasure!

NISEKO PROPERTY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2008 AND IS THE LARGEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN NISEKO WITH OVER 150 LISTINGS. IT IS ALSO ACTIVE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND LEASES. THEY CAN BE CONTACTED AT INFO@NISEKOPROPERTY.COM, +81-136-21-5060, WWW.NISEKOPROPERTY.COM

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PROPERTY FOCUS: HAVEN NISEKO

E N J OY A SL I C E OF

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nother unique and signature project of renowned Ricardo Tossani Architects, working closely with the owner developers, to deliver this luxurious, hotelcondominium building in Hirafu, Niseko.

BELINDA WHITE General Manager at SkiJapan.com

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Completed in December 2016, Haven is conceived as a boutique, luxury chalet-hotel with intimacy and privacy made possible with the large residences occupying entire floors of the four-story building. Each residence with its own private lift access directly into the apartment entrance, the design exudes exclusivity.

An exceptional design that draws on dynamic local influences and the natural landscapes, while celebrating the village culture and artistic virtuosity. For Haven, this approach

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inspired an elegant and unpretentious style by using a multifaceted, color-shifting architectural skin, together with copious natural Japanese timbers to recall the ever-changing nature of the silver birch forest and spectacular mountains, to promote the vibrant characteristics of the surrounding area.

Befitting the eclectic personality of the village, the reinforced concrete building is wrapped in a lustrous, patterned exterior that changes colour and hue with the passage of sun, snow and the very distinctive seasons.

Thrusting off a creek-edge promontory, Haven’s generous living spaces display a panorama of breathtaking alpine views. Nestled amongst old-growth trees in one of the last native forest areas of Hirafu, this rare edge-design was inspired to create an architecture of expansive glassed-in

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rooms bookended by massive striated walls and solid, projecting volumes over protected, indented terraces, all recalling the crystalline alpine character of Niseko’s mountain geology and climate.

The impressive size and inviting warmth of the living spaces, with their spectacular wrap around floor to ceiling windows, blend with the majestic scenery. Relishing a backdrop of gorgeous silver birch, magically uplit adding vertical emphasis and drama, with the magnificent Mount Yotei adorning from the east across to the superb mountain ranges of the Grand Hirafu resort, from the west side of the building.

Luxuriously appointed bathrooms, sleek contemporary kitchens, sumptuous bedrooms, and sophisticated living spaces enhanced with fireplace centerpieces and separate wine rooms for reading, games and quiet reflection. The

apartments are furnished and finished with highspec materials throughout. Many materials are specially selected for individuality and imported for supreme quality such as Italian timber look porcelain floor tiles, forging the ultimate in style and time worn beauty, and a pleasure under foot.

The entry level of Haven, boasts the first and only comprehensive spa, hairdresser and beauty salon in Niseko. The luxurious interior design and fit-out was created by Takara Space Design, the world’s leading Spa architects and in fitting with the style of Haven. The building also houses a Café and Health food shop and for this season will be displaying the exclusive high end European ski wear label from the SkiProject.

The next three levels are the residences, on level 2, a 4 bedroom apartment with a 3 key feature enabling the apartment to be booked as separate studio suites and a 2 bedroom. On the

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next 2 levels are a sub penthouse and penthouse, offering expansive 4 bedroom accommodation with an extra room for small children, a nanny or helper. The building delivers on the outdoor experience with superb roof top area enjoyed with external ethanol fireplace and the surrounding village and natural landscapes.

Haven Niseko ticks many splurge worthy boxes for the Luxury Holiday Seeker – a must try.

STAY IN STYLE AT HAVEN NISEKO HOLIDAYS@SKIJAPAN.COM WWW.SKIJAPAN.COM

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IN-RESORT SERVICES

CHITOSE AIRPORT DOMESTIC MEETING POINT

NISEKO WINTER

SERVICES 0 13 6 2 2 4 6 11 | w w w . S k i J a p a n . c o m holidays@SkiJapan.com

LOCATED AT RESORT LINER SERVICE DESK

JAL & Skymark EXIT B

JAL EXIT A

ANA & AIR DO EXIT

1F Domestic Arrivals Terminal

MEET & GREET SERVICE

AIRPORT SERVICE DESK

TRANSFERS & LIFT PASSES

SkiJapan.com provide a meet and greet service for our guests arriving at Chitose airport and into the resort.

Our staff will be waiting for you at the airport to guide or join you onto your selected transfer.

Once in Niseko, we will take you to your accommodation safely and without the normal hassle that might arise from travelling in a foreign country. You’ll be settled in and relaxed in no time!

We are the only English speaking tour operator in Hokkaido with a staffed service and tour desk at Chitose Airport. Located in the arrivals lobby of the International Terminal, SkiJapan.com’s dedicated bilingual speaking airport representatives will meet you on arrival and are able to assist you with your enquiries 7 days a week (Dec–Mar).

SkiJapan.com can organise door to door transfers to make your trip smooth and hassle free. We operate exclusively hosted transfers with our friendly Guest Services staff onboard to answer questions and make your trip comfortable. If you are looking for something a little more private, we can also arrange a private taxi or luxury limousine. Pre-book your lift pass and it will be ready for you on arrival into the resort - it couldn’t be easier!

TOUR BOOKING SERVICE

MOUNTAIN GUIDING

GROCERY PACK DELIVERY

Whether you’re looking to experience a wild afternoon of snowmobiling, heli-skiing, a scenic snowshoe tour, or want a taste of the unique Japanese culture with a cooking class or tea ceremony, SkiJapan.com can organise a variety of tours and activities both in and around Niseko, Sapporo and Otaru.

Bookings can be made by dropping into one of the Niseko resort service desks or speaking to your resort representative when you arrive.

SkiJapan.com mountain guiding offers you the choice of family-style inbound resort guiding or an out-through-the-gates back country experience with our certified guides. Choices of 1–5 day multi-resort guiding packages are available. Our seamless door to door service leaves nothing for you to do but be picked up and have the powder day of your life.

For further details please contact your consultant or guiding@SkiJapan.com.

SkiJapan.com offers the convenience of a set

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grocery pack ready in your accommodation for your arrival. Including the basics like bread, milk, juice and other small essentials, this pack will help get you started and is especially helpful when arriving late into Niseko. Grocery packs must be pre-purchased a minimum 5 days prior to your arrival and are only available for selected accommodations.

IN-RESORT SERVICES

CHITOSE AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL SERVICE DESK

International Arrivals Terminal Connecting Pass

CHILD MINDING

NISEKO MERCHANDISE

There are several child minding services available in Niseko. Child Minding is available at the Alpen Hotel for either half or full day.

Niseko Kids Club services are also available at Aya. There are also other chilld minding services including in-house baby sitting. Pre-booking of all child minding services is essential.

Take home a memento from Niseko. The SkiJapan.com office and Niseko Base Snowsports stock a range of hoodies, tees thermals, glove liners, ski masks and socks.

Designed here in Niseko, these products are great for dealing with extreme winters in Japan and are must-have items for any alpine enthusiasts!

ACCOMMODATION

RESORT GUEST SERVICE DESK

RENTAL & LESSONS

We offer an extensive selection of accommodation from high end, premium fully self-contained apartments and chalets to a variety of hotels and family run pensions offering styles to suit all tastes, and prices to suit all budgets.

All SkiJapan.com accommodations are within easy access of the ski lifts or free shuttle bus.

Our main Guest Services desk is located in the SkiJapan.com HQ on route 343 in central Hirafu Village. Open 7 days a week, our team are available to answer any questions you may have or to assist with booking tours and activities, restaurants and services or to check departure confirmations and assist with travel arrangements.

Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS) is Niseko’s premier all-in-one Ski & Snowboard School, Kids Club, Rental & Retail centre. NBS offers adult, child, group, private and specialist lessons, quality rental gear from big brands and a retail store with all of the must have snow gear including goggles, gloves and snow accessories to keep you warm, safe and looking good on the hill!

IN-HOUSE CATERING

NISEKO CONCIERGE

GROUPS & CONFERENCES

Our guests can also experience in-house catering for breakfast or dinner. With in-house catering you’ll enjoy personalised service, breakfast, canapés, gourmet dinners and fine wines served by your own chef and host in your very own apartment. In-house catering offers you a true chance to spend time with a local chef.

NisekoVIP is SkiJapan.com’s premium service for the guests who are happy to pay for the extras that make a holiday in powder heaven extra special. From the time you step foot off the plane our NisekoVIP host will be on hand to exclusively assist you, so please sit back, relax and leave everything to us.

For more information, visit our Services and Tours section at www.SkiJapan.com or contact NisekoConcierge@SkiJapan.com.

With dedicated group coordinators, we are a groups and conference specialist. We can organise all the travel arrangements for any large groups such as specialised conferences, school trips or incentive programs. Services we provide include discounted group airfares, accommodation, lift tickets, conference rooms, facilities, lessons, tours, catering and in-resort support.

Domestic Departures Terminal

2F

International Arrivals Terminal

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Graubunden

Bang Bang IZAKAYA

SANDWICH/CAKE CAFÉ & RESTAURANT

Create some amazing memories in Niseko while enjoying delicious sake with the famous Bang Bang menu - so popular for 30 years!

Now open for dinner! Feel free to visit us for breakfast, lunch and tea. We serve 30 kinds of sandwiches and a selection of delicious cakes. Beer and wine also available in the evenings.

Open 17:30-23:00 Closed sometimes

nisekobangbang@gmail.com HIRAFU 188-24 Yamada

Open daily 08:00-19:00 (~Dec 28) Open daily 08:00-22:00 (Dec 29-Mar 31) Closed Thursdays

PHONE 0136-23-3371 IZUMIKYO 2 132-26 Yamada

Jam

Ichimura HAND MADE SOBA RESTAURANT

IZAKAYA

Our soba noodles are made from organically buckwheat grown in Hokkaido. The grains are hand ground every morning. The fresh, crispy tempura also comes highly recommended.

Enjoy local sake along with many other drinks and delicious Japanese cuisine, izakaya style. We look forward to welcoming you at Jam Bar.

Open daily 11:00-15:00

Follow us on FB/IG @jamniseko Open daily 11:00–02:00 Food last order 22:30 Happy hour 15:00-18:00

PHONE 0136-23-0603

PHONE 0136-23-0700

YAMADA INTERSECTION 68-4 Aza-yamada

HIRAFU 189-13 Yamada

Otukisama - Bar Moon

Kougetsu IZAKAYA

RAMEN & IZAKAYA BAR

Warm and Intimate by the wood stove or watching the falling snow from the loft, let our family treat you to exquisite Hokkaido delicacies. Grilled squid, creamy oysters, juicy dumplings and Wagyu shabushabu hotpot.

You will never go hungry (or thirsty) here!

With an expansive menu featuring sushi, tempura, steak. Chinese specialties available and yummy spicy noodles are a treat at lunch! The upstairs bar is open until 2:00am.

Open daily 18:00-23:00 (LO: 22:30) Closed January 1st

Open daily

PHONE 0136-22-6028

PHONE 0136-23-2265

HIRAFU 170-41 Aza-yamada

HIRAFU 167-23 Aza-yamada

Steak Rosso Rosso

Bar Barunba

Steak House

BAR

Incredible steaks! A must try for steak lovers! Carefully selected and cut thick to ensure juiciness. Try our beef with amazing flavour and texture. We also feature a large selction of imported wines and refined hospitality.

Sample signature cocktails The Bruce Li, The Jet Li and if you’re really brave The Bruce Willis. Served with ice made from pure Hokkaido spring water in an island themed bar to warm you up this winter.

Open daily 18:00-23:00 Closed occasionally Open 19:00-01:30 Closed sometimes

PHONE 0136-21-7100

PHONE 0136 55 5615

HIRAFU 163-61 Aza-yamada

HIRAFU 170-50 Aza-yamada

94

| #34

TITLE

Coto Bar

Mick’s

JAPANESE FOOD & SAKE

WINE SHOP & WINE BAR

Come and enjoy our broad selection of Japanese sake to choose from. Sample unique flavours and discover your favourite one with a nomi-hodai tasting set. Takeaway available.

Mick’s is both a wine shop and a wine bar. Mick’s also has craft beer, cider, hot wine, Japanese sake, and whiskey.

Come for a glass or 10! The best selection in Hirafu!

Open daily 17:00-23:00 Food last order 22:30 Happy hour 15:00-17:00

Open daily 14:00~

PHONE 0136-25-4438

PHONE 080 6081 9357

HIRAFU 115-14 Yamada

HIRAFU 163-7 Yamada, J-Sekka building

Uptown Coffee

Lawson

COFFEE TO GO

CONVENIENCE STORE

Uptown Coffee is your perfect caffeine pit-stop to give you that morning boost.

Handily located opposite Hirafu 188 on the main Hirafu Zaka street, be sure to stop by for a brew and snack on your way to the Ace Quad chair, or while waiting for the onsite NBS rental/retail store to kit you out for a day on the hill!

We have light meals, alcohol, and your basic necessities coupled with efficient japanese service.

Just 100m from SkiJapan.com main office. Try our juicy fried chicken!

Open 24hrs daily

Open daily 8:00-15:00

PHONE 0136-23-1230 HIRAFU 4-191 Yamada

HIRAFU 170-1 Aza-yamada

FR

Toyota

EE

CAR RENTAL & LEASING The only rent-a-car service with a building in the Hirafu area. A great variety range of TOYOTA cars are available. Please contact in advance for inquiries and for reservations.

Your must-have guide to everything Niseko!

Open daily 09:00-18:00 Closed 1/1 - 1/3

PHONE 0136-21-2005 HIRAFU 170-1 Aza-yamada

White Isl. SNOWMOBILING TOUR White Isle Niseko is a snowmobile park with the largest elevation gap and one of the longest courses of any tour in Japan. Guests can enjoy dynamic and exciting snowmobile tours led by professional guides, using the wide open spaces of Niseko as a field on which to play.

Open daily 09:00-16:00 Closed Wednesdays | Ends April 20

PHONE 0136 22 2517 KUTCHAN 431-3 Asahi

www.niseko.com/nisekoapp/

Snow Reports • Live Lift Status • Resort Guides • Dining • Local Services • Maps • Transport • Offline Support!

| #34

95

TITLE

96

| #34

TITLE

| #34

97

TION

● BIGRUNS （ニセコグランドサービス）☎0136-55-7007

● Bigruns (Niseko Ground Service) ☎0136-55-7007

● ホワイトライナー ( 北海道グランドサービス ) ☎011-624-8821

● WhiteLiner (Hokkaido Ground Service) ☎011-624-8822

● スカイバス （スカイバストラベル）☎0136-55-5601

● SkyBus (SkyBus Travel) ☎0136-55-5601

● 北海道リゾートライナー ( 北海道アクセスネットワーク）☎011-219-4411

● Hokkaido Resort Liner (Hokkaido Access Network) ☎011-200-0506

TITLE● ニセコエアポートシャトル（コア・エージェンシー・ニセコ）☎0136-22-6180

● Niseko Airport Shuttle (Core Agency Niseko) ☎0136-22-6180

予約制ツアーバス Scheduled bus 〈 Service in Japanese only 〉 中央バス Chuo Bus

※以下の区間、中央バスはニセコバスの車両で運行します。 Niseko Bus operates on behalf of Chuo Bus in the area below.

定員予約制：予約先 中央バス札幌ターミナル

Advance booking required. Sapporo Terminal, Chuo Bus Company TEL:011-231-0500（Open: 7:30 - 18:00）<Service in Japanese only> Period: 9 Dec 2017 -25 Mar 2018 (★:Operates daily from 1 Dec 2017 to 25 Mar 2018)

TEL:011-231-0500 （営業時間：7:30 - 18:00） 運行期間：2017 年 12 月 9 日～ 2018 年 3 月 25 日

(★印の便は 2017 年 12 月 1 日～ 2018 年 3 月 25 日の毎日運行 ) 新千歳空港 → ニセコエリア New Chitose Airport → Niseko area

ニセコエリア→新千歳空港 Niseko area → New Chitose Airport

新千歳空港

11:30 ★13:30 15:30

ニセコひらふ

14:26 ★16:26 18:26

ニセコアンヌプリ Niseko Annupuri

New Chitose Airport 国際線ターミナル International Terminal ニセコアンヌプリ Niseko Annupuri ヒルトンニセコビレッジ Hilton Niseko Village ニセコひらふ Niseko Hirafu

9:10

9:11

12:06 12:26

12:43

11:31 ★13:31 15:31

15:03 ★17:03 19:03

ニセコひらふ

ヒルトンニセコビレッジ ニセコアンヌプリ

14:00

★8:41 New Chitose Airport ★11:32 国際線ターミナル International Terminal ★11:33

10:41

14:41

16:41

13:33

17:33

19:33

10:21

14:21

13:32

17:32

16:00

16:21

19:32

ニセコエリア→札幌 Niseko area → Sapporo

Sapporo Sta. Makomanai Sta. Niseko Hirafu Hilton Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri

地下鉄真駒内駅

10:00

★8:21

新千歳空港

14:46 ★16:46 18:46

札幌→ニセコエリア Sapporo → Niseko area 札幌駅前バスターミナル

★8:00

Niseko Hirafu

ヒルトンニセコビレッジ Hilton Niseko Village

7:55

8:45

11:01

11:51

ニセコひらふ

12:26

札幌駅前バスターミナル

8:35

ニセコアンヌプリ

ヒルトンニセコビレッジ

9:25

11:21

地下鉄真駒内駅

12:11

11:36

Niseko Annupuri Hilton Niseko Village Niseko Hirafu Makomanai Sta. Sapporo Sta.

14:04

16:34

14:39

17:09

14:21

16:51

17:05

19:35

17:45

20:15

道南バス Donan Bus 定員予約制：予約先 道南バス倶知安営業所 TEL:0136-22-1558 FAX:0136-22-3593 運行期間：2017 年 12 月 8 日～ 2018 年 3 月 11 日

Advance booking required. Kutchan branch，Donan Bus Company TEL:0136-22-1558 FAX:0136-22-3593 <Service in Japanese only> Period: 8 Dec 2017 - 11 Mar 2018

ルスツ→ニセコエリア Rusutsu → Niseko area ルスツリゾート

ニセコひらふ

ヒルトンニセコビレッジ ニセコアンヌプリ

ニセコエリア→ルスツ Niseko area → Rusutsu 10:00

Rusutsu Resort Niseko Hirafu Hilton Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri

16:45

11:01

ニセコアンヌプリ

17:46

11:17

ヒルトンニセコビレッジ

18:02

11:28

ニセコひらふ

18:13

ルスツリゾート

15:02

8:30

15:30

9:30

16:30

The bus drops off pasengers only at Rusutsu.

The bus picks up passengers only at Rusutsu

小樽方面からニセコエリアへのバス Buses from Otaru to Niseko area

＊の便は 1/1、1/2 運休 ＊mark: No service on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2

（路線バス / Local Bus)

ニセコ駅→俱知安駅→小樽駅 Niseko Sta. → Kutchan Sta. → Otaru Sta.

JR ニセコ駅 JR Niseko Station 道の駅ニセコビュープラザ Michinoeki Niseko View Plaza 羊蹄登山口 Mt. Yotei Trailhead JR 倶知安駅 JR Kutchan Station 俱知安厚生病院 Kutchan Kose Hospital JR 小樽駅前 JR Otaru Station

ism.com

14:51

8:02

※降車出来るのは、ルスツリゾートのみです。

※乗車出来るのは、ルスツリゾートのみです。

ニセコバス Niseko Bus

7:51

Niseko Annupuri Hilton Niseko Village Niseko Hirafu Rusutsu Resort

7:30 7:36 7:44 7:57 8:03 9:27

8:45 8:51 8:59 9:12 9:18

小樽駅→俱知安駅→ニセコ駅 Otaru Sta. → Kutchan Sta. → Niseko Sta.

＊11:30 11:36 11:44 11:57 12:03

10:42

13:27

JR 小樽駅前 JR Otaru Station 俱知安厚生病院 Kutchan Kose Hospital JR 倶知安駅前 JR Kutchan Station 羊蹄登山口 Mt. Yotei Trailhead 道の駅ニセコビュープラザ Michinoeki Niseko View Plaza JR ニセコ駅 JR Niseko Station

17:15 17:21 17:29 17:42 17:48

19:12

7:40 9:03 9:13 9:24 9:32 9:37

＊11:55 13:18 13:28 13:39

13:47 13:52

15:30 16:53 17:03 17:14

17:55 19:18 19:28 19:39

17:22 17:27

19:47 19:52

▼乗り換え Transfer

JR 時刻表 JR Train Timetable JR 函館本線 長万部方面 ( 上り ) JR Hakodate Line, bound for Oshamanbe 新千歳空港駅 New Chitose Airport 発 Dep 札幌

Sapporo

着 Arr.

Otaru

Kutchan

11:00 12:30 13:30

15:30 17:00

18:00 20:00 20:45

10:07

11:37 13:07 14:07

16:07 17:37

18:37 20:37 21:25

7:14 8:43

10:13

11:43 13:13 14:13

16:13 17:43 17:50 18:43 20:44 21:38

8:01 9:28

10:45

12:15 13:45 14:47

16:45 18:16 18:29 19:17 21:29 22:23

▼

発 Dep. 倶知安

9:30

8:29 ▼

発 Dep. 小樽

7:34

着 Arr.

着 Arr.

Hirafu

発 Dep.

ニセコ

Niseko

発 Dep.

昆布

Konbu

発 Dep.

蘭越

Rankoshi

着 Arr.

▼

▼

6:13 8:05 9:38

10:53

7:44 9:18 10:52

発 Dep. 比羅夫

▼

▼

12:10

▼

▼

▼

12:35 13:50 15:05

16:49

18:38 19:30 21:36 22:30

18:01

19:46 20:44 22:47 23:42

13:48 15:09 16:30

▼

6:24 7:50

9:51

12:35

16:55 18:16

6:31 7:58

9:59

12:43

17:02 18:24

21:11

6:40 8:06

10:07

12:52

17:12 18:33

21:20

6:50 8:17

10:18

13:03

17:23 18:44

21:30

7:02 8:25

10:26

13:10

17:30 18:52

21:37

▼

▼

▼

21:04

JR 函館本線 小樽方面 ( 下り ) JR Hakodate Line, bound for Otaru 蘭越

Rankoshi

発 Dep.

昆布

Konbu

発 Dep.

ニセコ

Niseko

発 Dep.

比羅夫

Hirafu

発 Dep.

倶知安

Kutchan

着 Arr.

小樽

発 Dep. 5:20 着 Arr.

Otaru

6:33 ▼

札幌

Sapporo

6:16 7:09 8:51

11:04

14:20

17:35

20:56

6:24 7:17 8:59

11:12

14:29

17:43

21:04

6:39 7:30 9:10

11:23

14:41

17:56

21:20

6:47 7:40 9:19

11:32

14:49

18:04

21:28

6:54 7:48 9:27

11:40

14:57

18:12

21:35

6:20 6:58 8:02

9:38

11:45 12:55

14:10

15:18 16:45

18:32 19:20 21:40

7:22 8:01 9:21

10:51

12:55 14:11

15:25

16:26 18:01

19:50 20:44 22:50

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

発 Dep. 6:39 7:26 7:33 8:22 9:30

11:00

13:00 14:20 14:30 15:30

16:30 18:08 18:30 19:56 20:55 23:10

7:25 8:13 8:19 9:01 10:02

11:32

13:32 15:12 15:02 16:02

17:02 18:48 19:02 20:40 21:41 23:54

着 Arr.

▼

発 Dep. 7:33 8:20

9:20 10:05

11:35

13:35

15:05 16:05

17:05

19:05 20:45

8:12 8:57

9:57 10:42

12:12

14:12

15:42 16:42

17:42

19:42 21:23

新千歳空港駅 New Chitose Airport 着 Arr.

■ 主な列車停車駅のみ掲載しています。■小樽ー新千歳空港間は、接続する列車のみ記載しています。 ■ 時刻表は、2017 年 12 月 1 日～ 2018 年 3 月 31 日の時刻です。

小樽 Otaru

98

■ 記載時刻は予告なく変更となる場合があります。

札幌 Sapporo 5

393

| #34 ■ JR の時刻表は、http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ をご確認ください。 ■ お問い合わせ：JR 北海道電話案内センター ☎011-222-7111（ 6:30 ～ 22:00）※日本語のみ ■Only major stops are shown in the timetables. ■Only connecting trains are shown between Otaru and

TITLE

ニセコエリア内のバス Buses in Niseko area NUS ニセコユナイテッドシャトル NISEKO UNITED Shuttle

9:30

9:05 9:07 9:10 ⬇ ⬇ 9:20 9:21 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇

Donan

⬇ ⬇

Niseko

8:52

Niseko

路線バス〈ニセコバス〉Local Bus〈Niseko Bus〉

東山 Higashiyama

14:02 14:05 14:12 14:14

● NUS 14:20 14:25 ⬇ 14:28 14:30 ⬇ 14:37 14:38 14:41 14:43 14:48 14:50 14:51 14:53 ⬇ ⬇ 14:54 14:57 15:01 15:03 15:04

¥390

ACB①

13:44 13:45 13:47 13:40 13:37 13:10 13:18 ⬇ ⬇ 13:24 13:26 13:31 13:33 13:34

Donan

13:35 ⬇ 13:37 13:38 ⬇ 13:39 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 13:43 13:44 ⬇ 13:47 ⬇

ニセコ モイワスキー場

Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort

モイワ分岐

Moiwa Intersection 甘露の森

昆布温泉

Kanro no mori

▲ NUS 13:40 13:41 13:43 13:47 13:50 ⬇ ⬇ 13:51 13:54 13:55 13:58 14:00 14:05 14:07 14:08 ⬇ 14:15 14:17 ⬇ 14:20 14:25

Konbu Onsen

● NUS 12:40 12:41 12:43 12:47 12:50 ⬇ ⬇ 12:51 12:54 12:55 12:58 13:00 13:05 13:07 13:08 ⬇ 13:15 13:17 ⬇ 13:20 13:25 Niseko

13:30 ⬇ 13:32 ⬇ 13:34 13:35 13:38 13:39 13:40 13:41 13:42 13:43 ⬇ 13:45 13:46 13:47 13:48

Niseko

14:20 14:21 14:22 14:23 ⬇ 14:25 ⬇ 14:26 14:27 14:28 14:29 14:32 14:33 ⬇ 14:35 ⬇

ヒルトン ニセコビレッジ

Hilton Niseko Village

いこいの湯宿 いろは

Ikoi no Yuyado “Iroha” ミルク工房

▲ NUS 14:55 14:56 14:58 15:02 15:05 ⬇ ⬇ 15:06 15:09 15:10 15:13 15:15 15:20 15:22 15:23 ⬇ 15:30 15:32 ⬇ 15:35 15:40 Niseko

16:05 ⬇ 16:07 ⬇ 16:09 16:10 16:13 16:14 16:15 16:16 16:17 16:18 ⬇ 16:20 16:21 16:22 16:23

● NUS 16:55 17:00 ⬇ 17:03 17:05 ⬇ 17:12 17:13 17:16 17:18 17:23 17:25 17:26 17:28 ⬇ ⬇ 17:29 17:32 17:36 17:38 17:39

● NUS 15:40 15:41 15:43 15:47 15:50 ⬇ ⬇ 15:51 15:54 15:55 15:58 16:00 16:05 16:07 16:08 ⬇ 16:15 16:17 ⬇ 16:20 16:25

ACB② 17:44 17:46 17:51 17:53 17:54 17:56

JRニセコ駅 JR Niseko Station

★ NUS 16:15 16:16 16:18 16:22 16:25 ⬇ ⬇ 16:26 16:29 16:30 16:33 16:35 16:40 16:42 16:43 ⬇ 16:50 16:52 ⬇ 16:55 17:00

Niseko

ヒラフ ウェルカムセンター前

Hirafu Welcome Center

ひらふ十字街

Hirafu Intersection

花園

HANAZONO

泉郷

Izumikyo

ニセコユナイテッドシャトル NISEKO UNITED Shuttle

山田交差点

Yamada Intersection

Kutchan Bridge

倶知安橋

比羅夫北

Hirafu North

羊蹄山登山口

Mt. Yotei Trailhead

Kutchan Intersection

倶知安十字街

JR倶知安駅 JR Kutchan Station

俱知安厚生病院

Kutchan Kose Hospital

余市・小樽方面

for Yoichi, Otaru

22:27

■ NUS 22:00 22:02 22:07 22:09 22:10 ⬇ 22:17 22:19 22:21 22:22

ACB④

■ NUS 20:50 20:51 20:53 20:57 21:00 ⬇ ⬇ 21:01 21:04 21:05 21:08 21:10 21:15 21:17 21:18 ⬇ 21:25 21:27 21:29 21:30

ACB③

21:35

ACB②

ニセコ周遊バス Niseko Area Circuit Bus

ニセコバス Niseko Bus

道南バス Donan Bus

中央バス Chuo Bus

花園 シャトル HANAZONO Shutle

■ NUS 20:10 20:11 20:13 20:17 20:20 ⬇ ⬇ 20:21 20:24 20:25 20:28 20:30 20:35 20:37 20:38 ⬇ 20:45 20:47 20:49 20:50

22:11 22:12 22:15 22:18 22:20

20:55

19:26 19:27 19:30 19:33 19:35

■ NUS 19:10 19:11 19:13 19:17 19:20 ⬇ ⬇ 19:21 19:24 19:25 19:28 19:30 19:35 19:37 19:38 ⬇ 19:45 19:47 19:49 19:50

18:11 18:12 18:15 18:18 18:20

19:55

●

2

8

▲

18

9

■

28

20

21:30 21:38 ⬇ ⬇ 21:44 21:46 21:51 21:53 21:54

★

★

12

9

路線バス Local Bus

1

31

ニセコ周遊バス Niseko Area Circuit Bus

Bus service period

バス運行期間

ニセコバス Niseko Bus

8

19

8

2

ユナイテッドシャトル UNITED Shuttle

23

8

14 15 21 22

6

28

22:22 22:25 22:32 22:34

■ NUS 18:15 18:16 18:18 18:22 18:25 ⬇ ⬇ 18:26 18:29 18:30 18:33 18:35 18:40 18:42 18:43 ⬇ 18:50 18:52 18:54 18:55

22:28 22:29 22:31 22:32 22:33 22:36 22:37 22:38 22:39 22:40 22:41 22:42 22:43 22:44 22:45 22:46

Nov

11 月

Dec

12 月

Jan

1月

Feb

2月

3月

22:04 22:05 22:07 22:00 21:57

19:00

21:36 21:37 21:39 21:40 21:41 21:44 21:45 21:46 21:47 21:48 21:49 21:50 21:51 21:52 21:53 21:54

23:35 23:36 23:38 23:40 ⬇ 23:47 23:48 23:51 23:53 23:58

19:37 19:40 19:47 19:49

■ NUS 17:30 17:31 17:33 17:37 17:40 ⬇ ⬇ 17:41 17:44 17:45 17:48 17:50 17:55 17:57 17:58 ⬇ 18:05 18:07 18:09 18:10

20:56 20:57 20:59 21:00 21:01 21:04 21:05 21:06 21:07 21:08 21:09 21:10 21:11 21:12 21:13 21:14

19:19 19:20 19:22 19:15 19:12

18:25

19:56 19:57 19:59 20:00 20:01 20:04 20:05 20:06 20:07 20:08 20:09 20:10 20:11 20:12 20:13 20:14

18:22 18:25 18:32 18:34

■ NUS 16:50 16:51 16:53 16:57 17:00 ⬇ ⬇ 17:01 17:04 17:05 17:08 17:10 17:15 17:17 17:18 ⬇ 17:25 17:27 17:29 17:30

19:01 19:02 19:04 19:05 19:06 19:09 19:10 19:11 19:12 19:13 19:14 19:15 19:16 19:17 19:18 19:19

18:04 18:05 18:07 18:00 17:57

17:45

18:26 18:27 18:29 18:30 18:31 18:34 18:35 18:36 18:37 18:38 18:39 18:40 18:41 18:42 18:43 18:44

Donan

17:00 17:02 17:05 ⬇ ⬇ 17:15 17:16 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇

17:30 ⬇ 17:32 ⬇ 17:34 17:35 17:38 17:39 17:40 17:41 17:42 17:43 ⬇ 17:45 17:46 17:47 17:48

22:35 22:36 22:38 22:40 ⬇ 22:47 22:48 22:51 22:53 22:58

18:45 18:53 ⬇ ⬇ 18:59 19:01 19:06 19:08 19:09

17:25

17:46 17:47 17:49 17:50 17:51 17:54 17:55 17:56 17:57 17:58 17:59 18:00 18:01 18:02 18:03 18:04

17:30 17:38 ⬇ ⬇ 17:44 17:46 17:51 17:53 17:54

■ NUS 16:15 16:16 16:18 16:22 16:25 ⬇ ⬇ 16:26 16:29 16:30 16:33 16:35 16:40 16:42 16:43 ⬇ 16:50 16:52 16:54 16:55

⬇ 17:27 ⬇ 17:30 17:31 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 17:35 ⬇ 17:36 17:37 ⬇ 17:45

23:30

■ NUS 23:10 23:11 23:12 23:13 23:14 23:15 23:15 23:16 23:17 23:18 23:19 23:22 23:23 23:24 23:25 23:27

Niseko

17:10

Niseko

22:30

■ NUS 22:10 22:11 22:12 22:13 22:14 22:15 22:15 22:16 22:17 22:18 22:19 22:22 22:23 22:24 22:25 22:27

17:11 17:12 17:14 17:15 17:16 17:19 17:20 17:21 17:22 17:23 17:24 17:25 17:26 17:27 17:28 17:29

21:30

■ NUS 21:10 21:11 21:12 21:13 21:14 21:15 21:15 21:16 21:17 21:18 21:19 21:22 21:23 21:24 21:25 21:27

21:35 21:36 21:38 21:40 ⬇ 21:47 21:48 21:51 21:53 21:58

4月

5月

May

Apr

Mar 1 8

9

20:30

■ NUS 20:10 20:11 20:12 20:13 20:14 20:15 20:15 20:16 20:17 20:18 20:19 20:22 20:23 20:24 20:25 20:27

21:57 22:00 22:07 22:05 22:04 22:11 22:12 22:15 22:18 22:20

ACB④ 21:44 21:46 21:51 21:53 21:54 21:56

19:45

20:35 20:36 20:38 20:40 ⬇ 20:47 20:48 20:51 20:53 20:58 21:00 21:01 21:03 ⬇ ⬇ 21:04 21:07 21:11 21:13 21:14

■ NUS 19:25 19:26 19:27 19:28 19:29 19:30 19:30 19:31 19:32 19:33 19:34 19:37 19:38 19:39 19:40 19:42 18:25 18:26 18:27 18:28 ⬇ 18:30 ⬇ 18:31 18:32 18:33 18:34 18:37 18:38 ⬇ 18:40 ⬇ 18:43

ACB③ 18:59 19:01 19:06 19:08 19:09 19:11

19:50 19:51 19:53 19:55 ⬇ 20:02 20:03 20:06 20:08 20:13 20:15 20:16 20:18 ⬇ ⬇ 20:19 20:22 20:26 20:28 20:29

19:00 18:25 18:26 18:28 18:30

18:20

■ NUS 18:00 18:01 18:02 18:03 18:04 18:05 18:05 18:06 18:07 18:08 18:09 18:12 18:13 18:14 18:15 18:17

17:38 17:40

18:37 18:38 18:41 18:43 18:48 18:50 18:51 18:53 ⬇ ⬇ 18:54 18:57 19:01 19:03 19:04

16:40 16:41 16:42 16:43 ⬇ 16:45 ⬇ 16:46 16:47 16:48 16:49 16:52 16:53 ⬇ 16:55 ⬇ 16:58 ■ NUS 17:30 17:35

17:47 17:48 17:51 17:53 17:58 18:00 18:01 18:03 ⬇ ⬇ 18:04 18:07 18:11 18:13 18:14

19:05 19:06 19:08 19:10 ⬇ 19:17 19:18 19:21 19:23 19:28 19:30 19:31 19:33 ⬇ ⬇ 19:34 19:37 19:41 19:43 19:44

■ NUS 18:40 18:41 18:42 18:43 18:44 18:45 18:45 18:46 18:47 18:48 18:49 18:52 18:53 18:54 18:55 18:57

Milk Kobo

アンヌプリスキー場

道の駅 ニセコビュープラザ

Niseko

Donan

⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 16:46 16:47 ⬇ ⬇ 17:00 17:02 17:05

16:45

16:25 ⬇ 16:27 16:28 ⬇ 16:29 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 16:33 16:34 ⬇ 16:37 ⬇

⬇ 15:29 ⬇ 15:31 15:32 15:35 15:36 15:37 15:38 15:39 15:40 ⬇ 15:42 15:43 15:44 15:45

15:27

15:14 15:12 15:10 15:15 15:16 15:21 15:22 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇

Michi no eki Niseko View Plaza

Annupuri Ski Ground アンヌプリ スキー場入口

▲ NUS 14:15 14:16 14:18 14:22 14:25 ⬇ ⬇ 14:26 14:29 14:30 14:33 14:35 14:40 14:42 14:43 ⬇ 14:50 14:52 ⬇ 14:55 15:00 Donan 15:25

Annupuri Ski Ground Entrance

Donan

14:10 14:12 14:15 ⬇ ⬇ 14:25 14:26 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 14:35

15:27 ⬇ 15:30 15:31 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 15:35 ⬇ 15:36 15:37 ⬇ 15:45

Niseko

⬇ 14:37 ⬇ 14:40 14:41 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 14:45 ⬇ 14:46 14:47 ⬇ 14:55

15:30 15:31 15:32 15:33 ⬇ 15:35 ⬇ 15:36 15:37 15:38 15:39 15:42 15:43 ⬇ 15:45 ⬇ 15:48 ▲ NUS 16:15 16:20 ⬇ 16:23 16:25 ⬇ 16:32 16:33 16:36 16:38 16:43 16:45 16:46 16:48 ⬇ ⬇ 16:49 16:52 16:56 16:58 16:59

Donan

15:05 ⬇ 15:07 15:08 ⬇ 15:09 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 15:13 15:14 ⬇ 15:17 ⬇ 15:25 ▲ NUS 15:30 15:35 ⬇ 15:38 15:40 ⬇ 15:47 15:48 15:51 15:53 15:58 16:00 16:01 16:03 ⬇ ⬇ 16:04 16:07 16:11 16:13 16:14

19:12 19:15 19:22 19:20 19:19 19:26 19:27 19:30 19:33 19:35

道南バス Donan Bus

14:38 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 14:42 14:43 14:49 14:50 14:51 14:53 14:55

▲ NUS 14:40 14:45 ⬇ 14:48 14:50 ⬇ 14:57 14:58 15:01 15:03 15:08 15:10 15:11 15:13 ⬇ ⬇ 15:14 15:17 15:21 15:23 15:24

17:57 18:00 18:07 18:05 18:04 18:11 18:12 18:15 18:18 18:20

全便運行期間

13:55 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 13:56 13:57 ⬇ ⬇ 14:10 14:12 14:15

13:51 13:52 13:55 13:58 14:00

路線バス〈道南バス〉Local Bus〈Donan Bus〉

運行期間：2017 年 12 月 1 日～ 2018 年 3 月 31 日

Donan

Period: 1 Dec 2017 - 31 Mar 2018

アンヌプリ Annupuri

¥590

▲ NUS 13:40 13:45 ⬇ 13:48 13:50 ⬇ 13:57 13:58 14:01 14:03 14:08 14:10 14:11 14:13 ⬇ ⬇ 14:14 14:17 14:21 14:23 14:24

▲ NUS 12:00 12:01 12:03 12:07 12:10 ⬇ ⬇ 12:11 12:14 12:15 12:18 12:20 12:25 12:27 12:28 ⬇ 12:35 12:37 ⬇ 12:40 12:45

ひらふ Hirafu

運行期間：2017 年 12 月 8 日～ 2018 年 3 月 11 日

Period: 8 Dec 2017 - 11 Mar 2018

¥680

13:37 13:40 13:47 13:45 13:44 13:51 13:52 13:55 13:58 14:00

ACB① 13:24 13:26 13:31 13:33 13:34 13:36

▲ NUS 11:20 11:21 11:23 11:27 11:30 ⬇ ⬇ 11:31 11:34 11:35 11:38 11:40 11:45 11:47 11:48 ⬇ 11:55 11:57 ⬇ 12:00 12:05

倶知安駅 Kutchan Sta.

Niseko 10:54 10:52 10:50 10:55 10:56 11:01 11:02

⬇ ⬇ 11:07

11:30 ⬇ 11:32 ⬇ 11:35 11:36 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 11:40 ⬇ 11:41 11:42 ⬇ 11:50

Niseko

⬇ 11:09 ⬇ 11:11 11:12 11:15 11:16 11:17 11:18 11:19 11:20 ⬇ 11:22 11:23 11:24 11:25

12:20 12:21 12:22 12:23 ⬇ 12:25 ⬇ 12:26 12:27 12:28 12:29 12:32 12:33 ⬇ 12:35 ⬇ 12:38 ▲ NUS 12:30 12:35 ⬇ 12:38 12:40 ⬇ 12:47 12:48 12:51 12:53 12:58 13:00 13:01 13:03 ⬇ ⬇ 13:04 13:07 13:11 13:13 13:14

Donan

11:10 ⬇ 11:12 11:13 ⬇ 11:14 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 11:18 11:19 ⬇ 11:22 ⬇ 11:30 ● NUS 11:40 11:45 ⬇ 11:48 11:50 ⬇ 11:57 11:58 12:01 12:03 12:08 12:10 12:11 12:13 ⬇ ⬇ 12:14 12:17 12:21 12:23 12:24

Donan

¥380

▲ NUS 11:00 11:05 ⬇ 11:08 11:10 ⬇ 11:17 11:18 11:21 11:23 11:28 11:30 11:31 11:33 ⬇ ⬇ 11:34 11:37 11:41 11:43 11:44

● NUS 10:30 10:31 10:33 10:37 10:40 ⬇ ⬇ 10:41 10:44 10:45 10:48 10:50 10:55 10:57 10:58 ⬇ 11:05 11:07 ⬇ 11:10 11:15

¥320

Donan

9:55 ⬇ 9:57 9:58 ⬇ 9:59 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 10:03 10:04 ⬇ 10:07 ⬇ 10:15 ▲ NUS 10:20 10:25 ⬇ 10:28 10:30 ⬇ 10:37 10:38 10:41 10:43 10:48 10:50 10:51 10:53 ⬇ ⬇ 10:54 10:57 11:01 11:03 11:04

▲ NUS 9:50 9:51 9:53 9:57 10:00 ⬇ ⬇ 10:01 10:04 10:05 10:08 10:10 10:15 10:17 10:18 ⬇ 10:25 10:27 ⬇ 10:30 10:35

¥480

Niseko

⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 10:02 10:03 10:09 10:10 10:11 10:13 10:15

9:58

9:40 9:41 9:42 9:43 ⬇ 9:45 ⬇ 9:46 9:47 9:48 9:49 9:52 9:53 ⬇ 9:55 ⬇

■ NUS 9:45 9:47 9:52 9:54 9:55 ⬇ 10:02 10:04 ⬇ 10:07 10:12

ひらふ Hirafu

▲ NUS 9:00 9:01 9:03 9:07 9:10 ⬇ ⬇ 9:11 9:14 9:15 9:18 9:20 9:25 9:27 9:28 ⬇ 9:35 9:37 ⬇

● NUS 9:30 9:35 ⬇ 9:38 9:40 ⬇ 9:47 9:48 9:51 9:53 9:58 10:00 10:01 10:03 ⬇ ⬇ 10:04 10:07 10:11 10:13 10:14

10:15 ⬇ 10:17 ⬇ 10:20 10:21 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 10:25 ⬇ 10:26 10:27 ⬇ 10:35

9:40 9:45 Donan

東山 Higashiyama

■ 主要区間の料金 Fares of main section

● 23 Nov - 8 Apr 14 15 21 22 Apr 28 Apr - 6 Mar

運行期間：2017/12/9 ～ 2018/3/18 は全便運行。 Period: All service are available during 9 Dec 2017 ～ 18 Mar 2018.

■ 9 Dec - 18 Mar ★ 2 Dec - 8 Dec 19 Mar - 8 Apr

▲ 2 Dec - 8 Apr

■ 12/9～3/18 ★ 12/2～12/8, 3/19～4/8

Fares:Niseko All Mountain Pass holder - Free, 12 point tickets require 1 point to ride the shuttle, or regular bus fare.

● 11/23 ～ 4/8 4/14, 15, 21, 22, 4/28～5/6 ▲ 12/2～4/8

料金 : ニセコ全山共通リフト券をお持ちの方は 無料。リフトポイント券をお持ちの方は 1 ポイ ント。それ以外の方は路線バスと同一の運賃を 適用。

ACB ニセコ周遊バス Niseko Area Circuit Bus

7:40 7:41 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇

Donan

⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 8:51 8:52 ⬇ ⬇ 9:05 9:07 9:10

8:50

8:30 ⬇ 8:32 8:33 ⬇ 8:34 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 8:38 8:39 ⬇ 8:42 ⬇

⬇ 9:32 ⬇ 9:35 9:36 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 9:40 ⬇ 9:41 9:42 ⬇ 9:50

▲ NUS 8:40 8:45 ⬇ 8:48 8:50 ⬇ 8:57 8:58 9:01 9:03 9:08 9:10 9:11 9:13 ⬇ ⬇ 9:14 9:17 9:21 9:23 9:24

⬇ 8:54 ⬇ 8:56 8:57 9:00 9:01 9:02 9:03 9:04 9:05 ⬇ 9:07 9:08 9:09 9:10

8:39 8:37 8:35 8:40 8:41 8:46 8:47

運行期間：2017 年 12 月 20 日～ 2018 年 2 月 28 日 Period: 20 Dec 2017 - 28 Feb 2018 One-Way Fare: ￥500

1 回乗車運賃：500 円

7:45

Niseko

⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 8:12 8:13 8:19 8:20 8:21 8:23 8:25

8:08

7:50 7:51 7:52 7:53 ⬇ 7:55 ⬇ 7:56 7:57 7:58 7:59 8:02 8:03 ⬇ 8:05 ⬇

● NUS 8:00 8:01 8:03 8:07 8:10 ⬇ ⬇ 8:11 8:14 8:15 8:18 8:20 8:25 8:27 8:28 ⬇ 8:35 8:37 ⬇ 8:40 8:45

リゾートエリア → 俱知安駅 Resort Area → Kutchan Station 昆布温泉入口 Konbu Onsen Entrance 昆布温泉 Konbu Onsen 甘露の森 Kanro-no-Mori モイワスキー場 Moiwa Ski Resort モイワ分岐点 Moiwa Intersection ホテルニセコいこいの湯宿いろは Hotel Niseko Ikoi-no-yuyado Iroha ニセコ ノーザンリゾート・アンヌプリ Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri アンヌプリスキー場 An'nupuri Ski Resort アンヌプリスキー場入口 An'nupuri Ski Resort Entrance 藤山 Fujiyama 本通 Hondori ニセコ駅前 JR Niseko Station 北栄分岐点 Hokuei Intersection ミルク工房 Milk Kobo 東山ペンションビレッジ Higashiyama Pension Village ニセコビレッジスキーセンター Niseko Village Ski Center ザ・グリーンリーフ ニセコビレッジ The Green Leaf Niseko Village ヒルトン ニセコビレッジ Hilton Niseko Village 東山ペンションビレッジ Higashiyama Pension Village ミルク工房 Milk Kobo 樺山小学校 Kabayama Primary School 樺山北 Kabayama North ひらふ十字街 Hirafu Intersection 東急山荘前 Tokyu Sanso ひらふゴンドラ乗り場 Hirafu Gondola

Donan

ひらふウェルカムセンター Hirafu Welcome Center ⬇ 7:48 ⬇ 7:51 7:52 ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 7:56 ⬇ 7:57 8:03 ⬇ 8:15

▲ NUS 8:00 8:05 ⬇ 8:08 8:10 ⬇ 8:17 8:18 8:21 8:23 8:28 8:30 8:31 8:33 ⬇ ⬇ 8:34 8:37 8:41 8:43 8:44

俱知安駅 → リゾートエリア Kutchan Station → Resort Area

ひらふ坂 Hirafuzaka ひらふ十字街 Hirafu Intersection 泉郷 Izumikyo ログビレッジ Log Village 山田交差点（L'ocanda 前）／ひらふ山田 Yamada intersection (L'ocanda) / Hirafu Yamada 比羅夫北（冒険家族・你 's 前）Hirafu North (Bouken Kazoku・ Nii's) 自動車学校前 Driving School 自衛隊正門前 Self Defense force 高砂 Takasago レルヒ公園前／マックスバリュ Lerch Park / Max Valu 倶知安橋 Kutchan Bridge 南８条 Minami 8 Jo 南５条 Minami 5Jo 倶知安十字街／南十字街 Kutchan Intersection / Minami Intersection たきぐち／まちの駅ぷらっと Takiguchi / Plat Information Center JR 倶知安駅 JR Kutchan Station

JR 倶知安駅 JR Kutchan Station たきぐち／まちの駅ぷらっと Takiguchi / Plat Information Center 倶知安十字街／南十字街 Kutchan Intersection / Minami Intersection 南５条 Minami 5Jo 南８条 Minami 8 Jo 倶知安橋 Kutchan Bridge レルヒ公園前／マックスバリュ Lerch Park / Max Valu 高砂 Takasago 自衛隊正門前 Self Defense force 自動車学校前 Driving School 比羅夫北（冒険家族・你 's 前）Hirafu North (Bouken Kazoku・ Nii's) 山田交差点（L'ocanda 前）／ひらふ山田 Yamada intersection (L'ocanda) / Hirafu Yamada ログビレッジ Log Village 泉郷前 Izumikyo ひらふ十字街 Hirafu Intersection ひらふ坂 Hirafuzaka ひらふウェルカムセンター Hirafu Welcome Center ひらふゴンドラ乗り場 Hirafu Gondola 東急山荘前 Tokyu Sanso ひらふ十字街 Hirafu Intersection 樺山北 Kabayama North 樺山小学校 Kabayama Primary School ミルク工房 Milk Kobo 東山ペンションビレッジ Higashiyama Pension Village ニセコビレッジ スキーセンター Niseko Village Ski Center ザ・グリーンリーフ ニセコビレッジ The Green Leaf Niseko Village ヒルトン ニセコビレッジ Hilton Niseko Village 東山ペンションビレッジ Higashiyama Pension Village ミルク工房 Milk Kobo 北栄分岐点 Hokuei Intersection ニセコ駅前 JR Niseko Station 本通 Hondori 藤山 Fujiyama アンヌプリスキー場入口 An'nupuri Ski Resort Entrance アンヌプリスキー場 An'nupuri Ski Resort ニセコノーザンリゾート・アンヌプリ Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri ホテルニセコいこいの湯宿いろは Hotel Niseko Ikoi-no-yuyado Iroha 昆布温泉入口 Konbu Onsen Entrance 昆布温泉 Konbu Onsen 甘露の森 Kanro-no-Mori モイワスキー場 Moiwa Ski Resort モイワ分岐点 Moiwa Intersection

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P L AT I N U M H O K K A I D O ÂĽ70,000

DIAMOND HOKKAIDO ÂĽ60,000

- 7 hours tuition/guidance in Niseko or one of its neighboring resorts

- 7 hours guidance in the Niseko United ski areas

- Pickup/drop off plus transport to/from accommodation to the resort of choice

- Transportation to and from guest accommodation to the base of Hirafu resort

- Avalanche Pack (beacon, probe, shovel and backpack)

- Avalanche Pack (beacon, probe, shovel and backpack)

w w w. P l a t i n u m P r o E x p e r i e n c e . c o m

NISEKO’S #1

RENTAL, RETAIL & SKI SCHOOL SOLUTION • GROUP LESSONS • PRIVATE LESSONS • KIDS CLUB LESSONS • SJTA TRAINING ACADEMY • POWDER PROJECT • WOMEN’S WORKSHOP

NOW IN 4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! 1 / Alpen Ridge 2 / Snow Crystal 3 / Shiki 4 / Uptown

2017