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Alpen Ridge ROUTE
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Alpen Ridge 403 3 ¥85,000,000
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Ski-in ski-out, luxury, three bedroom apartment. Huge apartment with uninterrupted views of Mt Yotei from 2 balconies and the finest finishes. LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village FLOOR AREA: 122m²
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by Helen Fung & Ben Tredinnick
On a night when the snow is still falling this can be an opportunity to enjoy Niseko’s untracked powder with far shorter lift lines!
Prelude
Allegro
It’s four o’clock on a winter’s day in Niseko. The sun has dutifully completed its work for the day and is fading gracefully down, beyond the snowy mountain caps saying Mata ne! to the people down below. The bright, sunny sky gives way to the dark sky of night and the stars begin to get their twinkle on – one by one. On the mountain skiers and snowboarders are making their final turns of the day, heading down towards the mountain base where some will retire to their accommodation and others will call their friends and head out for dinner.
The night lights of yellow and white fill the air as the stage curtain on nocturnal Niseko rolls up. What you will see is a quiet, snowy wonderland revealed against the inky night sky. Looking down from the top of the mountain, out across the village rooftops towards Mount Yotei you will witness the spectacle that is Niseko After Dark. What you are seeing may not be far from what Van Gogh once saw that night over Saint-Remy when he was inspired to draw The Starry Night (De Sterrennacht). Fields of powdery snow softly glowing in the light of the moon, gentle fires burning in the windows of the houses and bars and shadows flickering beneath the muffled glow of the street lamps.
Whilst it might seem to be the end of another great day in Niseko, on the contrary, it is just the prelude, marking the beginning of a great Niseko night.
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Niseko Nocturne
PHOTO: NISEKO PHOTOGRAPHY
Skiing after sundown can be an exhilarating experience, quite possibly unlike anything you will have experienced before. Thrill as you ride the night, flicking in and out of the shadows. Relax and let your cares slough away as you float across fields covered in diamond dust and the world falls into silence. Let the night air refresh your soul and feel yourself grow more confident as you merge with the night. You may be surprised to find that there are actually less people competing for that perfect line at night. The fact is that many skiers and snowboarders have already had a full day on the snow and by late afternoon they’re ready to call it a day and spend the night in quiet camaraderie with family and friends. On a night when the snow is falling this can be a great opportunity to enjoy Niseko’s untracked powder with far shorter lift lines!
飛蟲在微黃的街燈下翩翩起舞，帶給人們一 種安穩的感覺。也許你會聽到從遠處傳來的 音樂聲。這是滑雪場為入夜的滑雪人士而設 的夜間旋律。
酒吧、咖啡店等都令二世古之夜生色不少。 如果你有興趣的話，可以到位於 Mina Mina 酒吧附近的「冰酒吧」 ，坐在冰造的櫈子上， 前奏曲 喝一口盛載在冰造成的酒杯中的飲料。那入 下午四時正。 夜間滑雪是一種很特別的體驗。影子在燈 口的冰凍滋味令人難忘。 在二世古的冬日，太陽已經完成了一天的 光之下左穿右插，在寂靜的夜晚，從廣闊的 温泉 工作，慢慢下山了。白晝漸漸成為黑夜，星 雪山上滑下來的那一刻，冷冷的空氣令你煩 滑了整天雪之後，沒有比 浸泡在温泉水中 星佈滿整個天空。在滑雪場玩了一整天的人 惱盡消，你會發現自己進入了忘我境界。 更舒服！富含天然礦物的温泉水不僅能洗去 們開始收拾雪具，有些準備回家，有些則和 可能你會問，其他的滑雪者去了哪裏？原 一身疲勞，據稱不同的温泉水對人體有不同 朋友們商量吃晚飯的去處。 來大部份的滑雪者都選擇白天滑雪，又或者 療效。二世古的温泉各有特色，在正在下雪 你可能認為二世古的一天就此結束了。其 由於和家人跟小孩一同滑雪，所以一般都會 的晚上，一邊享受温泉，一邊觀賞雪花在空 計劃在入黑前離開滑雪場。這是一個難得的 中起舞，是人生一大享受。 實，這時候才是二世古晚上精彩的開始。 機會，讓你在還在下雪的晚上，在幾乎沒有 距離滑雪場不遠的温泉地方有： 序幕 人的滑雪場上，省卻輪候登山吊車的時間， • Popolo 温泉，位於 Niseko Scot 酒店內 當滑雪場微黃的燈光逐一亮起時，意味着 滑行在厚厚的新粉雪上。 （開放時間：早上十時至晚上十時） 二世古的黑夜正式開始。碧藍的天空下，是 滑雪過後──慢板 一大片的白色粉雪世界。從山上向羊蹄山方 • Prince Hirafutei 温 泉， 位 於 Prince 向俯瞰，滑雪場和周邊的房屋構成了一幅現 外出用膳 Hirafutei 酒店內 （開放時間：下午一時 代版的梵高＜星夜＞。明朗的月亮和閃耀的 二世古的夜間滑雪固然精彩，其入夜之後 至晚上十時） 星星，村落各家各戶窗內所發出的燈光，小 的節目更是不能錯過。比羅夫村內的餐廳、
二世古夜想曲
PHOTO: NISEKO PHOTOGRAPHY
Adagio Dining Out While night skiing is an experience not to be missed neither should you forget to partake in the Niseko nightlife. Hirafu is no doubt the best area for aprèsski activities as restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are conveniently located only a short distance from your accommodation and the ski hill. For a unique snow town experience make sure to visit the ice bar outside Blo Blo or easy to slip out of the resort and try something different. Just a fifteen-minute journey away and you will be able to experience a whole other Hokkaido. Buses run between the Hirafu Welcome Center and JR Kutchan Station everyday from 5pm to midnight until March 31, 2011. You can purchase a week’s pass for 200 yen or, better yet, a season pass for 500 yen. These passes can be purchased when you board the bus or from Machi no Eki Plat in Kutchan.
Onsens The best thing about Japanese snow towns is the convenience of nearby onsens. Many skiers and snowboarders rank a visit to an onsen after riding the mountain all day as one of the most memorable experiences. The naturally soothing spring water and tranquil setting make for a perfect finale to a perfect day. Each onsen is unique and so you should try as many as you can. If you leave Niseko without taking the opportunity to sit naked in a warm bath with snow falling about your head then you will have missed one of Niseko’s signature night time experiences. The chilly wind is a counterpoint to the heat of the onsen water; snowflakesdance their way to oblivion as they melt in the hot vapour. Some recommended night time onsens are: 1. Popolo: Located in Scot Hotel behind Welcome Center (opening hours: 10AM – 10PM) 2. Prince Hirafutei: Located on Hirafu-Zaka
(opening hours: 1PM – 10PM) 3. Yukoro : Located in Hirafu lower village (opening hours: 2PM – 9PM) SkiJapan.com offers Private Onsen Tour. For more information and reservations, please refer to page 37.
Coda / Finale In Niseko at night there are endless opportunities to enjoy yourself in ways that you can only experience in a snow town. Whether it’s riding the mountain with the wind at your back, snowshoeing across a powder laden field, marvelling at the night scenery whilst riding a chairlift under the full moon or having a night on the town with friends, I guarantee you, these memories of nocturnal Niseko will not melt away; it may even change your perception of the phrase ‘a cold, winter’s night.’ See you on the snow!
Niseko Nocturne
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• Yukoro 温泉， 位於 Hirafu Lower Village － 切勿單獨滑雪：為免發生意外，在夜間 （開放時間：下午二時至晚上九時） 滑雪最好有人同行； SkiJapan.com 提供私人温泉體驗遊。詳 － 切忌心急：在晩間，雪地環境可能有所 情請參閱本雜誌第３７頁，或向 SkiJapan. 轉變，記緊要先做些熱身滑行，熟悉當時情 com 職員聯絡。 況後才進行滑雪； 夜間滑雪小貼士
Whilst it might seem to be the end of another great day in Niseko, on the contrary, it is just the prelude, marking the beginning of a great Niseko night.
－ 切勿戴上耳筒：戴耳筒聽音樂可能令滑 在入夜後的二世古滑雪是一件樂事。畢竟滑 雪者降低對周圍環境的警覺性，所以還是少 雪有其危險性，尤其對初學者來說，在光綫 聽為妙； 不足的環境下滑雪要注意幾件事： － 切勿酒後滑雪：酒精令人失去判斷能力， － 多穿厚衣：入夜之後的氣溫比日間低出 要喝酒的話，請於滑雪過後才喝吧！ 至少十度，所以記緊多穿厚衣，以免着涼；
終結曲
－ 絨 線 帽： 原 來 人 體 的 熱 能 流 失， 有 ６０％來自頭部，所以絨線帽一定不可少。 二世古在黑幕籠罩之下魅力不減。你可以和 對較怕冷的人士而言，絨線頸巾亦是夜間外 朋友一同於夜間體驗雪鞋健行、和家人登上 吊車、又或是和親朋好友到餐廳享受由北海 出的必需品； 道新鮮食材烹調的特色料理等。總之，二世 － 選用透明鏡面的滑雪鏡：在入夜時分滑 古的夜晚盡是精彩時光！好好享受你在二世 雪，視線清晰非常重要。切勿戴上防紫外線 古的每一個晚上，讓二世古夜想曲在你回憶 或茶色鏡面的滑雪鏡，以免發生意外； 中繞樑不絶……
PHoTo: NISEKo PHoToGRAPHY
Night Skiing Tips
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Niseko Nocturne
• U se Goggles with Clear Lenses: Good visibility is the key to safety when night skiing.
Skiing at night is undoubtedly fun and worthwhile doing while you are in Niseko. But safety is also important, especially if you are new to night skiing. Here are some tips:
• D on’t Go Solo: Skiing with a friend is always recommended, especially at night. Make sure your friend knows where you are.
• D ress Warmly: The temperature can drop 5 to 10 degrees when the sun goes down, so make sure you dress in layers and wear at least one layer more than you would during the day. Also, the higher up the mountain you go, the colder it will be. • Wear a Beanie: Not only are beanies fashionable, they’re essential when night skiing as the wind at night can be extremely chilly. Roughly 60% of body heat is lost through the head. Wearing a neck-warmer is also recommended for those who are not used to minus temperatures.
• S tart out Slowly: Snow conditions at night may be very different from those during the daytime. Do a few warm-up runs to get a feel for conditions before you let loose. • Refrain from Using Headphones: Listening to your own music while skiing may sound great, but it’s not recommended at night when you will need your wits about you. • Don’t Drink and Ski: It’s common sense, but hold off having that celebratory beer until you’ve hung up your skis for the night!
By Tadashi Takehara
Card games, roulettes, horse racing, the dogs, boat racing and mahjong; in every part of the world you’ll find a different ways to gamble and in Japan Pachinko is number one. You’ll not find a town in Japan that doesn’t have a Pachinko parlour. In fact many larger towns and cities will have more than one. Kutchan has three – Victoria, Dragon and Napori.
From the street Pachinko machines look very much like slot machines you might find in your average bar or casino back home but the reality is that they’re very different. Instead of a screen with numbers of pictures flashing by you’ll find a kind of vertical maze with metal balls falling from top to bottom somewhat like a pinball machine. A round dial on the front can be used to deflect the balls with the goal being to amass as many balls as possible in your tray at the bottom. Whilst the game play is quite analogue the accompanying LCD screen shows manga style movies related to your score or current winning streak. The game itself is quite easy to play: • Insert your money and hit the start button. • As the metal balls begin to fall you need to use the dial to deflect them with the goal being to get the balls into special holes that will activate the roulette. Three numbers in a row is a win resulting in extra balls or extra spins. • Collect as many balls in your tray as possible. Successful players can fill multiple trays in a single sitting. • The game is over when you run out of balls or decide to cash out.
Pachinko is big business in Japan with several major franchises. Advertisements for the latest machines are frequently shown on television and printed in newspapers and magazines. Collaborations with popular manga series and dramas like Neon Genesis Evangelion ( 新世紀エ ヴァンゲリオン ), Fist of the North Star ( 北斗の 拳 ) and Winter Sonata ( 冬のソナタ ) to produce themed pachinko machines with unique stories to attract new customers are commonplace. Pachinko parlours usually consist of long rows of machines sometimes in multiple floors. Large pachinko parlours often have massage services, restaurants and other relaxation options so that customers basically never have to leave the building.
• Balls in your tray can then be exchanged at the main counter for goods, house credit or special tokens. Seasoned players will develop their own set of rules for successful play, often going so far as to
analyse a machine in an attempt to determine their success of winning. An important point to note is that gambling for cash prizes is illegal in Japan. So why do so many people play pachinko if they can’t win money you ask? It is well known that the special tokens won at these parlours can be “sold” at pawnshops that are located off premises. The pachinko parlour often runs these shops and exchanges the tokens for money. Pachinko pros have been known to make enough from their winnings to purchase items like computers, TVs and even cars. As with all kinds of gambling moderation is a must, however, if you’re spending a night on the town in Kutchan with your mates why not drop into a Pachinko parlour for an “Only in Japan” experience. Pachinko
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Black Cat Courier
VALE BAR and Grill ザ・ベイル バー・アンド・グリル
Relaxed Apres Lounging with Sophisticated Cuisine 0136-21-5833 7:00am ~ late
午前7時∼夜まで 終日営業
open daily 無休
Experience Niseko’s Finest Hirafu Village, Niseko 166-9 Aza-Yamada Kutchan-Cho, Abuta-Gun Hokkaido Japan 〒044-0081 web www.nisade.com email reservations@nisade.com telephone +81 136 23 1724
VALE POOL & ONSEN ザ・ベイル プール＆温泉
PUBLIC ONSEN
Men’s & Women’s Separate Adult JPY1,000 Child JPY500
POOL & ONSEN
Adult JPY1,300 Child JPY650
open daily 無休
7am to 9am & 4pm to 10pm
午前7時∼午前9時、午後4時∼午後10時まで営業
PRIVATE FAMILY ONSEN 12pm-1pm & 2pm-3pm JPY22,500
Okon
omiy
As yo
u li
ke it
!
aki
Taste the Hokkaido freshness
Located in Soga, this spacious ramen noodle restaurant uses the Niseko’s locally produced food like potatoes and corns in their menu. Niseko spring water is used in their ramen soup. Seafood rice, BBQ beef are also available. 355-2 Aza Soga Niseko 0136-44-3380 11:00 - 15:00 17:00 - 21:00
Taste the Hokkaido freshness
Located in Soga, this spacious ramen noodle restaurant uses the Niseko’s locally produced food like potatoes and corns in their menu. Niseko spring water is used in their ramen soup. Seafood rice, BBQ beef are also available.
Classified AD
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Classified Ad
Great Quality Seafood Cuisine and Sushi *
Fresh, Delicious A Restaurant For Every One!
Authentic Japanese Seafood Dinner and Sake
*Sushi available in Senchou 2nd only.
Senchou 船長
167-10 Aza yamada Kutchan 17:00∼24:00 Open daily
☎ 0136-22-2001
Sencho u 2nd
船長 2
☎ 0136-22-5454
1F, 191-39 Aza yamada Kutchan 17:00∼24:00 Open daily
senchou.com Classified Ad
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Nak and Disco
Summer in Niseko
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Classified Ad
Classified Ad
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60 mins 8000Y
Bookings Phone: 0136 23 0788 Gnd Floor Java House, Sakura-Zaka St, Hirafu
We accept CASH only. Bookings essential. From 12pm to 8pm daily.
The Other Kind of Fresh...
Fresh Powder - Fresh Cafe
The brand-new takeaway Fresh CafĂŠ is conveniently located between the base of Ace Family lift and Alpen Brand new takeawy Fresh Cafe is located Ridge condominiums right out the front of NBS. Stop by between the basevarieties, of the Ace Family and the for quality espresso tasty treats,Lift toasted wraps, snacks for busyEnjoy ridersquality on the run. So Alpensoups Ridgeand condominiums. this winter, remember grabtreats, a Freshtoasted stop when you espresso varieties, to tasty wraps, ski in ski out!
soups and snacks. For usy riders on the go!
OPEN OPEN8am 8am- -6pm 6pm
30 mins 4500Y
77days daysaaweek weekduring during the theWinter WinterSeason Season
Sports Remedial Relaxation
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Homm
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DAISU K OSHIO E
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