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Best Resort to go to in Japan
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Hey guys I was wondering what resort do you think would be best to go to in Japan. I'm looking to go for 10-14 days in February/March(next year). Would that be the best time to go? Not sure when they get the most snow.
I'm looking for a disturbing amount of snow, a bit of culture, a bit of nightlife, and a relatively cheap place to stay.
What places would you guys suggest? I've looked at Niseko and it looks awesome but i've heard that it is full of obnoxious Australians.
Also is it cheaper to do one of those package deals or just book everything yourself?
Thanks for any of the help you guys can give me.
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I'm pretty sure every resort town is full of obnoxious Australians.
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Sapporo Kokusai or Sapporo Teine? I know its the main city on the north island that you fly into. Seems like there is no nightlife according to powderhounds. Any reasons why you suggest it?
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whats nozawa onsen like? anybody know?
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Niseko and Hakuba are by far the easiest to get to, and find accommodation and to get around. But consequently, yep, they're full of Aussies.
I'm only really an expert on Hokkaido ski areas, and there is a whole lot down in Honshu that you could explore. In Hokkaido though, Niseko is a huge area and as I said, very easy to travel to. You kinda could be in any ski town in the world though. If you're a bit more adventurous, maybe hit Niseko for a few days, and Rusutsu. Then maybe a few days in Sapporo to hit Teine (my home mountain) Kokusai and maybe Kiroro. Then it's definitely worth travelling up and basing yourself in Asahikawa for a few days to hit Kamui Ski Links and Asahidake (plus Kurodake if its open).
You can do it with public transport, but it'd make your life a lot easier if you hired a car. And accommodation is a little bit harder to track down, but it's doable, if you've got some cash to spend.
If you're looking at Hokkaido, drop me a line with any specific questions and I'd be happy to help.
Any time from new year to mid feb and you're pretty much guaranteed pow.
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Yeah there's a shitload of obnoxious Aussies in Niseko and coming form Australia I avoid places like that.
I've been going to smaller resorts like Rusutsu for a while now, but you definitely forego nightlife as you can only party in your room..
Niseko wins hands-down in that area.
Furano is something to look at as an alternative, also Nozawa Onsen. Hakuba in the Sth Island too (plenty of Aussies there but not as bad as Niseko)
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Niseko Hirafu for pow dreams. Also check Naeba - about 75 min from Tokyo by bullet train, then a 30 min bus trip. Naeba connects via a 5-km gondola to 3 other resorts, among them Kagura is happy powder days. Not too many tourist there either, and some solid off-piste skiing.
If you're thinking about Niseko, good luck trying to find somewhere to stay. Most places were fully booked 2 months ago. If you do find accom though, hit it for sure.
Nozawa and Hakuba get overcrowded, and snow gets tracked out pretty quick by Feb.
My advice: wait until next season, get some mates together, and plan a proper trip to Niseko. Start looking for a room in August.
Hope that helps :-)
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