Tag Archives: Niseko Japan

Japan – Anytime

Posted on by

Japan is a glorious and interesting destination for spring visits. Cherry blossom season is on the horizon, it’s not too late to reserve a Journey to Japan, although it is one of the hottest destinations this year! Celebrate spring, lay some ski lines through the trees in Niseko, the deep powder area is renowned for best off-piste terrain and best slack country skiing or explore little known villages on islands that most tourists miss. The Aman Tokyo is a splendid beginning; move onward after a few leisurely days to Nikko, Kyoto and Naoshima if inclined.You may bump into our clients in Kyoto at The Four Seasons Hotel.

The petal falling time, which occurs after the blossoms, is significant, as it is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life

Cherry blossom trees, known as Sakura, number in the thousands in Japan and the blossom season is highly anticipated by the Japanese people. The blossoming is feted with huge festivals and and family picnics. The petal falling time, which occurs after the blossoms, is as significant, as it is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life. The intense bloom provides pleasure, however it is also a visual reminder of the precarious and precious aspect of life on earth.

This annual spring passage has been celebrated for hundreds of years, not only do the Japanese marvel at the delicate beauty of the fragile petals, they ponder the deeper meaning, the symbolic nature of their cultural beliefs.Spring is also a great time to venture deeper into the city’s traditional culture, hidden backstreets and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

when cherry blossoms

scatter…
no regrets

Issah

Please enjoy a few posts on Japan, including one contributed by our client, Danelle Storm Rosati.

Powder Life Niseko Japan

Japan-Not on a Shoestring! Contributed by Danelle Storm Rosati

 

Japan – Little Known and Exclusive

Powder Life Niseko Japan

Posted on by

Whether it’s cycling on picture perfect roads, mountain biking down the ski hills, hitting the golf courses or floating down a river, skiing pristine powdery slopes – winter and summer in Niseko has it all. Niseko is in the southwest of Hokkaido – Japan’s rural, northernmost island and its largest prefecture. It’s about two or three hours by car or train, southwest of Sapporo, the capital. Or land nearby 60/90 mins from airport to town.

Penthouse Jacuzzi

Winter/Spring planning should begin now! For ski-in, ski-out, the best options are Ki Niseko, The Vale, and the brand new Aya Niseko.  Also, there are a significant number of fully serviced chalet homes. Most of these are in Hirafu village, where most of the restaurants, ski shops and bars are located.  This is usually the most attractive location for guests who want to be at the center of all the action. Niseko is synonymous with the Japan ski scene and incredible powder.

Busiest times of the season are Christmas & New Years (December 18th – Jan 4) as well as Chinese New Years (Jan 21st – Feb 4th for 2017).  Many of these dates are already nearly sold out, and most of the accommodation options will also sell out in the high seasons. So I would recommend the off-peak times for the best experience, however, most come to the area for the powder so the best months for that are December – end of February.  The ski area is vast, and suits all ability levels well.

We have an exclusive ski guiding service that will pick you up each day, knowing the daily snow conditions and escort you to the best slopes.

Have children coming with you? We can arrange two guides. Our exclusive ski guiding service will pick you up each day, after checking the finest snow conditions and escort you to the best daily skiing. Kids practice on gentle slopes while you head to more challenging back-country terrain.

Our VIP team is at your service to take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your day to the fullest. The lesson start and finish times are flexible, so whenever you are ready your instructor will pick you up to begin your 6 hour private lesson.  We take care of lunch and dinner reservations and can help arrange anything else you need to have the best day ever.

My professional local team knows the hot spots for dining will add a stop at a small farm for fresh ice cream and will assist with organizing private onsen visits.

Dining – this is Aspen Japan! Michelin star chefs and local gourmands are abundant; many up scale and authentic small venues. Gourmet cooking classes also available. French-Japanese fusion Kamimura restaurant at refined An Dining at Hotel Ki, 3-Star Michelin chef at Asperges in Hanazono, and immaculate omakase at Snow Castle in Hotel Ivy, just to name a few standouts.

Snow boarding leave you battered and bruised? Take a day off and visit an onsen ( hot springs), dotted around Hirafu, including an open air onsen.

This is the time to plan your powder escape and add a few days in Tokyo on each end for more exploration.