I’m really not a huge fan of winter at all. Summer sun and beaches are definitely my happy place. Who doesn’t love that healthy glow your skin gets from a bit of sunlight? I guess winter in my city isn’t so pleasant where it just rains most of the time.
However, one thing I do love about winter is snow. The marriage of ice and snow on trees is truly beautiful. Combine that with snowboarding, amazing Japanese food, and an ‘Onsen’ (Japanese hot spring), and you have the perfect winter combination!
Japan is famous for its fluffy, powder snow so it was a no-brainer to accept a chance to go snowboarding with my friends in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Riding in powder is a completely different experience compared to the Hard Pack (and quite often, icy) snow we get in New Zealand. At least it doesn’t hurt when you fall over in Japan. No more sore butts (yay!) but watch out for the trees that may have been covered in snow. I almost fell down a hole because of it…and almost got clothes-lined a few times too.
It was a challenging, yet exciting experience. I mean, who doesn’t like getting stuck in deep snow and getting a massive cardio workout as you try to dig yourself out? Seriously though, snowboarding in Japan is absolutely stunning and it’s great for total beginners who have never seen snow before, to the top snowboarders in the world.
(Photo credit – W. Huynh)
The beautiful morning view we woke up to on our first day in Niseko at Annupuri Lodge. Morning acoustics for breakfast, extremely wonderful staff and a gorgeous view. Not to mention the clean and comfortable rooms. Perfection! The lodge is less than a 5 minute walk to the ski fields too which makes it incredibly convenient. Make sure you book in for dinner (every single night because it’s that good) at the onsite Luckyfingers Bar & Restaurant too.
Check it out: The Annupuri Lodge at Niseko –http://annupurilodge.com/
(Photo credit – W. Huynh)
The snow just keeps falling! There’s fresh snow almost every day.
(Photo credit – W. Huynh)
The Niseko soba noodle master! While making this batch, he accidentally ripped a bit of the Soba dough. “Ohh…mistake!” Even monkeys fall from trees. AMAZING noodles here and it’s conveniently walking distance from Annupuri Lodge.
Check it out: Sobadokoro Rakuichi – 431 Niseko Nisekotyo, Abuta-gun, Niseko-cho, 048-1511
(Photo credit – W. Huynh)
The master’s creation of the most delicious, hand-made soba noodles with vegetable tempura, wasabi salt and spring onions. A perfect lunch for a cold, winter day.
(Photo credit – W. Huynh)
Snow, snow and more snow in Hirafu, a popular town centre with shops for snow gear and restaurants. There’s also a physiotherapist here if anything happens to you on the snow. We had the most awesome ramen noodles on this night.
How did I get there?
- Took a flight to Tokyo Narita, direct from New Zealand, then another to Sapporo Chitose. (Combination of Air New Zealand and ANA)
- Took a three-hour bus ride with Hokkaido Resort Liner to Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri where we got picked up by the staff at Annupuri Lodge.
- Walked to the ski-field. If you buy a full mountain pass, you can also ride to other areas of the mountain, and even to other areas in town.
Onsen – Japanese Hot Springs
- Took a taxi to the onsen at Niseko Grand Hotel Hokkaido. It was the perfect way to end a long day on the mountain snowboarding. Make sure you look up onsen etiquette before going in!
For more travel stories and wonderful photography visit W. Huynh’s website https://habitualsonder.wordpress.com/ and Instagram page habitualsonder
