Skiing in Japan
This is our third winter featuring Japan as a ski destination. Its massive success is down to one word – snow. Our three Japanese resorts average over 50 feet of snow each winter dumped down from massive Siberian low-pressure systems – waist-deep powder is not a myth here, it is commonplace! If this wasn’t enough, add the truly fascinating and absorbing culture of Japan with a Tokyo or Kyoto stopover. Expect snow, and lots of it!
We’ve hand-picked the very best that Japan has to offer and all from personal experience. World beating ski hotels and ski apartments in world renowned Japanese ski resorts including Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu.
Niseko Survival Guide
Cash
Japan is still largely a cash society, and Niseko is no different. Some places accept credit cards but many smaller shops, businesses & accommodation houses don't. For maximum convenience and to avoid missing out on that fantastic looking little restaurant or unique souvenir shop that you may not pass again, it is advised to carry cash.
ATMS
The Niseko Promotion Board reports that an International ATM is now available in Hirafu Village. This is a welcome development for Niseko visitors often unaccustomed to carrying large amounts of cash and it relieves the need to travel to Kutchan to access the Post Office ATM. The new ATM is located at the Hokkaido Tracks offices in the middle village of Hirafu and will be available throughout the year.
Credit Cards
Lift tickets, ski hire & ski lessons can all be paid for by credit card. Most large restaurants and small ones will accept them.
Top 10 Japanese words for beginners:
1. Sumimasen - I'm sorry, excuse me, thank you.
Use it when you accidently bump into someone in the queue for the lifts or inadvertently ski into them. 'Sumimasen' is also used to get someone's attention and can be used to get another round of drinks at an izakaya.
2. Doumo - thank you, hi
There are many ways to express gratitude in Japanese - 'doumo' is the simplest.
3. Douzo - here you go, go ahead.
When you're handing you new friend the drink you've just bought them or motioning them to start eating, say 'douzo'. If you arrive at the ticket gates at the same time as someone else, motion for them to go first and say 'douzo'. If someone does this for you, go ahead and say 'doumo'.
4. Ohayou - good morning
Use 'ohayou' to greet people before noon.
5. Hai - yes
Useful for answering easy questions and confirming orders.
6. Onegaishimasu - please
Use this when ordering or requesting something.
7. Kanpai - cheers
You deserve a drink after a hard day on the slopes! Before you start drinking raise your glass and say 'kanpai', Before eating, press your hands together infront of you and say 'itadakimasu'.
8. Oishii - delicious, yummy, tasty
After you've said 'itadakimasu' abd started eating, the next thing you'll probably want to say is 'oishii'.
9. Kawaii - cute, nice, pretty
If you're a female in a shop you can use this word to describe almost everything that you like.
10. Saikou - great, awesome, wicked
How was the powder this morning? 'Saikou!' Do you like Niseko? 'Niseko Saikou'
Top tips & survival guide thanks to www.powderlife.com
