Something not so serious-Snowboard recommendations in Japan.
 

Hey all-Thinking about hopping up to Japan for a little snowboarding vacation. I knew there was a lot of good powder up there, but did'nt realize there were SO many different places to go. Anyone have any particular recommendations from someone whos been? Not looking for anything outrageous, just decent powder, reasonable price, and maybe a little something fun to do off the mountain (going with the wife, so minds out of the gutter, boys!) Thanks!

Not a snowboarder, but have you checked out snowjapan.com?

Ski Japan Snowboard Japan SkiJapan.com - Home

Plenty of pow pow to play in at Niseko Hirafu, though the terrain is a bit lame.
Easy to get to from Saporro by bus. Niseko has plenty of good bars and restaurants and various levels of accommodation.

But if you're after after a nice quiet "Japanese" experience, you might want to try somewhere else as Niseko seems to be over-run with drunk Ozzy yobbo's these days :hmm:

If you really want good powder, I suggest you go try going to Hakuba in Nagano. The largest selection of pistes in one area in all of Japan, and some good onsens in the nearby valleys.

Niseko, however, is also a good choice if you're a first time skier/boarder in Japan. At least it's more foreigner friendly. Just don't mind the drunk Aussies puking on the side of the mountain... :}

thanks for all the recommendations, guys. Looks like temps in Nagano are well above freezing all week, so that kinda rules that out, so Niseko it is. Any recommendations on accomodations? Sorry, this is getting thrown together kinda last minute, and some of the Japanese websites are'nt the most user friendly. Thanks again!

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My favorite is actually Gorin-San in Nagano but as you said it's warm now.

For something cozy and off the beaten track, try this in Hokkaido:

KIRORO HOME

KIRORO RESORT-Accommodations

There's a nice pipe there for your snowboard. At least a lot of the info is in English and the locals do know what they are doing. Good luck with the snow though - not a lot of it in the next few days.

Yea, looks like we may postpone it till the end of the month. Just got dumped on with about 40-50cm here at home, doesnt make much sense going halfway around the world for LESS snow! Thanks for all the tips though, I'll be sure to put them to good use soon!
J

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