The Best Kept Secret in Japan is Out! Ski Niseko

By Regina Tayman

In the land of the Rising Sun, located in Hokkaido, Japan, Niseko is quickly becoming THE place to go for skiing in Japan. Multiple accommodations ranging in price from budget friendly family units to high end penthouse apartments and luxury resorts coupled with an incredibly long winter ski season (end November through the first week of May), only begins the list of why this winter wonderland has become a ski lovers paradise.

The resort area is blessed with constant high and light snowfall that produces steady amounts of excellent deep powder. Weather streams that feed from Siberia instead of from the East, makes all the difference. There are three primary reasons why this ski resort is considered one of the best in the world (a) the sheer size of Niseko, (b) the weather and (c) the infrastructure.

Other reasons this area is so popular – especially with their Australian neighbors; skiers can ski for months during Australia’s warm seasons. And possibly one of the most compelling reasons, international foreigners can actually, legally purchase land, homes, apartments or other accommodations here. One of the few places in Japan where non-foreign nationals can own their own dwellings and the land it sits on. With plenty of apartments available in the major resorts, as well as the surrounding communities, the person who skis here for months on end can forget about needing to rent or sub-let a vacation spot from someone else! What could be better than owning your own place in the only ski in – ski out resort in Japan?

Australian’s are notably the most popular and most frequently found visitor to Niseko. Foreign visitors from Hong Kong are a close second, with those from Guam, China, and the United States bringing up the rear. Of course, the Japanese visitors are still the most visible, as they too have discovered this jewel in the middle of their own world.

For those who wish to simply visit or vacation and not seek ownership, Niseko actually has four resorts in one. Each has its specialties as well as reasons that it is closest or furthest from the primary resort, however, each one boasts spectacular skiing during the season. Each also has multiple eateries, cafés and restaurants to suite every budget range. The majority of the nightlife, new bars, new restaurants and the newest hotels are at Niseko Hirafu. An inexpensive weekend can be enjoyed through a group of small, family run pensions, which are available throughout the area.

Anyone interested in skiing on fresh, deep, wonderful powder simply must add Niseko to his or her “go to” list. It is a magical area with so many wondrous things to see and experience. And language is not a barrier! The staff at all of the resorts are paying special attention to ensuring that all the guests can be understood and talked to in their own native tongue! How cool is that? Come on, what are you waiting for? Book your travel today!