Powderlife Magazine Issue No.29

Issue 29 // Dec 25 – Jan 7 // 2010
WINTER SPORTS
WINTER SPORTS 
 ENTERTAINMENT  REAL ESTATE
ENTERTAINMENT  REALESTATE www.powderlife.com
www.powderlife.com
NEIL HARTMANN
Man behind the lens
NIKKO
Ultimate Japanese cultural experience
FREE S POWD
ER
NISEKO’ AGAZINE
LE M
LIFESTY EVERY
RESORT GUIDE FRESH
2 WEEKS
Your guide to Niseko – page 42
 CONTENTS // issue 29
winter print run 35,000 estimated readership 100,000+
33 編集長 managing editor Lizzy Hoo リズィー・フー
出版者 publisher Bevan Colless ベバン・コレス ,
Kris Lund クリス・ランド

SNOWCAVES // zekkei 副編集長 associate editor Ross Cole-Hunter ロス・コールハンター
企画運営アシスタント editorial assistant Kisato Kurihara 栗原季里
デザイナー designer Paul Malandain ポール・マランデイン,
Shane Agard シャネ・アガrド (conceptual designer)
投稿者 contributors Chris Chan
写真撮影 photography Niseko Photography, Glen Claydon Photography,
Paul Malandain, Ross Cole-Hunter
19
広告掲載に関するお問い合わせ advertising inquiries
ads@powderlife.com
57
予約購読/既刊 subscriptions / past issues
info@powderlife.com
FEATURE // neil hartmann TRAVEL // nikko Powderlife Niseko Magazine is a Niseko Media Publication
パウダーライフマガジンはニセコメディアが出版しています
170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-cho
07 Editor’s Note 31 Eye Spy

Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
tel 0136 22 2000 fax 0136 22 2011
www.powderlife.com
09 Village News
Sekka Style and Monacca
33 Snow Caves
©2010 Niseko Media KK
Contents of Powderlife are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in
Local Voices part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publication
Niseko local news Zekkei of editorial does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of views or
11 Discover 35 On Piste

opinions expressed. The publisher does not accept responsibility for state-
ments made by advertisers.
Discover the Niseko area Powdertools, 1000 words, Playlist Niseko’s first English language periodical magazine – published every
13 In the loop 37 Real Estate News

two weeks in Niseko between December and March, once a year as
a globally distributed Niseko promotional issue (Powderlife Global
Edition).
Events around Niseko Real-estate news and information ニセコ初の定期刊行雑誌。冬季期間（１２月～３月）は２週間に１回
15 Social 41 Backcountry & Health

発行、冬季期間外はグローバルエディションとして一回発行。
Past issues available at the Powderlife office, Lower Ground Floor

Australia House (opposite Seicomart).
Snap and Flash Vestibular system & backcountry tips
17 Irrashaimasse
Niseko Yubokumin and Enya
42 Resort Guide
Food, restaurants and bars
DVD Reviews Tours and activities
19 Feature
Shopping and retail
Rental and services
Resort maps
Neil Hartmann
23 Eat and Drink 55 After the melt

Niseko summer activities
Eat and drink news
57 Travel
Restaurant review – The Barn
Taste the Region – Kurabitoshu Sake
29 Powder Poster
Nikko
COVER PHOTO FROM ‘BLUETIFUL’ BY NEIL HARTMANN
rider kazushi yamauchi// photo neil hartmann
5 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

 EDITOR’S NOTE
メ
リ
I
ク
リ
ス
マ
Merry Christmas ス
photography // niseko photography
LAST year’s Christmas Powderlife boasted reports of the infamous 昨年のクリスマスは、待ちに待った積雪予報にパウダーライフ一同、喜々としたクリスマスでした。

そして、
Niseko Powder Express pulling into town. By the time this magazine 本誌が街に並ぶ今年のクリスマスにも同じ事を期待しています。今年は“待ち時間”がなんと長いことでし
hits the streets (Christmas Day), hopefully we will have experienced ょう。山一面の真っ白な雪こそ、皆さんが待ち望むクリスマスプレゼントとなることでしょう。
the same. For locals and those abroad, it’s been an anticipated and
long wait for snow. 優れた気象予報士でさえも予測が不可能な“母なる自然”ですが、今年も私たちの望む素晴らしいシ
Despite Mother Nature doing things her own way that not even the best ーズンをきっと届けてくれるはずです。
もっとも、今年はシーズン始めの雪不足により、
シーズナルワー
weather reporters can explain, we’re not going to let her deter our hopes for カーや観光客は失望し始めています。
しかし、温泉やスノーシューイング、ハイキングなど、ニセコではさ
a great season. Admittedly though, seasonal workers and guests have been まざまなアクティビティーを楽しむ事ができます。それらに関しては本誌１１ページをご参照ください。
disappointed by the slow start. On the bright side of this, is the opportunity to
explore the other attractions around the area such as the onsens, snowshoe- 今号の特集記事では、ニセコで映画伝説を創り上げたニール・ハートマン氏を紹介しています。ハー
ing, hiking, the many restaurants and bars, and other resorts in the area. トマン氏は北海道の素晴らしい雪の大ファンでもあります。地元サンディエゴで曲芸師、
コメディアンと
Check out Powderlife’s Discover section on page 11. して働いた後、1991年に北海道へ移って来られました。そして、有名な“車団地シリーズ”で日本のスキ
Our feature story this issue profiles film legend Neil Hartmann – ー・スノーボード映画業界にニール・ハートマンの名をはせられました。北海道のスノーライフを知る
no stranger to Hokkaido’s incredible snow. He moved to Hokkaido in 1991 には最適のこのフィルム（全４シリーズ）をまだ見てない方は必見です。
after working as a juggler and comedian in his hometown of San Diego.

Since moving here, Neil has firmly planted his name in Japan’s film industry そのほか、”Travel”コーナーでは、倶知安町と日光市の『観光パートナー都市協定』に関する記事を
with his amazing Car Danchi film series. For those of you who haven’t seen 掲載しています。伝統と文化にあふれる日光は東京から電車で２時間という便利なロケーションにある
any of these films, they are a great insight into Hokkaido snow life. ので、東京方面に行く際の小旅行にいかがでしょうか。最後に、新コーナー“EyeSpy”では地元や国内の
Moving away from Hokkaido is Powderlife’s travel story featuring Kutchan’s 芸術家を紹介しています。
このコーナーで紹介して欲しい方などおられましたら本誌までご連絡くださ
partnering tourism city Nikko – a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. This city is い。パウダーライフ一同より、皆さんがクリスマスを、そしてニセコで過ごされる時間を楽しまれます様
steeped in tradition and is a great side trip if you’re heading to this part of に願っています。
Japan. We’ve also started our EyeSpy section featuring local and national art-
ists. From all at Powderlife, enjoy your Christmas and time in Niseko.
Lizzy Hoo, Powderlife, Managing Editor, email lizzy@powderlife.com リズィー・フー, パウダーライフ, 編集長, lizzy@powderlife.com

 VILLAGE NEWS
Local Voices
Name Shaun Widger Age 25 Hometown

Sydney, Australia Time in Niseko? Since
September, 2009 Ski or board and
for how long? Board, twice Favourite
Restaurant? Campagna, Sapporo
Favourite Bar? Jam Bar Favourite
Onsen? Grand Hotel Favourite Course?
Family Local Secret? Rakuichi Soba
Place to ski before you die? Niseko
[honestly].
名前ショーンウィッジャー年齢25歳出身地
Rhythm Renovations シドニー、オーストラリアニセコ年数昨年
but the results show. ９月からスキー、
スノーボード歴二回（スノーボ
The store is split between two levels, with ード）お気に入りのレストランカンパニャー札幌
RHYTHM Snowsports the top level focussing on snowboarding gear お気に入りのバージャムバーお気に入りの温泉
relocated and renovated its and apparel, and the lower floor catering to the グランドホテルお気に入りのゲレンデコース　
needs of skiers. There is an extensive range of ファミリーコースニセコの秘密楽市そば
new home last summer. hire equipment in store too, as well as some 死ぬ前に行きたい
THIS move saw Rhythm Snowsports move cheap ex-rental hardware. スキー場
from a small premise underneath Sekka Café Popular brands stocked include Armada, ニセコ
to a giant, two-story megastore at the bottom Rossignol, Stepchild, Burton, Libtech, Bonfire （本当に）
of Hirafu-zaka. The renovation of Berg Plaza, and The North Face.
the former location of Yukara Souvenir Shop To keep you going while shopping, there is
and Tozanken Ramen, took several months Gloorious Coffee, the newly installed café within
and the sweat and tears of many local hands, the shop, serving up delicious Lavazza coffee.
Don’t Mention The Weather
THE weather has been a sore point here, and

no matter how many times veterans reassure
newcomers that, “the snow will come, it always
comes” there are still a few confused and disbeliev- Name Yuko
ing faces. Recently, strong Southerly winds have Horiguchi Age 30 Hometown Chiba (next
been bringing up the warmth, instead of the usual to Tokyo) Time in Niseko 8 years Ski or
northerly winds pulling down the cold Siberian air. board and for how long? Snowboard, 12
Niseko’s comparatively low elevation, coupled with years Favourite restaurant? Kumagorou
its low latitude makes Niseko dependent on the Café Favourite bar? SPLASH Favourite
generally reliable Siberian winds. But, just as this onsen? Niseko Goshiki Favourite ski run?
issue went to print, a strong storm has hit town Super course Local secret? People here
and things are looking very white outside. are free and don’t have to act their age
Place to ski before you die? Whistler,
Coffee Better Than Beer? Canada.
名前ホリグチユウコ年齢 30歳出身地

THIS season, as with most seasons, sees a few new 千葉県ニセコ年数 8年スキー、
スノーボード暦
drinking establishments opening for the first time. 12年（スノーボード）お気に入りのレストラン
Cafes are in vogue this season and there are at least くまごろう、ひらふーるお気に入りのバーSPLASH
three new places to get your caffeine fix: Fresh, Java お気に入りの温泉ニセコ五色温泉好きなゲレン
Lounge and Gloorious Coffee (inside Rhythm Snow- デコース 2壁、スーパーコースニセコの秘密
sports). This year also sees a few watering holes that 年齢不詳の大人がいっぱいいる死ぬ前に行きた
didn’t reopen including The Bunker, Yuki Bar and いスキー場カナダのスキー場
Herbie’s Umbrella Bar.

 DISCOVER
Explore Kutchan
KUTCHAN is more than just Niseko’s

gateway and service town. It’s an inter-
esting place to walk around, do some
general shopping and enjoy a change of
scenery from the ski-resort feel
in Hirafu.
Kutchan has a very lively entertainment
district and there are dozens of restaurants,
bars and other drinking establishments in GANBANYOKU
high concentration near Miyako-dori. Buses
frequently run between Hirafu and
Kutchan Station. GANBANYOKU, which then your front. The sweat that this produces is
means ‘stone bath’ is said to be one that is different to that produced
very vogue with health- during exercise – it’s a cleaner sweat, and
conscious Japanese. apparently if you lick it it won’t taste salty.

Lying on a hard hot rock for up to an hour
THIS detoxifying treatment involves lying on requires mental as well as physical stamina.
heated stones in the provided pyjamas for up to It’s a process that is very sensory devoid, giving
an hour. These heated stones raise your internal you plenty of time to stop, relax and think. There
body temperature and radiate about 40˚c of is a Ganbanyoku at the Alpen Hotel at the top of
sweat-inducing heat. It’s recommended that you Hirafu Zaka. And after visiting the Ganbanyoku
01 lie for 20 minutes at a time on your back and make sure you drink plenty of water.
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING
ROCK climbing is a great activity that helps you
03 02 build incredible muscle strength. The Niseko Ad-

venture Centre (NAC) has the one and only indoor
rock-climbing facility in the area, perfect if the
weather is bad, or if you just feel like a break from
skiing or snowboarding. The two-story climbing
wall has multiple routes to suit beginners or chal-
lenge the skilled. You will be completely harnessed
04 and supervised should you make a mistake while
01) EAT climbing. A session costs ¥1200, and climbing
TRY Potato Udon: Kutchan is famous for gear can be rented for ¥500. Afterwards, you can
its potatoes and Daiichi Kaikan Hotel has head upstairs for a healthy treat at JoJo’s Cafe.
udon made from local potatoes.
02) DRINK SOUP Curry
SING Karaoke! It’s a must-do while in Japan.
Hire a private room for you and your friends
and find out why Karaoke is so popular here. SAID to be a Hokkaido speciality (and we’re not
03) DO brave enough to dispute that), soup curry is a deli-
TAKE a Japanese Cultural Tour: Tea cer- cious meal that will warm you to your very core for
emony, saké-brewery tour, taiko drumming quite some time afterwards. It has a base reminis-
laido sword demonstration and a Japanese cent of Japanese-style curry, though in a soup-me-
dinner. See p.49. dium and with a few extra spices thrown in to make
04) SHOP it interesting. Variations and restaurants are plentiful,
WANDER Walk around the small alleys with most shops offering their own delicious flavour.
around Kutchan Station and find some Most places allow you to pick your level of spice
unique souvenirs in interesting shops. too – often this ranges from 0 to 20. Highly recom-
mended for a complete Hokkaido experience.

 IN THE LOOP
DEC 25 26
Disco Dancing Night Boxing Day Break Beats
ディスコ・ダンシング・ナイト and Cold Cuts
ボクッシングディーファン
キーミュージックパーティー
A little louder than regular nights, come enjoy Meats, salads and that hair of the dog cocktail
dancing to disco, R&B, soul and Rock’n’roll. vibe we’ve grown to love as well as dj’s playing
funky breakbeats.
2010
いつもよりちょっぴり大きめの音楽で
ディスコ、R&B、
ソウル、ロックンロールスペシャルカクテルをセットした食事
でダンスをお楽しみください。をDJがセレクトしたファンキーな音楽
と共に楽しんでください。
Start // 9pm Start // 7pm
Place // Half Note Place // blo*blo
Contact // 0136 23 2727 Contact // 0136 22 1269
28 29 30
Japanese Cultural Tour Reggae Music Party Pool Tournament
日本文化体験ツアー King of Yanchastar Vol. 1 ビリヤードトーナメント
This four-and-a-half hour tour will take you to The first party of the season at Yosaku, with Pool Tournament @ Bar Splash – Bar Splash’s
various cultural attractions in Kutchan: reggae DJs and dancers from around Hok- rules. ¥1000 Entry
Tea ceremony, Laido sword demonstration, kaido. ¥1000 Entry ビリヤードのトーナメントをスプラッ
Taiko drum performance, sake brewery tour ダンス、サウンド陣共に超豪華！日本シュでやっちゃいます。腕前を披露で
and a Japanese dinner. See advert p.49 人の勢いを見せつけちゃいましょう！きるこの時をお見逃しなく。
Adults ¥5000 / Children ¥3000
Reservations by 11am that day.
Start // 3pm Start // 9pm - 4am Start // 9pm

Place // Seicomart car park Place // Yosaku Place // Bar Splash
Contact // 0136 23 0222 Contact // 0136 23 4390 Contact // 0136 55 8228
JAN 1 2 1-3
First Sunrise Gondola New Year Poko Session Annupuri First Run
初日の出ゴンドラニューイヤーポコセッションアンヌプリ・
ファーストラン
A very unique opportunity to watch the rising Small kicker available to kids and adults at
sun at Niseko Village on the first day of the beginners park and traditional mochi making Annupuri ski resort early morning gondola,
year. Return ticket ¥1000. ceremony will take place in Hanazono 308 operating from 7am – 8:20am ¥1000.
2011
ニセコビレッジで、特別な初日の出 Entrance Free (Limited to first 80 entries) 一般営業前のノートラック・グルーミン
を見に行きませんか。ゴンドラ往復料小さなキッカーで子供から大人までグバーンを滑走。料金￥1,000。
金1000円皆が楽しめます。餅つき大会あり。参
加無料(先着80名)
Start // 6:15am - 7am Start // 9:30am Start // 7am – 8:20am
Place // Niseko Village Place // Hanazono 308 Place // Annupuri Ski Resort
Contact // 0136 44 2211 Contact // 0136 23 0913 Contact // 0136 58 2080 (Japanese only)
1-3
Free Hot Milk Service
ホットミルクサービス
NYE
EVENTS
You can get warm with free fresh hot milk
from a local farm!
元旦から3日までの間、地元の牧場で
朝しぼりたての牛乳をホットミルク
にして無料サービス＠アンヌプリス
キー場。
Start // 10am
Place // Annupuri Ski Resort
Contact // 0136 58 2080 (Japanese only)
4 31
Nightvision NEW YEAR’S Time: from 9pm
ナイトビション　 EVE PARTIES Details: Free riding on night-skiing area from
9-11:30pm. At 11:45 skiers and boarders with
Countdown Party @ Niseko Village flaming torches ski down the hill. Afterwards,
Get creative and bring along some crazy
松明滑走・新年カウントダウン花火 celebrate the New Year’s countdown with
eyewear to Yeti Bar for a fun night of cheap
@ ニセコヴィレッジ fireworks.
drinks and great music
Time: from 9pm Countdown Party @ Grand Hirafu
スペシャルドリンクと音楽で、
クレイ Details: Watch hundreds of skiers with flaming 松明滑走・新年カウントダウン花火
ジーな仮面パーティーをやっちゃい torches ski down the hill then celebrate the @ ニセコグランヒラフ
ます。 New Year’s countdown with fireworks Time: from 11pm
at 9:45pm. Details: Live music, Japanese drum perfor-
Start // 8pm Countdown Party @ Annupuri Ski Resort mance, throwing 1000 rice cakes, countdown
Place // Yeti Bar 松明滑走・新年カウントダウン花火 fireworks and the annual torch run with hun-
Contact // 080 4040 4470 @ アンヌプリスキー場 dreds of skiers holding burning torches.

 SNAP  FLASH
GRAND HIRAFU TAMASHII

FIRST LIFTS BAR
OPENING NIGHT //
LOCATION // GRAND HIRAFU THE worm, shimmy, sprinkler, running
AFTER only two solid days of snow in late November, the lifts opened for the first time of man and other moves that can not be
the 2010/2011 season at 8.30am December 1st. There were only two courses open, an described, were all present at Tamashii
un-groomed Center course and the Family course, both with plenty of powder. Visibility Bar’s opening night thanks to sweet
was quite poor at the top of Ace Pair Lift #3, but it didn’t dampen spirits too much, as party tunes by Murray and Chris. FOR your chance to win
evidenced Chewy (left picture) – the first one to make the lifts by two chair lengths. a Hanazono Powder
WIN
PHOTOS // niseko photography
Guides First Tracks
Tours for two, A
WIN
valued at ¥32,000, T E R TO TOUR
EN IDED
answer the following: GU
“Skiing vs boarding – tell

us why you prefer one over the
other.”
Entrants will be judged on their level of

humour and brutality. Send your entry to
lizzy@powderlife.com
Get creative!
STACK
Question // What do you love about Niseko?
WIN
ENTE
R
HELM TO WIN
ET A
INSK FROM
I
ELLIOT and Victoria Fong from Singapore love Niseko’s PETER Wilson from Byron Bay, Australia loves Niseko’s
weather, food and, of course, skiing. powder snow and thinks it’s a great place for a family holiday.
WILD
BILL’S
OPENING PARTY //
A TYPICALLY wild party at Wild Bill’s,
ENTER TO WIN A HELMET FROM INSKI.
fuelled by a three-hour all-you-can-
SUBMIT your gnarly crash story and the reason why you wear drink and some fantastic music by
a helmet and/or need a new helmet to ross@powderlife.com. 3 Skins and DJ Chris Holmes. These
Entries are required to be 100 words or less and must be guys had people up and dancing on
KELLY Dyball and Mike Chapman from Melbourne and WAYNE and Sim Chang from Hong Kong love Niseko’s accompanied with valid contact information. We will be picking tables and chairs long into the night.
Perth, Australia love Niseko’s nightlife scene. compact and convenient layout. a winner every two weeks.
15 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com 16 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com
 IRRASHAIMASSE // “welcome!” – great local businesses
CHARCOAL YAKITORI DINING ENYA, Kutchan, Takeshi Yamamoto NISEKO YUBOKUMIN, Hirafu, Kunihiro Yoshikawa
MANY people are attracted to Niseko because of its year-round activities. RUNNING a lodge in Niseko is what Kunihiro Yoshikawa decided to do after
Takeshi Yamamoto, owner of Charcoal Yakitori Dining Enya in Kutchan, is no working as a salary man in Sapporo. Before settling here 24 years ago, Kunihiro
different. Takeshi is from Osaka originally and worked in real-estate manage- had been to Niseko many times; he even met his wife at the youth hostel in
ment before opening up his old restaurant Big Cliff (where Paddy’s is now) and Niseko. His love for the area is based on skiing and the interesting people here
his current restaurant Enya in Kutchan. Enya literally translates to ‘fire house’ that are connected through their love of the mountains. He also enjoys the
– he loves playing with fire and experimenting with charcoal to make the best customers who keep coming back to stay at his lodge every season. Kunihiro
smoke for his delicious yakitori. On any night, people can be found enjoying considers himself to be one of two types of people that live in Niseko: a busi-
themselves at Enya. In the future, this Kutchan entrepreneur wants to continue ness person or a true Niseko lover. He is, of course, the latter and will continue
to provide great hospitality and make customers happy with his great yakitori.
山本毅さん　炭火串焼ダイニング炎や　倶知安

to live here, ski 120 days a year and make this a better place for his children.
吉川邦弘さん　ニセコ遊牧民　ヒラフミドルビレッジ　

Getting to the airport
多くの人が年間通して楽しめるニセコの魅了に引かれやってきます。大阪出身のサーファー山本毅さん福岡県出身の吉川邦弘さんが札幌でのサラリーマン生活を終え、遊牧民を始めたのが24年前。初めて just got easier
もその一人でした。大阪での不動産経営術を元に1995年にビッククリフ
（現在のパディーズ）、バルンバニセコに訪れた時は今でいうバックパッカーの走りカニ族だった吉川さん。
日本、世界中を旅してきた
バー、ボールズイン（バックパッカーズ）をニセコにオープン。2008年にビッククリフを閉めるまでは、冬結果、お客さんが戻ってこれるような宿をやりたい、人を変える魅力がありたくさんの興味深い人々がい
のスノーボード、夏のサーフトリップを銘一杯楽しんでいたと話す。年間通して経営でき、
またここニセると、
この土地に移住を決意。ニセコには２種類の人、ビジネスをしに来ている人、そして本当にニセコ
ホテルから空港まで
コで築いてきた人脈があるから倶知安に炎やの開店を決めたという。炎が好きなんですとお店の名前を愛してやまない人がいると話す。今でも年間120日間はスキーをするという吉川さんはもちろん後者
の由来を教えてくれた山本さん、そんな炎の魔術師が作る焼き鳥の絶妙な焼き加減、炭の香りがそれをであり、
これから先もここに住み続けるでしょう。ニセコをもっと多くの人たちが楽しみ、戻って来たいと
物語っています。北海道一の店、味でもサービスでも喜んでもらえる店を目指すと話す山本さん。店内に思わせる場所となってほしい。地域に暮らす子供たちがもっとニセコから世界に羽ばたいていけるよう
あるカウンターやライトはビッククリフの物という、懐かしさと山本さんの笑顔に会話も弾むでしょう。な教育環境を作って行きたいと、モーグルスキー選手の息子さんを持つ父親の顔もみせてくれた。
Private and Comfortable Affordable and Efficient
Rates
DVD RevIEWS Ride in style in a spacious, climate Low price, with more room for
New Chitose
1 person Child under 6
Private
controlled luxury shuttle bus. your bags. ¥6,000 ¥4,000 Transfers
Airport - Niseko one way one way
車内は広くて余裕の快適空間低額料金でしかも荷物置場は
たっぷりのスペース Niseko - New ¥10,000 ¥7,000 from ¥28,000
Chitose Airport return return one way
No fuss. No hassle. Door-to-Door

No delays. Convenience Niseko Scheduled Transfer Services (Available 1 Dec thru 31 March)
No changing trains. No dragging We pick you up from your hotel and Niseko - New Chitose Airport New Chitose Airport – Niseko Niseko - Sapporo City
your bags through stations. take you to the airport. Departs Niseko Arrives Airport Departs Airport Arrives Niseko Departs Niseko Arrives Sapporo
No standing around. 札幌のホテルから空港まで直行 08:00 10:30 12:00 14:30 09:30 12:00
乗換え、手荷物運搬、待ち時間にスピーディーにらくらく移動 09:00 11:30 14:00 16:30 Sapporo City - Niseko
さようなら 10:00 12:30 16:30 19:00 Departs Sapporo Arrives Niseko
11:00 13:30 19:00 21:30 12:30 15:00
Persona – Ebis Films It Began – Coeur Film Factory
15:00 17:30 21:30 23:59 If the timetables above do not suit your requirements, please consider our
AS the title alludes, this film has a very IT Began feels very much like the home movie 17:00 19:30
Private Transfer Services. Services may depart/arrive at different times due to
road and/or weather conditions, flight delays and/or airport closures.
intimate and personal feel. It follows several that Japanese pro-snowboarders living in
Japanese skiers and riders in both summer the Niseko area would make. This movie was
www.skybus.co.jp Airport Service • Trips and Excursions • Ski Shuttle
and winter, getting a feel for their passion made for the love of it, not due to sponsorship Secure VIP Transfer • Wedding Hire • Chauffeured Charter
Tel: 011-788-4994
for snow. There are no flashy tricks, no slick pressure. Mostly shot within the Niseko Resort Email: info@skybus.co.jp Licensed Travel Agency 2-589 ONBOARD
editing, just people riding powder in Japan area, this film may quickly turn into a competi-
and loving every second of it. (Japanese only) tion for who can spot the locations first.
 FEATURE // neil hartmann  FEATURE // neil hartmann
I
F not for a plan that involved 日本でお金をためて、
アメリカに帰り映画 Heat up some soup and coffee while 日本へ来たきっかけは？ wave of Japanese design taking デジタル写真、
コンピューター、
ウェブサ days when video editing and tend to が世に出てきたたのは楽しい事だと思う
moving to Japan to save mon- 学校に行く。
この計画がなければニール・ getting my gear on. We try to film 僕の家族の半分は日本に住んでいるん over the world. イト。多くのものから感性を刺激されて develop a rhythm. With digital pho- けど、欠点もあるよね。例えばメディア業界
ey so he could return to the ハートマン氏（以下ニール）の有名な“車 while the light is good in the early だ。父は長い間、札幌に駐在している。高 What do you think you’ve given いるね。 tography, computers and the web – の低迷。youtubeによってDVDのセールス
United States for film school, 団地シリーズ”、または最近出された写真 morning hours, but depending on 校を卒業した僕に北海道を勧めてくれた to Japanese culture? どのような物・事に刺激される？ there is more than enough inspiration は大幅に落ちたそうだよ。
Neil Hartmann may have never 集“Bluetiful”の実現はなかったであろう。 the situation a shoot can last until のは父だったんだ。 I hope I have helped some people 良い映画、
特にドキュメンタリー。
そのほか、 out there to push creativity. 日常から逃れたい時に行くのはどこ？
created his legendary Car Danchi ニールは１２歳のころから芸術に目覚め、 sunset. After a long day in the cold 日本文化からの影響はある？ loosen up a little bit. During my 雑誌を読むのも好きだし、
収集したアナログ What stimulates you? 山奥。それも数人の友人と携帯電波が届
film series or his recently released いつの日か映画監督になるのが夢だった weather I try to always find an onsen 2011年の終わりで、僕は人生の半分を日 days as a radio DJ, I did my best to レコードを聞くのも好き。
スノーボード、
ス Good films, especially documentary かない所へ行く。
スノーシューで歩きな
photography book ‘Bluetiful’. という。そして、１9８５年、ルスツリゾー to soak and warm up in. 本で過ごしたことになるんだ。
日本に住 play music and shake people up. ケートボード、
山登りもね。
行き詰まった時 based stuff. I like magazines a lot. がら、靴の下で雪がキュ、キュっと鳴る音
His passion for the arts is something トでもうひとつ情熱を傾けられるものに What made you come to Japan? むことによって一番影響されたのは一般 Through the snowboard DVD’s and はネットでやらしいサイトを見るのも
（笑）
。 Listening to my analog record collec- を聞く。
「
he’s had since he was 12; he has 出会った。借り物のバートンボードでふわ I have half my family here in Japan. 的なデザインに関する考え方かな。例え Car Danchi, I hope I helped change tion. Snowboarding, skateboarding, 人生の中での一番達成感を得たものは？
always wanted to be a film director. ふわの北海道の雪を体験した、その瞬間 My father is a long-time expat living ば製品や店舗、家屋設計、服なんかのデ people’s perceptions about what mountain hiking, and if I am desper- 二人の娘シエナとサフィアが誕生したこ
これからも日本文化
“ 」
His other passion was realised a だった。映画監督への夢とスノーボードザイン。
ノースフェイスやバートン、
ナイキ snowboarding and the lifestyle is ate a little internet porn – ha ha! と。
これを上回る事柄はないね。
while later when he pointed a bor- への情熱。
どうにかこの二つを結びつけと一緒に仕事をすることもあるけど、
どの really like. I hope I can continue to とアメリカ文化の You’re a self-confessed “modern 人生の中での一番のチャレンジは？
I hope I have
rowed Burton Performer straight られないかと試行錯誤した結果、ニール会社も日本マーケットのみの格好良い製 be a good gateway personality for
架け橋となりたいな social animal” – how has social 創造力をどうにかビジネスにして、それを
under a lift into light and fluffy Hok- は映画監督への夢を持つ誰もがうらやむ helped some people 品を作っている。
もしかすると、
日本のデ both cultures. media changed you and what 持続すること。
”
kaido powder at Rusutsu Resort in 人生を勝ち取った。映画監督として、外国 loosen up a bit. ザインが世界を制覇するってこともありえ How do you drive your creativity? you do? 映画監督、写真家で尊敬する人は？
1985. Combining filmmaking and で自分が心からやりたい事をする日々をると思う！ Coffee helps and hot ramen on a 情熱をかけているものは？ I love all the social media and all the それはいないかな。
でもプロの写真家とし
snowboarding with persistence and 送っている。ニールが日本文化へ貢献したことは？ cold day works well too. For me, ひとつ前の質問で答えたこと全て。やらし changes that have come with it. て頑張っている人は誰でも尊敬する。映画
ambition, Neil created something ニール・ハートマンとしての一日とは？ in Sapporo and he was the one that 少しは日本の人々をリラックスさせたと思 I need a lot of time and solitude いサイトは違うよ
（笑）。 Now that I have my iPhone, I am 監督も同じ。マイケル・ムーア、
スパイク・
many wannabe film directors hope ロケ中ならたいてい車中泊。４時か５時 encouraged me to come to Hok- うよ。
ラジオのDJをやっていたころ、良い combined with short bursts of inter- ソーシャルメディアが大好きだとお聞きし addicted to sharing a large portion ジョーンズ、
スパイク・リー、デニス・ホッパ
for – a successful life in a foreign に起床して、
スープとコーヒーの準備をし kaido after finishing high school. 音楽をかけて少しでも人を楽しませようと action with other people to confirm ましたが、
それによっての影響は？ of my life – tweeting, blogging (neil- ー、
タランティーノは大ファンだよ。
country, doing something he whole- ながらスノーギアに着替えたりする。
日中 How has Japanese culture すごく頑張ったよ。
また、車団地シリーズの that I am doing the right thing. The 今、僕はiPhoneでツイート、
ブログ（neil- hartmannlife.wordpress.com), photo 自身をラッキーだと思う？それとも、一生懸
heartedly loves everyday. の良い光加減を逃したくないから撮影は changed you and what have you DVDを作ることで、
スノーボードがどんな video-editing process is very inten- hartmannlife.wordpress.com）をするの sharing whatever it takes. On the 命ゴールに向かっている？
Describe a day in the life of 早朝からスタートするね。
日によっては夕 taken from it? ものなのか、それを本気でやっている人々 sive for me. I tend to work 18-hour に熱中してる。
こういうソーシャルメディア down side, the media industry ラッキーって本当に一生懸命に働いてい
Neil Hartmann? 暮れまで撮影することもあるよ。一日中、 At the end of 2011, I will have been の生活はどんなものなのかを伝えたかっ
If I am on location I will usually wake 寒い外で撮影した後にはいつも温泉で体 in Japan for half of my life. I think た。
スノーボードに対しての人々の理解が
up between 4 or 5am in my car. を温めるようにしてる。 the biggest influence Japan has had 深められたと思ってる。
これからも日本文
on me would be in how I feel about 化とアメリカ文化の架け橋となりたいな。
design in general: product design, 創造力を持続させるためには？コーヒー、
store design, home design and 寒い日に食べるラーメン。それに僕には多
clothing design. The brands I work くの時間が必要なんだ。一人でいる時間、
with like The North Face, Burton and 自分がやっている事が正しいのかを知る
Nike all make the coolest products ために人と接する時間。ビデオ編集をする
exclusively for the Japanese market. 時は徹底的にするから、一日に１８時間
I think in the next few years we も作業に没頭するよ。一度リズムをつかん
are going to see another だら、その部分を完成させるまで止めたく
ない。
words by // lizzy hoo // photography by // neil hartmann // translation by // yuri pangier
continued from previous page
 FEATURE // neil hartmann

is struggling to keep up with the る人に起こるもの。だから僕はすごくラッ of a professional photographer. And Work your f##king ass off. I see a lot
changing times. DVD sales have キーだと言えるんじゃないかな。 for film makers, I have a few names of people wanting success but just
dropped dramatically since YouTube 他の映画監督へのアドバイスは？ that I would say I am a big fan of – not putting in the hours needed. If you
came on the scene. とにかく一生懸命働くこと。多くの人が夢 Michael Moore, Spike Jonze, Spike want to succeed in Japan you had
Where do you take a break を持ち、成功を願うけど、結局行動に起こ Lee, Dennis Hopper and Tarantino. best be prepared to work. Due to Ja-
from life? さない。
日本で成功したいのなら、そのた Do you think you’re lucky or have pan’s global position and history, ev-
Deep in the mountains with just a few めの準備を怠らないこと。
日本のグローバ you worked hard? eryone here not only has to compete
friends and no cell phone reception ルポジション、歴史を考えても、競争相手 Luck only comes to those who have with the local Japanese competition,
– just the sound of snow crunching は日本人だけじゃないことが分かる。
日本 worked their asses off. So yes I am you will also get compared to every
underneath my snowshoes. で働くすべての欧米人の写真家／映画監 very lucky. other North American and European
What’s been your greatest 督と比較される。人より秀でるためには何 What’s some advice you could photographer/filmmaker out there.
achievement? か違うものを持ち、
さまざまな技術を用意 give to other filmmakers or You have to step up your game and
The birth of my two daughters Siena しておくことが大切だということだね。 photographers trying to ‘make it’? be prepared to be the whole package.
and Safia. Nothing can top that ever.
What’s been your biggest
challenge?
Trying to turn creativity into cash
money and to keep it flowing.
Do you have photographic/film-
maker idols?
Basically I don’t have a photo-
graphic idol, I just have mad respect
for anybody that has chosen the life

we
 EAT & DRINK
Hanajizoh Bakery
Born and raised in Kutchan, ERI Ashizawa, from JAVA LOUNGE
shares her favourite things to eat and drink in the area.
THIS delicious bakery in the outskirts
of Izumikyo (map p.54, F5) is filled with
the nostalgic scent of impressive baked
ele ss plug)
Jav a lou nge – Hirafu (sh am
Cof fee and Cha i lat te at goods, which is somewhat of a rarity
oth er one !)
at Jav a Lounge – Hirafu (an here in Japan. Their baked white bread is
Bac on & Egg rol l and Paninis authentic in creation and induces home-
Ku tch an
Hok ke-fish at Yuk igu ni – sickness when you smell it. There is also
tch an immaculate looking, and delicious tasting
Piz za at Ka ku caf e – Ku sweets, which are the perfect accompani-
– Hirafu
Tof u sal ad at A-b u-cha 2 ment to a mid-morning breakfast, or a
chi – Ku tch an
ane se omele t at Namichan late-afternoon pampering. The husband/
Dashi Ma ki Tam ago – Jap wife team are constantly baking, so their
tch an
Bre ad at Mugik aze – Ku
Blue Che ese & Wa lnu t Rye goods are always fresh. But be warned,
an
tak e Cak e Sho p – Ku tch get in early or risk missing out.
Gre en Tea Ro ll Cak e at Sue
NISEKO CELLARS
RECIPE // gyouza by kazuho ‘kaz’ furugori FRESH for this season, Niseko Cellars has
opened beneath J-Sekka to cater to those
who prefer to sip on a big glass of red wine
after a day’s skiing within the comfort of
their own accommodation. Inside the shop
there is a selection of hand-chosen wines
starting from ¥1000, all the way to Bordeaux
from the 1980’s. Mick Nippard, who runs
*Last issue’s recipe for Okonomiyaki was supplied by Cocoro Okonomiyaki – Kutchan.
Niseko Cellars, has a soft spot for hand-

created boutique wines, and where possible
he’s selected these to stock the shelves of
his shop. Whether you’re into fine wines, or
just searching for something to go with din-
ner, Mick can find you something to suit.
GYOUZA OTARU BEER DUNKEL BOCK
Ingedients – serves 4 Method

• 24 gyouza shells Finely chop the cabbage, garlic, ginger THE festive season definitely calls for a
• Beef/pork mince 300g and shiso. Add a pinch of salt. Add mince few extra drinks with family and friends.
• 1/2 a cabbage and sesame oil and mix thoroughly. Put a Some may enjoy egg nog and others
• 2 cloves garlic spoonful of the mixture on to the centre fancy mulled wine. Otaru Beer’s Dunkel
• 1 thumb-size amount of Ginger of the gyouza shell. Dab water all round Bock is a limited-edition Christmas beer
• 5 shiso leaves (Japanese basil) the edge and fold. Pinch and fold the and Niseko’s answer to a yuletide tipple.
• 1/2 tbs sesame oil open side. Press two sides together so it’s It’s refreshing but packs a surprise full-
• Pinch of salt completely sealed. On a non stick pan, put bodied 8% alcohol punch for extra cheer.
SAUCE some oil and then the gyouzas next to each Available at J-Sekka Café and Sekka
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar other with minimum gap. Fry until the bot- Dining this Christmas (300mL ¥400,
• 1/2 cup soy sauce tom is slightly brown. Pour hot water so it 500mL ¥680), Dunkel Bock is served in
• 1/2 tbs sesame oil covers 3/4 of the gyouzas and put a lid on. a special ceramic stein and is the perfect
• Some chilli flakes Keep on high heat until water evaporates, accompaniment to a hearty Christmas
Heat soy sauce and vinegar, then add turn the heat down and dry the gyouzas. meal or an après-ski session.
sesame oil and chilli flakes. When they are dry – serve them!
 RESTAURANT REVIEW // the barn
WORDS BY // lizzy hoo PHOTOGRAPHY BY // niseko photography
HEAD Chef of The Barn Kazuhiko Kojima, your mouth.

There was a choice of two mains
aka ‘Kaz’, realised his passion 9 years at the time this review was under-
ago in France – a love and appreciation of taken. The Braised Beef Cheeks with
Red Wine Sauce and Vegetables
simple and traditional French cooking. take four to five days to cook and are
quickly gaining a reputation.
AFTER working in Lyon and Nice, Kaz price of ¥4,800 (not including drinks). The Red Sea Bream with Poêlé
moved back to the Niseko area and There is also a special vegetarian set Cream Sauce and Vegetables was
has been here for the last six years; menu featuring a Vegetable Pressee equally as impressive and is served
many locals witnessed Kaz’s talents with Green Salad, Beans and Cépe with mashed potatoes and a creamy
at his previous restaurant Le Cochon Ravioli with Soy Milk and Vegetable rich sauce. Look out for the
in Kutchan. In the summer, he joined Essence Soup, and Fruits Sorbet for soon-to-be-released Duck Confit
forces with Brett and Takayo (of Wild dessert. The set menu for children with Vegetables.
Bill’s fame) and the team at Odin to includes a Chef’s Flan with Green Even if you’re full after two cours-
bring you outstanding classic French Salad, Cheese Hamburger Steak with es, you can’t miss dessert. Banana
fare in the heart of Niseko. Tomato Sauce and Vegetables and Tarte with Vanilla Ice Cream, Warm
The food is complemented by The Ice cream. Gateau au Chocolat with Framboise
Barn’s striking building and is inspired On this occasion the appetisers Ice Cream or the Crème Brulee with
by colonial Dutch architecture. From are Mugibuta (wheat fed) Pork Terrine, Camembert Cheese Ice Cream are
the street you can see right through to Marinated Salmon and White Liver all irresistible. Make sure your table
the bar on the balcony level and to the Paté, each paired with a Green Salad. orders at least one of each so you can
customers enjoying what Kaz brings The Pork Terrine is full of flavour and share all of the desserts on
to the table. perfect for those who like a meaty the menu.
In true bistro style, The Barn’s taste. The Marinated Salmon is com- After dinner, you can head upstairs
menu will change regularly (about paratively light and is cooked so that for a drink at the bar. The Barn is also
once a month at this stage) and the skin is crispy and the flesh is only open for après ski and will feature live
guests can choose from three ap- slightly cooked. Kaz’s own White Liver music during the season with resident
petisers, mains and desserts for a set Pate is a real treat and literally melts in musician KENJAH.
 TASTE THE REGION // kurabitoshu sake
THE plummeting price of rice dur- using natural alternatives such as

ing the 1990s forced Niseko rice the organic duck-farming method
farmers to produce a higher-quality (pictured), which supports the area’s
product or risk losing their ‘Yes Clean’ scheme. Ducklings are
livelihood. Having only ever used to keep the rice paddies free
reached a B in terms of rice quality, from pests and weeds during the
this posed a tough situation rice-growing season, and enhance
for farmers. the quality of the soils naturally. The
The local Niseko government ducks reach maturity just before the
then assisted farmers in creating a rice and are sold as meat locally over
higher standard of rice. What also the winter period.
resulted from the high-quality rice is One sip of Kurabitoshu Sake is
an exceptional sake made from local much more than having a warming
ingredients, Kurabitoshu Sake. drink on a chilly winter’s night.
The sake maker, Tanaka Shuzo, is The people behind each cup of sake
just as committed to the produc- believe in every step of its production,
tion of an excellent end product as from growing the rice to when it’s bot-
the farmers are to growing the rice. tled. The farmers’ wishes are simple:
Shuzo-san has a long history with the to keep producing high-quality rice,
group and uses 100% Niseko-grown which then translates to exceptional
CONTACT // Tourism and Industry Division, Hokkaido, Niseko Town, rice for his sake. sake. Available for purchase at Niseko
Aza Fujimi47 Japan. T. 0136 44 2121. Ask for Paul. The growth of the rice is assisted Cellars in the J-Sekka complex.
Brought to you by
 POWDER POSTER
LOCATION hirafu // RIDER kayle // PHOTOGRAPHY rory gardiner, niseko photography
 EYE SPY // art and culture in japan
national design
JAPAN is known world-

wide for its unique
take on modern design.
ONE company earning attention for its unique
design is monacca. Residing in Umaji Village
in the mountainous Kochi Prefecture, this
small company produces unique wood-grain
bags and furniture made out of the cedar that
surrounds the area.
In order to obtain good cedar, the mainte-
nance of the forest is essential; if the trees are
too dense, their growth will be stunted and
resources damaged. Monacca utilises the
thinned wood that would usually be left in
the forest.
Stylish, eco-sensitive and functional, mo-
nacca bags are different to many briefcases,
handbags and clutches on the market.
There is also a zabuton (Japanese cushion),
chair, Japanese-style coffee table, light fixtures
and a calculator available online or in selected
PHOTOGRAPHY BY // shouya grigg Tokyo retailers. See website for details.
@ www.monacca.com
Local photography
HOKKAIDO is a photographer’s playground. The mounds

of white snow create interesting lines, the flat winter light
is numbing and the geographic features of the area are
as subtle as they are immense.
THE area is and can be interpreted in a number House, Shouya’s inspirations are obvious – he
of ways. Local designer and creative director has a penchant for antiques, old Japanese art,
behind the Sekka Style label, Shouya Grigg, uses minimalist lines, uninterrupted perspectives and
Hokkaido’s natural elements to satisfy his love photography. Collecting nic nacs and his unique
of photography, after working for many years as taste is something he attributes partly to his
a high-fashion and commercial photographer in parents. They would take him along on recon-
Sapporo. His photos of Hokkaido are instilled with naissance missions to antique shops for their own
monacca cedar calculator
his trademark ‘Sekka Style’, which is revealed in all home-renovation projects.
his work: J-Sekka, Sekka Style, Sekka Maruyama Finding interesting things, creating furniture,
Restaurant in Sapporo and the Sekka Lodge appropriating art to fit a certain room and work-
in Annupuri. ing with a building’s existing structural elements
Raw, natural, visionary and eclectic are just is a skill Shouya has refined. His ability to create
some words that describe Shouya’s approach to houses that encompass a ‘lifestyle’ approach can
design – something that has organically evolved be experienced at the Sekka Style showroom, in
and he has inherently learned to trust over time. It’s the J-Sekka complex. Here you’ll find a sample
his fresh approach and bespoke style that make of his Hokkaido-based photographs, Japanese
his home-design label Sekka Style distinctive. antiques and the custom-designed furniture he
This flair is best understood when surrounded uses to style the houses he designs.
monacca cedar bag – kaku
by it. Walking through his secluded Hanazono @ www.sekkastyle.com

 SNOW CAVES// zekkei advertising promotion
zekkei
ZEKKEI is undoubtedly one of the most

impressive & luxurious chalets in Niseko,
set over 3 floors & approximately 400sqm.
FROM early morning the sun streams
into the spacious interior, flooding
this fabulous chalet with warmth and
light. Vast picture windows reveal
unobstructed views of Mt. Yotei and
the rice terraces in the valley below.
The open living/dining area is
characterized by the traditional use
of Canadian wooden beams blended
with modern and sleek interior furnish-
ings with heated timber flooring.
The oversized handmade Siberian elm
-wood dining table, white-marble fire »» 5 en-suited bedrooms and
place and huge lounges are perfect 1 en-suited kids’ room with
for entertaining. double bunks bed
Masterfully produced by West »» 3 Japanese hinoki bathtubs
Canada Homes, with unmatched »» Spacious living/dining/kitchen
management service provided by The area; perfect for entertaining. Booking Information
Niseko Company, Zekkei is truly a »» Stunning views Contact T. +81 (0)136 21 7272 T. +81 (0)136 21 3838
special property. Website www.thenisekocompany.com, www.westcanadahomes.com
Email reservations@thenisekocompany.com, info@westcanadahomes.com
 POWDER TOOLS
AIRHOLE PARTY PANDA FACEMASK QUICKSILVER TRAVIS RICE BACKPACK K2 HELLBENT SKIS
AVAILABLE @ RHYTHM SNOWSPORTS, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ PROSKI, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ NISEKO 343, HIRAFU
photo // niseko photography // goshiki onsen
www.skihirejapan.com/niseko/ www.proski.com www.niseko343.com photo // niseko photography // hirafu photo // niseko ph
otography // hirafu
K2 GYRATOR SNOWBOARD HOTRONIC FOOT WARMER RED REDPHONES PREMIUM DJ

AVAILABLE @ FUSION SPORTS SHOP, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ RHYTHM SNOWSPORTS, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ RHYTHM SNOWSPORTS, HIRAFU
www.hanazononiseko.com www.skihirejapan.com/niseko/ www.skihirejapan.com/niseko/ photographer//
rider// location
What’s on your playlist? First IMpression
DEREK Begley, aka Digler, is a part-time tough

guy, personal trainer, fighter and all-round good
1// Old Dirty Bastard // Shimmy Shimmy Ya
2// Le Tigre // Deceptacon
 1000 WORDS
If a picture tells 1000 words, then here’s 8000 words to help you get
dude. His playlist is self desribed as “Three cater- 3// Donovan // Season of the Witch
a better understanding of this awesome place we call home.
gories – hip hop, stuff from old-skool snowboard 4// Pennywise // Society
5// Outkast // So Fresh and So Clean photo // niseko photography // hirafu photo // niseko photography // hirafu
videos that I pretend to be in and chicks yelling at
me.” If you want to win a ski shot from YETI BAR, 6// Verve/Jay Z // Dirt of Your Shoulders
send your playlist to 7// CSS/Diplo remix // Let’s Make Love
8// Devo // Mongoloid
ross@powderlife.com
9// Blondie // Dreaming
10// The Gossip // Standing in the Way of Control Name: Ian Weavers. Nationality: Welsh.
Ski or snowboard? Looks like I’ll start out with

snowboarding and maybe skiing at some point.
er ek’s P l a y list Why Niseko? I wanted the best snow in the

D world and I wanted the biggest challenge.
First thoughts? I love this place and the

people. Yotei made me just stop in my tracks.
Something that made you look/think twice?

The amazing car park in Sapporo that parked
our car for us with a special lift.
Going anywhere else in Japan? I’ll have

to see how much spare time I have after
photo //glen cla
the season. ydon // hirafu photo // niseko photography // hirafu
photo // niseko photography // hirafu
193-7 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho,
Hokkaido Japan 044-0081
 REAL ESTATE NEWS by lizzy hoo
Alpen Ridge 104

¥35,000,000 S 1 1
Ski in, ski out luxury apartment with village views

and fantastic occupancies. This is the only studio
apartment in the building and rents very well.
LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
FLOOR AREA: 45m²
Alpen Ridge 202

Buying off the plan AGENT PROFILE ¥45,000,000 1 1 1
Buying off-the-plan requires you to enter into a con- Name Brian Lysne Agency Niseko Real
tract before seeing the finished product. It is an Estate How is business in Niseko? This
SKI-IN SKI-OUT LUXURY UNITS SKI SCHOOL SKI RENTAL REAL ESTATE OFFICE
past July and August were our best on record.
attractive option for those wanting to enter Niseko’s What’s your forecast for 2011? Very busy! Here’s your chance to buy into Ski-in ski-out
property market, but just what are the benefits? Exciting projects will be coming on the market unbeatable accommodation in Niseko Ski-in ski-out, luxury slope side, one bedroom
apartment with spectacular views looking
shortly, offering levels of design, quality and directly down on the Ace Family chairlift.
BUYING off the plan can be considered risky for such
a high-involvement purchase, but it’s also a buying
tors to get an off-the-plan opportunity that suits them.
Julian Bailey from Hokkaido Tracks Resort De-
amenities not yet seen in this area. What
projects in Niseko are you excited about?
Alpen Ridge LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
FLOOR AREA: 59m²
strategy that can reap financial reward. Powderlife velopment has a lot of experience with off-the-plan The Rocks is a project which is currently The very best Western style, luxury, ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Hirafu Vil-
Alpen Ridge 504
caught up with a few local agents and asked them to and explains that, “Properties can be designed and creating quite a buzz. Comprised of two sister lage. The apartments are within 2 minutes of the heart of the village, close to the
¥79,000,000 3 2 1
explain the benefits of off-the-plan purchases. developed to innovate and improve on those previ- developments, The Rocks Edge and The supermarket, bars, restaurants and onsens that make any visit to Niseko unique
Ruskin McLennan of Niseko Property says, “Buy- ously developed, delivering better properties at better Rocks Strata. From what countries are in the skiing world.
ing off the plan is simple: you are the first owner of value.” Craig Meikle of Meikle & Associates takes into interested buyers coming from?
the property; you may be able to influence the design account the inevitable weakening of the yen, “Works The single biggest market remains Hong Luxury in design, developed with care free living in mind and thoughtfully
and make changes with the architect and developer. are due for completion in two years time. This gives Kong. The Australian market is still strong, appointed with all modern appliances. For extra convenience, Alpen Ridge
And you only need to pay a deposit to get yourself potential investors the opportunity to lock in an apart- and so are the Singaporean and Malaysian incorporates a ski school, ski rental service, personal ski lockers, staff reception
into the market, the balance is not due until complement with minimal deposit and wait for the yen to markets. Interest from mainland China is desk, Niseko Property real estate office, attached cafe and an on site manage-
Ski-in ski-out, luxury, three bedroom apartment.
tion, the risk is mostly with the developer.” weaken over the next two years, which surely it will.” also growing. What type of real-estate ment team. The views from apartment 504 capture both the
ski resort and Mt Yotei in all its glory.
In Niseko, there are many off-the-plan opportuni- As with any property purchase there are things to investment would you recommend to LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
ties because of the area’s early development stage, be mindful of when purchasing, particularly when you buy in Niseko? Ski-in/ski-out properties A selection of studio, 1, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments available for sale. FLOOR AREA: 120m²
in comparison to other international ski resorts. The haven’t seen the finished product. Here are some are certainly a good choice. Also, lifestyle
market in the Niseko area is entering a new growth things to consider: investment opportunities with spacious land For more information on these properties and Alpen Hotel
Alpen Ridge 403
phase and is likely to see a rise in off-the-plan pur- estates and Mt Yotei vistas. What are your a huge selection of other properties available
LI
FT Prince ¥85,000,000 3 2 1
chases due to the new major developments in the »» FIRSTLY you have to believe that what you words of wisdom for potential buyers? Do throughout the Niseko region PA
IR Hirafutei
Hotel
Y
IL
area recently coming onto the market. see on the plan is what you’re going to get. your homework and weigh up your options, Call into our office in the FA
M
Park Hotel
E
Alpen Ridge Building AC
This includes: Seseragi Residences – a selection How big are the rooms going to be? What location is really important and find something
St
a
of 2 x 4 bedroom houses close to the village and level of quality are the furnishings and fix- that differentiates your property from the -Z
ak
u
with views of Mount Yotei; The Rocks Edge and tures? Buy from a reputable developer that pack. What do you think will make more SALES ENQUIRIES Hi
raf
St
The Rocks Strata; Shiki Niseko in the middle village; has other finished work to show you. people come to Niseko? The Hirafu-Zaka Ruskin Mclennan: ak
a
Alpen Ridge Seicomart -Z
Ski-in ski-out, luxury, three bedroom apartment.
Akazora, which consists of 26 condominiums; »» ESTABLISH whether the asking price is fair masterplan is certainly a large step in the right PH 080 60987882 d ol
a
on Huge apartment with uninterrupted views of Mt
G
Niseko Riverside – 8 boutique apartments coming and enquire about the price of property in direction. A new Hirafu gondola would Peter Murphy: ROUTE Yotei from 2 balconies and the finest finishes.
343
PH 080 60818989 LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
onto the market this winter; The Escarpment in the the area – is it rising? Question rental guar- also be nice! FLOOR AREA: 122m²
lower village; and the anticipated Capella in Annupuri. antees. With all of the options available in (Image: The Rocks Edge Penthouse, Hirafu,
All of these properties offer something different for the Niseko, shop around and make a purchase 291.82 sqm interior space ¥262,650,000)
buyer. This variety of developments will allow inves- that suits you.
www.NisekoProperty.com - sales@NisekoProperty.com - Ph:+81 136 21 5060
 REAL ESTATE NEWS by lizzy hoo
HIRAFU ZAKA PARK

Tossani, officially met the Kutchan of an offer that I made, which is if
mayor last summer to announce his they [Summit Properties] pay for it
NEW developer in Hirafu, Summit Proper- intentions on behalf of his company [the Hirafu Zaka park], I will design
to finance the design of Hirafu Park. the Hirafu Zaka Park plan, and begin
ties Limited, has launched a new branded “Summit Properties wants to the process of getting government
operation – The Rocks Niseko Resort and balance out the development of the money for its construction,”
upper village – a place where they says Riccardo.
will provide the financing for Hirafu Park. have a very strong interest. They also This project may trigger other op-
want to see that the bottom end of portunities for other developers
“THE Rocks Niseko Resort is the first ent model to the conventional hotel Hirafu Zaka is not neglected. And so to work in a synchronic way with the
venture falling under this brand name. model, where the risk is spread out it’s natural for them to take advantage Hirafu Zaka masterplan.
It consists of a large hotel (100 luxury and the revenue model is changed so
ski-in ski-out residences) where the that it’s easier to find investment and
Scot Hotel is, at the top of the village. make money. real-estate office new locations
This will be demolished and construc- The model also lends itself to high-
tion will take place there starting April quality public amenities without put- IN response to an increase in listings, sales office across the road in the
next year. The second one is in the ting a big burden on the operations. several real-estate offices in the area plush confines of The Vale Niseko
middle village: four luxury residences To complement this venture and have relocated or added new sales where you can view a new model of
– two town houses and two pent- the Hirafu Zaka masterplan, Summit stations for the winter period. Hok- Capella. Niseko Property is now in
houses.” Says Riccardo Tossani, the Properties Limited are providing finan- kaido Tracks Development (HTD) and Alpen Ridge just next to the Family
architect behind the venture. cial backing for Hirafu Zaka Park, on LJ Hooker have pop-up offices to run. Niseko Real Estate and Meikle &
Riccardo has been instrumental in the intersection of the main street and the right of Seicomart. LJ Hooker will Associates have opened up a show-
assisting Hong Kong-based Summit Route 343. It’s in the best interest of concentrate on launching two of its suite next to the Scot Hotel for the
Properties Limited in getting a permit Summit Properties Limited, the gov- properties Shiki Niseko and Akazora highly anticipated The Rocks Niseko
for the first time in Japan for a condo- ernment and the community to build and HTD will present their exciting Resort. And Tracks Real Estate also
minum hotel in a national-park zone. this park. Director of the company new project The Vale Furano. Meikle has a new sales station in Australia
The ‘condo hotel’ model is a differ- Lucas Fuller, along with Riccardo and Associates have an additional House, opposite Seicomart.
 BACK COUNTRY RESORT GUIDE
YOU have mastered the the bare essentials. Make sure you POWDERLIFE is your Niseko Travel Guide – in print and online. With www.powderlife.com
groomers, been on ski holidays know how to use them. and Powderlife Niseko magazine, you’ll discover the essential information for the
several times all over the world, and 5. Let someone know when you’re perfect holiday.
you want to escape the crowds planning to be back. During your stay, experience Niseko’s restaurants, bars and cafes, where you can feast on
– chances are you’re ready to go 6. If the gates are closed don’t risk anything – from the most authentic sushi to beautiful local sake. Make the most of your skiing and
backcountry. The satisfaction of entering them. boarding with the specialist ski and snowboard stores and mountain guides around town.
hiking peaks and then making your 7. No-go zones include Yu no Inside you’ll also find Powderlife’s onsen guide, short history of the area and village maps.
way down in untracked, waste-deep Sawa (between Annupuri and For everything else visit www.powderlife.com/niseko-resort-guide.
snow is exhilarating. Niseko Village area), and Haru no
In Japan, Niseko is renowned for Taki (cliff area west of Hirafu).
its liberal stance toward backcountry 8. Ducking ropes may result in you
skiing and snowboarding. With that losing your lift pass.
freedom comes the responsibility 9. Hire a guide if you’re not sure
Name Adam Streete Company Shinsetsu to respect the mountain. Niseko’s about going off-piste. trains run through Sapporo and Otaru. You will be ¥500 Adult and ¥300 for child.
Mountain Guides Ski or board Telemark, 30 powder may look soft and friendly, 10. Explore the backcountry with Tourist Info required to change platforms. ¥2600 approx.
years What’s your best backcountry experi- but don’t let its light and fluffy ap- experienced riders and skiiers. T: (0123) 45 7011 – Airport Station Grand Hirafu Village shuttle bus:
ence? Any run when the client tells me that it pearance fool you. Kutchan Information Centre T: (0136) 22 1310 – Kutchan station Shuttle buses run throughout Hirafu every 15
was the best run of their life Best tip for backcoun- Plenty of brochures and English-speaking staff. W: www.japanrail.com minutes, all day, every day, until the end of night-
try skiers/boarders visiting Niseko? Hire a guide, you’ll get Powderlife has collected some tips AVALANCHE INFO // Location: Main Street, Kutchan (map p.53, A4) skiing.
more from your time, and they’ll get you straight into the deep filth. from local experts to keep you safe Shinya-san’s daily avalanche T: (0136) 22 1121. ¥: Free
CAR RENTAL
on the mountain. report: www.niseko.nadare.info
FREE BACKCOUNTRY INFORMATION SEMINAR // 1. Obey the Niseko Rules: Listed Powderlife’s Backcountry Guide is The Niseko Grand Hirafu Welcome Centre Hanazono Shuttle Bus: Travels throughout
Ever hiked the peak? Been through a gate in Niseko? Considered the on the course map (p.52) online – www.powderlife.com Wide range of brochures from the area and Niseko Auto Rentals Hirafu Village and out to Hanazono from 7.50am
consequences? Know what you’re getting into with Black Diamond 2. Check weather and avalanche // ‘Backcountry basics’ transport information. Specialising in large 4wd 7-8 passenger to 6pm. Look out for the blue buses.
Tours free information seminar. reports – www.niseko.nadare.info // ‘Inside a 2-day avalanche course’ Location: Top of the main street (Hirafu Zaka) vehicles: Delica Space Gear and Toyota Hiace. ¥: Free
Location // Above Proski Demo shop, opposite The Vale Niseko 3. Respect Niseko’s ski patrollers // ‘Lost in the backcountry’ in Hirafu (map p.54, E1) T: (0136) 44 1144
Time // 6–7pm every Tuesday during winter 4. Use essential equipment: // ‘How to build a snowcave’ T: (0136) 22 0109. W: www.bdlodge.com Kutchan Night Go Bus: Runs to and from Hirafu
A beacon, probe and shovel are to Kutchan Station every night.
Toyota Rent-a-Car ShinSapporo ¥: ¥200 for 1 week pass/¥500 for a season pass
HEALTH – dizziness balance and your vestibular system // by wennie tan Getting here & there One-way hire from Chitose to Hirafu is about
¥7000 for six people/24 hours. Pick up at MONEY
New Chitose Airport. Chitose airport, Sapporo or Kutchan
THE basic function of walking at the same time as our head when we damaged. This could be the result of So the next time you are walking For departure and arrival times. T: (0118) 15 0100 (English ok!) ATM Locations
doesn’t usually involve much hit some moguls. infection or sometimes antibiotics down an icy road in the dark and T: (0123) 23 0111 Hokkaido Tracks Holiday’s Office, Hirafu
thought of how it is that we are Some conditions that can affect the (be wary of Gentamicin). Specific somehow manage not to slip, spare W: www.new-chitose-airport.jp/language/english The Powderlife website has some great tips on how Map: p.54, E2
able to remain balanced. vestibular system include: vestibular exercises can help recovery some thought for your vestibular to drive on snow as well as good contacts if you Accepts: All major cards
have an accident.
To see what it feels like to have your Benign Paroxysmal Positional Ver- but improvement tends to be slower system. Getting from New Chitose to Niseko
www.powderlife.com/niseko-travel-guide
balance system fail, find a children’s tigo (BPPV): Characterized by vertigo and more limited. Bus: This is a cheap and efficient option. Kutchan Main Post Office
playground with the piece of equip- (the room-spinning feeling), especially Meniere’s (a pressure problem in the Buses leave every 30 minutes from the airport to Map: p.53, E3
ment in which you sit and spin around when lying down or bending over. inner ear), some migraines, tumours, Niseko and take about three hours (includes rest Accepts: All major cards
Transport around niseko
as fast as you can turn the steering This occurs when crystals in the inner strokes and brain injuries can also af- stop and drop off at Rusutsu). Companies provid-
wheel. Spin yourself around until you ear are dislodged (eg. from hitting one’s fect the vestibular system. ing this service: Whiteliner Buses, Chuo Bus, 7 Eleven
feel the need to throw up, then jump head) and end up floating around in Donan Bus and Hokkaido Resort Liner. Visit the Taxis: Drivers probably won’t speak English so Map: p.53, C1
out and try to walk in a straight line with the wrong spot. This can be easily Welcome Centre for bus bookings back to Chi- you will need a business/place name and map for Accepts: Visa Plus, JCB, AMEX, Dinners Club,
your eyes closed. This is how it could corrected with a manual technique that • If you hit your head and there is tose. ¥2,300 approx. (one way) or ¥3850 where you are going. Discover, China Union Pay
feel for someone with a vestibular redirects the crystals back to the cor- any suspicion of brain injury (diz- approx. (roundtrip). T: (0136) 22 1212 Kutchan Hire // (0136) 22 1171
dysfunction. rect location, resulting in an instant and ziness, headache, neurological changes) go to hos- Misora Hire // (0136) 44 2635 Niseko Hire. Credit Cards Lift tickets, ski hire and ski lessons
The vestibular system provides dramatic improvement, which amazes pital and get some imaging to rule out bleeding/ swelling/ Door-to-Door Transfer Skybus offers a door-to- can all be paid for by credit. Most large restau-
our sense of balance and spatial me every time I perform it. bruising on the brain or a fractured skull. Don’t go to bed! door transfer service to and from the airport to Bus rants offer credit card facilities too, however some
orientation. It consists of the inner ear Infection: When the inner ear is • If you suffer from dizziness or poor balance it could be Niseko, or Sapporo. See p.18 for details. small businesses are cash only. Check with your
and its connection to our brain, eyes infected, you should feel something like worth consulting a specially trained physiotherapist, neu- T: 011 788 4994 Niseko United Shuttle: Connects Hirafu, Niseko retailer before purchasing.
and muscles. In some ways it acts the way you felt after that exercise at rologist and maybe audiologist. W: www.skybus.co.jp Village and Annapuri resorts. Pickup/drop-off
like a spirit level in our head. It allows the playground. Early steroids can help •Training your balance is beneficial. A simple exercise at points in Hirafu include Hirafu Gondola and the Currency Exchange Kutchan Post Office and
our bodies to remain upright as we’re minimise permanent damage. home is to stand on one leg with your eyes closed for 30 Train This is the most scenic route to Niseko. bus stop near Hirafu intersection. Hokuyo Bank (Map p.53, B3)
snowboarding or skiing and prevents Hypofunction: This occurs when seconds. If this is too easy try standing on a cushion. There is no direct train from Chitose to Kutchan ¥: Free if you have an all-mountain pass //
our eyes from bobbing up and down the receptors in the ‘spirit level’ are Station (closest major station to Hirafu), and all 1 point if you have a 12-point mountain pass //
RESORT GUIDE RESORT GUIDE
SHOPPING 0 and dial everything else. LOCAL LINGO onsen guide LOCAL HISTORY
Post Offices
Look for the red ‘〒’ symbol. There are two post
For everything from toothpaste to alcohol and offices in Kutchan. In Hirafu, post-office boxes GOING to the onsen for the first time can be WHAT does Niseko mean?
late-night snacks try: and stamps are located at Piz Gloria and GREETINGS a little daunting. Powderlife’s guide and onsen ‘Niseko’ was the name originally given to the
Seicomart – Hirafu Seicomart. Good morning Ohaiyogozaimasu etiquette tips will help you fall in love with this area by the Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous people,
Location: At the main intersection in Hirafu Hello Konichiwa quitessential Japanese experience. and means ‘a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep
Lawson – Hirafu (24 hours) Good evening Kon ban wa in the mountains’. Meanwhile, Nupuri is a word
ELECTRICITY
Location: 5 minutes from Seicomart in the direc- Goodnight Oyasuminasai Yukoro Onsen commonly heard around these parts, namely
tion of Kutchan. Goodbye Sayonara T: 0136 23 3434 (Hirafu map p.54 B4) because it’s the Ainu word for ‘mountain’. Put it all Jagata-kun: Little fat skiing
Piz Gloria and the Alpen Hotel offer a smaller Standard voltage is 100v AC. You can use most See you later Mata ne Hotel Niseko Alpen together and Mt Niseko Annupuri (the mountain potato boy
range of snacks and drinks, and Sekka Deli electronic items without a problem, but some high What’s your name? Onamae wa nan T: 0136 22 1105 (Hirafu map p.54 E1) that is home to the Niseko United resorts) means
provides gourmet items from Hokkaido. watt devices such as hairdryers may not run on desu ka? Hot Spring Poporo ‘a mountain which has sheer cliffs and a river be-
full power. Plugs are the international standard My name is ... Watashi no Namae T: 0136 23 3291 (Hirafu map p.54 F1) low’. Other nearby mountains which have carried
Kutchan Shopping (flat, two-blade type). wa (insert name) desu Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei their Ainu names until today include Chisenupuri
For a big shopping trip, it’s worth venturing into (nice to meet you) Dozo yoroshiku T: 0136-23-2239 (Hirafu map p.54 D1) and Iwaonupuri.
Kutchan Town. Here is a list of the major stores How are you? Genki desu ka? Hilton Niseko Village
STAY SAFE AROUND TOWN
stocking the basics, but if you explore a little I’m fine Genki desu T: 0136 44 1111 (Higashiyama map p.53 G7)
further you’ll find small local fruit and vegetable How old are you? O toshi wa Ikutsu Green Leaf Hotel Niseko Village SKI RESORT HISTORY
retailers and great souvenir shops. No skiing/boarding on roads or footpaths desu ka? T: 0136 44 3311 (Higashiyama map p.53 G7)
While it may seem much quicker and easier than BASIC QUESTIONS Niseko Grand Hotel 1911 Theodore von Lerch
Jagako: Jagata-kun’s snow-
Try Best Denki for all your electrical and walking, skiing and snowboarding home from the Where is ...? ... wa doko desu ka? T: 0136 58 2121 (Annupuri map p.53 A8) ascends Mount Yotei
boarding girlfriend
technical needs. hill is dangerous and is frowned upon by locals. toilet toire 1949 Mount Yotei is desig-
Location: p.53, B4 Are you okay? Daijoubu desu ka? nated a National Park
onsen etiquette
One third of all injuries in Hirafu are caused by 1956 Rope tow installed at
Rummage through M-Pocket for imported people falling on the street. Wear shoes with a Asahigaoka ski area GOMI GUIDE
groceries and alcohol. good grip or buy and attach rubber sole cleats RESTAURANT TIPS What to bring? 1961 First ski lift in Grand
IF in doubt, don’t just throw it out!
Location: p.53, B3 with metal studs. How many people? Nan mei sama Bath towel, modesty towel and toiletries. Most Hirafu ski area
desu ka? onsens provide body soap and shampoo, and sell completed
What is burnable rubbish? (燃えるゴミmoeru-gomi)
Visit Homac, which shelves basically every two people ‘ni’ mai desu modesty towels for about ¥200. 1962 40th All Japan Ski
Contrary to what most of us are brought up to
household product. Afterwards head next door to Be careful when walking or parking your car (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) (san, yon, go, roku, How much? Championships believe, burnable rubbish includes plastics, as
major supermarket MaxValu for all your food sup- under roofs shichi, hachi) Most onsens range between ¥600 to ¥1000. (Alpine) well as paper and food scraps.
plies as well as Tsuruha Drug (red signage) Heavy snow slides from rooftops in Niseko. The What would you like Onomimono wa What to do? 1963 Niseko mountain
if you need a pharmacy. snow slides can seriously damage your cars too. to drink? okimari desu ka? 1. Enter the changing room through the appropri- range is designated a PET bottles and cans (ペット、缶)
Location: Route 5 and Route 343. (p.53, G3) One beer please biiru ‘hitotsu’ ate door: 女 for women, 男 for men. Quasi-National Park Plastic drink bottles (with lid/label removed) and
Drinking Dangers kudasai 2. Remove your clothes and put them in the bas- 1966 Taiheiyo Club Niseko aluminium/steel drink cans
Take a trip to the ¥100 store if you’re on a budget. Make sure you leave the bar with someone else. Food counters ket or locker provided. Moiwa International
Location: p.53, B4 Also make sure you rug up and stay warm – one hitotsu 3. Have a shower before entering the onsen. ski area opens Compost (生ゴミ nama-gomi)
When available, compost bins are for food
people have been known to fall asleep in the snow two futatsu Rinse yourself thoroughly and then your shower 1970 Kutchan hosts the
scraps. Though be careful, tea bags are not
SHOPPING on the way home. If you do notice someone who is three mitsu cubicle before going into the onsen. 25th National Ski
considered compost.
intoxicated, report them to the police or the safety four yotsu 4. Use the modesty towel when walking into the Competition
hut located outside Seicomart. Before you eat say Itadakimasu onsen then gracefully slide into the water 1972 Niseko Annupuri ski Non-burnable rubbish (燃えないゴミ moenai-gomi)
Internet After you eat say Gochisosamadeshta – never jump. area opens Non-burnable rubbish is for rubbish that doesn’t
J-Sekka Deli and Downtown Café have free Cheers Kanpai 5. Don’t let your towel enter the onsen water – just 1982 Niseko Higashiyama fit the other categories, including items such as
MEDICAL SERVICES
Internet terminals. Delicious Oiishi rest it on your head or on a rock on the side of ski area (currently broken glass, ceramics and metals.
Mobile Phones the onsen. Niseko Village) opens
Only 3G phones will work in Japan. Some Kutchan Kousei Hopsital OUT AND ABOUT 6. Soak, contemplate and relieve your sore muscles. 1993 Free Passport lift
accommodation providers offer mobile phone hire. For anything you think is broken. X-ray, MRI and Great snow Sugoi yuki 7. Dry yourself off before going back into the pass system valid at What can you do to help keep
Domestic Calls medical dispensary. No appointment necessary. Excuse me Sumimasen change room, as best you can. 4 ski resorts Niseko beautiful?
Green and grey public phones take coins or pre- Location: p.53, A3 I don’t understand Nihonga ga introduced Take a second to be sure you’re throwing
paid telephone cards. Local calls don’t require the T: 0136 22 1141 Japanese wakarimasen Many onsen have rooms where you can relax, 2002 Niseko starts to re- your garbage in the correct bin
‘0136’, unless made from a public telephone. Niseko Physio Do you speak Ego ga drink a cold beer or tea, or even sit in a mas- ceive a large number For more information visit
International Calls The only acute sports injury specialist in the village. English? hanasemasu ka? sage chair. of Australian tourists www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp
Dial (010) and then the code of the country you Location: p.54, B2 Cute Kawaii Information courtesy of the
Niseko Promotion Board
wish to call. If the number starts with 0 – drop the T: 0136 22 0399 Japan’s great! Nihon wa sugoi
FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS
C2 p54
A-Bu-Cha 2
UPPER HIRAFU
D2 p54
Bang Bang
UPPER HIRAFU
F5 p54
Hana Jizoh
IZUMIKYO 2
B3 p54
J-Sekka Café and Delicatessen
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Try our popular Japanese dishes or hot-pots. Choice of 400 Ramen lunch at Bang 2 starting this season! We take great Amazing sweet and savoury breads and pastries from a For a hearty breakfast to get you ready for the slopes, or a lazy
drinks! Japanese seating available. Families welcome. Lunch pride in our fresh seafood and look forward to offering you friendly local family baker. You must try this! Get the free Hirafu afternoon spent discovering the delicious Hokkaido produce
and Cafe: various lunch dishes, coffee, homemade dessert. mouthwatering dishes from our wide-ranging menus. Village shuttle to bus stop 27, near Unitas Log Village. used in our house-made delicacies.
Eat in or takeaway.
www.j-sekka.com
www.abucha.net www.niseko.or.jp/bangbang
Lunch 11am – 4pm Lunch 11am – 4pm 8.00am – 4.30pm open from 7am daily
A wide variety of meals Dinner 6pm 2am We take great pride in our Dinner 5.30pm – 11.30 pm Creative and delicious breads Closed Wednesdays A taste of Hokkaido
and drinks – top marks (LO 3pm/11.30pm) fresh seafood Occasionally closed from a local baker
 0136 22 5620  0136 22 4292  0136 23 0331  0136 21 3088
E7 p53
Black Diamond Restaurant
HIGASHIYAMA
C3 p53
Cocoro Okonomiyaki
KUTCHAN
D4 p54
Java Lounge
MIDDLE HIRAFU
C3 p54
Kabuki 1 and 2
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Offering a wide variety of food and drink from around the Real Osaka-style okonomiyaki and yakisoba cooked by you on Come and relax on the Java Lounge sofas, try our At Kabuki 1 you can do make-it-yourself Okonomiyaki and
world. Japanese daily specials, Western, Mexican and Italian your teppan (hot plate). Try out takoyaki (octopus) and chicken • Italian coffee • Assorted Panini Teppanyaki. Kabuki 2 (next door) is a full-service Teppan Yaki
dishes! Billiards, darts, happy hour and drink specials daily! balls. Japanese sweets also available. • Home baked muffins and cakes • Hot soups Restaurant. Early bird 20% for all meals – in by 6pm
Free pickup from The Hilton and The Green Leaf for groups of • Iced-cold beer • Daily special lunches out by 7pm.
6 or more. • Quiches or all day breakfast
www.bdlodge.com www.nisekokabuki.com
4pm–midnight 11am – 9pm Daily Open 7 days
Free pick-up from The Hilton and (LO 11pm food // Great Food, Great Value! Early morning breakfast, lunch 7am to 8pm Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki 5–11pm
The Green Leaf for 6 or more 11.30pm drink)  0136 22 1528 (Jap) and après drinks Restaurant
 0136 44 1144  0136 23 0008 (Eng)
A1 p54
Country Grill
COUNTRY RESORT
B3 p54
Downtown Café
MIDDLE HIRAFU
E2 p54
Kamimura
UPPER HIRAFU
E8 p53
M’s Cafe (Saison Club)
HIGASHIYAMA
Unique flavours not found anywhere else in the area, with all Hugely popular with locals, this top-rated cafe-restaurant Trained by one of the world’s top chefs, Tetsuya Wakuda, chef Try our huge traditional Japanese nabe hotpots with meat,
local products by La Andy. From Hokkaido-grown beef, country offers all-day breakfast, bagels, daily blackboard specials and Kamimura uses the abundance of Hokkaido produce to create seafood and vegetables. We have shabu shabu, sukiyaki and
roast chicken, and our specialty Hokkaido Venison, try the new great coffee. Eat in or take out. Free high-speed internet. a memorable degustation dining experience. chanko hot pots.
Country Grill, just outside busy Hirafu in the quiet community
of Country Resort. www.saison-club.com
www.nisekocountryresort.com www.kamimura-niseko.com
Breakfast 7.30–10.30am Open 7 days Dinner 6pm – 11pm Day 10am–3pm
Grilled favourites, relaxed Dinner 17.00 to late Hirafu’s finest cafe free internet 8am to 10.30pm Blessed by land, sea and a Occasionally closed Warm your body with our big Evening 5.30–7.30pm
dining, casual atmosphere terminal + Wi-Fi Breakfast, lunch and dinner creative chef hearty hot-pots Open daily
 0136 55 5123  0136 23 3354  0136 21 2288  0136 44 3380
A4 p54
Ebisutei
LOWER HIRAFU
C4 p54
Half Note
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B3 p54
Maki Lounge
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D2 p54
Niseko Pizza
UPPER HIRAFU
Finished skiing? Drop in for great food and a good time! Enjoy live weekend jazz nights as well as Dancing and other With an open fire and sweeping views of the Hirafu ski hill, un- Niseko Pizza is a family run restaurant offering a menu
Laugh and drink at this lively izakaya inn. Enjoy our assorted live music on weekdays. With, jazz, billiards and table tennis, wind on our leather lounges. Apres drinks include an array of with lots of love and the best quality ingredients. You will be
Japanese hotchpotch. there’s always something going on at Half Note. Check out Half fine Japanese whiskey, sake, sho-chu and plum wine as well delighted by the smell, enticed by the flavours, pleased by the
Note’s regular jazz events at www.nisekohalfnote.com. as classic and house-blend cocktails, spirits and glass wine. atmosphere and comforted by the staff
www.ebcbar.com www.nisekohalfnote.com www.j-sekka.com www.nisekopizza.jp

Open daily 6pm–midnight Coffee, snacks and games Open 4–11pm weekdays
Have fun with our genki and 5pm – midnight Hirafu’s only jazz bar! Open daily Japanese whiskey, sake from 10am // bar 2pm–late Dine in, Take-away and delivery 11am to 11pm weekends,
laughing oden bar staff and shochu by the fire 7 days holidays, Chinese New year
 0136 22 6544  0136 23 2727  0136 21 6133  0136 55 5553
FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS
D2p54
Paddy McGinty’s Irish Pub B2 p54
Sekka Dining
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D2 p54
Tozanken Asahikawa Ramen
UPPER HIRAFU
E4 p54
Tsubara Tsubara
IZUMIKYO 1
& Restaurant UPPER HIRAFU
Enjoy your perfect powder holiday at our popular pub and Experience a taste of Hokkaido in style at Sekka Dining, with Asahikawa ramen is made from 100% Hokkaido wheat Everyone falls in love with our carefully prepared soup made
restaurant with its welcoming fun atmosphere, imported and an impressive cellar and a menu that celebrates simplicity, noodles served in a smooth and rich soup. There is a wide se- form delicious ingredients. Restaurant recently renovated to
local beers, wines, spirits and great value meals. innovation, and absolute delicacy in preparation. lection of dishes to choose from including Donburi rice bowls. give improved access and a larger seating area. Enjoy our
From Asahikawa’s original ramen restaurant. famous Hokkaido soup curry.
www.paddymcgintysirishpub.com www.j-sekka.com www.tsubaratsubara.com

Open daily Open daily Open daily Lunch 11.30am–3pm
Value Drinks, Hearty Meals, Live 1pm till Late Showcasing the best Dinner from 6pm New location this winter! 10.30am–11pm Spicy, flavoursome and local Evening 6–10pm
Sports and Music of Hokkaido Occasionally closed (LO 11pm) Hokkadio curry soup Closed 2nd/4th Wednesdays
 0136 55 8020  0136 21 5022  0136 23 4549 0136 23 1116
D1 p54
Senchou 2
UPPER HIRAFU
A5 Shunsai C2 VBG – Vale Bar and Grill B2 Wabi Sabi
p53 KUTCHAN p54 UPPER HIRAFU p54 MIDDLE HIRAFU
Founded in 1996. While we have seen many changes, the Having trained in various countries, our expert chef creates a Full breakfast available from 7am. Serving an eclectic fusion- Quality prepared and cooked Yakitori (various skewered meats,
quality of our fresh seafood remains as good as ever. colourful array of dishes. Bread freshly baked after ordering. style menu all day. Daily Specials. Warm up with our VBG seafood and vegetables barbecued). All food cooked in
Try us while you are here. The food is so fresh it will dance Vegetarian menu available. Chilean wines from ¥2,000. Ultimate Hot Chocolate or something a little stronger in our traditional Japanese style.
on your tongue. relaxed après lounge. Shots and cocktails. Live music events.
www.nisekowabisabi.com
www.senchou.com www.nisekoalpineaccommodation.com
Winter only Lunch 11am–3pm Open 7 days Open 7 days
Best choice for gourmet seafood 5pm–midnight Dinner 5–9pm 7am to late 5–10pm
Creative fusion cuisine from Ski-in ski-out bar and dining Specialty Yakitori restaurant
Open daily Closed Sundays All-day dining
 0136 22 5454 land and sea
 0136 23 1882  0136 21 5833
C3p54
Souan Genghis Khan Lamb BBQ
MIDDLE HIRAFU
C3 p54
Steak Rosso Rosso
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D3 p54
WAGYU DINING SOU
MIDDLE HIRAFU
F3 p54
Yakitori Yosaku
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Goes perfectly with beer and makes a great party menu. Bring Casual steak house with a contemporary flavour. Juicy, tender Try our popular Japanese food nabe hotpot for your experience Hirafu locals’ favourite yakitori restaurant. Come in after a day
your family and friends for the ¥1700 all-you-can-eat for 60 wagyu and Kobe beef and a variety of imported wines. Enjoy of Japanese culture. We recommended Sukiyaki, Shabushabu of powder and try some of our Japanese barbecque, sukyaki
minutes offer (reservation only, minimum 4 persons). yourself to satiation with our stylish cuisine and and Kimuchi hotpot to get warm your body up in the cold and hot sake.
refined hospitality. Niseko winter.
www.rossorosso.net
Open daily Dinner 6pm–11pm Dinner 6–10pm Open daily
¥1700 all-you-can-eat barbecue 5pm–2am A must for steak lovers! Occasionally closed Carefully selected Japanese 7 days Serving yakitori every night 6pm to 3am
for 60 minutes (LO 1am) wagyu beef and special soup  0136 23 3048 until 3am
 090 2059 6701  0136 21 7100  0136 23 4390
F3 p54
Taj Mahal C4 p54
The Barn
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B3 p54
Yummy’s B4 p54
NICHII Shokudou
MIDDLE HIRAFU
IZUMIKYO 1 MIDDLE HIRAFU
Experience the best of authentic Indian cuisine and courteous Come and enjoy our alpine food and wine in Hokkaido’s warmest Ceasar Salad, Avocado Salsa Salad, Chicken Wings, Bacon Specializing in Japanese food & Italian food cooked with
service. Enjoy an authentic Indian meal with Indian beer at and authentic bistro atmosphere. Drop in on the way back from Pepper Steak, Baked Cream Potato, Cheese Fondue, wines wood-fired oven. Please enjoy our delicious food!
our prestigious restaurant. 10% discount on takeaway orders. the slopes for a snack and hot wine in our friendly bar on the and of course various styles of pizza. And more more!
Vegetarian meals available. Free local delivery. upper floor, or stay the evening for dinner in the main restaurant.
www.tajmahalgroup.com www.nisekobarn.com www.yummyspizza.com http://nichii.pittore.jp/

Open all year, 7 days Open 7 days 6pm to late 5–11pm daily Open daily
Visit Inidia in Taj Mahal Niseko 11.30am to 10.30pm Hokkaido’s one and only (LO 9.30pm food // Yummy homemade crust pizza Delivery available Japanese and Italian food Iza- 4pm to midnight
 0136 22 4566 alpine bistro drinks 11.30pm) in the Hirafu area kaya with wood-fired oven.
and western foods restaurant
 0136 23 0888  0136 21 2239  0136 22 2161
TOURS & ACTIVITIES RETAIL & SHOPPING
C2 p54
Black Diamond Tours
UPPER HIRAFU
E2 p54
Deep Powder Tours Ski Holidays
UPPER HIRAFU
B3 p53
Cocoroya
KUTCHAN
D3 p54
Ezo Seafoods
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Check out Niseko’s incredible backcountry A licensed I.A.T.A international travel agent. Check out our Located on Kutchan high street, Cocoroya offers a wide We stock seafood for takeout sourced daily from the coast –
or visit Rusutsu, Sapporo Kokusai or Teine Highland. We also website for a broad overview of the many ski resorts in range of Japanese antiques, furniture, Kimono and original oysters, King Red Crab, salmon, and more. We also prepare
have a range of backcountry tours to suit your lung capacity. Japan that we offer. handmade gifts.We also stock a selection of high-quality seafood platters and fish and chips.
power stone jewellery.
www.blackdiamondtours.com www.deeppowdertours.com www.cocoroya.jp www.ezoseafoods.com

8am–8pm daily 7 days 11.00am–7.30pm 7 days
Niseko’s backcountry Above Proski Demo Shop The ultimate ski and 10am–6pm Take home a unique piece Open every day Niseko’s seafood supplier Open from 4pm
powder specialists Opp. The Vale Niseko snowboard experience  0136 21 5827 of Japan
 090 2054 8687  0136 23 0008  0136 22 3019
B4 p53
Japanese Cultural Tours
KUTCHAN/HIRAFU
D1 p54
Niseko Photography Tours
UPPER HIRAFU
D1 p54
Fusion Sports Shop
HIRAFU AND HANAZONO
E3 p54
Momiji Gallery
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Tours will take you to various cultural attractions in Kutchan: From the deepest powder pics to group tours and family shots Great gear, good value, friendly staff. Fusion provides all your Momiji Gallery offers an eclectic range of Art and Photography
Tea ceremory, Iaido sword demo, Taiko drums, sake-brewery – Niseko Photography are the local professionals. Book a pri- on mountain and après needs. Popular brands like Burton, sourced from local and Hokkaido artists
tour and Japanese dinner. ¥5000/¥3000. Departs Seicomart vate tour and we will capture your priceless holiday memories Oakley, Dakine, The North Face, Volcom and more. as well as antiques, postcards and memorabilia.
Hirafu, ends in Kutchan. while you and your friends or family cruise the mountain.
www.niseko.co.jp/plat/ www.nisekophotography.com www.hanazononiseko.com

3–7.30pm Gallery: midday–8pm Hirafu 8am-9pm Open 7 days
Special event – ‘Coming-of-Age Dec 28/Jan 9,21/Feb 3,18 Niseko’s professional On the mountain: Gear for the elements at two Hanazono 8.30am-5pm Something for everyone 2–8pm
Day’ 9th Jan (Sunday) Bookings essential photographers all day, everyday locations in Niseko  0136 21 6633(Hirafu)
 0136 23 0222  0136 22 5764  0136 23 0911(Hanazono)  080 6098 7244
E1 p54
Niseko Foot
UPPER HIRAFU
B2 p54
Niseko Massage
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D1 p54
Niseko Photography Gallery
UPPER HIRAFU
D2 p54
Sakura
UPPER HIRAFU
Visit this popular relaxation salon and sample some of our many Experienced massage therapists, specialising in oil massage Stunning prints and fine art canvas works. Niseko Pho- Tucked in behind Paddy McGinty’s, Sakura offers a wide
treatments. All different styles of massage are avaliable for body for recovery and relaxation. Early bird special offers discounted tography’s gallery is a showcase of beautiful photography seleciton of gifts including kimonos, geisha hairpins, pottery,
and feet. 30-minute, 60-minute and 90- minute courses avali- rates for massages before 2pm. From ¥6,000 per hour. from Niseko’s stunning four seasons. We also stock t-shirts, paintings, traditional wooden furniture and more.
able. Big groups welcome. Also osteopathy and sports injuries. Gift vouchers available. handmade beanies and souvenirs as well.
www.grand-hirafu.jp/nisekofoot www.nisekomassage.com www.nisekophotography.com www.sakura-niseko.com

Open daily 7 Days 7 days Daily
Closest healing relaxation 11am–10pm Sports and relaxation massage 8am to 8pm Photo gallery – fine-art prints midday–8pm Your one-stop Japanese 1–7pm in winter
therapy spot to Centre 4 lift Free pickup available in the middle of Hirafu and souvenirs souvenir shop  0136 21 7007
 0136 22 1224  0136 22 0399  0136 22 5764
F1 p54
NISS
HIRAFU AND HANAZONO 308
E3 p54
NOASC
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B3 p54
SEKKA STYLE Shop & Gallery
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D2 p54
Yukara
UPPER HIRAFU
Niseko International Snowsports School is designed to assist NOASC is Niseko’s premier winter adventure company. A collection of unique photography, antiques and objects d’art Stocking a wide variety of souvenirs, original t-shirts, Hokkaido
your Hanazono/Hirafu snow holiday. With two great locations We offer ski school (skiing/snowboarding/telemarking) lessons selected by Shouya Grigg, the style-impresario behind the sweets and more. Remember your holiday and take home a
and a suite of programs we’ll help you learn new skills, gain for kids through to advanced skiers, powder lessons, mountain SEKKA projects. souvenir with you.
confidence and above all enjoy your time in the powder guiding, snowshoe tours, CAT skiing, Niseko Explorer Private
of Niseko. tours, kids adventure school, and backcountry tours.
www.hanazononiseko.com www.noasc.com www.sekkastyle.com
8.30am–4pm 8:00am to 7:00pm 7 days
Kids are our speciality Ticket sales/Kids Centre Just Do It adventure tours – an All year round You can never get enough SEKKSY 1–7pm Reopen on 2nd floor of Tozanken 9am–10pm
Hirafu and Hanazono Hirafu and Hanazono 308 experience you won’t forget Closed Mondays Asahikawa Ramen Restaurant
 0136 21 6688  0136 23 1688  0908 274 4814 0136 23 4546
RENTAL & SERVICES
D1 p54
Demo Equipment Hire
UPPER HIRAFU/HANAZONO
NA GCP Photography
HIRAFU
New store at The Vale Niseko. Huge fleet of K2 and Salomon Complete photographic services including architectural,
skis and boots, Burton snowboards and boots, helmets landscape, stock, prints and panoramic photography for online
and snow shoes for adults and kids. Deep powder, park, virtual tours.
groomed,off-piste, back country – we have equipment to suit
all conditions and all levels.
www.hanazononiseko.com www.glenclaydon.com
Hirafu 8am–9pm
Free drop off at Hirafu The Vale 8–10am, 4–8.30pm Creatively capturing Niseko
Free O’night Storage 308 Hanazono 8.30am–5pm
 0136 21 6677  080 6098 7244
C3 p54
Hermosa Angel Massage
MIDDLE HIRAFU
NA J-Build
HIRAFU
Offering both traditional shiatsu and relaxing oil massages • Consulting

either in your suite or at the J-Sekka massage space, Inka • Project Management
Rebeza’s skilled practitioners provide truly exceptional service. • New Homes
Chida-sensei’s team have a course to suit you, with flexible • Renovation
bookings and a variety of packages available. • Building Supplies
www.j-sekka.com www.jbuildniseko.com
Open 7 days We never close
Relax and rejuvenate in the Appointments available 18 years’ experience in Japan
heart of hirafu from 3pm–midnight
 0136 21 6133  090 9380 5729
F7 p53
Niseko Auto Rentals and Sales
HIGASHIYAMA
B2 p54
Niseko Physio
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Complement your holiday or home with a 4WD vehicle. Australian trained physiotherapists, sports injuries, back and
Locallicensed dealer offering affordable rentals and sales IN neck pain, rehabilitation, taping, braces, pain relief, managed
ENGLISH. Short and long-term rentals available. by Tokyo Physio (est 2002). Massage service also available.
English navigation available. Hakuba clinic now open in Phoenix Hotel.
www.nisekoauto.com www.nisekophysio.com
9am–9pm 7 days
4WD vans from ¥46,200/week 24hr Emergency English Niseko’s sports injury centre in 8am–8pm
or ¥135,000/month Roadside Assistance the middle of Hirafu
 0136 44 1144  0136 22 0399
E3 p54
Niseko Realty Sales
UPPER HIRAFU
D1 p54
Travelplan
UPPER HIRAFU
Dealing in real-estate sales, property management, and Australia’s #1 snow holiday specialist with 39 years’ experi-
holiday lettings. Our staff are native to the area and know the ence, offering a wide selection of pensions, hotels and quality
property market. For trustworthy advice, sales, accommodation apartments in Niseko and other resorts. CMH Heli Skiing in
contact us at 0136-23-2221, info@nisekorealtysales.com, or Canada – information night every Wednesday at J Sekka.
drop by our Hirafu office across from the SPLASH bar. For more information contact Travelplan.
www.nisekorealtysales.com www.travelplan.com.au
8:00am to 7:00pm 7 days
Secure your future in Japan’s All year round The world’s best ski holidays 8am–8pm
premier powder ski area
 0136 23 2221  0136 21 5354

 AFTER THE MELT
photo // niseko photography
photo // glen claydon

PURE ACTIVITIES IN NATURE SURFING NISEKO VIEW PLAZA CLIMBING MT YOTEI
DO you remember all those fun WHILE not a surfing mecca, THIS is Niseko’s michi-no-eki (mean- THE most unmistakable natural land-
activities that you got to do as a Hokkaido still has its fair share of ing road station), which is one of mark in the vicinity, Mount Yotei cries
child at school camp? Walking great surf locations, and when the more than a thousand throughout out to be climbed in summer and
through elevated boardwalks and weather conditions are right, surfing Japan generally used by towns to winter. While it’s only half the height
ropeways through trees, flying out here can be quite enjoyable. help promote tourism and commerce of Mt. Fuji, it’s a heck of a lot tougher
of trees on a zip line, games of mini- And, for those of you who think it of the local area. Here you can find to climb. The car park is at the base,
golf, beach volleyball, horse riding might be too cold to surf here in freshly grown local vegetables and and from there you climb, and climb
and more. Niseko Village has these summer, spare a thought for produce direct from the farmers. carrying your own food and drink, for
activities and more as a part of its Niseko’s diehard winter surfers By shopping here you can bypass close to four hours. The hike doesn’t
Pure Activities in Nature, which is trudging down through the knee- the delays and expense of shopping have to stop at the top, you can also
sure to thrill adults and children alike deep snow before getting into the in supermarkets and get the freshest circumnavigate the crater for full 360˚
during the summer months. frigid waters in a full-body wetsuit. possible produce. views before heading down.
Summer // GOLF
SURROUNDED by mountains, Mount

Yotei and flowing creeks, the Niseko area
is an ideal spot to hit a few golf balls.
IMMENSELY popular in Japan, are smooth and plush.
Niseko’s golf resorts not only let Due to the lack of development
golfers bask in the natural beauty of on the outskirts of Niseko, each
the area, but they also offer golf course makes you feel like
a break from the oppressive heat you’re deep in the Hokkaido wilder-
and humidity found on greens on ness. Huge trees line the fairways,
the main island of Honshu. the grass is a deep green in colour
There are 172 golf courses and buildings can rarely be seen.
in Hokkaido – a third as many As the Niseko summer season
as Scotland, the home of golf. gains popularity, there’s no doubt-
Five of these courses are within ing that the area will soon become
15-minutes drive of Niseko. Local a popular golf hub in Asia.
favourites include Niseko Village Comparatively, the rates aren’t
Golf Course, Niseko Golf Course overly expensive and the conditions
and Hanazono Tokyu. are excellent. There are many deals
Weekends are prime time for golf and packages available during
especially for business-men and summer that cater to golfers, as
women catching up with their golf- well as season passes, which are a
ing friends. viable option when used well
The Japanese love golf and take Whether it’s for a friendly or busi-
it seriously, especially the grounds ness golf holiday, keep Niseko in
keepers. In the Niseko area, the mind – it’s beautiful, not as hot as
greens are immaculate and fairways the rest of Asia and quiet.
 TRAVEL FEATURE // nikko
PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS BY // ross cole-hunter
S
TEPPING into the an- a 1300 year-old temple, when you’re the wooden carvings are elaborate It’s a versatile ingredient that can be
cient, forested sanctu- hearing the industrial sounds of heavy and the scale is unmatched. There eaten raw, added to soup or even
ary of Nikko feels like traffic and seeing the visual pollution of are many famous carvings, including fried. There were several places to try
stepping back in time the neighbouring concrete buildings, the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no Nikko yuba in all it’s variations, which
400 years – before the Western and their connected jungle of overhead evil’ trio of monkeys and a carving of I did and recommend. Raw it’s a
influence, before the steel- power cabling. an elephant based purely on a written little sweet, in soup it’s delicious and
reinforced concrete apartments, In contrast, Nikko is set in a remote description. It’s far too easy to spend fried… just mmm. Apart from yuba,
before the buzzing illuminated and mountainous area, surrounded several hours looking at the details. the other specialty of the area is
signs and back to a quieter and by giant trees, pristine rivers and There is more to Nikko than just soba noodles.
more beautiful time. mountains. While there is a city nearby, old buildings. The area surrounding is In my mind, Nikko is the ultimate
NIKKO is always the first place that the actual location of the temples and almost as popular with Japanese tour- Japanese experience. It is a culmina-
I recommend to friends that ask me shrines is enveloped within a fortress of ists, especially during the brief cherry tion of exquisitely preserved cultural
“
about travelling in Japan. Nikko is a heritage set amongst equally exquisite
UNSECO World Heritage site that is and ancient natural surroundings.
only two-hours north of Tokyo. The serene, picturesque Japanese experience This truly sets Nikko apart from any
”
While it is possible to visit during a that everyone who visits Japan craves. other location in Japan.
day trip from Tokyo, I feel that rushing Due to the special tourism partner-
through a place like this will ruin half ship between Nikko and Kutchan, the
of what is special about Nikko – the ancient pines, stretching up to dizzying blossom period in spring, and the Tourist Information Center in Kutchan
serene, picturesque Japanese experi- heights that even light has a hard time equally brief and stunning autumn co- has a variety of brochures on the area
ence that everyone who visits Japan penetrating. As you walk around this lours that set the region ablaze in vivid should you desire more information.
craves. ancient site, you’re removed from all hues of red and yellow. One of Japan’s
The main attractions of Nikko are the modern stimuli and teleported back to most famous waterfalls, the 97m-high Where: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
old temples and shrines, most of which an era of shogunates and samurais. Kegon Falls, also happens to be high in Getting there: Trains frequently leave
were built over 400 years ago. Grant- If you’re lucky, you may even spot the hills surrounding Nikko. from Shinjuku and Asakusa in Tokyo.
ed, there are much older temples and some wild monkeys roaming around. Travel is only half experienced if When: Beautiful and popular in all
shrines in Japan, but while they have The temples and shrines within local food is ignored. Nikko is famous seasons.
survived, the area surrounding hasn’t; are the most spectacular that I have for yuba, which is the skin that forms Cost: ¥1000 for combination entry to
It’s a little hard to feel the connection to seen in Japan. The colours are vivid, on the surface of heated soymilk. the temples/shrines sales@tracksrealestate.com
Big mountain.
Big dream.
Big picture.
A property investment in Niseko offers tremendous potential for both lifestyle and
financial returns. But the market is complex and dynamic. To invest wisely you need
to consider many factors. In other words, you need to accurately see the big picture.
Led by long time realtor Jason King, the Hokkaido Real Estate team boasts over
60 exclusive listings, putting you ahead of the pack right from the start. Having
focused on the Niseko market for over six years (a long time for this area), we have
comprehensive knowledge from both local and international perspectives. We do
not trade in the market, so we remain impartial, allowing us to always keep your
best interests at heart.
In short, we’ll objectively present you with a wide range of options and
considerations so that you can make informed and intelligent investment decisions.
For a private discussion anytime, or to join a Wednesday evening ‘Big Picture’
seminar, call Jason on +(0136) 21 6211 or email jason@hokkaidorealestate.com
This week’s feaTure

TO LIFTS >
HRE
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•
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Powderlife Magazine Issue No.29

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Issue 29 // Dec 25 – Jan 7 // 2010

winter print run 35,000 estimated readership 100,000+

33 編集長 managing editor Lizzy Hoo リズィー・フー

出版者 publisher Bevan Colless ベバン・コレス ,

Kris Lund クリス・ランド

企画運営アシスタント editorial assistant Kisato Kurihara 栗原季里

デザイナー designer Paul Malandain ポール・マランデイン,

Shane Agard シャネ・アガrド (conceptual designer)

投稿者 contributors Chris Chan

写真撮影 photography Niseko Photography, Glen Claydon Photography,

Paul Malandain, Ross Cole-Hunter

170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-cho

07 Editor’s Note 31 Eye Spy

11 Discover 35 On Piste

13 In the loop 37 Real Estate News

15 Social 41 Backcountry & Health

Past issues available at the Powderlife office, Lower Ground Floor

23 Eat and Drink 55 After the melt

5 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

LAST year’s Christmas Powderlife boasted reports of the infamous 昨年のクリスマスは、待ちに待った積雪予報にパウダーライフ一同、喜々としたクリスマスでした。

Check out Powderlife’s Discover section on page 11. して働いた後、1991年に北海道へ移って来られました。そして、有名な“車団地シリーズ”で日本のスキ

no stranger to Hokkaido’s incredible snow. He moved to Hokkaido in 1991 には最適のこのフィルム（全４シリーズ）をまだ見てない方は必見です。

after working as a juggler and comedian in his hometown of San Diego.

7 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

Name Shaun Widger Age 25 Hometown

Don’t Mention The Weather

THE weather has been a sore point here, and

名前 ホリグチ ユウコ 年齢 30歳 出身地

9 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

KUTCHAN is more than just Niseko’s

conscious Japanese. apparently if you lick it it won’t taste salty.

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING

ROCK climbing is a great activity that helps you

03 02 build incredible muscle strength. The Niseko Ad-

11 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

Start // 3pm Start // 9pm - 4am Start // 9pm

13 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

GRAND HIRAFU TAMASHII

“Skiing vs boarding – tell

Entrants will be judged on their level of

山本毅さん 炭火串焼ダイニング炎や 倶知安

吉川邦弘さん ニセコ遊牧民 ヒラフミドルビレッジ

No fuss. No hassle. Door-to-Door

words by // lizzy hoo // photography by // neil hartmann // translation by // yuri pangier

 FEATURE // neil hartmann

21 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

Niseko Cellars, has a soft spot for hand-

GYOUZA OTARU BEER DUNKEL BOCK

Ingedients – serves 4 Method

WORDS BY // lizzy hoo PHOTOGRAPHY BY // niseko photography

HEAD Chef of The Barn Kazuhiko Kojima, your mouth.

THE plummeting price of rice dur- using natural alternatives such as

JAPAN is known world-

HOKKAIDO is a photographer’s playground. The mounds

31 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010  www.powderlife.com

ZEKKEI is undoubtedly one of the most

K2 GYRATOR SNOWBOARD HOTRONIC FOOT WARMER RED REDPHONES PREMIUM DJ

What’s on your playlist? First IMpression

DEREK Begley, aka Digler, is a part-time tough

Ski or snowboard? Looks like I’ll start out with

er ek’s P l a y list Why Niseko? I wanted the best snow in the

First thoughts? I love this place and the

Something that made you look/think twice?

07 Editor’s Note 31 Eye Spy

11 Discover 35 On Piste

13 In the loop 37 Real Estate News

15 Social 41 Backcountry & Health

23 Eat and Drink 55 After the melt

5 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

7 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

名前ホリグチユウコ年齢 30歳出身地

9 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

11 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

13 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

山本毅さん　炭火串焼ダイニング炎や　倶知安

吉川邦弘さん　ニセコ遊牧民　ヒラフミドルビレッジ　

21 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

31 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com

51 powderlife issue 29 // December 25 - January 7, 2010 www.powderlife.com