Niseko Newsletter

April - May 2013

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Niseko Newsletter

Flying to Hokkaido has never been so easy!

The central gateway to Hokkaido is New Chitose International Airport. 16 international airlines directly fly into the airport and flights to domestic destinations like Tokyo, Kansai or Fukuoka leave on an almost hourly basis. If youre flying in from Europe, catch a plane to Tokyo Narita or Kansai International Airport and connect to one of the plentiful domestic flights to Hokkaido. Peach, Jetstar and Air Asia have taken up operations alongside other low cost carriers like AirDo and Skymark at the airport, which means that connecting to and from Hokkaido from other Japanese destinations is even more reasonable and convenient. Direct flights to Japan are available from London Heathrow (via JAL), Frankfurt, Paris, Helsinki or via other major hubs in Europe. If you would like to combine Hokkaido with another destination in Asia, there are daily flights into New Chitose Airport from Bangkok (Thai Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air; KLM), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) and more!
http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/fis/

1 Spring 2013

Introduction

Niseko, located in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is world famous for its bountiful powder snow that attracts hundreds of thousands a year. However, there is more to Niseko than just powder snow! Nisekos best kept secret is the green season. Almost instantaneously, the area turns from a snowy ski resort into a lush outdoor paradise offering adventure, relaxation and rejuvenation that will truly make you feel one with nature. Enjoy hiking, biking, rafting, hot springs and fresh, locally sourced cuisine before the epic backdrop of Mt. Yotei. There are great spring deals to be had on transport and accommodation, which will guarantee you a value for money experience in northern Japan that you will remember for years to come.

Hokkaido Heritage
Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and also the largest of its 47 prefectures. It was first settled 20.000 years ago by the Ainu - the indigenous people of Japan. Large-scale immigration from mainland Japan did not start until the 19th century. This is why Hokkaido is the only place in Japan where you can still find large stretches of untouched land and protected wildlife, and discover the ancient roots of Japan. Hokkaido is home to six national parks, one of which (Shiretoko) is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the language of the Ainu, Hokkaido is called Ezo and most of the place names in Hokkaido are derived from the same language.

Activities
Driving Route 66 Reopens!
Driving in Nisekos green season is like going on a treasure hunt. At every turn youll be confronted with views, each more spectacular than the other. You will discover little roadside cafes, galleries and natural hideouts to let you share into some of that pioneer spirit that first brought early settlers to the untouched wilderness of Hokkaido. One of Nisekos most popular (yet never crowded) driving routes is about to reopen in eary May. Large portions of Route 66 - fittingly named Panorama Line - that runs from Lake Toya in the north to the coastal town of Iwanai in the south - are covered in snow for almost six months. When the snow melts and the road reopens for traffic, a truly unique driving experience is unlocked. On the one hour drive from Niseko to Iwanai youll be greeted by views of lush valleys, rolling hills and dramatic - almost prehistoric - mountain sceneries. Tiny glimpses of blue in the distance quickly turn into panoramic vistas of the Sea of Japan. It is highly recommended you make a stop at Shinsen Numa en route for a walk in this breathtaking primordial marshland or get revitalized in the rustic Goshiki Onsen hotspring (open for the green season in May), which also marks the entrance to the Panorama Line on the Niseko side.

Niseko Newsletter 2 Spring 2013

Spring skiing
Hitting the slopes in the morning - chilling under cherry blossoms in the afternoon? In Niseko its all achievable without having to catch a plane to make it a possibility in the middle of your day! During Golden Week (April 28 - May 5), Nisekos ski resorts open for the last week of the season. While there is still plenty of snow left to enjoy some quality skiing, it is also warm enough to engage in typical spring activities (try rafting or golfing) and absorb the revitalizing rays of the sun. Several of Nisekos accommodation providers offer special ski packages during Golden Week that will guarantee you even more value for money. Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Event Organizer note: Niseko Village ski resort has conference facilities available on site, in case you wanted to hold a spring ski conference.
Niseko Village TEL : +81 (0)136-44-2211 http://www.niseko-village.com/en/ central.res@niseko-village.com Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort TEL: +81(0)136-58-2080. http://annupuri.info/winter/english/ Accomodation Ideas: Niseko Product Directory http://www.niseko-ta.jp/pdf/NisekoProductManual2012/ NisekoInfoDirectory_en.pdf

Car Rental Services in Niseko

Toyota Rent-a-Car Niseko/Kutchan Branch http://toyota.rent-a-lease.com/english/index.html Toyota Rent a Car Sapporo Niseko Hirafu Branch https://rent.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html Mazda Rent-a-Car Niseko Higashiyama Branch Hilton Niseko Village Niseko Town Branch - Niseko Town, Motomachi http://www.mazda-rentacar.com/en/ Nippon Rent a Car Niseko branch, Niseko Hirafu, Alpen Hotel http://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/index.html

Car Rental at New Chitose Airport

More information: http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/ service/?no=30

Events
Niseko Sakura Matsuri
Sakura Matsuri - the Cherry Blossom Festival - is a major event in Japan. The brief but delightful beauty of cherry blossoms has been captivating peoples hearts and imaginations for centuries. Did you know that Japan is so stretched out from north to south there isnt a single day every spring that not at least one cherry tree is in bloom in one of its many islands? The cherry blossom belt doesnt reach chilly Hokkaido until May, but when it does, the locals make sure to welcome it with a celebration. Niseko Sakura Week is held every year during Golden Week (April 29 - May 5) all over town. Around 30 facilities in the area join in the celebrations and offer special menus, souvenirs, accommodation or activity packages. There are also free bus tours to some of Nisekos most scenic spots - so join the locals and make sure you bring your camera. Details will soon be announced at The Niseko Resort Tourist Associations website!
www.niseko-ta.jp/en

Niseko Newsletter 3

Niseko Hanami Hot Spots

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a national ritual in Japan. As soon as the cherry blossoms start coming out, the people gather under the trees and admire them while enjoying a picnic or a drink with their family or friends. There are even theories claiming that especially self-indulgent hanami sessions are markers of economic recovery! Join the locals at these recommended locations: Twin cherry trees (left) Nisekos most famous photo spot! Nothing says Japan like this enchanting view of Mt. Yotei and two cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry trees bloom slightly later than the cherry blossoms and can be enjoyed from late May to early June(Please take care not to step into the adjacent fields.) Arishima Miyayama Hill In the early 20th century, writer Takeo Arishima was one of Nisekos local heroes. The artist moved to Hokkaido to dedicate himself to the advancement of agriculture and left his mark on the area to this day. Today, the Arishima Memorial Museum in Niseko is dedicated to his life and works. In his novel The Descendants of Cain, Arishima mentions a thousand cherry blossom trees that covered Miyayama Hill. Over the last several years local volunteers have engaged in activities to restore the idyllically located hill to its former splendor. Every year new cherry trees are added to the landscape and you can admire the work in progress on a walk around Nisekos historic Arishima district. Pick up a map at the station, your accommodation provider or a tourist information centre! Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum:
http://www.niseko-ta.jp/resort/detail.php?service=2334

Spring 2013

Event Calendar Niseko Sakura Matsuri 2013: April 27 - June 2

Limited merchandise and food items celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossom will be sold area-wide. 30 local businesses are participating!

Niseko Sakura Bazaar: April 24 - May 6 2013

Local food refined with sakura will be on offer at Niseko View Plaza for a limited period of time.

Niseko Country Bus Tour: June 1-2

Volunteer guides will take you on a free bus tour of Nisekos many sights (one tour per day)

Stay & Enjoy

Hanayoshi Sushi
Niseko Newsletter 4 Spring 2013
Invented in Japan, sushi has long since conquered the world. Visiting a good sushi restaurant is a must for every traveler to Japan. Hanayoshi is the best sushi restaurant in Niseko. Not only the locals love it, people travel far to enjoy the food and atmosphere the cozy restaurant has to offer. To ensure top quality, the seafood is sourced from the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. Whether youre feeling adventurous or are simply after some great value-for-money sushi, the menu will not disappoint you. Both well-known sushi classics and more exotic specialties are available - for instance, the locals swear by the natto maki (shushi with fermented soy beans). All agree, however, that Hanayoshis unbeatable signature dish is their seafood salad. Hanayoshi is not only an excellent sushi restaurant, but also a well-equipped izakaya (Japanese pub). Sample the large selection of Japanese spirits (sake or shochu) on offer and try the local recommendations. For the most daring among you, there even is an opportunity to try fugu (blowfish) shochu. An English menu is available. Prior reservation is required. Opening hours: 17:00 - 23:00 Last order 10:30 Regular holiday: Monday Tel: +81 (0)136-44-3444.

One Niseko Resort Towers

Newly opened in December 2012, the stylish One Niseko Resort Towers is the latest addition to Nisekos bustling accommodation scene and is located next to the idyllic Moiwa ski area. The fact that One Niseko is both a hotel and a condominium facility makes it a great choice for those preferring the comforts of a hotel with the convenience of a condominium (All rooms and apartments are fully equipped with a kitchen and utilities). The property boasts a comprehensive concierge service and a gourmet restaurant on site. One Niseko is also a perfect base for skiing in winter and hiking, climbing, walking or simply unwinding during the green season. The property also is equipped with an excellent hot spring (onsen), and the location in Nisekos Konbu onsen district means you can enjoy a variety of different local hot springs within walking distance. The friendly, English-speaking staff will be happy to assist you in planning your itinerary!
http://oneniseko.com/?lang=en Reservations: +81(0)136-50-2111

Japan travel info

Traditional Spring Events
The four seasons play a vital role in Japanese folklore. Customs, folk traditions and festivals celebrate the turn of the seasons and are ways of appeasing the gods (kami). Every temple and shrine, every town and district in Japan has its own festival. Visiting one of them is a must when travelling in Japan, as it is sure to make your stay a memorable one.

Hokkaido Travel Info

Walking, Driving and Whale Watching: Shakotan Peninsula, Hokkaido
Shakotan is a peninsula in south-western Hokkaido that stretches over 30 kilometres into the Sea of Japan. The peninsula forms part of the NisekoShakotan-Otaru quasi-nationalpark and is a spot of scenic beauty almost completely undiscovered by international tourism. While in summer locals flock to the many sandy beaches of the peninsula, Shakotan in spring is a place of mystic tranquillity. Exploring this area by car is highly recommended. The inland road will take you on a journey through the dramatic mountain scenery that will make you feel like youve slipped into another world for a while. Follow the road along the seashore and youll marvel at sheer endless stretches of ragged coastline that have long inspired the legends of Hokkaidos native inhabitants - the Ainu. If youre lucky you might even be able to spot some whales or dolphins playing in the waves. Take a walk up Cape Kamui (Ainu for Cape of the Gods) for the best view of the deep blue ocean whose colour is locally referred to as Shakotan Blue. On your way back, sample the delicious soft serve ice cream marketed under the same name or visit a local sushi restaurant - the seafood is said to be the best in all of Hokkaido.

Niseko Newsletter

Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo

Third weekend in May Sanja Matsuri is one of the three biggest traditional festivals in Tokyo, attracting up to 2 million visitors each year. Gigantic Senso-ji temple becomes the backdrop for this festival dedicated to its three founders, Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo. Several portable shrines (omikoshi) are energetically paraded through the streets and the cheerful sound of traditional drums and flutes fills the district for two days.

5 Spring 2013

Miyako Odori, Kyoto

April 1st - 30th Miyako Odori, often also referred to as the 'Dances of the Old Capital' or the 'Cherry Blossom Dances', is a festival in Kyoto's traditional geisha district Gion. For a month geisha and apprentice geisha (maiko) will perform their traditional dances for the public. Tickets:
http://www.miyako-odori.jp/odori_en.html

http://www.shiribeshi.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/srk/en/shakotan. htm

Niseko Resources contact us

Niseko Newsletter

Niseko Town, Industry & Tourism Division Hokkaido, Abuta-gun, Niseko-cho Aza Fujimi 44 048-1595 Japan Tel: +81 136 (44) 2121

6 Spring 2013

Fax: +81 136 (44) 3500

Niseko Tourist Guide Niseko Tourist Map

Nisekos most inseparable pair of tourist pamphlets have been updated just in time for the green season! From history to cultural heritage to all seasons activities and useful contact information, the Niseko Tourist Guide includes information on just about everything you need to know to make your stay in Niseko a success. The Niseko Tourist Map is a comprehensive area map, ideal for walking, biking or driving. It is published bilingually in Japanese and English, making it even easy to ask locals for directions if you need to. The resources can be picked up at public facilities all over the Niseko area, or ordered from the Niseko Town Council and Niseko Resort Tourist Association. An online version of the Japanese pamphlet is available here:
http://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/kanko/useful/H24-25nisekotouristguide/ index.htm

E-mail: kankou@town.niseko.lg.jp

www.town.niseko.lg.jp www.niseko-ta.jp/en www.facebook.com/nisekotown

Niseko Team Building Guide

Improve you team work, leadership or even marketing skills while enjoying the best in activities, culture and scenery Niseko has to offer! Cooperate to conquer the wild Shiribeshi river, hone your teams marketing skills while creating ice cream out of fresh Hokkaido milk or choose a unique Japanese character that defines your companies future aims and write this character as a team using age old Japanese calligraphy techniques. For more ideas and inspiration, a team building guide can be sent to you via mail or e-mail.