John_Janelle
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Posts posted by John_Janelle
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Metabo,
We really enjoyed Guam. We were to do some diving, but there was a strong wind warning out for the area until about the day before we left. If we were to dive, it had to be in the first 4 days of our time there, so as to avoid the deco issues with flying.
We done an island tour, which was really worth doing, as the guide had lived there almost all of her life and had a huge wealth of information about the island.
There is a lot of historical sites there, but unfortunately a lot of the buildings were destroyed, or almost destroyed, during battles between the Americans and the Japanese.
The shopping and food were excellent.
Mammabear's right about the bakery. They do make excellent pastries. Janelle spent most mornings there.
John.
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Well, it's been one month since we returned from our trip to Japan, and I thought it about time I posted a summary of our trip and my thoughts etc.
On January 7 we flew from Cairns to Sapporo, via Guam, with Continental Airlines. Apart from leaving Cairns at 1:30 in the morning, I could not complain about the flight. We had about 45 mins connection time in Guam, which I was a little worried about. As it turned out, the US immigration people were friendly and managed to fingerprint, photograph and clear us in pleanty of time. We landed at Sapporo around 11:00 am. We were all surprised to see so much snow around the airport. We had pre-booked a bus from Sapporro to Hirafu, and after a little confusion finding the correct bus, managed to arrive at the welcome centre around 4:00pm on January 8. Our accommodation met us there and took us on a quick tour, pointing out the important stuff like Seico Mart and the only atm.
We had boards, boots and helmets booked through Demo. The quality and condition of the gear was excellent.
We had 3 days of lessons on boards and decided that if we had too many problems, it was back to Ski's. Needless to say, we are all converted to Boards now!!!! Hanazano was where we chose for our lessons, on advice from our accommodation. Turned out to be a very good choice, with only the 3 of us to our instructor for the 3 days.
We all got better as the days went on, but on day 6 I sprained my ankle. Out of action for 2 days. Managed to get back on for a very cautios run on the last day.
The snow continued to fall during our stay, and what we thought was a lot of snow at the start, turned out to be just the beginning.
A shot of the main intersection in town.
Nearly got a picture of All of Yotei.
Having so much area open to night skiing was a highlight.
While the ankle was swollen I managed to hobble around and take a few scenery pics.
After 10 nights it was time to leave Hirafu. We caught a train from Kutchan to Chitose. For someone who can neither speak or read Japanese, this was a little daunting. Apart from missing our first train in Sapporo, it was easy and very interesting.
Left Sapporo and had 6 nights in Guam on the way back to Cairns. Really worth seeing.
All in all, we had a really great time and would definitely do it again. The quantity and quality of the snow was beyond what we had imagined. The people were extremely polite and the service excellent every where we went.
My only regret is that I did not learn Japanese. Even though we had no problems, I would like to be able to say more than my 3 or 4 words.
John.
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This is a really interesting post.
Great Pics.
Thanks for sharing these.
John.
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Seems to be trendy now, not only on the slopes...
It's not really my thing, but I am definetly no fashion statement myself....
I tend to stick with practical, regardless of where I am.
I agree with mammabear, snow down the back of my pants, while it may initially not feel too bad, would get a little uncomfortable over the course of the day.
It's good for a lagh on the slopes though, checking out the "fashionable" gear.
John.
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We will be in Niseko from January 8 to 18. Staying at Asuka. We are Wife and I, and 2 boys aged 14 and 16.
Have no idea really what to expect. Just looking forward to the trip.
Can't wait.
John.
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We spent last weekend on Hamilton Island also.
It's only a short drive for us.
Lovely place.
Weather was perfect.
Luv the Pics.
John.
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We will be in Niseko on January 8, 2010. Spending 10 Nights there.
Can't wait.
John
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Snowhuntress, Where did you get the cleats?
Did you get them over there?
Do other people recommend them also?
John.
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Not saying that the way the discussion has evolved is a bad thing. Just find it amusing how things turn. Sort of like the conversations around a barby with a few cold beers and some burnt snags.
One minute we're contemplating the fate of the said snags and the next we are solving the problems of the world.
Should we stop drinking and eat the snags???? or should we keep drinking and forget about the snags????????? So many questions.
John.
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It's amazing how this topic has digressed???
A question regarding the construction of "The Vale, Niseko" has somehow turned around to a "Can Money Buy happiness" topic???
Or that's how I see it anyway??
John.
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Mamabear,
Going to Niseko in January. Have 10 nights there with 9 days of Lift passes etc. 3 days of snowboarding lessons, If we haven't got the hang of it by then, it's back to ski's for the remainder.
John.
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We have never used them before, but will be this trip.
We are learning to snowboard and think that any protection we can get will be usefull.
I just hope that we only keep our injuries to ourselves???
Maybe everyone on the slopes when we are should wear helmets.
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Based on the info here, we will go by train.
If it all turns pear shaped, we will put it down to experience and will no doubt laugh about it one day.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
John.
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Thanks for the reply.
Not going back to Tokyo. Fly directly out of Chitose.
It is the changing of trains at Otaru that I am un sure of. I do not speak any Japanese.
John.
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Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with this journey, good or bad ??
I have a flight that leaves Chitose at 1225 pm and the bus will only get me into chitose at around 1100 am, if all goes well. 1.5 hours to meet an international flight would be cutting it a bit fine I think ?
I can catch a train that will have me there around 1000 am. Thats if I don't end up at the wrong station or catch a wrong train when I change platforms???
The other alternative would be to bus it the day before and overnight in Sapporo.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
John.
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Have booked 10 nights at Niseko from Jan 8, 2010.
Although I am a little nervous about the language, I am excited and anxiously waiting for Jan. to come.
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Well, the trip is all booked. Leave Cairns January 8 , via Guam to Sapporo same day. 10 nights in Niseko, leave January 18, back to Guam for 6 days, return to Cairns January 25.
Still a few details like gear hire, lessons and passes etc. to tidy up, but that's about it.
Just have to wait now....................seems so long away.
John
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Thanks for all the comments everyone.
There is a small chance she may attempt more lessons, I am hopefull anyway. The boys and I have always skied, but this trip we will try boarding, so maybe she will join the lessons with us.
After reading all the comments here, I have decide to go to Niseko. Just trying to decide on accommodation that suits us. Need to book soon, as the more I look the more confused I get. Hoping to make a decision this week.
Thanks again,
John.
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Mammabear,
Thanks for the info. She has had lesson in NZ. There are those who are meant to ski and those who are not meant to ski. She is the latter. The magic carpet at Coronet peak proved too big of an obstacle for her to over come. So now she is happy to sip hot beverages in cosy warm establishments while we ski.
John
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Native,
Thanks for the reply. That had been in the back of my mind.
John.
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My family of 4, (2 teenage boys and wife and I), are planning to visit Japan from around the 8 of Jan to the 24.
The boys and I are skiers, but the wife is not. I had been primarily looking at Furano. Just wondering if there is enough to keep my wife entertained in Furano for about 10 or so days while we ski? Is there anywhere else that people would think may be better in this regard ? Should we maybe split the time between 2 ski areas ? So many questions, I know.....
I have no idea what to do.
Any advice would be appreciated.
John.
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Thanks for the reply.
Guess I may just end up flying in and out of Sapporo.
Seems a shame to not be able to see more of the country though?
John.
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I have read this thread with intrest, as I am planning a trip to Furano in January. We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys, so no child airfares.
My problem so far, is that I want to fly into either Tokyo or Sapporo and out of the other. Every web search I have done for airfares has returned a huge price, due to the different entry and departure points.
I would like to take the train between Tokyo and Sapporo or vice versa, just for the experience.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should approach this ? I am thinking that I need to contact an agent ???
John.
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This is a very good read, from my point of view, as I have never been to Japan and am planning a trip in Jan 2010.
Whether everyone agrees with the info is not really an issue for me. Just good to read all the comments.
Anyone else with similar comparisons of other resorts?
John.
What do you look for in your accomodation?
in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Posted
We have 2 boys aged 16 and 14.
Probably the first things we look for in accommodation are a reasonably equipped kitchen(enough to cook basic meals and breakfast), a washing machine.
Next is location. A 10 to 15 minute walk from shops and restraunts is about as far away as we would choose.
So finding somewhere that fits the above criteria is our first prefernce, then we just try to pick a price that we are happy with. The price is only determined by where we are going and the going rate for the area.
Sometimes we will pay a little extra to be closer to things for convenience.
When we booked our Hirafu accom. we also wanted english sat tv, as one of us was not boarding.
John.