[Japan Trip Nov-Dec 2012: Need Help]

Hi there

 

The part of Niigata that I live in is best for a day trip from Tokyo.

Just 80 mins or so on the Joetsu Shinkansen.

 

Late November.... dodgy... but Kagura usually tries to open around then. Obviously depends on how the weather co-operates.

 

Check the Yuzawa Now and Naeba Now reports for how the last 10+ seasons went:

 

http://www.snowjapan.../yuzawa-now.php

 

http://www.snowjapan...y/naeba-now.php

Thankyou for that I'll definitely have a look

 

 

A question: I get the impression you are a complete beginner; is that correct?

Asking because that could make a big difference in the advice you get.

 

Yes.. Never been skiing before. I am however the sporty type and can skateboard reasonably well so I imagine I should be able to pick it up pretty well some practice. At least I hope so!

[Japan Trip Nov-Dec 2012: Need Help]

Thankyou for the responses. Your right, its probably better to focus on autumn sightseeing.

 

Is it possible to do daytrips to ski resorts from somewhere like Tokyo, Nikko or Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima etc? The only thing I wonder is whether toward the end of our trip (if it does snow early) or there are some reports of snow around we could always make a couple of daytrips to a nearby slope? Or would that be too hard/ not feasible.

 

If it's an option I might book our last few days somewhere nearby (within a few hours train ride) of a resort which is known for a long season on the off chance it does get some good early December snow. Then if it doesn't, we don't lose anything.

 

This a bit more of a touristy question. If I can't ski (sad face) I'd still love to experience some mountainous/scenic environment. I understand there probably will be some snowfall around even if it isn't yet sufficient for skiing. Any tips on placed to spend a few nights that our mountainous/snowy/nice osen etc?

 

Thanks for the help,

Nathan

[Japan Trip Nov-Dec 2012: Need Help]

Hi there,

 

my partner and I are travelling to japan in mid November- early December. We are planning on staying for 2 and a half weeks. Originally we hoped to work in a pleasant mix of sightseeing with a bit of skiing, but I've realized from reading around that I may have failed to do my research before booking flights, and that there will be no snow to ski in in late November/early December!

 

So now I am torn as to what to do. Do we forget about skiing (that would be sad) and focus on sightseeing and autumn colours, or we we push our trip back a little and try and get some snow action? The latest we can stay is to the 20th of December (currently are booked from the 19th of Nov-8th Dec). Although my preference it to experience the snow, I am hesitant to rebook flights (and incur the extra cost) when there may still be no snow to be had in early December. I have also heard late November is beautiful. But I would really hate to miss the opportunity to get up a mountain and learn to ski.

 

So I thought I would ask those with more knowledge and experience than I... Is there decent snow to be had in early December? If so, in which areas? We want to stay in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Hiroshima general areas but don't mind heading northward or wherever we need to as long as it's not going to be too far out of the way (ie Hokkaido is too far). We are planning on spending about 4-5 days at a ski resort and 10-12 days travelling and sight seeing. Obviously we could leave the ski resort till last to increase our chance of snow.

 

What are your thoughts? Is it worthwhile trying to ski early-Mid December? Or is it a slim chance of good snow and better to focus on sightseeing?

 

Kind Thanks,

Nathan