[Help with Upcoming Niseko Trip]

Black Mountain - Thanks so much for the tip. I finally sorted out my accomodations (if you saw my other thread there was a hiccup). I am starting to get very excited!

[Hokkaido Accommodations Help!]

It's what I get for playing soccer the week before leaving. I can speak (unfortunately for my husband), and it's not too serious. I think I have a lead on a place, so I'll be happy when that's settled.

 

Debbie Downer Alert: And I really must add that domestic violence is not funny - and it is especially careless when you know nothing about the person you're posting with.

[Hokkaido Accommodations Help!]

Thanks. I had emailed black diamond a few days ago and they're all booked. Tonight was supposed to be calling night (only way the time lines up), and I unexpectedly had to go to the hospital follow a jaw injury. Sigh.

[Hokkaido Accommodations Help!]

Thanks. I am feeling a little overwhelmed, so this is very helpful.

 

Anything - We had a credit a hotel M from one of the accommodations sites as a result of a trip not taken last year. When I sent them an email to book it, I could have sworn that their page showed availability. By the time they got back to me (a few days later) there was no availability, and now everything that is available on their site is exorbitantly expensive. Oh, and they're not getting back to me... Half my fault, but an annoying situation compounded by lack of responsiveness. At this point, I just want to get something booked and move on.

[Hokkaido Accommodations Help!]

Me again. In an unexpected turn of events, I don't have accommodations for my upcoming trip to Hokkaido. I thought I had it worked out, but I was mistaken. I land at Chitose on the 24th. Obviously, cutting it this close is not ideal - while there is some limited availability in Hirafu, where I had originally planned to stay, it is exorbitantly expensive. I was hoping some of you may have some creative solutions. We are not terribly picky (skiing is the chief concern). I have sent inquiries to various lodges, but I have yet to hear back positively.

 

At this point, we were thinking of venturing off the beaten path - either somewhere in the niseko area that is further away (and renting a car) or going to a different ski hill. Any suggestions / views? You have all been incredibly helpful so far. I really appreciate it. We are experienced winter drivers, so we are comfortable with renting a car.

 

By way of update, I think I convinced my husband to bring our gear using the shipping service. If you see a short blonde lugging skis and a snowboard alongside her able husband, say hello

[Help with Upcoming Niseko Trip]

Thank you so much for all the input. My husband wants to rent, I prefer bringing out own. Decisions, decisions! My skis are fairly fat, so I expect they would be as good as what I would be renting. There will be an additional charge for bringing our own (extra baggage cost). Takkyubin delivery service is an awesome idea - especially because it looks like I could drop it off at the airport in Tokyo (we'll be there for four days before heading to Hokkaido), and then bring them back with us (which is easy because we fly out of narita the same day as our flight from Hokkaido).

 

You guys are tremendous. Thanks!

[Help with Upcoming Niseko Trip]

An original topic - I know!

My husband and I have planned a last-minute (ish) trip to Japan. We arrive in Chitose from Tokyo on the 24^rd and plan to ski the 25 to 27. We will be staying at M hotel, which I understand to be in Kutchan-cho. We are an avid skier/snowboarder combo from Western Canada, enjoy all sorts of terrain and are hopeful for deep tracks. I have perused the board but would be very grateful for insight into the following:

1. Gear. We’re currently leaning towards not bringing our gear with us from Canada. It seems like a lot to lug for three days of skiing, but I heart my skis and want to know how much of a pain/cost are rentals.
   
2. Where to ski. With only three days, we will stay close to Niseko – is it worth also checking out Rusutsu for a day? If so, what is the best way to get from where we will be staying to there? I am hoping there are buses, but I am having a hard time finding out information on this front.
   
3. Guide. I am considering the possibility of hiring a guide. Given our limited time in the area, it may be a great way to get the lay of the land. Any thoughts? I saw that a couple of companies offer such services. We’ve never gone this route before – we usually just figure hills out on our own. For instance Niseko Off Piste from Black Diamond Tours seems interesting, but I would feel disappointed if we just skied areas we would have found on our own. I suppose this depends on how large/intuitive are the hills in the area. Any insight?
   
4. Food. I didn’t come across recent restaurant recommendations – do you have any? If I recall, I think Hokkaido is known for seafood (duh!) and miso ramen. We’re not picky – we just love great food and want to stick to Japanese! A range of budgets is fine -- will we encounter Tokyo prices? For instance, we are fine to spend $200 per person for an outstanding dinner (albeit not every night) and are also happy for cheap eats on other nights. I have a reservation at Ezo Seafoods.
   

 

I am sure I will have follow-up questions, but that covers it for now. Thanks in advance.