brumm

I agree like any investment you need to do your homework. Particularly in Japan. I have a couple of properties in Niseko purchased in the past 2 years. We looked at how the "western style" new apartments were being marketed to cashed up Aussie/NZ investors and decided we wanted to buy a freestanding lodge/large house of which there is ( still ) demand for. You can buy now for the same price as one of these new apartments which will generate you a greater return than a 2-3br apartment and give you something to work with longer term. More importantly to me and a number of other Aussie inve

Gogalago, just like in OZ you get what you pay for in Japan too...there is a different between normal and demo boards, the original post asked about cheap and also the best place, in my case I was talking about a 2006 demo board. The local store "GoodSports" is charging Y12600 for 5 days for a standard board and Fusion aren't doing snowboards at all from what I can see on their website. Let me know how you go with opening that ski shop in Niseko..

I've just rented a board thru Rhythm Sports for my trip this season, $220 for 5 days you can pay in $A or Yen, I think they've just opened in the mid village and have all the latest gear from what their website says.

Hi, does anyone know what the cost is for anything over the 15kg allowable limit for ANA domestic flights in Japan? I know the absolute maximum is 45kg that can be taken but not sure what the extra kgs cost.

Hi, There's not much around but try here for some pics and more details. http://www.snowave.com/static/sno/resorts/niseko/accommodation/hotels/hotels.htm

Ausbc, Lodge Bamboo is comfortable and in a good location in the mid lower village right near the bus stop and near to the onsen and a couple of great restaurants and bars. Its not luxury but for the price and location its good value, run by an aussie guy, its sort of a backpacker environment but its warm and clean and friendly. I've had friends stay there while I have been over at Nisekolodge.com and they had no complaints. There is also a new coffee shop/lounge bar and ski hire opening up next door also. A good village map I use is www.niseko-hirafu.com/nisekopowderconnection/