Go Native

Originally Posted By: soubriquet This isn't going to be comfortable reading for the vicar. Sorry mate, but The Church's sales pitch looks black. Leaving aside historical grievances, disputes about gay or female clergy demonstrate a medieval philosophy. The Church used to have the power to burn free-thinkers at the stake. Now it's an irrelevance. Newton and Darwin have done you. I wish that that were true soubs. In my experience though in the western world and here in Japan, belief in the supernatural thrives. You just have to look in any women's magazine in Aus for example and see how

I find snow-forecast generally totally under estimates how much snow will fall, well at least here in Niseko. The best site for forecasts in Japan is Japan Meteorological Agency You can go to the seasonal forecasts section for longer term outlooks. I also use the following Medium Range Forecasts for East Asia

I'm thinking of something similar this year. I finally got a job in Hirafu where I don't have to work 6 days a week over winter. So I'll have time to travel further afield and try out a whole lot of new places.

mild,windy and some rain about today.

The 850mb level is usually found at between 1400 and 1600m asl. So for Niseko for instance, if the 850mb chart shows -12 over the region then it will be -10 or so at the top of the resort.

I've been an athiest most of my life and I was the only person at my school to refuse to do confirmation. It wasn't because of my parents, they had sent me to Sunday school and I went to a school that had religious services and studies. It was just the more I read the bible the less I believed in the whole concept of the Christian (or any other) god. I believe the world is fascinating and mysterious enough without having to bring any belief of the supernatural into it.

-5 in Kutchan last night and it's still below freezing currently. Some parts of Hokkaido got down to below -15 last night.

We had a little snow on Annupuri last night but I'd think that Furano would have got something more substantial as a lot more snow fell further north.

Look here Medium Range Forecasts for East Asia

Ezorisu I wouldn't get too excited yet. This weekend some rain will move in and it will be mild with snow only on the higher peaks. At this stage it's starting to look good for later next week for the first decent snowfalls to low levels. Looking at the following forecast chart there is a lot of cold air moving out of Asia. Of course it's a fair way out and things may change but looking good currently

It will be busy but the snow is something you won't have to worry about. You have to understand that Niseko is not really like most other ski areas around the world in that it is very very low. Higher alpine areas may get some earlier snowfalls than we do but once the normal winter systems start hitting there are few areas anywhere that get more consistent dumps of powder than here.

I try not to carry too much around because I'll likely spend more than I should. Day to day never more than 2 man. I actually just have that in my pocket because I never carry a wallet around with me.

As far as websites go in Japan it is great. Let's face it most Japanese hotels have the most appalling websites if they even have one at all.

Still only 3 degrees at 10am and drizzling.

There is sort of a house number or at least lot number but yep no street name.

It's inevitable that Kutchan will get more popular. Many long term staff are making the move down there for cheaper rental and the conveniences of living in a town rather than a ski resort. Plus you actually feel like you are living in Japan rather than little Australia.

I assume you'll have a car if you are staying in Kutchan? What is the name of the place you are staying at? Kutchan is a pretty small town and just about everything is within walking distance but really depends on where your accomm is.

No leaves left on any trees around here now....

Below -2 here this morning with the ground frosted white. Should be a nice clear day though with an expected top of 10 degrees.

I think they have or they are about to close for a few weeks maintenance. They re-open on 11 Dec I think.

Niseko has one of the best off-piste policies in Japan. There are huge areas available for off-piste all over the mountain. The out of bounds areas are clearly marked and there is really no excuse for entering them.

Originally Posted By: bebeuchi I think that with all the new condos, apartments etc. theres more accomodation than there used to be and its cacthing up with demand - slowly... if you are looking to do it cheaper, stick with the local companies. They don't charge you for the cost of foreign staff, advertising etc. I booked through Experience Niseko. They only deal with local Japanese places. Got an awesome package on lift passes and accom. When I made my booking bout 2 weeks ago, I could choose from 3 different lodges, and varuous types of rooms within each - so my verdict... still plenty o

Asahidake was looking sweet yesterday

I live down in Kutchan and love it. It's great to do a days work and then retreat to the relative quietude of K town. Kutchan also has some great restaurants and bars and is a much more Japanese experience than Hirafu. Many more long term staff are now living in Kutchan so there is a small foreign presence. Kutchan is not really that cheap rental being around the same price as in Sapporo but it is cheaper than staying in Hirafu, especially if you share. How long are planning on staying here lucy? Are you going to be working?

Beautiful morning here after a light frost overnight. Fine weather is forcast for much of the week. I'm not complaining, nice to have some good weather before the snows set in.