russ292

Naa, no boarding in China, although in Harbin it's possible, but I have not heard anything amazing about it like I have about Japan. However, there are some wicked ice sculptures there through winter, they are amazing. Oh man, I'm going to be there from the 31st to the 5th. I guess I will need to be dodging up at Shiga Kogen! Hope it's not too crazy! Better book this week then... Any recommendations on places to stay near the monkeys? Not too low budget though, I've stayed in some cheap ryokans before: not fun!!!! (not that I'm a snob at all... ha ha ha!)

So we're talking probably 6 hours from Tokyo to Hokkaido, give or take. As much as I'd like to go up there, I think for my first snow in Japan, I'll try Nagano. Has anyone stayed at the Yuyado Sekiya? It's supposed to be a little more upmarket ryokan near the snow monkeys and about a half hour drive from Shiga Kogen. Is Shiga going to be ridiculously busy from the 2nd of January until the 8th? Man, so much to think about!!! But I can't wait to get boarding in Japan!!!

Rails on the great wall? Not as yet, I'm still learning to not fall over on a 5 degree slope on my board at the moment!

Great! Thanks for the advice everyone. Although I really wanted to see Hokkaido, I think Nagano might be better as it will mean less travel time from Tokyo airport. Oh, and I really want to see the snow monkeys! I guess booking accomodation should really be done pretty soon, I've read on the forum it fills up pretty fast. Where are you all heading first this season?

Hi Everyone, I've done a search on the forum, but have not had much success in finding what I'm looking for. I'm going to Japan on the 30th of December and would like to go to Nagano to board, but was thinking there might not be enough snow.... Would Hokkaido be a better option for that time? Really appreciate the advice. Thanks.