How really do the Aussie ski tourists really act in Japan???

[Mike Pow 52]

 Originally Posted By: Mantas

 Originally Posted By: MikePow

Thankfully there are MANY resorts in Japan that can offer a similar experience to that of the Niseko area.

Yes, many many many. But Niseko has a definite 'edge' over the others. A very comfortable english speaking environment.

You can book with a company in Sydney, have Bruce from Bondi do a meet and greet when you arrive, have Sharon from Mona vale get you organized with lift passes ect, rent your gear from Brain from Newcastle, have Craig from Cronulla organize your optional day trips..........Hell, you could do your whole stay in Niseko and not even have to deal with a single Japanese person.
I don't have a problem with any of that, it's not my cup of tea, each to their own, I just think that is where Niseko has an advantage over other resorts. IMO

Isn't that an oxymoron, 'Brain from Newcastle'?

The consumer decides. Some want a full Japanese experience, some want a hybrid, some want a westernised experience in Japan.

This goes for MANY resorts in the European Alps too (with their own language and culture obviously).

And in my experience, the consumer/visitor ratio I work with in the Niseko area is now 45/45 - Australia / Hong Kong, Singapore, China. The remaining 10% is Kiwi, American and European.

[thursday 1]

 Quote:

You can book with a company in Sydney, have Bruce from Bondi do a meet and greet when you arrive, have Sharon from Mona vale get you organized with lift passes ect, rent your gear from Brain from Newcastle, have Craig from Cronulla organize your optional day trips..........Hell, you could do your whole stay in Niseko and not even have to deal with a single Japanese person.

I have real prob with that. I'd never want to do that.

[tripitaka 0]

 

 

Isn't that an oxymoron, 'Brain from Newcastle'?

 

The consumer decides. Some want a full Japanese experience, some want a hybrid, some want a westernised experience in Japan.

 

This goes for MANY resorts in the European Alps too (with their own language and culture obviously).

 

And in my experience, the consumer/visitor ratio I work with in the Niseko area is now 45/45 - Australia / Hong Kong, Singapore, China. The remaining 10% is Kiwi, American and European.

 

It's kind of lame that it's become so "canned" though. Like you say, "the consumer decides." That says it all to me.

[Mike Pow 52]

'Canned' as in packaged?

 

What's the alternative?

 

Resorts that don't run on full lift capacity, or don't run at all.

 

Resorts that very few visit because everything is such a mission.

 

If Niseko United was the only resort on Hokkaido then it would be 'kind of lame'.

 

Thankfully there are many ski areas big and very small just on Hokkaido, where the consumer can get what they're looking for.

[tripitaka 0]

 Originally Posted By: MikePow

'Canned' as in packaged?

What's the alternative?

Resorts that don't run on full lift capacity, or don't run at all.

Resorts that very few visit because everything is such a mission.

If Niseko United was the only resort on Hokkaido then it would be 'kind of lame'.

Thankfully there are many ski areas big and very small just on Hokkaido, where the consumer can get what they're looking for.

"Canned" as in like soup. The alternative is to make your own. Depending on how much effort you put, it can taste a lot better and is ususally better for you.

But I guess you're right. For the ski industry to be economically viable, you need to treat it like a product. And if people want that experience, why deny them?

[Mike Pow 52]

And we've got plenty of both here on Hokkaido. Commercialised and home-made.

[thursday 1]

Sapporo famous for miso soup based ramen with butter..

Furano, lovely onion soup

[Mantas 3]

Like I said. Each to their own. Whatever floats ya boat.

 

No harm done anywhere that I can see.

[JA2340 16]

And both have their good and bad points! As accompaniments, each has an advantage in some circumstances.

[Mike Pow 52]

Exactly.

 

From my perspective, the work I'm able do at the commercial, westernised Niseko allows me to explore the less commercialised, more Japanese ski areas on Hokkaido.

[JA2340 16]

 Originally Posted By: soubriquet

Soubriquette has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. That brings a whole new perspective to life.

All the best - Not a diagnosis I'm that familiar with, but anything that requires messing with lymph glands cannot be good. Look after her, and "may the force be with you both!"

[Fattwins 0]

 

 Quote:

The Hakuba one-string-fiddle keeps the flat theme. Once I was young, and I've never been an ace skier. Some of us just like to slide on fresh snow. That makes me a Troll?

 

 

 

Go out the back and smoke another one soubs I havent said flat in this thread you are bringing it up. You have serious issues man and that makes you a Troll.

[SnowJapan 178]

 

As I politely requested in my post last night - enough of this.

 

Any more posts in this thread that continue that line of talk will be deleted instantly. It will also start annoying me a lot as it is taking up my time - I do not have that time or the inclination to attend to this kind of thing. I also won't be replying to PMs or complaining emails about this either as it just proves futile. Please (everyone) take any personal issues you have with other members like that off these forums.

 

Thanks.

[Yuki's Passion 1]

**yawn**

 

Obviously things are going great up in niiiiseeiiiiko, and Hakoooooba as well, young punters everywhere, certain areas have bigger,steeper mountains, blah blah blah.

 

I love Niseko - that places rocks. I also love, Shiga, Noz, Hakuba - even Hiroshima!! Which is where I learned how to ski.

 

I just love skiing and wish I had more time to do it now...

 

WTF cant I get paid for doing NOTHING?!?! Certainly I have those quals!!

[HelperElfMissy 42]

 Quote:

Soubriquette has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. That brings a whole new perspective to life.

I am so sorry Soubs.
I wish you and Soubriquette all the best with this battle.
Unfortunately I have a very keen understanding of this diagnosis and it's implications, and my positive thoughts are with you both.

[HelperElfMissy 42]

On the topic of the packaged snow experience....

 

My latest gig has been within the tourism training industry - and the insights that has brought have been great...packages are essential to the industry (travel that is) as the vast majority of people will book thier vacations on packages.

 

In fact, even the adventurous and self sufficient often book trip number one to a locale on a package, get a feel for the place, the accomodation, etc etc etc - and if they go back repeatedly might move on to booking for themselves.

 

Locals are another matter...they don't need the packaged experience.

 

In regard to Niseko's packages - the English speaking thing is what makes the difference for the majority of travellers - believe me... I have asked friends - "Why did you choose to come to Niseko?", the answer is invariably - "English speaking - I can order a coffee without feeling incompetant".

 

However, as I said before, those who fall in love with Japan and Japow through Niseko will come back, and possibly learn Japanese, and try out other resorts - especially when there are crowds at Niseko and none down the road.... As Niseko swells, some of the tourism dollar will flow over to the other resorts (in addition to the tourism dollar they already take from visitors more intrepid).

[Mike Pow 52]

Spot on Mamabear.

 

The next big thing(s) has two options as I see it:

 

1. Wait for it to happen and make the same mistakes as the Niskeo area.

 

2. Prepare for it, court it, welcome it, embrace it.

[Go Native 70]

The main thing lacking in Niseko is planning. Let's face it the concept of town planning is not exactly big in Japan and now you have so many competing companies in Niseko, none of which have a unified vision of where the resort should be in 5 or 10 years time.

 

The Niseko Promotion Board has been a small step in the right direction in bringing the companies and the resort management together now and then but as far as I can tell nothing substantial has come out of any of the meetings so far.

 

The new owners of Hanazono have a real opportunity to build a well planned village that is mostly ski in/out and has building uniformity to produce something that is actually pleasing to the eye as well. It's a big opportunity, I just hope they make the most of it.

[JA2340 16]

 Originally Posted By: Mamabear

In fact, even the adventurous and self sufficient often book trip number one to a locale on a package, get a feel for the place, the accomodation, etc etc etc - and if they go back repeatedly might move on to booking for themselves.

Exachary the way we did it. First year was as a package (where we met GN and had a great time - Hi GN, thanks for your input!) the following year we planned it all ourselves, took another couple with us and had a great time.

Then, this year, we went to a different resort, took a few days "touristy stuff" in Sapporo/Otaru before the ski bit, and had a great time.

Next year, yetr another resort, more touristy stuff before skiing, and we'll have a great time again!

We are learning Nihongo, slowly but surely getting to a better understanding. We are even trying to get to read the written word. (I think this will make menus and directions easier to understand, rather than relying on the pictures in the menu and the quaint translations of signage.) These two things are progressing very, very, very slowly!

[HelperElfMissy 42]

We never used a Niseko package as the boys booked on a whim - an Aussie run lodge through a google search and flights - whatever was available...for the 2nd trip the men knew what they wanted and booked it for slow season April - we then knew exactly what we wanted for January and booked ourselves.

 

BUT - first trip to Thredbo was through SkiMax (what a ripoff!! And poor customer service!!), after one trip we knew the ropes and have done all subsequent bookings ourselves - get what you want at the price you want on the day you want!

 

I agree about the town planning - GN...... clearly building from the ground up with a 5 and 10 yr plan and vision for the town would allow for some brilliant solutions for a holiday village.... but you do lose some of the character of a village that exists there year round but swells in the snow season... Trade off really - but it could be a real drawcard.

[soubriquet 0]

 Originally Posted By: Mamabear

 Quote:

Soubriquette has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. That brings a whole new perspective to life.

I am so sorry Soubs.
I wish you and Soubriquette all the best with this battle.
Unfortunately I have a very keen understanding of this diagnosis and it's implications, and my positive thoughts are with you both.

Thanks Mamabear and others. It's still early days so we know very little yet. She's in the middle of a suite of tests and scans. She seems to be taking it better than me at the moment. I find it very stressful.

[Yuki's Passion 1]

sheet how did I miss this? Sorry to hear that soubs Stay strong man. Its going to be a long battle ahead. I hope soubriquette stays strong and her treatment goes well.... def. got to eat some more of soubriquettes delicious cakes again!!

[muikabochi 208]

Yes all the very best there soubs.

[Nisoko 6]

The fact is most people aren't bothered about wanting to be deep in the middle of a Japanese experience other than being here and enjoying the awesome snow. People get hooked on Japan once they have been here the first time.

[Tubby Beaver 209]

shit soubs, hope she gets better soon.