panhead_pete 27 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 There have been a LOT of threads of late with people being disappointed with what they have found on their 1st trip here vs expectations. So I thought it might be worth summing a few things I've learnt from my 4 trips and from other peoples experiences. Hope this helps the first timers. 1. It does NOT snow everyday and its likely that you will have days without pow, especially outside of Jan. Once it warms up there will be lots of ice up high. 2. Going to Niseko to "experience Japanese culture" is a hoax. Hakuba is about 5 years behind but the impact of Aussies etc is real. Both places are a great gateway to Japan though with access, communication etc easy. They are easy and fun. 3, The mountain at Niseko gets tracked out quickly, even the BC via the gates. Hakuba, with its resorts spread out is much better proposition for fresh tracks and it IS steeper. But the snow at Niseko is sensational and seems to happen more regularly. 4. If you go to other less populated resorts do not expect people to speak English. How's your Japanese? 5. Japan is SO MUCH better then Australia re the snow, food, BC etc so much so that I cant see why anyone spends a cent there. 6. Stay a couple nights in Tokyo, its an AWESOME city. 7. If you are thinking about coming, do it! You'll fall in love with the place as many of us have Hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Nice reality check, Pete Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 8. Check other places other than Niseko and Hakuba. There's tons. Quote: There have been a LOT of threads of late with people being disappointed with what they have found on their 1st trip here vs expectations. Can't recall there being LOTS at all. From what I have read, the reaction to one or two people making light and pretty innocent comments has been more memorable than the original comments themselves which were not meant as real downers/moans. Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 9. Do not expect the bus driver to speak to you whilst driving. Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 You know Muik you are right. I perhaps over reacted (for a change ) Link to post Share on other sites
snowdude 44 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 10. Don't go where everyone else goes, you will have a more interesting time. Link to post Share on other sites
Greenroome 0 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Originally Posted By: muikabochi 8. Check other places other than Niseko and Hakuba. There's tons. +1 I lived in Hokkaido for a year and never made it to Niseko. Link to post Share on other sites
kokodoko 67 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 very good thread. Link to post Share on other sites
Valve Bounce 0 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I will arrive on Feb 28 and I expect lotsa snow. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Will depend much on where you land, prospects are NOT good in Okinawa! Link to post Share on other sites
Valve Bounce 0 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Originally Posted By: Slippery Jim Will depend much on where you land, prospects are NOT good in Okinawa! Forgot to say we will be arriving Niseko. I will be the most outstanding skier on the slopes, no question. Outstanding as in standing out because I'll be the only person on the slopes with an old fashioned one piece ski suit which I bought about 15 years ago. So if you see me, please don't laugh; just wave. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 not in Japan you won't......the place is full of skiers in 80's or 90's throwback all-in-1 ski suits!! Link to post Share on other sites
Greenroome 0 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver not in Japan you won't......the place is full of skiers in 80's or 90's throwback all-in-1 ski suits!! True. Just one of the many fruity quirky lovable points that makes Japan such ace fun. The fluoro 80's suits really come into their own when being modelled in a tough guy mountain man pose in the cafe, cigarette dangling from lazy finger and beer in hand. Headband ices the cake. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I'm also up for a few days from 28th, so I'll look for you! What color? Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 4 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Well said Pete it's a wonderfull place. had the best time with my son's today at Happo in the terrain park and then on the groomed slope doe's not allways have to be powder to have a blast.Will try adifferent part of Japan next year.i think trips should be an adventure and not go back to the same place,s each time. Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Good points Pete. Another point to add might be to come understanding the idea of mutual respect. Link to post Share on other sites
ippy 66 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 11. Amazingly, hot 20 year old gyaru do not think fat pasty 30 year old gaijin with no style, taste, or money are the sexiest men on planet earth. Im only telling you because i had to learn that one for myself. Link to post Share on other sites
Borat 0 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I had some bad timing with the weather for my stay in Hakuba but, the time I did spend here was fun and the place is very beautiful and definitely worth comming to again. It doesn't matter where you go unless you book your trip a few days before at the latest, your gonna be taking a gamble with the weather. I booked this trip just over week before I came copped rain and warm weather. Had a great view of the fireworks at Happo last night from my hotel room, the full moon and clear skies lit up the mountain, pretty spectacular! Looking forward to Niseko tommorow! Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share Posted February 21, 2011 Originally Posted By: ippy 11. Amazingly, hot 20 year old gyaru do not think fat pasty 30 year old gaijin with no style, taste, or money are the sexiest men on planet earth. Im only telling you because i had to learn that one for myself. Haha nor 40 year old ones with style taste and money LOL. But they must all have mums Link to post Share on other sites
Valve Bounce 0 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Originally Posted By: Slippery Jim I'm also up for a few days from 28th, so I'll look for you! What color? Some sorta metallic greyish blue. I actually took it down to St Vinnies but they would accept it. True!! Then I was about to water proof the old red suit and found it was torn around the shoulder. So I binned the red suit and kept the metallic blue one. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 12) be prepared to listen to conflicting pieces of advice, and if you go to hakuba or niseko, it's sausage fest. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 OK, I'll watch for the blue. Me in an orange jacket. Link to post Share on other sites
Valve Bounce 0 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Send me an PM if you like. Link to post Share on other sites
Chriselle 158 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Originally Posted By: ippy 11. Amazingly, hot 20 year old gyaru do not think fat pasty 30 year old gaijin with no style, taste, or money are the sexiest men on planet earth. Im only telling you because i had to learn that one for myself. In Roppongi...even pasty gaijin trolls can get some...... "I'm only telling you because I had to learn that one for myself"... Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 You guys are sad! Have to say I am well happy with the sausage-fest in Niseko and Hakuba. 13) Clear your own blasted dishes etc when you go to the on mountain eateries - those big racks with trays on them?...yeah?...Gaijin can and should use them too! Link to post Share on other sites
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