nathanq 0 Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Hi there, my partner and I are travelling to japan in mid November- early December. We are planning on staying for 2 and a half weeks. Originally we hoped to work in a pleasant mix of sightseeing with a bit of skiing, but I've realized from reading around that I may have failed to do my research before booking flights, and that there will be no snow to ski in in late November/early December! So now I am torn as to what to do. Do we forget about skiing (that would be sad) and focus on sightseeing and autumn colours, or we we push our trip back a little and try and get some snow action? The latest we can stay is to the 20th of December (currently are booked from the 19th of Nov-8th Dec). Although my preference it to experience the snow, I am hesitant to rebook flights (and incur the extra cost) when there may still be no snow to be had in early December. I have also heard late November is beautiful. But I would really hate to miss the opportunity to get up a mountain and learn to ski. So I thought I would ask those with more knowledge and experience than I... Is there decent snow to be had in early December? If so, in which areas? We want to stay in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Hiroshima general areas but don't mind heading northward or wherever we need to as long as it's not going to be too far out of the way (ie Hokkaido is too far). We are planning on spending about 4-5 days at a ski resort and 10-12 days travelling and sight seeing. Obviously we could leave the ski resort till last to increase our chance of snow. What are your thoughts? Is it worthwhile trying to ski early-Mid December? Or is it a slim chance of good snow and better to focus on sightseeing? Kind Thanks, Nathan Link to post Share on other sites
sanjo 2 Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Hi Slim chance really for anything proper. Better to enjoy autumn I reckon. Take a look at past reports from that time of year in some of the popular places: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/nowcalendar.php Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 While there's always the chance of an early winter, I have to agree with Sanjo. Link to post Share on other sites
nathanq 0 Posted June 23, 2012 Author Share Posted June 23, 2012 Thankyou for the responses. Your right, its probably better to focus on autumn sightseeing. Is it possible to do daytrips to ski resorts from somewhere like Tokyo, Nikko or Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima etc? The only thing I wonder is whether toward the end of our trip (if it does snow early) or there are some reports of snow around we could always make a couple of daytrips to a nearby slope? Or would that be too hard/ not feasible. If it's an option I might book our last few days somewhere nearby (within a few hours train ride) of a resort which is known for a long season on the off chance it does get some good early December snow. Then if it doesn't, we don't lose anything. This a bit more of a touristy question. If I can't ski (sad face) I'd still love to experience some mountainous/scenic environment. I understand there probably will be some snowfall around even if it isn't yet sufficient for skiing. Any tips on placed to spend a few nights that our mountainous/snowy/nice osen etc? Thanks for the help, Nathan Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Hi there The part of Niigata that I live in is best for a day trip from Tokyo. Just 80 mins or so on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Late November.... dodgy... but Kagura usually tries to open around then. Obviously depends on how the weather co-operates. Check the Yuzawa Now and Naeba Now reports for how the last 10+ seasons went: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/yuzawa-now.php http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/naeba-now.php Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 A question: I get the impression you are a complete beginner; is that correct? Asking because that could make a big difference in the advice you get. Link to post Share on other sites
nathanq 0 Posted June 23, 2012 Author Share Posted June 23, 2012 Hi there The part of Niigata that I live in is best for a day trip from Tokyo. Just 80 mins or so on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Late November.... dodgy... but Kagura usually tries to open around then. Obviously depends on how the weather co-operates. Check the Yuzawa Now and Naeba Now reports for how the last 10+ seasons went: http://www.snowjapan.../yuzawa-now.php http://www.snowjapan...y/naeba-now.php Thankyou for that I'll definitely have a look A question: I get the impression you are a complete beginner; is that correct? Asking because that could make a big difference in the advice you get. Yes.. Never been skiing before. I am however the sporty type and can skateboard reasonably well so I imagine I should be able to pick it up pretty well some practice. At least I hope so! Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Well, there are some places with artificial snow that will be guaranteed to be open by then. Mostly beginner slopes, but if you are just learning to ski, that should be fine. Look into Snowtown Yeti, Karuizawa Prince Hotel, Marunuma Kogen, for example. For that matter, Sayama (semi-)indoor ski area in Saitama. The first three for scenery (you'd be skiing at the base of Mt. Fuji at Yeti), the last one for ease of access from Tokyo. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 I wouldn't recommend Kagura to a beginner skier, it just isn't the place. The good news is that November is often a wonderful month. Stick to the earlier part of your timeline and make the most of the lovely autumn, is my advice. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 What they said... Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 This time round lets remember that it's usually around Christmas before things properly kick off. Anything before is ???? Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Anything before Christmas on Honshu is just a welcome bonus, I reckon. Having said that, no doubt many of us will forget that come October...... Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 I'm always hoping for a return to the days when most Yuzawa areas were open by second week of December, but... Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Those were the days.... can't see them coming back. Link to post Share on other sites
ILoveZao 8 Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 I think also first time skiing is perfect if you have decent snow condition. Link to post Share on other sites
Wizz 11 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Where you flying in and out from nathan? Link to post Share on other sites
merryJim 1 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I'd see how Kagura was near the time and maybe have a go then. Don't go bad weather though. Total beginners and no visibility don't mix. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Good luck with that anywhere in Japan!! There's a reason that we get oodles and oodles of fresh dry pow and it's not blue sky, clear days Link to post Share on other sites
ippy 66 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Anything before Christmas on Honshu is just a welcome bonus, I reckon. Having said that, no doubt many of us will forget that come October...... Its about time those leaves started changing bloody color and kirin started churning out the aki aji if you ask me! ... Im not kidding. Link to post Share on other sites
SnowJapan Admin SnowJapan 178 Posted July 5, 2012 SnowJapan Admin Share Posted July 5, 2012 Noooo! We need another 5 months! Link to post Share on other sites
ProbablyaCrazyPerson 2 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 We want summer to zoom by. Once it gets to late September it can slow down again. Link to post Share on other sites
HeatherLocklearRocks 1 Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I've got tons of things to do before the middle of August - moving house - and so I really need time to slow down. I think it might all be wishful thinking though, don't reckon we'll be successful. Link to post Share on other sites
gnarly-dude 1 Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 What you decide to do nathan? Link to post Share on other sites
binglee 0 Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 Hi, sorry to hijack this thread but my wife and I are in a similar situation. We'll be in Japan in the first week of December and I wanted to do some skiing then too. We are willing to travel to get there (even up to Hokkiado if need be). I can ski blue runs but the wife is still green . is it worth while to investigate further? Or shoukd I think about trying during Hanami (cherry blossom) season? ta Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 Binglee, The advice you recieve will be the same as above. The chance of a ski resort being open and running on decent snow cover in the first week of December is slim. You certainly wouldn't want to bank on it. Thankfully, the accomodation and flights won't be all booked out so you can race off there on a whim if you are lucky enough to strike a big snowfall. However the chance of lifts running...??? I have done the combo of ski and cherry blossoms. It was most excellent. Hakuba first - at the end of March. It was spring conditions, but quite acceptable for an Aussie, used to Aussie conditions. Then down the Tokyo for Hanami before flying home. I would plan on th 2nd option if I were you. Link to post Share on other sites
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