L0G1c 0 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Like the subject says, my mate and I are in Niseko from Jan 17th till the 28th. It'll be the first time in Japan for both of us. We're staying at the Scot hotel. I plan on bringing a Burton Fish or Malolo and a Custom 156/158, goggles with clear and yellow lenses, a 10,000mm down jacket, Skins, balaclava, point & shoot camera, and credit card. I don't speak any Japanese, and being that we booked this trip so close to our departure time, I doubt I'll have the time to learn any. Will I get by ok? Can anyone suggest any restaurants? Is it true that riding anything off-piste in Niseko can get your pass clipped quick smart? Please add anything else you think I might appreciate knowing before we leave. Thanks, Matt Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 First read this: Niseko Slagging Match And bring lots of Yen in cash. Have a great time. Link to post Share on other sites
snosurf 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 My favourite restaurant is Abu-cha. Book a table as soon as you arrive, it's very popular. Stay away from the permanently closed areas and strictly forbidden areas and your pass will be safe. ie If it says 'your pass will be confiscated if you enter this area' then it may. Don't get drunk, become parochial and act arrogant then walk around making an ass of yourself and embaressing your country, like many visitors to Niseko do. Enjoy mate. Link to post Share on other sites
mattlucas 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Get drunk and steal a snow plow Link to post Share on other sites
Mudguts 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Why bother saying anything if you can't be positive or constructive Beanie? Big Cliff is a really good restaurant in Niseko. Pretty cheap Japanese food and drink. LOG1c, I don't know how tall you are but I think a 156 is too short to ride the powder in Niseko. I'd go for a 162 minimum to just to get you up and over the powder on the flatter runs. I always ride a 168 in Niseko and it's perfect for the conditions. I've never had problems with pass pulling in Niseko. The patrols seemed to be pretty chilled about off-piste riding up there unlike some places in Hakuba. Enjoy, and like previously said just go with the flow and don't treat the place like it's your local pub back home and everyone wins. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Oh man, Big Cliff would be even harder to get into now! Link to post Share on other sites
samurai 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 the first two phrases that got me by; Biiru futatsu okudasai. toire wa doko desuka? Link to post Share on other sites
quattro 1 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 And remember Above all else. Baka wa shinanakya naoranai!!!! Link to post Share on other sites
coldcat 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Never been to Niseko myself, but about Japan,learn a few Japanese words. It will make the locals happy. Plus is a bit arrogant to go to a foreign country and expect people to understand English. Just doing your best with a few words may make a difference. Something like: -arigatou gozaimasu. (thank you) -sumimasen. (excuse me, sorry). -konnichiwa (Good afternoon) -ohayo gozaimasu (good morning) -konbanwa (good evening) -sayonara (bye) You can find more on the internet if you look for them. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 once a skier, always a skier Link to post Share on other sites
Markie 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Coldcat, how could you leave out this one? It's the most important! -sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka. (excuse me, where is the toilet) oops. that was already covered earlier, I see. Link to post Share on other sites
coldcat 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 Quote: Originally posted by Markie: Coldcat, how could you leave out this one? It's the most important! -sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka. (excuse me, where is the toilet) sure! Link to post Share on other sites
samurai 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 to catch the sweet little snowboarding girls, try this line out; got me married anata wa abazureon'na desu. You are an angel of a woman. makes 'em melt on the spot. Their shy personas don't know how to deal with such formal compliments. That, combined wtih your foreign charm will surely make for an interesting stay... Just don't use it around other guys... Link to post Share on other sites
L0G1c 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Author Share Posted December 15, 2006 I'm not there to drink, nor am I there to give Australian's in Japan an even worse image...so I don't think there'll be any problems with any of that. Mudguts, I'm 175cms tall, but the Burton Fish and Malolo are powder-specific boards with a flexible nose, a WAY set back stance, and a tapered shape. However, I think the minimum length board I'll be taking now is a 158. Thanks for all the tips guys/girls. Keep em coming. I'd like to feel I'm going there as educated as possible. Oh...what about shopping? Would I be saving myself some cash buying a camera in Japan? I've heard that while some cameras aren't loads cheaper, they DO have newer models that aren't available in Australia yet. Link to post Share on other sites
kateurlich 0 Posted December 15, 2006 Share Posted December 15, 2006 in hotel scott there is new bar/restaurant on the 2nd floor called Apres-bar. open 12 to 10pm. you should definately check it out...opening party is tonight! Link to post Share on other sites
NoFakie 45 Posted December 16, 2006 Share Posted December 16, 2006 Fish is big enough at 156, on all accounts. Same nose area as a 168 Canyon supposedly. Far more nimble too! For more information, please write to Mr. T. Haakonsen Norway Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 16, 2006 Share Posted December 16, 2006 Quote: Originally posted by L0G1c: I'm not there to drink, Oh...what about shopping? Would I be saving myself some cash buying a camera in Japan? I've heard that while some cameras aren't loads cheaper, they DO have newer models that aren't available in Australia yet. NOT drinking? You mad? You'll need to go to Sapporo for the choice. BicCamera opposite Stellar Place. And pickup some gear on sale while you're there. Link to post Share on other sites
indosnm 0 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 quote: Originally posted by samurai: try this line out; got me married you're lady likes it rough! Link to post Share on other sites
indosnm 0 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 L0G1c, I'm 178cm's and I've ridden a 158 & 164 (on DUMP days) The 158 got me through the usual 20-30cm daily dumps fine. When doing the peak and other deep spots the longer board came in handy, But I also did it on the 58 a few times. Tried my 168 on a mega dump and it was great but on piste it sucked so I'd go for a 162-64 for an all round board. Link to post Share on other sites
snosurf 0 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 buy a camera before you go. There is a decent store in Kutchan I think it's called 'best' from memory. But unless you speak japanese not many of the sales clerks know english so you may struggle to find out anything about what you're buying. And it's no cheaper. Also another tip- - If you're planning to take lots of cash (which you should), make sure you get it changed at a bank in Australia before you leave. Do NOT take Australian Dollars because the exchange rate in Japan is far lower there than it is here (~10Yen). - There is no ATM in niskeo but there is one relatively close-by. Finally, if you have time go check out rusutsu and niseko moiwa Link to post Share on other sites
SerreChe 2 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 Never ridden a fish but very very happy with my Canyon 168, although a bit small for me on big pow days. More of a great all mountain board. What do you mean by nimble? Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 Quote: Originally posted by snosurf: buy a camera before you go. There is a decent store in Kutchan I think it's called 'best' from memory. But unless you speak japanese not many of the sales clerks know english so you may struggle to find out anything about what you're buying. And it's no cheaper. Also another tip- - If you're planning to take lots of cash (which you should), make sure you get it changed at a bank in Australia before you leave. Do NOT take Australian Dollars because the exchange rate in Japan is far lower there than it is here (~10Yen). - There is no ATM in niskeo but there is one relatively close-by. Finally, if you have time go check out rusutsu and niseko moiwa I've found cameras in Japan to be much cheaper than in Aus. I usaully do my electronics shopping at Bic Camera or Yodabashi in Sapporo. Best Genki in Kutchan is ok although the range is limited and not as cheap as in Sapporo. The nearest ATM to Niseko is in Kutchan at the post office. Use the machine on the left side (there are two machines as you walk in). Make sure you have a normal shaped card though as it won't work with some of the newer shaped cards like the Virgin one that has one corner tapered off. The best thing to do is just bring plenty of cash for your daily needs. Link to post Share on other sites
indosnm 0 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 doesn't matter if Japanese can't be spoken to buy a camera, research can be done on the net usually in english, then just a matter of finding the model that you want, which in Sapporro would be no problem. Link to post Share on other sites
Lachy 0 Posted December 18, 2006 Share Posted December 18, 2006 Quote: The nearest ATM to Niseko is in Kutchan at the post office. Use the machine on the left side (there are two machines as you walk in). Make sure you have a normal shaped card though as it won't work with some of the newer shaped cards like the Virgin one that has one corner tapered off. The best thing to do is just bring plenty of cash for your daily needs. [/QB] The ATM on the right hand side also works Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 18, 2006 Share Posted December 18, 2006 forget the ATM, just bring enough cash so you don't need to take time out to visit Kutchan. Link to post Share on other sites
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