Powderlife Magazine Issue No. 34

Issue 34 // March 5 to March 18
WINTER SPORTS
WINTER SPORTS 
 ENTERTAINMENT  REAL ESTATE
ENTERTAINMENT  REALESTATE www.powderlife.com
www.powderlife.com
SHEESA
FREE
Local Gentem pro ‘Sheesa’ on her Niseko life
GASSAN ER
A ski resort in Japan with the ‘strangest’ season S POWD
NISEKO’ AGAZINE
LE M
LIFESTY EVERY
RESORT GUIDE FRESH
2 WEEKS
Your guide to Niseko – page 42
 CONTENTS // issue 34
winter print run 35,000 estimated readership 100,000+
25 編集長 managing editor Lizzy Hoo リズィー・フー
出版者 publisher Bevan Colless ベバン・コレス ,
Kris Lund クリス・ランド

RESTAURANT REVIEW // wild bill’s 副編集長 associate editor Ross Cole-Hunter ロス・コールハンター
企画運営アシスタント editorial assistant Kisato Kurihara 栗原季里
デザイナー designer Paul Malandain ポール・マランデイン,
Shane Agard シェイン・エィガード (conceptual designer)
投稿者 contributors Chris Chan
写真撮影 photography Niseko Photography, Glen Claydon Photography,
Paul Malandain, Ross Cole-Hunter
19
広告掲載に関するお問い合わせ advertising inquiries
ads@powderlife.com
57
予約購読/既刊 subscriptions / past issues
info@powderlife.com
FEATURE // tomomi ‘sheesa’ kuwahara TRAVEL // gassan Powderlife Niseko Magazine is a Niseko Media Publication
パウダーライフマガジンはニセコメディアが出版しています
170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-cho
07 Editor’s Note 31 *1000 WORDS

Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
tel 0136 22 2000 fax 0136 22 2011
www.powderlife.com
09 Village News A recap of the 10/11 season ©2011 Niseko Media KK
33 Snow Caves
Contents of Powderlife are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in
Local Voices part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publication
Niseko local news of editorial does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of views or
Kimamaya
11 Discover
opinions expressed. The publisher does not accept responsibility for state-
35 On Piste
ments made by advertisers.
Discover the Niseko area Niseko’s first English language periodical magazine – published every
13 In the loop Powdertools, playlist, first impression

two weeks in Niseko between December and March, once a year as
a globally distributed Niseko promotional issue (Powderlife Global
37 Real Estate News

Edition).
Events around Niseko ニセコ初の定期刊行雑誌。冬季期間（１２月～３月）は２週間に１回
15 Social
発行、冬季期間外はグローバルエディションとして一回発行。
Snap and Flash

41 Backcountry & Health
Backcountry Tips
Past issues available at the Powderlife office, Lower Ground Floor
Australia House (opposite Seicomart).
17 Irrashaimasse
Weight loss
Mariposa and Groovy 42 Resort Guide

19 Feature
Food, restaurants and bars
Tours and activities
Tomomi ‘Sheesa’ Kuwahara Shopping and retail
23 Eat and Drink

Rental and services
Resort maps
55 After the melt

Eat and drink news
Restaurant review – Wild Bill’s
Niseko Fromage Niseko summer activities
29 Powder Poster 57 Travel Gassan

cover // burton rider – takamasa imai photo // hiroyuki sudo
5 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

 EDITOR’S NOTE
photography // glen claydon
SKI towns are frantic places for both visitors and locals. Taking a relax- 『スキータウンは観光客とローカルの喜び、興奮があふれる場所です。
ニセコで働くローカルたちがシーズ
ing beach holiday to get over the exhaustion of a skiing holiday would ン疲れた体を休めるには、何と言っても常夏リゾート地でのバケーションが理想的でしょう。
ニセコの次は南
be ideal. Heading for somewhere warm to soak up some Vitamin D is 半球でのスキーシーズンを楽しむという人々が多いため、

その前にどこか暖かい場所で日光浴を楽しみ、
ビ
exactly what many locals do after the season. And whilst many who live タミンD摂取量を高め、少しでも日焼けをしようというのが彼らの大半がすることです。
また、今の時期、
この
here have already started to plan and ponder what they want to do after ニセコに住む多くの人々がシーズン後について考え始めていることでしょう。
しかし、楽しいスキーシーズン
the season, there’s still a lot more of Niseko’s winter to enjoy. はまだ終っていません。
March is probably one of the most idyllic times to be in Niseko. It’s a little ３月はニセコで一番おだやかな時期と言えるでしょう。暖かくなってきてはいますが、
まだ十分な量の
warmer, there’s descent powder snow and hardly any lifts lines; it’s when パウダースノーがありますし、何と言ってもリフト乗車の際の混雑がないのがうれしいです。
また、皆さん
everyone takes a breather and uses the extra time to spend longer days on the の多くはニセコの街を探索したり、一日の長い時間をスキー/スノーボードに費やしたり、思い思いに残り
mountain and perhaps even climb Mount Yotei. 少ないシーズンを楽しんでいることでしょう。中には羊蹄山登山に挑戦する人もいるかもしれません。
The lifts in Niseko are usually open until sometime in May, but if you’re a ニセコスキー場のリフトは通常、５月頃までオープンしています。今号の”Travel”特集（57ページ）
でも
real diehard skier or snowboarder you may want to meet some others at Gas- 紹介していますが、ハードコアなスキーヤー／スノーボーダーには、春から夏にかけてリフトがオープン
san (about 620km south of Niseko) – our travel destination for this issue (p. 57). される山形県にある月山スキー場（ニセコより約620km南下）がお勧めです。
As Niseko closes, Gassan will open up its lifts for the first time for its unusual 今号の特集記事では、Gentemプロスノーボーダーの一人である
『シーサー』にスポットをあてていま
April–July season. す。今シーズンが終わる頃、彼女はアラスカへと雪を追いかけて旅立つことでしょう。ニセコのスノーボー
Our feature story this issue is on Gentem rider ‘Sheesa’. A well-respected ド・コミュニティーの中で尊敬され、彼女の名前にちなんで名付けられたGentem製のボードを持つ『シー
member of Niseko’s snowboarding community and with a Gentem board サー』はスノーボードに対して信じられないほどの情熱を傾けています。

そして、冬季のニセコでは特に地
named after her, ‘Sheesa’ will probably head to Alaska for some spring riding. 元女性たちを対象にスノーボードを教えています。彼女自身がそうであるようにカービング、ニセコの有
She is incredibly passionate about her sport and uses her time in winter to teach 名なパウダースノーを楽しむ事が主なレッスン内容です。
others about carving and enjoying Niseko’s powder snow. パウダーライフは今号が最終号です。私たちにとって、

シーズンはあっという間に終わったように感じら
Well, sadly, this is goodbye from Powderlife for this season. For us, it’s gone れました。
しかし、混雑していないリフト、良い天候に恵まれる３月はまだ十分に楽しめます。
too quickly, but we have March to enjoy the uncrowded mountain and great 皆様が今シーズンもパウダーライフを楽しく読まれたことを願っています。皆さんが残り少ないシーズ
weather. We hope you have enjoyed our updates this season. ンを楽しまれますように。
Lizzy Hoo, Powderlife, Managing Editor, email lizzy@powderlife.com リズィー・フー, パウダーライフ, 編集長, lizzy@powderlife.com

 VILLAGE NEWS
Local Voices
Name Tomomi Nishimura Age 29

Hometown Kochi Company Rhythm
Snowsports Time in Niseko Six years Ski
or board and for how long? Snowboard, 8
years Favourite restaurant? Aburiya, Hirafu
Favourite bar? Barunba Favourite onsen?
Yugokorotei Favourite ski run? Miharashi
Local secret? Bargain hunting at Rhythm
clearance sale Fortune cookie saying?
Health is the most important thing Place to
ski before you die? Utah, America
Niseko international exchange center 名前ニシムラトモミ年齢 29 歳出身地高知県職
Exchange Centre will house an international school 場リズムスノースポーツニセコ年数 6年スキー、
– this is not 100% confirmed until the application スノーボード暦スノーボード8年お気に入りのレス
NISEKO Town held an explanation evening on for a license to operate in Niseko has been cleared, トランあぶり屋お気に入りのバーバルンバお気
March 4 in the local community centre outlining the the results of this application are due to be released に入りの温泉湯心亭好きなゲレンデコース見晴ら
proposed Niseko International Exchange Centre, later in the year. しコースニセコの秘密リズムのクリアランスセー
which is earmarked to be located next to the Niseko At the event, The Hokkaido International School ルはかなりお買い得です！
Elementary school in a refurbished building centre of outlined what an International School is and what 人生の格言健康第一
Niseko Town. The proposed International Exchange sort of curriculum, what types of activities an 死ぬ前に行きたい
Centre will be created with the aim of creating a international school would offer and what it would スキー場ユタ、
stronger local economy that encourages improved potentially mean to the community. アメリカ
growth and positive International relations The evening offered a stage for Niseko Town to
in our town and district. discuss international relations and education with
It is proposed that the Niseko International members of the public.
WOMEN’s KNOW-HOW
SKIING with other like-minded women is a great

way to enhance your mountain experiences. This
year, NISS is offering a five-day course – two days Name Dan
of which are dedicated to video analysis so that Gallagher Age 27
you know what you are doing and how to make Hometown Perth, Australia
the exact change in your skiing. The week’s end is Company Niseko Photography Time in
celebrated with champagne and canapés at the Niseko 2 seasons Ski or board and for
Hanazono 308 restaurant facility. Spring dates are how long? Snowboard, 2 years Favourite
March 14–18 and 21–25. Groups of no more than restaurant? Rin Favourite bar? Gyu+
seven ladies. It promises to be a spring-loaded Favourite onsen? Niseko Grand Hotel
week of fun. Contact NISS@Harmonyresorts.com. Favourite ski run? Back bowls Local
secret? Buy a Mitsubishi Delica and you’ll find
BEST OF NISEKO out Fortune Cookie Saying? Curls get the
WIN girls Place to ski before you die? Alaska

名前ダンガラガー年齢 27歳出身地パース、オー
OUTERWEAR FROM
THIS is your only opportunity to tell us what you think RHYTHM SNOW ストラリア職場ニセコフォトグラフィーニセコ年
about Niseko in Powderlife’s ‘Best of’ awards. Visit SPORTS 数 2シーズンスキー、
スノーボード暦スノーボード
www.powderlife.com and look on the right-hand side 2年お気に入りのレストランりんお気に入りのバ
of the web site for the link. Rhythm Snowsports has ーギュータスお気に入りの温泉ニセコグランドホ
kindly donated some great prizes. Enter to win either テル好きなゲレンデコースバックボールニセコの
a Nomis jacket (¥48,500) and Nomis pants (¥31,500) 秘密デリカを買ったら良さ悪さが分かります人生
OR Armada jacket (¥42,500) and Armada pants の格言女の子は天然パーマの男が大好き死ぬ前
(¥29,000). Rhythm sale on now – 30% off retail and に行きたいスキー場アラスカ
2011 demo boards and skis.

 DISCOVER
Explore HAKODATE
HAKODATE was one of the first areas

in Hokkaido for people from mainland
Japan to start inhabiting and, as such, it
has some of the oldest buildings in Hok-
kaido. The city is about 4 hours south of
Niseko, in south-west Hokkaido.
THERE is a lot of western influence in
Hakodate, including several very impressive
churches and warehouses. Hakodate is also Spring Parks
famous for squid and even has an enormous
squid festival during summer. There are many
restaurants selling fresh squid, including a few As the weather warms of terrain isn’t enough to interest you, then maybe
specialising in squid that you can eat live. and the powder reduces, the bag jump will, which allows you to practise giant
the migration to Niseko’s jumps without having to worry about bad landings.
spring parks begins. Grand Hirafu also pushes snow towards the top of
the mountain to create some truly enormous kickers
Hanazono, undisputedly, has the biggest park in its purposely built spring park.
area in Niseko, with a huge number of immaculately Niseko Village has its Wonderland Park at the top
photo
// groomed kickers and rails to suit all levels as well as of the resort under the Wonderland Chair, featuring
tim
a FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski) specification several challenging terrain features.
cz
ajk
half-pipe – the only one in Hokkaido. The park’s fea- Work on that goggle tan in the park this spring –
ows
01 tures are constantly changing, but if this assortment it’s the perfect time to brush up on some old tricks.
ki
LEISURE SPORTS in sapporo
02 AN indoor amusement paradise of arcade games,

indoor sports and leisure activities that you are
03 free to use as much as you want for a cheap
hourly rate. There are air-hockey tables, squash
courts, baseball-batting areas, gladiator arenas,
climbing walls, trampolines, karaoke rooms,
band-practise rooms, massage chairs, bull riding,
ten-pin bowling, Segway riding and hundreds of
the latest and greatest arcade games. It’s a little
04 difficult to get there (札幌市東区東苗穂3条2丁
目5-25) without a private car, though there is a
shuttle bus that runs from Sapporo station.
01 Eat a delicious hamburger in one of
Hakodate’s famous Lucky Pierot restaurants. YUKICHICHIBU Onsen
They are only in Hakodate, and each shop
has a unique interior design.
02 WATCH some snow monkeys enjoy the A HIDDEN onsen, perfect for those seeking an
simple pleasure of a hot bath in the Hakodate escape from onsens in Hirafu, which can often
Monkey Park. become crowded. However, there is a reason that
03 WALK around the old town, including the it’s a quiet onsen; getting there can be very difficult
converted warehouses, Russian Orthodox and expensive without the use of a private vehicle.
church and several beautiful old embassies. The highlight of Yukichichibu is the uninterrupted
04 Catch a ropeway to the top of Mt. Ha- views out towards Chisenupuri and Iwaonupuri
kodate and accompany a few drinks with the from the six (or seven if you’re a lady) outdoor
night view of the city below. The view is often baths. The ladies also have the added bonus of a
voted as one of the world’s top night views. mud bath, which, after a bathe and a quick scrub,
will make your skin exceptionally smooth.

 IRRASHAIMASSE // “welcome!” – great local businesses
MARIPOSA, Hirafu, Satsuki Yamamoto GROOVY, Kutchan, Katsumi Sasaki

ACROSS from Jam Bar sits specialty muffin shop Mariposa. Named after an BORN and raised in Kutchan, Katsumi Sasaki started his own salon above
area in California’s Yosemite National Park, Mariposa was created by Satsuki his parents hairdressing business 18 years ago, after living and training in
Yamamoto who first visited Niseko from her hometown in Kanagawa (near Sapporo for 10 years. Before moving to Sapporo, Katsumi was a skier, but
Tokyo) for a snow holiday more than 20 years ago. She came to Niseko to visit after moving back to Kutchan he met Gentem owner Taro Tamai and learned
her future husband Yukio – the now chairman of the Telemark Ski Associa- how to snowboard from the master. Katsumi’s shop Groovy is decorated with
tion of Japan; she eventually moved to Niseko so they could spend the rest pieces of his personality –- there are skateboards, snowboards, books, art,
of their lives together. Satsuki has always loved to make sweets. If you ever cool pieces of furniture and his cute little dog Amu. Every morning Katsumi
visit Satsuki’s shop, she recommends the Apple and Caramel muffins and the tries to snowboard, unless he has a customer. Snowboarding and enjoying the
interesting savoury muffin combinations. mountains will keep Katsumi near Niseko’s mountains forever.
マリポサヒラフ山本さつきさんグルービー倶知安佐々木勝巳さん

Jamバーの向かいに今シーズンから新たに出来た、マフィン専門店Mariposaは、外国のスイーツ屋を想正真正銘の倶知安ローカルである佐々木勝巳さんは、10年間の札幌での生活を終え、18年前に両親が
わせる可愛らしい佇まいだ。オーナーパテシエである山本さつきさんが、お気に入りの場所であるカリ営んでいる理容室の二階を利用してGROOVYをオープンした。以前スキーヤーだった佐々木さんは、倶
フォルニアのヨセミテ国立公園がある地域にちなんで名づけられた。神奈川県出身の山本さんが、初め知安に戻ってきた後に玄天スティックのオーナー玉井太郎さんと出会い、
スノーサーフィンマスターか
て訪れたニセコの雪に感動したのが、20年以上も前のこと。神奈川で出会った地元ヒラフ出身の旦那さら、滑る楽しさやニセコの雪の楽しみ方を学び、
スノーボードにのめり込んだのだ。お店には、趣味であ
ん由紀男は、テレマークスキーの日本における第一人者で、現在日本テレーマーク協会の名誉会長をさるスノーボード、
スケートボードが無造作に置かれ、友人から手に入れているというREDI のサングラス
れている。そんなさつきさんの作るお菓子をみんなにも楽しんでもらいたいと由紀男さんが、
自宅を改やSmooch coffeeのコーヒー豆を販売、店中に飾れてている本や小物、そして個性ある家具、一席づつ
装して作られた小さなお店がMariposaだ。30種類もあるレパートリーの中から、
日替わりで焼かれるマ違った大きさの鏡など佐々木さんの人柄やセンスが光る飾りつけがされている。そして、そばにはいつ
フィンは、いつ訪れても退屈させない。人気メニューのアップルキャラメルはすぐに売り切れてしまうほも愛犬アムがいるのだ。予約のない朝には毎日スノーボードに出掛けるという佐々木さん。ニセコの山
ど、おかず系マフィンにもぜひ挑戦してほしいと山本さんは話した。と雪、
スノーボードがある限り、佐々木さんは倶知安を離れることはないだろう。
Ski in, ski out
dining and bar.
Live apres music and happy
hour drinks, twice a week!
ヴェイルバーアンドグリル
Food served all day from 7am.
Ph +81 (0)136 21 5833
nisekoalpineaccommodation.com
13 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com 14 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com
 IN THE LOOP
MAR 5-6 06 «
Gentemstick Test Ride Namara Ippatsu Big Air Rhythm Snowsports Sale
GENTEMSTICK 試乗会なまら一発ビッグエアーリズムスノースポーツセール
Trial ride Gentemstick’s One of biggest local competitions in Hirafu, 30% off all retail and ex-demo ski and snow-
2011-12 model boards. At bottom of gondola which is great fun to watch. board equipment until the end of the season.
station in Niseko Grand Hirafu.
毎年恒例のなまら一発が今年も行なレンタル料金３０％オフ、中古デモス
開催地　ニセコグランヒラフ　ゴンド
2011
われます。参加するもよし、観戦するキー、スノーボードがセールとなりま
ラ降り場付近にて、試乗会開催します。もよし。す。お見逃しなく。
Start // 9:30 am to 15:00 pm Start // 9:00 am Start // 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Place // Niseko Grand Hirafu Place // Niseko Grand Hirafu Place // Rhythm Snowsports
Contact // 0466 85 4010 Contact // 0136 22 0109 Contact // 0136 23 0164
09
Kutchan Art Exhibition
くっちゃんART展2011
Colourful exhibition featuring many artists

gathering in this small museum. Exhibition
« End of season meat discount
シーズンオフフードディスカ
ウント
We are closing on March 21, come in before

period February 9th – March 27th. Admission then to get a discount as a thank-you for the
fee: ¥500. season.
小さな美術館で、多くの作家が集う華 3月21日シーズン終了の閉店を予定して
やかな展覧会。展示期間2月9日から3 おります。在庫がなくなり次第ディスカウ
月27日。入館料500円。ント終了となりますので、お見逃しなく。
Start // 9:00 am to 5:00 pm // until Mar 27 Start // 11:00am – 2:00pm 6:00–10:00pm

Place // Shu Ogawara Museum of Art Place // Wagyu Dining Sou
Contact // 0136 21 4141 Contact // 0136 23 3048
12 13 16 17
Mercer Hassy Jazz Reggae Night Party Psychedelic Party Killers Saint Patrick’s Day
Orchestra Tuff Rider stage 5@与作 Night 聖パトリックディー
マーサー・ハッシージャズサイケデリックパーティ
オーケストラ Reggae dance hardcore night. Doraku, Killers Night Celebrate St. Patty’s Day at Irish pub, Paddy
Yes! The BIG BAND! Performing live in Half Myers’s Zen sound and Dacta bird will make Cyclecreation from Sapporo presents the McGinty’s with ¥400 green beer, ¥700 pints of
Note. Enjoy its exciting, swinging music. powerful sounds. ¥1,500 Entry. party in famous Jam bar! Entry ¥1,500 Guinness and ¥100 off Jameson Irish whiskey.
includes one free drink. Do not miss it!
ハーフノートでビッグバンドのジャズ Guest sound にDoraku、Myers’s Zen 聖人パトリックの命日をアイリッシュパ
ライブです！エキサイティングでスイ sound、Dacta birdとサウンド陣共にサイクリエイションfrom 札幌　プレゼブで祝いましょう。グリーンビール400
ンギーな演奏をお楽しみください！超豪華！楽しい夜になるでしょう！ンツ　サイケデリックパーティ開催！円、ギネス700円。
１5００円/１ドリンクです。
Start // 9:00 pm Start // 10:00 pm Start // 8:00 pm – 3:00 am Start // 3:00–10:30 pm

Place // Half Note Place // Yosaku Place // Jam Bar Place // Paddy McGinty’s
Contact // 0136 23 2727 Contact // 0136 23 4390 Contact // 0136 23 0700 Contact // 080 4040 4470
19
Slope style competition
スロープスタイル大会
RD
SKI & BTOITAIONS
Hanazono monthly freestyle competition
series. Applications close 5:00 pm on March COMPE
R
MAR & AP
3. Entry fee ¥2,000.
今シーズンのNo.1フリースタイラー決
定戦!!「キング(クイーン)・オブ・フリー
スタイル」に輝くのは？応募受付定員
になり次第締め切り。
Start // 9:00 am
Place // Hanazono Ski Resort
Contact // 0136 23 0913
NISEKO WINTER FESTIVAL 12–13, 19–21 March @ Annupuri SKI & SNOWBOARD BATTLE Saturday April 2 @ Hanazono
Saturday 12 March – Monday 21 March Sunday March 13 @ Annupuri 2011 FIS HOKKAIDO BOARD CROSS
LADIES DAY
This ten day event will feature a number of on Wednesday 16 March @ Annupuri Ski cross and snowboard cross. Sunday April 3 @ Hanazono
mountain events as well as local restaurants OLD BOYS SLALOM
FAMILY SKI COMPETITION SUPER BUMPS NISEKO CUP
and service providers giving special deals. Sunday March 27 @ Grand Hirafu
Sunday 20 March @ Grand Hirafu Sunday April 3 @ Grand Hirafu
For more information: For over 50 year old men. Freestyle ski mogul competition.
www.nisekowinterfestival.com HOKKAIDO JNR SKI COMP HIRAFU CLASSIC
‘OYAJI’ SKI COMPETITION March 29–30 @ Grand Hirafu
Sunday April 10 @ Grand Hirafu
Saturday 12 March @ Grand Hirafu For over 50 year old men.
Race for skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders.
FIREWORKS 2011 FIS JAPAN SKI CROSS
Saturday March 12 & 19 @ Grand Hirafu Friday April 1 @ Hanazono
NISEKO ANNUPURI FESTIVAL 2011 FIS JAPAN BOARD CROSS

 SNAP  FLASH
KUTCHAN
YUKITOPIA //
Kutchan’s winter festival, Yukitopia,
was a hive of activity, with several fun
events over the weekend-long festival,
including snow ball fights, igloo mak-
ing demonstrations, and our favourite, FOR your chance to win
gliding across icy water. a Hanazono Powder
WIN
Guides First Tracks
Tours for two, A
WIN
valued at ¥32,000, T E R TO TOUR
EN IDED
answer the following: GU
“What tricks are you

going to pull on the bag jump
this spring?”
Name // yasutomo kinoshita Name // ryosuke sato Name // ned hunter

Send your entry to
WHAT are you wearing today? Yasutomo, from Hyogo, WHAT are you wearing today? Ryosuke, from nearby WHAT are you wearing today? Ned is wearing a jacket lizzy@powderlife.com
spent the day riding the Kogen Park in bright sunshine, and Tomakomai has been hitting the parks in Hirafu and Hanazono from Burton’s White Collection, which is possibly the shiniest
even brighter Gigi Rüf Volcom outerwear. in this great Yonex set. We love the leopard print details! jacket that we have ever seen. Get creative!
STACK
Question // What do you love about Niseko?
WIN
ENTE
R
HELM TO WIN
ET A
INSK FROM
I
MARI Nagai from Tokyo loves night skiing, especially under GREG Hogan from Sydney, Australia loves the soft powder
the second light on the fourth pylon near Ace Quad. in Niseko, as well as the large size of the resort.
NISEKO
HILTON
MTV JAPAN JAM //
MTV Australia came to town with a
whole heap of talent, including Aussie
ENTER TO WIN A HELMET FROM INSKI. rockers Art vs. Science, MTV VJs Erin
SUBMIT your gnarly crash story and the reason why you wear McNaught and Darren McMullen,
a helmet and/or need a new helmet to ross@powderlife.com. DJ Anna Lunoe and a heap of pro
Entries are required to be 100 words or less and must be snowboarders for a massive series of
LEN and Linda Kilpatrick from Darwin, Australia love the STEVEN Carrara from Guam loves the breathtaking beauty accompanied with valid contact information. We will be picking parties and live shows.
wide variety of terrain to ride in Niseko of the area on a sunny day. a winner every two weeks.
 FEATURE // tomomi ‘sheesa’ kuwahara  FEATURE // tomomi ‘sheesa’ kuwahara
words by // lizzy hoo translation by // yuri pangier photos by // ross cole-hunter
T
I am thankful to produce my third 立てているのですか。スポンサーはい At my riding camp, I teach girls せんが、サーフィンの様に壁に当て込む
HE King of the Hill event in Alaska is
signature board – TRINITY. I was ますか? things like this and they enjoy スタイルは大好きです。私のキャンプに
one of those Holy Grail events made by involved with GENTEMSTICK for スポンサーからの契約金とRIDING snowboarding more than before 参加したほとんどの方に壁への入り方
the development of new boards CAMPの売り上げで生活していま because now they know how to も教えています。彼女らは、
「遊び方」を
snowboarding legends for hard-core as a woman rider for many years. す。スポンサーは、GENTEMSTICK ‘play’ when they ride. But, it’s 知って今までよりもスノーボードが楽し
I researched a lot about making ,HAGLOFS,HESTRA,POC,KASK です。 not only my style that influences くなったと喜んでいます。私だけでなく
enthusiasts. Nick Perata, the first snowboarder
a comfortable women’s board Gentemstickに桑原さんのシグネチャー riders; Gentem riders influence a GENTEMライダー達のライディングに影
to ever ride Alaska, founded the event in and we recently made one just for ボードがありますが、その事についてど lot of snowboarders nationwide.
“ 「
women, which is good for either のように感じますか?　シグネチャーボー What has been your biggest
1994 and after the event’s 10-year hiatus, ドが作られることになった経過について snowboarding challenge? 普段の生活では味わえな
教えてください。 When I entered the King of the Hill
he brought it back to its birthplace Valdez, い最高の時間を与えてく
」
Snowboarding is a tool TRINITYは3度目のシグネチャーボード extreme snowboard contest.
れる道具がスノーボード
Alaska in 2010 to see Travis Rice crowned as that gives me this kind になります。新しいシグネチャーボード What have been your greatest
です。
が出せる事はとてもありがたい事です。 achievements?
King. Thrilling, terrifying, big and deep, The of amazing moment,
長年、GENTEMSTICK唯一のレディース Being a pro snowboarder
which you cannot ライダーとしてボードの開発に携わり、 for many years is a great 響を受け、そのように言われる人たちが
King of the Hill event is for dedicated and experience in your どのようなボードが女性にとって乗りや accomplishment, and I still enjoy 確実に全国へ広がっていると思います。
”
passionate enthusiasts. Local Niseko Gentem everyday life. すいのかを研究してきました。今回、レ riding today. I hope this will inspire プロ生活の中で最も大きい挑戦は何で
ディースユーザーに向けてバックカント people. したか?
rider Tomomi ‘Sheesa’ Kuwahara has been リーでもゲレンデでも自由に乗りこなせ Who or what inspires you? アラスカで行われたエクストリームコ
backcountry or the groomers. るボードができました。 That feeling when I ride. I never ンテスト「KING OF THE HILL」に出場し
to Alaska more than eight times – and in 1996
Would you call yourself a snow 自分をスノーサーファーと呼ぶことに対 get bored riding because I see た事です。
she competed in The King of the Hill and placed surfer? してはどう思われますかで? あなたは、 myself getting better every year. 最大といえる実績は何ですか?
I don’t call myself a ‘snow surfer’, このスタイルがニセコで発展すると思 Where do you find peace in 長年プロとして活動を続けていますが、
4th in the ‘Extreme’ category and 6th overall. but I do like riding into the wall いますか? life? 今もまだ元気に滑り続けている姿を皆
of snow just like I do when I surf. 自分をスノーサーファーとは呼んでいま I feel peaceful everyday. さんに見せられる事です。
SHEESA turned pro in 1994 and アラスカで行われる『King of the Hill』

（ are held in various locations in 初めてニセコに来たのはいつですか?
has since won major competitions 以下KOH）は、ハードコアなスノーボー Honshu, as well as in Niseko. I 1990年4月
and has been featured in films and ダーのためのエクストリーム・フリーライ also do some Alaskan tours in the シーサーというニックネームの由来は
countless magazines. Today, she is ドの大会である。1994年に同大会を創 spring. 何ですか?
still a sponsored rider and devotes 設したニック・ペラタ氏は初めてアラスカ What is it about snowboarding スノーボードを始める前に沖縄に住ん
everyday of her winter season to her で滑ったスノーボーダーでもある。2010 that you really love? でいて、その時に友だちが「シーサー」
sport. Her knowledge of carving is 年には同大会誕生の地でもあるアラス Sometimes I’m really focused on に似ていると。
something she wants to share with カ・バルデズで10年ぶりにKOHが開催 my riding and I feel the time goes ニセコで主にどんな仕事をされている
everyone; she hosts ladies camps, され、
トラビス・ライスが優勝した。スリル by slowly. Snowboarding is a tool のですか?
instructs lessons, and guides during と恐怖を目の前にアラスカの大自然を that gives me this kind of amazing 「SHEESA RIDING CAMP」
というプロ
the winter. Powderlife caught up 滑る同大会は、まさに情熱あふれる熱狂 moment, which you cannot グラムで中・上級者向けのスノーボー
with Sheesa before she hosted one 的なスノーボーダーのための大会と言っ experience in your everyday life. ド・プライベートレッスンを受け持って
of her ladies camps. Here’s what てもいいだろう。地元ニセコでGentem You hold local ladies camps います。ニセコ以外にも本州でもプロ
she has to say about life and living のライダーとして活躍する桑原“シーサ in winter – what is it that you グラムを開催しています。そのほか、春
in Niseko. ー”知美さんは8回以上もアラスカの地 want other people to get out of にはアラスカツアーなどを企画・運営し
When did you first come to を踏んでいる。そして、1996年にはKOH snowboarding? ています。
Niseko? に挑戦し、エクストリーム4位、オーバー The better you get, the more you スノーボードのどんなところに、それ程魅
In April of 1990. オール6位の成績を残している。 can enjoy riding. I would like these 力を感じているのですか?
How did you get your nickname 1994年にプロに転向した桑原さんは数 girls to think how to ride better on 時に、時間がスローに感じるくらい集中
Sheesa? 々の主要な大会で優勝し、フィルムや多 any slope. If they do this, every run して滑ります。このような普段の生活で
Before I started snowboarding, I くの雑誌などに取り上げられた。現在で will は味わえない最高の時間を与えてくれ
lived in Okinawa. One of my friends もスポンサー付きのプロライダーとし be enjoyable. る道具がスノーボードです。
told me I looked like a Shisa (a て活躍し、冬シーズン中はスノーボード How do you make a living – do 毎年冬にローカルの女性キャンプを開催
traditional Okinawan decoration, に集中している。そして、女性向けのス you have sponsors? していますが、他の人々にスノーボーデ
often in pairs, resembling a cross ノーボードキャンプ、レッスン、ガイドな I live off of the signing bonuses ィングから何を得て欲しいですか?
between a lion and a dog; from どを通して、彼女が得意とするカービン from my sponsors and the sales 上達すればするほど気持ち良さのレベ
Okinawa mythology). グの知識を広めている。今回、パウダー from my riding camp. My sponsors ルも上がると思います。
What do you do here in ライフはレディース・キャンプが始まる are GENTEMSTICK, HAGLOFS, どんな斜面でも気持ちよく滑れるよう
Niseko? 直前の桑原さんにお話をうかがった。 HESTRA, POC, and KASK. に、考えて滑る事の楽しさを知ってほし
I teach private intermediate/ インタビューの中で桑原さんは、彼女 You have a Gentem board いですね。このような考え方を得て欲し
advanced snowboard lessons at の人生観、ニセコでの生活について話 named after you – how does that いです。
‘SHEESA RIDING CAMP’. Lessons されている。 make you feel? どのようにしてスノーボードで生計を
continued from previous page
 FEATURE // tomomi ‘sheesa’ kuwahara
What do you do in the 誰が、または、何があなたをそこまでスノ snowboarders? と思っている他の女性になにか良いアド

summer when there is no ーボードに奮い立たせるのですか? Find someone to follow and バイスをお願いします?
snow? あの感覚が好きです。そして、毎年少し learn from that person. 良い師匠を見つけて付いていきましょ
My hobby is picking mountain ずつですが、
うまくなっていると実感でき Ride a lot and think about the う♬そしてたくさん滑る事、考えて滑る
vegetables and planting るからです。だからスノーボードは飽き best way to ride! 事です。
different kinds of vegetables at ないし楽しいです。
my own garden. I also started あなたの人生で平和と感じる時はいつ・ For more info visit Sheesa’s website 詳しくはwebで www.sheesa.com
surfing a few years ago. どこですか? @ www.sheesa.com
Where is the best place you 毎日平和で幸せです。
have ever snowboarded? 雪がまったくない夏には何をされてい
Niseko and Alaska. ますか?
What is your earliest 趣味の山菜採りと家庭菜園でいろんな
snowboarding memor y? 野菜を作る事です。そして数年前に始め
I remember that moment clearly. たサーフィンです。
I was laughing all the time 今までに滑った中で、最も好きな場所は
despite how hard and how many どこですか?
times I fell down. ニセコとアラスカ
What do you think about 初めてスノーボードをしたときの記憶、思
when い出はありますか?
you snowboard? はっきりと覚えています。
どんなに転んで
I concentrate on my riding so も楽しくてずっと笑っていました。
I don’t think about any other スノーボードをしている最中にどんなこと
things. を考えていますか?
What advice would you 集中してるのであんまり他の事は考えて
give to other females tr ying いません。
Sheesa - pictured center - with riders camp participants.
to become professional これから、
プロのスノーボーダーになろう
we
 EAT & DRINK
Brick Burger with The Lot

Mick Nippard from Niseko Cellars (www.nisekocellars.com) gives us his
favourite meals to eat when paired with the perfect glass of wine.
AT nearly 5 cm tall and 15cm in diameter,
this hefty burger lives up to the reputation
tch at Sek ka Dining

that The Brick has for its burgers; it will
in Sav Blanc – a per fec t ma
Diver sca llops and Ter raV keep you going for the remainder of
r per fec t match !
red at The Bar n – ano the the evening. What measurements can’t
Bee f che eks and Coates quantify though is the way that it tastes so
, An nup uri
you r ow n eye s at Ra kuichi
The bes t Sob a made bef ore adjectives will have to suffice. It’s fresh,
n at Shu nse i, Ku tch an meaty and juicy. The taste brings back
The bes t ven iso n han ds dow
sine, wit h gre at nostalgic memories of what a burger
out sid e-t he- box eat ery, bot h Fre nch/Ja panese cui should be like. It’s big, tasty, a little bit
An o
wine at Cam pag na, Sappor messy and very, very satisfying.
tem Caf e, Hirafu
Pon dal ow ie Cab Sav at Gen
Gri lled smoke d por k and
Via Bre ra, Sapporo
gre at wo rld wine list at Charlie’s Orange Brûlée
Fine Ita lian foo d wit h a
h Niseko Gou rmet
Pinot Noi r at you r place wit
Tender duck wit h Nge ringa
Tamashii Bar’s Charlie Harrison won a
$2,000 cocktail competition with this
original creation of his. The drink features
RECIPE // vale bar & grill coconut infused rum, white chocolate
liqueur, Aperol, orange juice, orange foam
and palm sugar, which is then set ablaze,
which caramelises the foam into a sugary
delicacy that you can eat with a spoon.
As you might expect from a drink infused
with coconut, it has a very tropical and
refreshing taste that even gruff men can
enjoy. During the shoot, a group of Nor-
wegian men laughed at it, then praised
how delicious it was. As a special treat to
Powderlife readers, Charlie is offering this
drink for ¥1,200 (a ¥200 discount) if you
mention you saw it in Powderlife.
SESAME CRUSTED TUNA MY HASHI
This dish is a VBG delicacy and now it can Wasabi Mayonnaise:

be at home made by the budding chef. • 30g fresh grated wasabi A GROUND-level environmental move-
• 1 egg yolk ment aiming to curb the use of disposable
Ingredients: • pinch of salt chopsticks by encouraging people to
• 120g Sashimi grade yellowfin tuna • white pepper bring their own set of hashi (chopsticks)
• 1/2 cup white sesame seeds • 30mls lemon juice to restaurants. It’s estimated that in a
• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds • 15mls white vinegar single year Japan uses an approximated
• 1/4 cup yellow miso paste • 10mls soy sauce 25,000,000,000 pairs of waribashi
• 1 tsp dijon mustard (wooden disposable chopsticks), which is
Method: • 1 cup grapeseed oil about 200 pairs per person. So, instead of
1. Cut tuna into a 1”x1”x5” block aiding in deforestation, invest in a colourful
2. Place in bowl and marinade with miso Method: set of chopsticks that are not only morally
paste overnight Place all ingredients into a bowl (besides oil) satisfying, they look better and are more
3. Roll in sesame seeds and set in fridge whisk together and gradually add the grapeseed comfortable to eat with. J-Sekka has a wide
4. Lightly pan sear and serve with wasabi oil very slowly until mixture thickens, add salt range of colours to choose from.
mayonnaise and pepper to finish.
 RESTAURANT REVIEW // wild bill’s
WORDS BY // lizzy hoo PHOTOGRAPHY BY // ross cole-hunter

ADVERTISE ON
WHETHER you are or you’re not a sub- perfect start. Following this is a grilled
tsubodai fish. It’s cooked much like the
Powderlife.com
scriber to organic and local food, you won’t popular Hokkadio dish hokkei (grilled online advertising
ADVERTISE ONLINE
be able to resist the fresh izakaya-style mackerel), but tsubodai, although it AVAILABLE NOW
may look smaller, has more meat,
menu at famous Niseko locale Wild Bill’s. more fat and therefore more taste.
We also eat another standard izakaya
High Traffic Website
WHEN locals found out that Dennis
Van Den Brink, who tends to Niseko
– Spinach and Tofu Salad, Tofu with
Ginger and Bonito Flakes and the
dish – Fried Tofu with Eggplant and
Daikon (Aggedashi Tofu). The tofu sits
with Powderlife.com
Green Farm in the summer, was Fried Tofu with Eggplant and Daikon in a beautiful salty broth and is chewy Reach your winter customers in summer
taking over the Wild Bill’s kitchen this (Agedashi Tofu). Other locally branded on the outside and deliciously soft on
winter, they knew he would use the meals include Mixed Local Vegetables, the inside. Next are the Organic Chillis Great opportunities
opportunity to show the thousands Makkari Mino San Lilly Root stuffed with Beef and topped with
Various sizes and options available

who visit the area the things he cares Croquettes, Butter Sauteed Hokkaido Red Onion Pickle, which is a spicy
most about – local and organic Scallops, Hokkadio Crab Cakes and contrast to the tofu’s sweetness.
produce and really good quality food. Max The Hunter’s Fresh Hokkaido Last to try is the Korean Beef Tartare
His food philosophy is much deeper Venison. In addition to this is Dennis’ – diced raw beef topped with a farm Competitive rates
than this, and if you share his passion, own brand of Niseko Green Farm fresh egg. For those that like raw
he’ll surely divulge this further over menu items including Niseko Green beef and any sort of tartare, you will
a few quiet ales. Farm Organic Pumpkin Soup and his understand the excitement this dish
Dennis’ experience working on Roast Potatoes with Hokkaido Butter. evoked when it was brought to
farms and in kitchens brings a sense Tonight we order five dishes the table. online advertising
of community to the table. Taking between the two of us. To start is the You’ll need a few visits, or a AVAILABLE NOW
ingredients from farm to plate when colourful and fresh Daikon Root Salad really big group of people, to test Booking Information //
he can, Dennis provides a menu that with Miso Sesame Dressing. This dish out the menu in its entirety. After T. 0136 55 5774 for more information email
reaches well into Niseko’s renowned tastes as fresh as it looks. Shaved dinner, you could stay around for Bar: 4:00 pm to late sales@powderlife.com
agricultural community. daikon root and crispy lettuce leaves a few drinks and party well into the Dinner: 6:00 pm to late
Tofu from nearby Makkari, for topped with beetroot and night, or you can go home or wander
example, is used in several dishes a light creamy sesame dressing is the into the nightspots nearby.
 TASTE THE REGION // niseko fromage
THE owner of Niseko Fromage final products. He discovered the Special Award – Washed Rind
Noriaki Seki is a true craftsman cheese-making process because Award; 2009 All Japan Natural
who originates from Yoichi, a his wife’s family had a dairy farm Cheese Contest – High Stake
seaside town located between and he was impressed by the fact Award – Niseko Washed Rind
Niseko and Otaru. Noriaki that the more pedantic you are Cheese and Yama no Cheese.
started cheese manufacturing in when making cheese the better The Camembert Cheese Soft
Yoichi and operated a boutique the taste – a driving factor in the Serve Ice cream that he produces
factory there for five years production for his high-quality between Late April and Late No-
before opening his boutique cheeses. vember is absolutely incredible and
cheese factory in Higashiyama, Also, the cheese that is com- just one of the many culinary treats
Niseko in 2005. monly available from Europe did you can sample in Niseko during
Noriaki is a talented man – apart not appeal to Japanese taste so summer.
from being a cheese maker he the cheeses that are produced Another local favorite is his
was once the coach of Japanese here are of a finely honed taste Crispy Cheese, which a favorite
Snowboarding team at the Nagano profile that appeals to a wider snack enjoyed by everyone and
Winter Olympics. He has also audience. Noriaki has won several a must in any cheese platter or
participated in many Japan snow- accolades for his cheese-making broken in a fresh green salad,
boarding national events. efforts in Japan-wide competitions: it doesn’t matter what types of
Today, he skillfully handles the 2003 All Japan Natural Cheese cheese you prefer, you are bound
entire cheese-making process in Contest – High Stake Awards – to find something here to appease
person, from the mixing of raw String Cheese; 2007 All Japan your taste buds.
products to the maturing of the Natural Cheese Contest – Judges CONTACT // Tourism and Industry Division, Hokkaido, Niseko Town,
Aza Fujimi47 Japan. T. 0136 44 2121. Ask for Paul.
Brought to you by
 POWDER POSTER LOCATION chisenupuri // PHOTOGRAPHY glen claydon // BOARDER shouya grigg
tion hirafu // month nov
photo yasu - niseko photography // location niseko backcountry

photo ross cole-hunter// loca
nick
photo glen claydon // location hirafu // month oct // rider/skier paul,
photo yasu - niseko photography // location asahidake // month jan // skier toby
 1000 WORDS
This issue, we have give you a brief recap – in pictures – of the season until now.
In short, the season started late, January was epic and February was sunny.
photo ross cole-hunter // location hirafu // month dec // rider unknown

photo yasu - niseko photography // location chisenupuri // month feb // skier watkin
photo glen claydon // location hirafu // month dec // skier ken shimizu
photo glen claydon // location hanazono // month jan // rider grover photo yasu - niseko photography // location asahidake // month jan photo az - niseko photography // location kyogoku // month feb // skier cam
 SNOW CAVES // yasuragi advertising promotion
YASURAGI by odin
INSPIRED, spectacular, uncompro-

mising, Yasuragi by Odin is five luxury
apartments offering expansive loft-style
living and breathtaking views.
YASURAGI – ‘peace and relaxation’ Retreating sliding glass walls turn
in Japanese – is set to become the cedar tub into an exterior retreat
one of Niseko’s most exclusive sheltered from outside views by
addresses. timber screens. A free-falling water
At the heart of each Yasuragi stream, massage and full-height
apartment is a spectacular personal rain-canopy shower complete the
spa concept – a sanctuary of peace spirit of ‘Yasuragi’.
and a haven for body and soul. The living areas frame the most
Built as a space of screened privacy, inspiring views of Mount Yotei.
using only natural materials and Two-bedroom apartments
making the best of surrounding and three-bedroom duplexes are
views, the personal spa recreates available for rental or sale.
the very best of traditional Japanese Yasuragi is a new release and the
onsen culture within the intimacy of fourth premium boutique project in
your residence. Niseko bearing the signature of Odin.
Booking Information
Contact Ekimne Co., Ltd. Telephone 090 1757 5797 (Japan), 81 90 1757
5797 (Outside Japan) Email: ayanomori@gmail.com (Ayano Mori)
 POWDER TOOLS  EYE SPY // art and culture in japan
MANGA MUSEUM
ALOMST everyone reads

manga in Japan; it’s a
national obsession.
WALK into any convenience store or book-
store in Japan and you’re bound to find a
BERN WATTS HARD HAT ENDEAVOUR NXT SNOW SEARCH JAPAN few people casting their eyes over manga
AVAILABLE @ FUSION SPORTS STORE, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ RHYTHM SNOWSPORTS, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ PROSKI, HIRAFU (Japanese comics). Manga is based on a wide
www.hanazononiseko.com www.skihirejapan.com/niseko/ www.proski.com range of subjects including action, romance,
sports, history, fantasy, science fiction and
business, to name a few, and since the
1950s, it’s been a major contributor to Ja-
pan’s publishing industry and represents, the
equivalent of $3.6 billion USD (approximately)
in the market.
With over 300,000 manga, Kyoto’s Inter-

national Manga Museum (KIMM) is a must
see for any one perplexed and intrigued or
interested in one of Japan’s biggest forms of
entertainment. Housed in an old elementary
OBVIOUS JAPANDA TALL TEE A-SEVEN CRAZY BLOCK JACKET DEMON SHIELD UPPER BODY SHIELD school, this museum provides a great insight
AVAILABLE @ PROSKI, HIRAFU AVAILABLE @ FUSION SPORTS STORE, HIRAFU AVAILABLE ONLINE WORKS BY // honjo takashi into the world of manga and its relevance in
modern-day Japan.
www.proski.com www.hanazononiseko.com
HONJO TAKASHI The KIMM shows the colourful history of

manga through a variety of galleries as well
What’s on your playlist? First IMpression as beginner’s workshops. There are even
LOCAL artist, Honjo Takashi will retire this year as head opportunities to have your portrait drawn by
of art at Kutchan High School. He looks forward to devot- a manga artist. For those stopping by Kyoto
THERE was fierce competition for the final occur- 1// Bon Iver // Blindsided during their travels to Japan, the KIMM is not
rence of the playlist competition this season. But 2// Band of Horses // The Funeral ing more of his time to his own painting. to be missed. It provides, like Kyoto itself, a
just like Highlander, in this competition there can 3// MGMT // Electric Feel valuable history lesson in Japan’s culture. The
4// Fake Blood // Mars museum hosts various exhibitions during the
be only one, and Georgia took honours. This is PASSIONATE about the beauty of the environment Station take the Jagaringou bus and it will get you
5// Kid Sister // Right Hand Hi year. Check the website (available in English
the playlist that she always listens to while she’s in which he lives, Honjo’s painting style is reflected there in about 20 minutes.
6// Stromae // Alors On Danse too) for more details.
skiing, which she listens to simply because it’s in his sensitive approach he has and the subtle If you don’t have time to go to the art festival, you
7// Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne // Pusha
got some great tunes. Who 8// Passion Pit // Sleepy Head colours he uses. In preparation for the spare time he can view Honjo’s works at Momiji Gallery in Momiji-
www.kyotomm.jp/english
can argue with that logic. 9// Angus and Julia Stone // Big Jet Plane will have in the future, Honjo recently built a new art zaka. This gallery is filled with a beautiful collection of
10// La Roux // In For The Kill studio that looks out over Mount Yotei. art, local photography, paintings, clothing, antiques
Name: Ellen Wignell.
Although he paints the changing seasons, he is and collectables. This includes beautiful replicas of
Nationality: Australian. captivated by the changing lights and the many Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo –
Ski or snowboard? Snowboard, 3 years. hues of the winter snow scape. He loves to paint the famous artist’s wood-block painting collection.
e o rg ia’s P l aylist everything from flowing local rivers and mountains, Ask Margo for a view and she’ll surely open up your
G Why Niseko? It seemed like a good place to
have an adventure.
to towns in between Sapporo and Kutchan.
As well as being inspired by his surroundings,
eyes to the stunning colours and intricate patterns
of wood-block painting.
First thoughts? I was disappointed with De- Honjo’s greatest influence continues to be the @ www.momijinisekogallery.com
cember’s snow, but January was amazing. 400-year-old works of the sumie (ink-painting)
Something that made you look twice? Shop- master Geijutsu Shincho. Kutchan Art Festival Details
ping in a supermarket is like a guessing game. Honjo is just one of many artists featured as
part of the Kutchan Art Festival. Currently on * Until March 27
Going anywhere else in Japan? Not this time,
now, the Kutchan Art Festival will run until March * Featured artists: Emily Meyer, Margo Bartly,
sadly, but next time I’d like to go to Tokyo,
27 and profiles various local artists. It is held at Ian J Massie, Reinhard Artberg, Dam Dang Lai,
Kyoto and Hiroshima.
Shu Oguwara Art Museum, which can be easily Makoto Fugawa, Yoshitaka Fukuda, Takashi Honjyo,
japanese manga – detroit metal city
accessed by public transport: From the Kutchan Yuko Honjyo
 REAL ESTATE NEWS by lizzy hoo
AGENT PROFILE
Name Julian Bailey Agency Hokkaido Tracks

photo // glen claydon photo // glen claydon Development How is business in Niseko?
Based on interest and sales in our own sphere,
INSIDE BLACKCOMB buyer confidence is obviously returning.
What’s your forecast for 2011? Improved
sales but only in ‘unique and special’ lifestyle
AT night from the roadside just in front of NAC, you glass doors. homes at the top end or alternatively best-value
cannot miss Blackcomb – the latest grand chalet Adding to the comfort of this stylish residence holiday base for a cash budget. Anything in
to be completed as part of the Ezo Views line from is the six-person elevator that makes all four levels the middle looks tough. What projects in
developer Yotei Capital. accessible by wheelchair – and/or injured skiers Niseko are you excited about? The Escarp-
Quality exudes from the outset as Blackcomb is and snowboarders. The building is eco-friendly, ment Estate is my real passion because of the
designed to outlast and literally gives off a rock-solid with bamboo flooring, power-saving electronics setting – I’m excited that we have a chance to
impression with the entire structure constructed and an EcoSmart fireplace. Blackcomb has floor make more Niseko dreams reality. From what
from reinforced concrete – a material typically used heating throughout the entire building, so there is no countries are interested buyers coming
in much larger buildings. It is hewn out of poured forced air that tends to be very dry. The practicality from? Hong Kong based Europeans, Ameri-
stone, not wood nailed together. And the wrap- of a garage on the first floor along with a heated cans and Australians seeking a lifestyle home in
around cantilevered balconies on the top floors driveway makes egress very straightforward in the Asia. What type of real-estate investment
allow you to hear the pleasant gurgling sounds of winter months. would you recommend to buy in Niseko? If
the Oyaji River in the backyard during summer. Within its 340 sqm confines are four bedrooms a house, scrutinise its surroundings, Yotei views
The front face of Blackcomb is mostly glass, and six bathrooms, along with a staff room, which and neighbours and development. If an apart-
affording simultaneous views of Mount Yotei and the will be useful for large families. Luxurious touches ment, I like the plans at Niseko Village – spec-
ski hill. The single-plane concrete roof lets accumu- include authentic contemporary Italian furniture, tacular location and fundamental year-round,
lated snow fall directly into the river, and allows for Jacuzzi, a high-end kitchen and kitchen appliances long-term value. Raw land is a red herring for
a spectacular living room with floor-to-ceiling sliding offering contemporary sophistication. most people due to build costs, access and
management. What are your words of wis-
Hangetsu Fractional ownership dom for potential buyers? Figure out what
it’s all about ‘for you’ and forget everyone else
or ‘the market’. Buying a property in Niseko is a
WHEN Hokkaido Tracks Resort Properties (HTRP) the entry point for lifestyle investors down to a frac- lifestyle choice. What do you think will make
entered the Niseko market, it offered something new tion of the cost that it would normally require to own more people come to Niseko? Continued
for investors in a Japanese ski resort. A pioneer in a premium, turn-key, ski property in the Niseko area. ‘Kuchikomi’ (word of mouth) and commitment
Niseko’s alpine development, HTRP is at it again. For Four-quarter shares are now selling for ¥12,000,000 to a year- round destination.
the first time in the area, HTRP is offering investors with vendor finance packages for qualified buyers. (Image: The Escarpment with a range of 4-
a ‘fractional-ownership’ option in a brand new two- This is a great option for those looking for their own bedroom home designs, from 150m JPY)
bedroom resort condominium in Hirafu. This brings piece of Niseko at a minimal cost.
Alpen Hotel
FT Prince
LI
IR Hirafutei
PA Hotel
Y
IL
M
FA Park Hotel
E
AC
 REAL ESTATE NEWS // 10/11 review and projections ra

f u-
Zak
a
St
Hi
St
a
Alpen Ridge ak
Seicomart a-Z
d ol
on
G
Powderlife spoke to several local real-estate ties Goodsports, Yamada Onsen, Scot Hotel, be on the cards. Fundamentally, there are some 193-7 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, SkiJapan.com
ROUTE
343
figures to get their thoughts on the 10/11 J-First, and Kogen sites. These transactions repre- great things to look forward to in Niseko as key Hokkaido Japan 044-0081 HQ
season and their projections for the future. sent a new level of investment into Hirafu, and are developments take shape – 2011 should be an
Most indicated strong seasons, perhaps likely to change the face of ski-in/ski-out Niseko. interesting year.
better than expected with Asian buyers from Land sales in Hirafu’s lower village and around the Alpen Ridge 104 Alpen Ridge 202 Kira Kira 2nd Floor
Hong Kong and Singapore a mainstay. outskirts of Niseko Village, Hanazono and Kutchan Ruskin McLennan ¥35,000,000 S 1 1 ¥43,000,000 1.5 1 1 ¥85,000,000 4 3 1
The map below shows the developments areas indicate that investors are prepared to look Review: The season was far better than I expected.
expected to start construction this summer. further afield for sound long-term investments. This Sales of over 10 million USD. Ski-in ski-out properties
bodes well for future summer as well as winter and Asian buyers are still dominating the market.
Grant Mitchell, Tracks Real Estate patronage. Projections: More of the same! Hinode Hill and YTL
Review: The season, like the snow, started slowly Projections: 2011 promises to be a busy year with to dominate the market, perhaps PCPD will come
but had moments of intensity. Properties away new properties and opportunities for buyers ap- out of its shell.
Ski-in/Ski-out luxury apartment with village views Ski-in ski-out, luxury slope side, one bedroom Spacious studio & 3 bedrooms apartment now
from the ski lifts came back in fashion. Hong Kong pearing. The international as well as domestic at- offer an exclusive package deal. Fantastic
and fantastic occupancies. This is the only studio apartment with spectacular views looking
buyers stayed dominant, but hurting from the tention that Niseko enjoys is expected to increase. Michael Davenport apartment in the building and rents very well. directly down on the Ace Family chairlift. opportunity to purchase an entire floor.
strong yen, and Australian buyers started returning Review: We saw the strongest sales period since LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
FLOOR AREA: 31m² FLOOR AREA: 47m² FLOOR AREA: 160 m²
to the market. John Barton, Meikle and Associates 2007/2008 with a record number of enquiries.
Projections: Growing strength in the property mar- Review: It has been good with a few sizeable sales We sold a variety of properties from a spectacular
Alpine Apartments 2C Alpen Estate Alpine Apartments 2B
2C
ket and gathering interest in Niseko as the world and lots of enquiry. We are still a few weeks from 70,000 sqm development site to a 6-bedroom
continues to find out how great a place it is. the end of the season and would look to complete house in the Hirafu area. Interest outside of the ski ¥80,000,000 3 3 1 from ¥5,000,000 LAND ¥69,000,000
¥80,000,000 2
3 2
3 1
a few more deals in that time. villages for larger plots has been particularly high.
Brian Lysne, Niseko Real Estate Projections: While the yen remains high, buyers Projections: Based on the growth this season, it
Review: Niseko Real Estate has assisted in wel- are still quite wary and are looking for current levels is feasible to project continued interest and sales
coming the next wave of investors to the region, to dip off slightly. It would also be good if finance over the entire Niseko area, especially from Asian
with 2010/11 sales including upper village proper- was more readily available and we hear this may buyers. It is an exciting time to be in Niseko.
Ski-in Ski-out, Western style bedrooms arranged over Two minutes drive to the Ace Family Chairlift. Ski-in/Ski-out.
Ski-in Ski-out, Western
Luxury &
style
spacious
bedrooms
2 bedroom,
arranged2over
bath-
two levels with a large lounge and dining space. Has These blocks are ready for you to start building. two levels
room apartment.
with a large
Great
lounge
views
andfrom
dining
panoramic
space. Has
Below: map of developments expected to start construction this summer. a large ski/snowboard storage on the ground floor. All blocks have great view of Mr Yotei. a large ski/snowboard storage on the ground floor.
windows.
LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village LOCATION: St Moritz 2 LOCATION: Lower Upper Hirafu Village
FLOOR AREA: 135m² LAND SIZE: From 353m² FLOOR AREA: 103m² 135m²
Berg House Seseragi Residences Snow Crystal 502

¥250,000,000 ¥130,000,000 4 4 1 ¥95,000,000 3 3 1
Located in the heart of Hirafu Village. This iconic A new development, designed by Rriccardo Tossani, Seconds walk from Ace Family Pair lift. Located
house built 8 years ago has tremendous value consists of 2 beautiful four-bedroom homes with gain the most exclusive strip in Hirafu. Solid rental
for both rental and residential re-development. rages. Within walking distance of all Niseko amenities. returns.
LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village LOCATION: Middle Hirafu Village LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
FLOOR AREA: 236m² FLOOR AREA: 202m² FLOOR AREA: 107m²
Landmark
Alpine Apartments
View 5012C Yuki Sawa Yama Shizen West Penthouse
¥68,000,000
¥80,000,000 3 3
2 1
0 ¥46,000,000 3 3 1 ¥89,000,000 3 3 1
Price
Ski-in Ski-out,
reduction.
Western
Supremely
style bedrooms
located adjacent
arrangedtoover
the Located in a quiet street in Lower Hirafu Village, Supremely located near the Grand Hirafu Gondo-
Grand
two levels
Hirafu
withGondola
a large lounge
base station.
and dining
Strong
space.
annualHas offers superb views of Mt Yotei. Excellent returns, la base. The apartment’s views will never be built
rental
a largereturns
ski/snowboard
with manystorage
repeaton
customers.
the ground floor. below replacement cost. out. Significant long term capital appreciation.
LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village LOCATION: Lower Hirafu Village LOCATION: Upper Hirafu Village
FLOOR AREA: 120m² 135m² FLOOR AREA: 165m² FLOOR AREA: 194m²
www.NisekoProperty.com - sales@NisekoProperty.com - Ph:+81 136 21 5060

 BACK COUNTRY RESORT GUIDE
YOU have mastered the A beacon, probe and shovel are POWDERLIFE is your Niseko Travel Guide – in print and online. With www.powderlife.com
groomers, been on ski holidays the bare essentials. Make sure you and Powderlife Niseko magazine, you’ll discover the essential information for the
several times all over the world, know how to use them. perfect holiday.
and you want to escape the 5. Let someone know when you’re During your stay, experience Niseko’s restaurants, bars and cafes, where you can feast on
crowds – chances are you’re planning to be back. anything – from the most authentic sushi to beautiful local sake. Make the most of your skiing and
ready to go backcountry. 6. If the gates are closed don’t risk boarding with the specialist ski and snowboard stores and mountain guides around town.
The satisfaction of hiking peaks entering them. Inside you’ll also find Powderlife’s onsen guide, short history of the area and village maps.
and then making your way down 7. No-go zones include Yu no For everything else visit www.powderlife.com/niseko-resort-guide.
in untracked, waste-deep snow is Sawa (between Annupuri and
exhilarating. Niseko Village area), and Haru no
In Japan, Niseko is renowned for Taki (cliff area west of Hirafu).
its liberal stance toward backcountry 8. Ducking ropes may result in you
Name Jun Horie Company Hanazono skiing and snowboarding. With that losing your lift pass.
Powder Guides, first year (15 years guide freedom comes the responsibility 9. Hire a guide if you’re not sure trains run through Sapporo and Otaru. You will be ¥500 Adult and ¥300 for child.
experience) Ski or board Ski and Telemark, to respect the mountain. Niseko’s about going off-piste. Tourist Info required to change platforms. ¥2600 approx.
40 years What’s your best backcountry powder may look soft and friendly, 10. Explore the backcountry with T: (0123) 45 7011 – Airport Station Grand Hirafu Village shuttle bus:
experience Arlberg in Austria, I learned a lot there but don’t let its light and fluffy ap- experienced riders and skiiers. Kutchan Information Centre T: (0136) 22 1310 – Kutchan station Shuttle buses run throughout Hirafu every 15
Best tip for backcountry skiers/boarders visiting Niseko? It’s an easy pearance fool you. Plenty of brochures and English-speaking staff. W: www.japanrail.com minutes, all day, every day, until the end of night-
mountain, but you still need to respect nature. Take a guide, don’t be stupid. AVALANCHE INFO // Location: Main Street, Kutchan (map p.53, A4) skiing.
Powderlife has collected some tips Shinya-san’s daily avalanche T: (0136) 22 1121. ¥: Free
CAR RENTAL
from local experts to keep you safe report: www.niseko.nadare.info
FREE BACKCOUNTRY INFORMATION SEMINAR // on the mountain. Powderlife’s Backcountry Guide is The Niseko Grand Hirafu Welcome Centre Hanazono Shuttle Bus: Travels throughout
Ever hiked the peak? Been through a gate in Niseko? Considered the 1. Obey the Niseko Rules: Listed online – www.powderlife.com Wide range of brochures from the area and Niseko Auto Rentals Hirafu Village and out to Hanazono from 7.50am
consequences? Know what you’re getting into with Black Diamond on the course map (p.52) // ‘Backcountry basics’ transport information. Specialising in large 4wd 7-8 passenger to 6pm. Look out for the blue buses.
Tours free information seminar. 2. Check weather and avalanche // ‘Inside a 2-day avalanche course’ Location: Top of the main street (Hirafu Zaka) vehicles: Delica Space Gear and Toyota Hiace. ¥: Free
Location // Above Proski Demo shop, opposite The Vale Niseko reports – www.niseko.nadare.info // ‘Lost in the backcountry’ in Hirafu (map p.54, E1) T: (0136) 44 1144
Time // 6–7pm every Tuesday during winter 3. Respect Niseko’s ski patrollers // ‘How to build a snowcave’ T: (0136) 22 0109. W: www.bdlodge.com Kutchan Night Go Bus: Runs to and from Hirafu
4. Use essential equipment: to Kutchan Station every night.
Toyota Rent-a-Car ShinSapporo ¥: ¥200 for 1 week pass/¥500 for a season pass
Recipe for longevity // by bevan colless Getting here & there One-way hire from Chitose to Hirafu is about
¥7000 for six people/24 hours. Pick up at MONEY
New Chitose Airport. Chitose airport, Sapporo or Kutchan
IN my short-lived career as a PE those scales still rings true today. Fruits are runners-up, then whole food and eat it until you’re 80% full. For departure and arrival times. T: (0118) 15 0100 (English ok!) ATM Locations
teacher, one of the lessons that You should match your food intake grains, followed by lean meats. I wonder if my mulletted student will T: (0123) 23 0111 Hokkaido Tracks Holiday’s Office, Hirafu
has always stuck in my mind with your energy expenditure – have Sugars, starchy carbohydrates and get to 100? W: www.new-chitose-airport.jp/language/english The Powderlife website has some great tips on how Map: p.54, E2
was on weight loss. I remember one larger than the other and you’ll fats are very high in calorie density. to drive on snow as well as good contacts if you Accepts: All major cards
have an accident.
having a set of balance scales lose or gain weight, guaranteed. So if you want to keep your weight Getting from New Chitose to Niseko
www.powderlife.com/niseko-travel-guide
on a transparency and putting On the Japanese island of under control and be healthy at Bus: This is a cheap and efficient option. Kutchan Main Post Office
it up on the overhead projec- Okinawa residents enjoy one of the 100, there’s no mystery on how to Buses leave every 30 minutes from the airport to Map: p.53, E3
tor (my writing is so bad I never longest health expectancies in the do it – keep your activity level side Niseko and take about three hours (includes rest Accepts: All major cards
Transport around niseko
wrote on the board) – on one world (the age that you can enjoy of the scales high with one hour of stop and drop off at Rusutsu). Companies provid-
side of the scales there was an active lifestyle – often well into daily activity and keep the calories-in ing this service: Whiteliner Buses, Chuo Bus, 7 Eleven
‘calories in’ with a collection of the 90s). They have a saying hara side full of low-calorie, high-nutrient Donan Bus and Hokkaido Resort Liner. Visit the Taxis: Drivers probably won’t speak English so Map: p.53, C1
food, and the other was ‘calories hachi bu, which translates literally Welcome Centre for bus bookings back to Chi- you will need a business/place name and map for Accepts: Visa Plus, JCB, AMEX, Dinners Club,
out’ with a cartoon of someone into “80% full”. Hara hachi bu is sort tose. ¥2,300 approx. (one way) or ¥3850 where you are going. Discover, China Union Pay
running. of an insurance plan against feeling • Eat food that is nutrient rich approx. (roundtrip). T: (0136) 22 1212 Kutchan Hire // (0136) 22 1171
Despite the message probably deprived, it takes about 20 minutes and low in calorie density Misora Hire // (0136) 44 2635 Niseko Hire. Credit Cards Lift tickets, ski hire and ski lessons
barely registering with my class – for the body to signal the brain that • Vegetables are the least calorically dense foods you can Door-to-Door Transfer Skybus offers a door-to- can all be paid for by credit. Most large restau-
I recall a mulletted youth cough- there’s no need for more food, giv- eat. Fruits are runners-up, then whole grains, followed by door transfer service to and from the airport to Bus rants offer credit card facilities too, however some
ing out “Scales are for weighing ing the brain a chance to catch up. lean meats. Sugars, starchy carbohydrates and fats are Niseko, or Sapporo. See p.18 for details. small businesses are cash only. Check with your
dope!” In fact, that was probably the Okinawans do eat fewer calories, very high in calorie density. T: 011 788 4994 Niseko United Shuttle: Connects Hirafu, Niseko retailer before purchasing.
moment I decided I wanted to be a but they also eat more food. Sound • You should match your food intake with your energy ex- W: www.skybus.co.jp Village and Annapuri resorts. Pickup/drop-off
physio. But 20 years on and despite strange? The key is eating food that penditure – have one larger than the other and you’ll lose points in Hirafu include Hirafu Gondola and the Currency Exchange Kutchan Post Office and
a plethora of weight-loss break- is nutrient rich and low in calorie or gain weight, guaranteed. Train This is the most scenic route to Niseko. bus stop near Hirafu intersection. Hokuyo Bank (Map p.53, B3)
throughs, from revolutionary exercise density. Vegetables are the least There is no direct train from Chitose to Kutchan ¥: Free if you have an all-mountain pass //
methods and diets; the simplicity of calorically dense foods you can eat. Station (closest major station to Hirafu), and all 1 point if you have a 12-point mountain pass //
RESORT GUIDE RESORT GUIDE
SHOPPING 0 and dial everything else. LOCAL LINGO onsen guide LOCAL HISTORY
Post Offices
Look for the red ‘〒’ symbol. There are two post
For everything from toothpaste to alcohol and offices in Kutchan. In Hirafu, post-office boxes GOING to the onsen for the first time can be WHAT does Niseko mean?
late-night snacks try: and stamps are located at Piz Gloria and GREETINGS a little daunting. Powderlife’s guide and onsen ‘Niseko’ was the name originally given to the
Seicomart – Hirafu Seicomart. Good morning Ohaiyogozaimasu etiquette tips will help you fall in love with this area by the Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous people,
Location: At the main intersection in Hirafu Hello Konichiwa quitessential Japanese experience. and means ‘a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep
Lawson – Hirafu (24 hours) Good evening Kon ban wa in the mountains’. Meanwhile, Nupuri is a word
ELECTRICITY
Location: 5 minutes from Seicomart in the direc- Goodnight Oyasuminasai Yukoro Onsen commonly heard around these parts, namely
tion of Kutchan. Goodbye Sayonara T: 0136 23 3434 (Hirafu map p.54 B4) because it’s the Ainu word for ‘mountain’. Put it all Jagata-kun: Little fat skiing
Piz Gloria and the Alpen Hotel offer a smaller Standard voltage is 100v AC. You can use most See you later Mata ne Hotel Niseko Alpen together and Mt Niseko Annupuri (the mountain potato boy
range of snacks and drinks, and Sekka Deli electronic items without a problem, but some high What’s your name? Onamae wa nan T: 0136 22 1105 (Hirafu map p.54 E1) that is home to the Niseko United resorts) means
provides gourmet items from Hokkaido. watt devices such as hairdryers may not run on desu ka? Hot Spring Poporo ‘a mountain which has sheer cliffs and a river be-
full power. Plugs are the international standard My name is ... Watashi no namae wa T: 0136 23 3291 (Hirafu map p.54 F1) low’. Other nearby mountains which have carried
Kutchan Shopping (flat, two-blade type). (insert name) desu Yumoto Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei their Ainu names until today include Chisenupuri
For a big shopping trip, it’s worth venturing into (nice to meet you) Dozo yoroshiku T: 0136-23-2239 (Hirafu map p.54 D1) and Iwaonupuri.
Kutchan Town. Here is a list of the major stores How are you? Genki desu ka? Hilton Niseko Village
STAY SAFE AROUND TOWN
stocking the basics, but if you explore a little I’m fine Genki desu T: 0136 44 1111 (Higashiyama map p.53 G7)
further you’ll find small local fruit and vegetable How old are you? Otoshi wa Ikutsu Green Leaf Hotel Niseko Village SKI RESORT HISTORY
retailers and great souvenir shops. No skiing/boarding on roads or footpaths desu ka? T: 0136 44 3311 (Higashiyama map p.53 G7)
While it may seem much quicker and easier than BASIC QUESTIONS Niseko Grand Hotel 1911 Theodore von Lerch
Jagako: Jagata-kun’s snow-
Try Best Denki for all your electrical and walking, skiing and snowboarding home from the Where is ...? ... wa doko desu ka? T: 0136 58 2121 (Annupuri map p.53 A8) ascends Mount Yotei
boarding girlfriend
technical needs. hill is dangerous and is frowned upon by locals. toilet toire 1949 Mount Yotei is desig-
Location: p.53, B4 Are you okay? Daijoubu desu ka? nated a National Park
onsen etiquette
One third of all injuries in Hirafu are caused by 1956 Rope tow installed at
Rummage through M-Pocket for imported people falling on the street. Wear shoes with a Asahigaoka ski area GOMI GUIDE
groceries and alcohol. good grip or buy and attach rubber sole cleats RESTAURANT TIPS What to bring? 1961 First ski lift in Grand
IF in doubt, don’t just throw it out!
Location: p.53, B3 with metal studs. How many people? Nan mei sama Bath towel, modesty towel and toiletries. Most Hirafu ski area
desu ka? onsens provide body soap and shampoo, and sell completed
What is burnable rubbish? (燃えるゴミmoeru-gomi)
Visit Homac, which shelves basically every two people ‘ni’ mei desu modesty towels for about ¥200. 1962 40th All Japan Ski
Contrary to what most of us are brought up to
household product. Afterwards head next door to Be careful when walking or parking your car (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) (san, yon, go, roku, How much? Championships believe, burnable rubbish includes plastics, as
major supermarket MaxValu for all your food sup- under roofs shichi, hachi) Most onsens range between ¥600 to ¥1000. (Alpine) well as paper and food scraps.
plies as well as Tsuruha Drug (red signage) Heavy snow slides from rooftops in Niseko. The What would you like Onomimono wa What to do? 1963 Niseko mountain
if you need a pharmacy. snow slides can seriously damage your cars too. to drink? okimari desu ka? 1. Enter the changing room through the appropri- range is designated a PET bottles and cans (ペット、缶)
Location: Route 5 and Route 343. (p.53, G3) One beer please biiru ‘hitotsu’ ate door: 女 for women, 男 for men. Quasi-National Park Plastic drink bottles (with lid/label removed) and
Drinking Dangers kudasai 2. Remove your clothes and put them in the bas- 1966 Taiheiyo Club Niseko aluminium/steel drink cans
Take a trip to the ¥100 store if you’re on a budget. Make sure you leave the bar with someone else. Food counters ket or locker provided. Moiwa International
Location: p.53, B4 Also make sure you rug up and stay warm – one hitotsu 3. Have a shower before entering the onsen. ski area opens Compost (生ゴミ nama-gomi)
When available, compost bins are for food
people have been known to fall asleep in the snow two futatsu Rinse yourself thoroughly and then your shower 1970 Kutchan hosts the
scraps. Though be careful, tea bags are not
SHOPPING on the way home. If you do notice someone who is three mitsu cubicle before going into the onsen. 25th National Ski
considered compost.
intoxicated, report them to the police or the safety four yotsu 4. Use the modesty towel when walking into the Competition
hut located outside Seicomart. Before you eat say Itadakimasu onsen then gracefully slide into the water 1972 Niseko Annupuri ski Non-burnable rubbish (燃えないゴミ moenai-gomi)
Internet After you eat say Gochisosamadeshita – never jump. area opens Non-burnable rubbish is for rubbish that doesn’t
J-Sekka Deli and Downtown Café have free Cheers Kanpai 5. Don’t let your towel enter the onsen water – just 1982 Niseko Higashiyama fit the other categories, including items such as
MEDICAL SERVICES
Internet terminals. Delicious Oiishi rest it on your head or on a rock on the side of ski area (currently broken glass, ceramics and metals.
Mobile Phones the onsen. Niseko Village) opens
Only 3G phones will work in Japan. Some Kutchan Kousei Hopsital OUT AND ABOUT 6. Soak, contemplate and relieve your sore muscles. 1993 Free Passport lift
accommodation providers offer mobile phone hire. For anything you think is broken. X-ray, MRI and Great snow Sugoi yuki 7. Dry yourself off before going back into the pass system valid at What can you do to help keep
Domestic Calls medical dispensary. No appointment necessary. Excuse me Sumimasen change room, as best you can. 4 ski resorts Niseko beautiful?
Green and grey public phones take coins or pre- Location: p.53, A3 I don’t understand Nihongo ga introduced Take a second to be sure you’re throwing
paid telephone cards. Local calls don’t require the T: 0136 22 1141 Japanese wakarimasen Many onsen have rooms where you can relax, 2002 Niseko starts to re- your garbage in the correct bin
‘0136’, unless made from a public telephone. Niseko Physio Do you speak Eigo ga drink a cold beer or tea, or even sit in a mas- ceive a large number For more information visit
International Calls The only acute sports injury specialist in the village. English? hanasemasu ka? sage chair. of Australian tourists www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp
Dial (010) and then the code of the country you Location: p.54, B2 Cute Kawaii Information courtesy of the
Niseko Promotion Board
wish to call. If the number starts with 0 – drop the T: 0136 22 0399 Japan’s great! Nihon wa sugoi
FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS
C2 p54
A-Bu-Cha 2
UPPER HIRAFU
D2 p54
Bang Bang
UPPER HIRAFU
F5 p54
Hana Jizoh
IZUMIKYO 2
B3 p54
J-Sekka Café and Delicatessen
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Try our popular Japanese dishes or hot-pots. Choice of 400 Ramen lunch at Bang 2 starting this season! We take great Amazing sweet and savoury breads and pastries from a For a hearty breakfast to get you ready for the slopes, or a lazy
drinks! Japanese seating available. Families welcome. Lunch pride in our fresh seafood and look forward to offering you friendly local family baker. You must try this! Get the free Hirafu afternoon spent discovering the delicious Hokkaido produce
and Cafe: various lunch dishes, coffee, homemade dessert. mouthwatering dishes from our wide-ranging menus. Village shuttle to bus stop 27, near Unitas Log Village. used in our house-made delicacies.
Eat in or takeaway.
www.j-sekka.com
www.abucha.net www.niseko.or.jp/bangbang
Lunch 11am – 4pm Lunch 11am – 4pm 8.00am – 4.30pm open from 7am daily
A wide variety of meals Dinner 6pm 2am We take great pride in our Dinner 5.30pm – 11.30 pm Creative and delicious breads Closed Wednesdays A taste of Hokkaido
and drinks – top marks (LO 3pm/11.30pm) fresh seafood Occasionally closed from a local baker
 0136 22 5620  0136 22 4292  0136 23 0331  0136 21 3088
E7 p53
Black Diamond Restaurant
HIGASHIYAMA
C3 p53
Cocoro Okonomiyaki
KUTCHAN
D4 p54
Java Lounge
MIDDLE HIRAFU
C3 p54
Kabuki 1 and 2
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Offering a wide variety of food and drink from around the Real Osaka-style okonomiyaki and yakisoba cooked by you on Come and relax on the Java Lounge sofas, try our At Kabuki 1 you can do make-it-yourself Okonomiyaki and
world. Japanese daily specials, Western, Mexican and Italian your teppan (hot plate). Try out takoyaki (octopus) and chicken • Italian coffee • Assorted Panini Teppanyaki. Kabuki 2 (next door) is a full-service Teppan Yaki
dishes! Billiards, darts, happy hour and drink specials daily! balls. Japanese sweets also available. • Home baked muffins and cakes • Hot soups Restaurant. Early bird 20% for all meals – in by 6pm
Free pickup from The Hilton and The Green Leaf for groups of • Iced-cold beer • Daily special lunches out by 7pm.
6 or more. • Quiches or all day breakfast
www.bdlodge.com www.nisekokabuki.com
4pm–midnight 11am – 9pm Daily Open 7 days
Free pick-up from The Hilton and (LO 11pm food // Great Food, Great Value! Early morning breakfast, lunch 7am to 8pm Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki 5–11pm
The Green Leaf for 6 or more 11.30pm drink)  0136 22 1528 (Jap) and après drinks Restaurant  0136 21 2233 (Kabuki 1)
 0136 44 1144  0136 23 0008 (Eng)  0136 21 2121 (Kabuki 2)
A1 p54
Country Grill
COUNTRY RESORT
B3 p54
Downtown Café
MIDDLE HIRAFU
E2 p54
Kamimura
UPPER HIRAFU
E8 p53
M’s Cafe (Saison Club)
HIGASHIYAMA
Unique flavours not found anywhere else in the area, with all Hugely popular with locals, this top-rated cafe-restaurant Trained by one of the world’s top chefs, Tetsuya Wakuda, chef Try our huge traditional Japanese nabe hotpots with meat,
local products by La Andy. From Hokkaido-grown beef, country offers all-day breakfast, bagels, daily blackboard specials and Kamimura uses the abundance of Hokkaido produce to create seafood and vegetables. We have shabu shabu, sukiyaki and
roast chicken, and our specialty Hokkaido Venison, try the new great coffee. Eat in or take out. Free high-speed internet. a memorable degustation dining experience. chanko hot pots.
Country Grill, just outside busy Hirafu in the quiet community
of Country Resort. www.saison-club.com
www.nisekocountryresort.com www.kamimura-niseko.com
Breakfast 7.30–10.30am Open 7 days Dinner 6pm – 11pm Day 10am–3pm
Grilled favourites, relaxed Dinner 17.00 to late Hirafu’s finest cafe free internet 8am to 10.30pm Blessed by land, sea and a Occasionally closed Warm your body with our big Evening 5.30–7.30pm
dining, casual atmosphere Free pick up and drop off terminal + Wi-Fi Breakfast, lunch and dinner creative chef hearty hot-pots Open daily
 0136 55 5123  0136 23 3354  0136 21 2288  0136 44 3380
A4 p54
Ebisutei
LOWER HIRAFU
C4 p54
Half Note
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B3 p54
Maki Lounge
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B4 p54
NICHII Shokudou
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Finished skiing? Drop in for great food and a good time! Enjoy live weekend jazz nights as well as Dancing and other With an open fire and sweeping views of the Hirafu ski hill, un- Specializing in Japanese food & Italian food cooked with
Laugh and drink at this lively izakaya inn. Enjoy our assorted live music on weekdays. With, jazz, billiards and table tennis, wind on our leather lounges. Apres drinks include an array of wood-fired oven. Please enjoy our delicious food!
Japanese hotchpotch. there’s always something going on at Half Note. Check out Half fine Japanese whiskey, sake, sho-chu and plum wine as well
Note’s regular jazz events at www.nisekohalfnote.com. as classic and house-blend cocktails, spirits and glass wine.
www.ebcbar.com www.nisekohalfnote.com www.j-sekka.com http://nichii.pittore.jp/

Open daily 6pm–midnight Coffee, snacks and games Open daily
Have fun with our genki and 5pm – midnight Hirafu’s only jazz bar! Open daily Japanese whiskey, sake from 10am // bar 2pm–late Japanese and Italian food Iza- 4pm to midnight
laughing oden bar staff and shochu by the fire 7 days kaya with wood-fired oven.
 0136 22 6544  0136 23 2727  0136 21 6133  0136 22 2161
FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS FOOD RESTAURANTS & BARS
D2 p54
Niseko Pizza
UPPER HIRAFU
D2 p54
Paddy McGinty’s Irish Pub C4 p54
The Barn
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D2 p54
Tozanken Asahikawa Ramen
UPPER HIRAFU
& Restaurant UPPER HIRAFU
Niseko Pizza is a family run restaurant offering a menu Enjoy your perfect powder holiday at our popular pub and Come and enjoy our alpine food and wine in Hokkaido’s warmest Asahikawa ramen is made from 100% Hokkaido wheat
with lots of love and the best quality ingredients. You will be restaurant with its welcoming fun atmosphere, imported and and authentic bistro atmosphere. Drop in on the way back from noodles served in a smooth and rich soup. There is a wide se-
delighted by the smell, enticed by the flavours, pleased by the local beers, wines, spirits and great value meals. the slopes for a snack and hot wine in our friendly bar on the lection of dishes to choose from including Donburi rice bowls.
atmosphere and comforted by the staff upper floor, or stay the evening for dinner in the main restaurant. From Asahikawa’s original ramen restaurant.
www.nisekopizza.jp www.paddymcgintysirishpub.com www.nisekobarn.com

Open 4–11pm weekdays Open daily Open 7 days 6pm to late Open daily
Dine in, Take-away and delivery 11am to 11pm weekends, Value Drinks, Hearty Meals, Live 1pm till Late Hokkaido’s one and only (LO 9.30pm food // New location this winter! 10.30am–11pm
holidays, Chinese New year Sports and Music alpine bistro drinks 11.30pm) (LO 11pm)
 0136 55 5553  0136 55 8020  0136 23 0888  0136 23 4549
B2 p54
Sekka Dining
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D1 p54
Senchou 2
UPPER HIRAFU
E4 Tsubara Tsubara C2 VBG – Vale Bar and Grill
p54 IZUMIKYO 1 p54 UPPER HIRAFU
Experience a taste of Hokkaido in style at Sekka Dining, with Founded in 1996. While we have seen many changes, the Everyone falls in love with our carefully prepared soup made Full breakfast available from 7am. Serving an eclectic fusion-
an impressive cellar and a menu that celebrates simplicity, quality of our fresh seafood remains as good as ever. form delicious ingredients. Restaurant recently renovated to style menu all day. Daily Specials. Warm up with our VBG
innovation, and absolute delicacy in preparation. Try us while you are here. The food is so fresh it will dance give improved access and a larger seating area. Enjoy our Ultimate Hot Chocolate or something a little stronger in our
on your tongue. famous Hokkaido soup curry. relaxed après lounge. Shots and cocktails. Live music events.
www.j-sekka.com www.senchou.com www.tsubaratsubara.com www.nisekoalpineaccommodation.com

Open daily Winter only Lunch 11.30am–3pm Open 7 days
Showcasing the best Dinner from 6pm Best choice for gourmet seafood 5pm–midnight Evening 6–10pm 7am to late
Spicy, flavoursome and local Ski-in ski-out bar and dining
of Hokkaido Occasionally closed Open daily Closed 2nd/4th Wednesdays All-day dining
 0136 21 5022  0136 22 5454 Hokkadio curry soup
 0136 23 1116  0136 21 5833
A5 p53
Shunsai
KUTCHAN
C3 p54
Souan Genghis Khan Lamb BBQ
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B2 p54
Wabi Sabi
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D3 p54
WAGYU DINING SOU
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Having trained in various countries, our expert chef creates a Goes perfectly with beer and makes a great party menu. Bring Quality prepared and cooked Yakitori (various skewered meats, Try our popular Japanese food nabe hotpot for your experience
colourful array of dishes. Bread freshly baked after ordering. your family and friends for the ¥1700 all-you-can-eat for 60 seafood and vegetables barbecued). All food cooked in of Japanese culture. We recommended Sukiyaki, Shabushabu
Vegetarian menu available. Chilean wines from ¥2,000. minutes offer. traditional Japanese style. and Kimuchi hotpot to warm your body up in the cold Niseko
winter. Lunch available with reservation – Shabushabu, Suki-
www.nisekowabisabi.com yaki or Kimchi hotpot course from 11am to 2pm.
Lunch 11am–3pm Open daily Open 7 days Dinner 6–10pm

Creative fusion cuisine from Dinner 5–9pm ¥1700 all-you-can-eat barbecue 5pm–2am Specialty Yakitori restaurant 5–10pm Closing March 21 – discount Lunch 11am to 2pm
land and sea Closed Sundays for 60 minutes (LO 1am) food until sold out 7 days
 0136 23 1882  090 2059 6701  0136 21 5115  0136 23 3048
C3 p54
Steak Rosso Rosso
MIDDLE HIRAFU
F3 p54
Taj Mahal
IZUMIKYO 1
F3 p54
Yakitori Yosaku
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B3 p54
Yummy’s
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Casual steak house with a contemporary flavour. Juicy, tender Experience the best of authentic Indian cuisine and courteous Hirafu locals’ favourite yakitori restaurant. Come in after a day Ceasar Salad, Avocado Salsa Salad, Chicken Wings, Bacon
wagyu and Kobe beef and a variety of imported wines. Enjoy service. Enjoy an authentic Indian meal with Indian beer at of powder and try some of our Japanese barbecque, sukyaki Pepper Steak, Baked Cream Potato, Cheese Fondue, wines
yourself to satiation with our stylish cuisine and our prestigious restaurant. 10% discount on takeaway orders. and hot sake. and of course various styles of pizza. And more more!
refined hospitality. Vegetarian meals available. Free local delivery.
www.rossorosso.net www.tajmahalgroup.com www.yummyspizza.com

Dinner 6pm–11pm Open all year, 7 days Open daily 5–11pm daily
A must for steak lovers! Occasionally closed Visit Inidia in Taj Mahal Niseko 11.30am to 10.30pm Serving yakitori every night 6pm to 3am Yummy homemade crust pizza Delivery available
 0136 22 4566 until 3am and western foods restaurant in the Hirafu area
 0136 21 7100  0136 23 4390  0136 21 2239
TOURS & ACTIVITIES RETAIL & SHOPPING
C2 p54
Black Diamond Tours
UPPER HIRAFU
E2 p54
Deep Powder Tours Ski Holidays
UPPER HIRAFU
B3 p53
Cocoroya
KUTCHAN
D3 p54
Ezo Seafoods
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Check out Niseko’s incredible backcountry A licensed I.A.T.A international travel agent. Check out our Located on Kutchan high street, Cocoroya offers a wide We stock seafood for takeout sourced daily from the coast –
or visit Rusutsu, Sapporo Kokusai or Teine Highland. We also website for a broad overview of the many ski resorts in range of Japanese antiques, furniture, Kimono and original oysters, King Red Crab, salmon, and more. We also prepare
have a range of backcountry tours to suit your lung capacity. Japan that we offer. handmade gifts.We also stock a selection of high-quality seafood platters and fish and chips.
power stone jewellery.
www.blackdiamondtours.com www.deeppowdertours.com www.cocoroya.jp www.ezoseafoods.com

8am–8pm daily 7 days 11.00am–7.30pm 7 days
Niseko’s backcountry Above Proski Demo Shop The ultimate ski and 10am–6pm Take home a unique piece Open every day Niseko’s seafood supplier Open from 4pm
powder specialists Opp. The Vale Niseko snowboard experience  0136 21 5827 of Japan
 090 2054 8687  0136 23 0008  0136 22 3019
B4 p53
Japanese Cultural Tours
KUTCHAN/HIRAFU
D1 p54
Niseko Photography Tours
UPPER HIRAFU
D1 p54
Fusion Sports Shop
HIRAFU AND HANAZONO
E3 p54
Momiji Gallery
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Tours will take you to various cultural attractions in Kutchan: From the deepest powder pics to group tours and family shots Great gear, good value, friendly staff. Fusion provides all your Gallery is a mix of stunning photography, renowned Hokkaido
Tea ceremory, Iaido sword demo, Taiko drums, sake-brewery – Niseko Photography are the local professionals. Book a pri- on mountain and après needs. Popular brands like Burton, artists, ( working in paint, bronze and plastic), unique antiques
tour and Japanese dinner. ¥5000/¥3000. Departs Seicomart vate tour and we will capture your priceless holiday memories Oakley, Dakine, The North Face, Volcom and more. and gifts, postcards and gourmet cookies.... An artful fusion of
Hirafu, ends in Kutchan. while you and your friends or family cruise the mountain. old and new, Japanese and Western.
www.niseko.co.jp/plat/ www.nisekophotography.com www.hanazononiseko.com

3–7.30pm Gallery: midday–8pm Hirafu 8am-9pm Open 7 days
“Experience Japan’s cultural Feb 3,18 Niseko’s professional On the mountain: Gear for the elements at two Hanazono 8.30am-5pm Art and Photo gallery, gifts 2–8.30pm
heritage” Bookings essential photographers all day, everyday locations in Niseko  0136 21 6633(Hirafu) and antiques
 0136 23 0222  0136 22 5764  0136 23 0911(Hanazono)  0136 55 8585
E1 p54
Niseko Foot
UPPER HIRAFU
B2 p54
Niseko Massage
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D1 p54
Niseko Photography Gallery
UPPER HIRAFU
D2 p54
Sakura
UPPER HIRAFU
Visit this popular relaxation salon and sample some of our many Experienced massage therapists, specialising in oil massage Stunning prints and fine art canvas works. Niseko Pho- Tucked in behind Paddy McGinty’s, Sakura offers a wide
treatments. All different styles of massage are avaliable for body for recovery and relaxation. Early bird special offers discounted tography’s gallery is a showcase of beautiful photography seleciton of gifts including kimonos, geisha hairpins, pottery,
and feet. 30-minute, 60-minute and 90- minute courses avali- rates for massages before 2pm. From ¥6,000 per hour. from Niseko’s stunning four seasons. We also stock t-shirts, paintings, traditional wooden furniture and more.
able. Big groups welcome. Also osteopathy and sports injuries. Gift vouchers available. handmade beanies and souvenirs as well.
www.grand-hirafu.jp/nisekofoot www.nisekomassage.com www.nisekophotography.com www.sakura-niseko.com

Open daily 7 Days 7 days Daily
Closest healing relaxation 11am–10pm Sports and relaxation massage 8am to 8pm Photo gallery – fine-art prints midday–8pm Your one-stop Japanese 1–7pm in winter
therapy spot to Centre 4 lift Free pickup available in the middle of Hirafu and souvenirs souvenir shop  0136 21 7007
 0136 22 1224  0136 22 0399  0136 22 5764
F1 p54
NISS
HIRAFU AND HANAZONO 308
E3 p54
NOASC
MIDDLE HIRAFU
B3 p54
SEKKA STYLE Shop & Gallery
MIDDLE HIRAFU
D2 p54
Yukara
UPPER HIRAFU
Niseko International Snowsports School is designed to assist NOASC is Niseko’s premier winter adventure company. A collection of unique photography, antiques and objects d’art Stocking a wide variety of souvenirs, original t-shirts, Hokkaido
your Hanazono/Hirafu snow holiday. With two great locations We offer ski school (skiing/snowboarding/telemarking) lessons selected by Shouya Grigg, the style-impresario behind the sweets and more. Remember your holiday and take home a
and a suite of programs we’ll help you learn new skills, gain for kids through to advanced skiers, powder lessons, mountain SEKKA projects. souvenir with you.
confidence and above all enjoy your time in the powder guiding, snowshoe tours, CAT skiing, Niseko Explorer Private
of Niseko. tours, kids adventure school, and backcountry tours.
www.hanazononiseko.com www.noasc.com www.sekkastyle.com
8.30am–4pm 8:00am to 7:00pm 7 days
Kids are our speciality Ticket sales/Kids Centre Just Do It adventure tours – an All year round You can never get enough SEKKSY 1–7pm Reopen on 2nd floor of Tozanken 9am–10pm
Hirafu and Hanazono Hirafu and Hanazono 308 experience you won’t forget Closed Mondays Asahikawa Ramen Restaurant
 0136 21 6688  0136 23 1688  0908 274 4814 0136 23 4546
RENTAL & SERVICES
D1 p54
Demo Equipment Hire
UPPER HIRAFU/HANAZONO
E3 p54
Glen Claydon Photography
HIRAFU
New store at The Vale Niseko. Huge fleet of K2 and Salomon Complete photographic services including architectural,
skis and boots, Burton snowboards and boots, helmets landscape, stock, prints and panoramic photography for online
and snow shoes for adults and kids. Deep powder, park, virtual tours.
groomed,off-piste, back country – we have equipment to suit
all conditions and all levels.
www.hanazononiseko.com www.glenclaydon.com
Hirafu 8am–9pm
Free drop off at Hirafu The Vale 8–10am, 4–8.30pm Complete photographic
Free O’night Storage 308 Hanazono 8.30am–5pm services
 0136 21 6677  080 6098 7244
C3 p54
Hermosa Angel Massage
MIDDLE HIRAFU
NA J-Build
HIRAFU
Offering both traditional shiatsu and relaxing oil massages • Consulting

either in your suite or at the J-Sekka massage space, Inka • Project Management
Rebeza’s skilled practitioners provide truly exceptional service. • New Homes
Chida-sensei’s team have a course to suit you, with flexible • Renovation
bookings and a variety of packages available. • Building Supplies
www.j-sekka.com www.jbuildniseko.com
Open 7 days We never close
Relax and rejuvenate in the Appointments available 18 years’ experience in Japan
heart of hirafu from 3pm–midnight
 0136 21 6133  090 9380 5729
F7 p53
Niseko Auto Rentals and Sales
HIGASHIYAMA
B2 p54
Niseko Physio
MIDDLE HIRAFU
Complement your holiday or home with a 4WD vehicle. Australian trained physiotherapists, sports injuries, back and
Locallicensed dealer offering affordable rentals and sales IN neck pain, rehabilitation, taping, braces, pain relief, managed
ENGLISH. Short and long-term rentals available. by Tokyo Physio (est 2002). Massage service also available.
English navigation available. Hakuba clinic now open in Phoenix Hotel.
www.nisekoauto.com www.nisekophysio.com
9am–9pm 7 days
4WD vans from ¥46,200/week 24hr Emergency English Niseko’s sports injury centre in 8am–8pm
or ¥135,000/month Roadside Assistance the middle of Hirafu
 0136 44 1144  0136 22 0399
E3 p54
Niseko Realty Sales
UPPER HIRAFU
D1 p54
Travelplan
UPPER HIRAFU
Dealing in real-estate sales, property management, and Australia’s #1 snow holiday specialist with 39 years’ experi-
holiday lettings. Our staff are native to the area and know the ence, offering a wide selection of pensions, hotels and quality
property market. For trustworthy advice, sales, accommodation apartments in Niseko and other resorts. CMH Heli Skiing in
contact us at 0136-23-2221, info@nisekorealtysales.com, or Canada – information night every Wednesday at J Sekka.
drop by our Hirafu office across from the SPLASH bar. For more information contact Travelplan.
www.nisekorealtysales.com www.travelplan.com.au
8:00am to 7:00pm 7 days
Secure your future in Japan’s All year round The world’s best ski holidays 8am–8pm
premier powder ski area
 0136 23 2221  0136 21 5354

 AFTER THE MELT
photo // niseko photography
photo // glen claydon

TENNIS JAPAN BIKESTYLE TOUR JAGA MATSURI Niseko Camp
Travelling around Niseko in winter, International bicycling tour opera- The Potato Festival is Kutchan’s big- Destination sleepover camps are a
you’d be forgiven for not noticing the tors, Bikestyle (one of only a few official gest summer festival and a huge taste cornerstone of many North American
abundance of tennis courts. Tennis is Tour de France tour operators), teamed of Japanese culture. There are many kids summers. During August, the
a popular summer activity in Japan, up with Hokkaido Tracks last year and events over the weekend-long festival, weekly Niseko Camp brings the same
though tennis courts are starting to held its first tour in Niseko. There was including taiko-drum performances, spirit of discovery and friendship to
become somewhat rare in Niseko due seven days of daily rides in the hills and fireworks, yosakoi dancing, giant illu- Hokkaido. Camp favourites like arts
to the value of land that they occupy. flats surrounding Niseko. Daily rides are minated paper floats, potato-bagging and crafts, sports and swimming to
There are a few options including the catered to several levels – a 40–60 km competitions, some traditional music telling ghost stories round the campfire,
well-maintained courts in Izumikyo ride is offered for beginners along with and singing. To satisfy your non-aural/ and exciting specialties like ballooning
and Niseko Village. Racquet and balls an 80–120 km ride for the more seri- non-visual senses, there are dozens of and rafting are here. Professional camp
can be rented with court hire, and ous riders. The ride is planned again street vendors selling an assortment staff and kids work together to make
fees are very reasonable. between September 4–11 this year. of festival foods. each weeklong camp unforgettable.
Summer // hokkaido’s national parks
HOKKAIDO is a nature lover’s paradise.

Wide open areas, pristine national parks
and a huge selection of topographies to
explore and enjoy.
There are six national parks in Hok- Daisetsuzan National Park, which is
kaido and five quasi-national parks, Japan’s largest national park. The heart
one each of which are at Niseko’s of the park is the giant Daisetsuzan
doorstep. mountain range, with a host of peaks
Shikotsu-Toya National Park is the that stretch above 2000 metres. There
area surrounding the two pristine lakes are numerous hiking options that range
of Toya and Shikotsu. This national from a few hours (with the use of a
park has some amazing mountains cable car), to a grand traverse that
to hike including Eniwa-dake and visits many of the peaks and spans
Tarumae-zan, as well as the two beau- several days and over 55 kilometres.
tiful lakes to enjoy. Even further from Niseko is the
Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National
Quasi-National Park, which, aside from Park that has the beautiful and remote
being a mouthful, is also the quasi-na- islands of Rishiri and Rebun, perfect for
tional park that surrounds the coastline hiking and enjoying nature.
from west of Niseko in Iwanai, all the Last but not least is Shiretoko Na-
way around to the coastline north of tional Park in the far east of Hokkaido.
Niseko in Otaru. There are many beau- It’s known as being the most remote
tiful places to spend a night or two area of Japan, and is a refuge for deer
camping along the rugged coastline, and bears. It’s stunningly beautiful
including some nice beaches. and pristine and a showcase of
photo // ross cole-hunter
A little further from Niseko is the Hokkaido’s beauty.

 TRAVEL FEATURE // gassan – yamagata
PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS BY // hiroki yanagisawa – EDGY JAPAN
A
S the 2011 winter is to simply go down from the drop-off a mini-picnic. Some extra hard- During the summer season, Gassan
season gradually point, just like any other snow resort, core Gassanists bring in a portable is known for great trekking sites with
winds down, skiers but this ride isn’t the best option to fully barbecue and set it up on the flat and an abundance of different kinds of
and snowboarders enjoy the thrilling terrain of Gassan. dry part of the slope, and throw flowers. As the snow begins to melt,
can be overheard saying, “What Option number two is to take a T-bar a party in close proximity to the skiers these flowers begin to emerge from the
a great season it’s been!” But lift from there and hike to the summit racing past. surface, converting the usual lift ride to
at Gassan Resort – a ski resort of Ubagatake, located 1,670 metres Gassan’s landscape changes week a little bit of ohanami (flower viewing).
in Japan touted as having the above sea level. (During early April, the by week. Visiting Gassan in April is Now, a few reminders – in terms
‘strangest’ season – the ski T-bar lift is not running – requiring 40 like hitting an early morning slope in of snow and facility – it’s important
season is just about to kick off. minutes to hike the summit.) The third Niseko. The snow is not powder, but to stress that Gassan is nothing like
To many hard-core skiers and and hardest option is to conquer 1,984 remember, the mountain was left as Niseko. The snow is hardly powder,
snowboarders, Gassan Snow Resort metre-high Gassan itself. This path it is for an entire winter, providing a apres-snow activities are barely
(620 km south of Niseko) is known as requires two hours of hiking from the heavenly experience when you ski available, and hiking is essential before
“
the mecca of spring/summer snow descending. In that sense, Gassan is
resorts. Located in the southern end not quite a resort, it’s simply a snow-
of the Dewa Terrain and known for When the season began last year, the upper part mountain covered with some lifts.
”
its overwhelmingly heavy snowfall, of the slope still recorded eight metres of snow. But still, for those of you who still
Gassan Snow Resort operates from crave a chance for some snow riding
April 10 until mid July. When the while your friends are all wearing
season began last year, the upper part lift, but an incentive to this boot-camp down the mountain. During May or t-shirts and enjoying the surf, Gassan is
of the slope still recorded eight metres type hike is a beautiful descent, which June, the snow begins melting rapidly a good place to be.
of snow. can stretch up to eight kilometres. and it turns into a kind of snow sorbet.
Aside from a spring/summer snow This sense of freedom in Gassan And at some point, you have to hold
opportunity, a sense of freedom is can be enjoyed by non-backcountry your ski/snowboard in your hand Where: Gassan, Yamagata Prefecture
something that attracts many hard- lovers as well. On the bottom of the when riding a pair lift, and hike for five Getting there: 1 hour drive from
core skiers and snowboarders. Once slope, you can make your own kicker minutes to finally hit the snow-covered Yamagata Station
you take the one-kilometre long pair and practice tricks. As for lunch, a section of the slope. When: April to mid-July
lift from the bottom, you have three typical ‘Gassanist’ opens up a lunch Though the snow condition worsens Cost: Lift pass – ¥4,600/day
choices for your descent. The easiest box on the edge of the slope for week by week, there is a positive side: T-Bar lift – ¥200/ride

Big mountain.
Big dream.
Big picture.
A property investment in Niseko offers tremendous potential for both lifestyle and
financial returns. But the market is complex and dynamic. To invest wisely you need
to consider many factors. In other words, you need to accurately see the big picture.
Led by long time realtor Jason King, the Hokkaido Real Estate team boasts over
60 exclusive listings, putting you ahead of the pack right from the start. Having
focused on the Niseko market for over six years (a long time for this area), we have
comprehensive knowledge from both local and international perspectives. We do
not trade in the market, so we remain impartial, allowing us to always keep your
best interests at heart.
In short, we’ll objectively present you with a wide range of options and
considerations so that you can make informed and intelligent investment decisions.
For a private discussion anytime, or to join a Wednesday evening ‘Big Picture’
seminar, call Jason on +(0136) 21 6211 or email jason@hokkaidorealestate.com
This week’s feaTure

TO LIFTS >
HRE
•
SEICOMART
•
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Powderlife Magazine Issue No. 34

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Issue 34 // March 5 to March 18

winter print run 35,000 estimated readership 100,000+

25 編集長 managing editor Lizzy Hoo リズィー・フー

出版者 publisher Bevan Colless ベバン・コレス ,

Kris Lund クリス・ランド

企画運営アシスタント editorial assistant Kisato Kurihara 栗原季里

デザイナー designer Paul Malandain ポール・マランデイン,

Shane Agard シェイン・エィガード (conceptual designer)

投稿者 contributors Chris Chan

写真撮影 photography Niseko Photography, Glen Claydon Photography,

Paul Malandain, Ross Cole-Hunter

170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-cho

07 Editor’s Note 31 *1000 WORDS

09 Village News A recap of the 10/11 season ©2011 Niseko Media KK

13 In the loop Powdertools, playlist, first impression

37 Real Estate News

Snap and Flash

Mariposa and Groovy 42 Resort Guide

23 Eat and Drink

55 After the melt

29 Powder Poster 57 Travel Gassan

5 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011  www.powderlife.com

photography // glen claydon

be ideal. Heading for somewhere warm to soak up some Vitamin D is 半球でのスキーシーズンを楽しむという人々が多いため、

mountain and perhaps even climb Mount Yotei. 少ないシーズンを楽しんでいることでしょう。中には羊蹄山登山に挑戦する人もいるかもしれません。

April–July season. す。今シーズンが終わる頃、彼女はアラスカへと雪を追いかけて旅立つことでしょう。ニセコのスノーボー

member of Niseko’s snowboarding community and with a Gentem board サー』はスノーボードに対して信じられないほどの情熱を傾けています。

others about carving and enjoying Niseko’s powder snow. パウダーライフは今号が最終号です。私たちにとって、

7 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011  www.powderlife.com

Name Tomomi Nishimura Age 29

SKIING with other like-minded women is a great

WIN girls Place to ski before you die? Alaska

9 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011  www.powderlife.com

HAKODATE was one of the first areas

LEISURE SPORTS in sapporo

02 AN indoor amusement paradise of arcade games,

11 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011  www.powderlife.com

MARIPOSA, Hirafu, Satsuki Yamamoto GROOVY, Kutchan, Katsumi Sasaki

マリポサ ヒラフ 山本さつきさん グルービー 倶知安 佐々木勝巳さん

Start // 9:30 am to 15:00 pm Start // 9:00 am Start // 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Colourful exhibition featuring many artists

We are closing on March 21, come in before

Start // 9:00 am to 5:00 pm // until Mar 27 Start // 11:00am – 2:00pm 6:00–10:00pm

Start // 9:00 pm Start // 10:00 pm Start // 8:00 pm – 3:00 am Start // 3:00–10:30 pm

15 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011  www.powderlife.com

“What tricks are you

Name // yasutomo kinoshita Name // ryosuke sato Name // ned hunter

SHEESA turned pro in 1994 and アラスカで行われる『King of the Hill』

 FEATURE // tomomi ‘sheesa’ kuwahara

What do you do in the 誰が、または、何があなたをそこまでスノ snowboarders? と思っている他の女性になにか良いアド

Brick Burger with The Lot

tch at Sek ka Dining

SESAME CRUSTED TUNA MY HASHI

This dish is a VBG delicacy and now it can Wasabi Mayonnaise:

WORDS BY // lizzy hoo PHOTOGRAPHY BY // ross cole-hunter

Various sizes and options available

photo yasu - niseko photography // location niseko backcountry

photo ross cole-hunter // location hirafu // month dec // rider unknown

INSPIRED, spectacular, uncompro-

ALOMST everyone reads

With over 300,000 manga, Kyoto’s Inter-

HONJO TAKASHI The KIMM shows the colourful history of

09 Village News A recap of the 10/11 season ©2011 Niseko Media KK

13 In the loop Powdertools, playlist, first impression

37 Real Estate News

Mariposa and Groovy 42 Resort Guide

23 Eat and Drink

55 After the melt

29 Powder Poster 57 Travel Gassan

5 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

7 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

9 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

11 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

マリポサヒラフ山本さつきさんグルービー倶知安佐々木勝巳さん

15 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

51 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

55 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com

57 powderlife issue 34 // March 5 - March 18, 2011 www.powderlife.com