Japan
Prior to February 2013 I had no idea skiing in Japan was something people do, but now I realize it’s what everyone SHOULD do! On my first trip there I met up with 6 hot shot skiers and got serious in Niseko and Hokkado with 7 FEET of powder (or JAPOW as it is better known), miles of untouched backcountry and constant faceshots that chilled our plastered smiles. As if that wasn't enough I made my way to Hakuba for some of the greatest views ever...and did I mention the Snow Monkeys! Japan was more than I ever thought possible!
Our journey started in Asahidake where we loaded 5 times our combined weight in stuff into our awesome 4x4 Subaru SUV, squeezed all 5 of us in on top of everything and took off for Niseko. We definitely put the 4WD to the test on our 3 hour trek with snowflakes the size of quarters falling from the sky...this will be the constant theme to our 6 days in Niseko. Over the next few days we took the hill by storm having practically an entire mountain with the lightest, fluffiest thigh high powder all to ourselves, all day long. Once the day on the hill ended that meant it was time for an onsen and a beer. For those of you not familiar with the glory that is an onsen, it's a natural hot spring that soothes and relieves sore muscles. Perfect after skiing all day!
After leaving Niseko, we made our way through Sapporo and just happened to be there during the ice sculpture festival. We ate some amazing ramen, enjoyed the snow art, said farewell to our friends and then hopped on a plane to Tokyo. We didn't stay there long before jumping on a few trains to make our way out to Hakuba and Nagano. The snow wasn't quite as powerlicious as it was in Niseko, but the views from the mountain were incomparable! It was 360 degrees of mountain beauty at its finest. And to switch things up a little bit, we spent a day going to see the snow monkeys up in the Jigokudani Monkey Park about an hour from Nagano which proved to be one of my highlights of the trip.
I have to say knowing nothing about the Japanese culture before traveling there, I left wanting to go back and experience more. Japan is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve seen, inside and out. The people and the culture bring the country to life in a way that is filled with happiness, beauty and courtesy. I’ll definitely be heading back for more...oh yeah and the powder is pretty awesome too!
