Niseko – Image Credit: making-things-better (Flickr)
Niseko is usually located in Japan’s Hokkaido Island in Abunta District. The area is known to house the finest ski resorts and is a popular spot for ski fans from all over the world. Being among the best ten holiday destinations found in the world, Niseko provides world class facilities and comfort to travelers plus a chance to experience the best skiing on the planet.
Even though Niseko is considered the world’s best skiing resort, it is not usually very crowded therefore visitors are able to enjoy the new terrain with more powder and less people. Ski runs are around 48km meaning endless opportunities of skiing.
With its jaw-dropping views and amazing mountain scenery, Niseko gives visitors a chance to experience numerous outdoor sports like hiking, snowboarding, rafting and cycling. During summer, a number of visitors enjoy special events that are held there for instance the famous Kutchan musical festival.
While in Niseko, visitors can do other things apart from skiing. Many restaurants are available where one can enjoy customary Japanese cuisines. The restaurants also act as a place for interacting with other skiers around the globe in order to share distinctive skiing experiences. Visitors can also visit some of the western styles cafes and restaurants available and enjoy pizza and pasta or they can enjoy drinks at any of the western style bars.
Niseko also offers a broad range of activity areas as well as nightlife options where tourists and locals can be entertained. Niseko View Plazas usually are rest areas located on the road side and offers from simple to a complete range of amenities including, camping facilities, parks and hot springs. Visitors also have an opportunity to shop at the Hirafu village where plenty of souvenir shops and boutique retail are found.
Also, Niseko is famous for Onsens (Japanese hot springs). Onsens are volcanic hot springs that heated naturally and visitors can choose to enjoy inside or outside baths as they relax while the day ends. Unlike the normal western style spas/hot tubs; onsen hot springs essentially are single sex communal baths, where men and women bathe separately. In onsens, nudity is mandatory and swimsuits usage is stringently forbidden because of hygiene reasons.
After having a tiring day, a number of visitors usually take advantage of the various indoor luxurious relaxations options present in Niseko. Enjoying therapeutic massage, bathing in hot springs or relaxing in the sauna are some of the activities one can enjoy. For those who may still be having additional energy to burn, they can explore the indoor rock-climbing wall at Niseko Adventure Centre as it is open daily and is suitable for both adults and children.
Tips for snowing days
Get out early and make new trails in those powders that fell overnight and take an off in the afternoon. Leave for night skiing in order to benefit from the lightest snow. Additional bonus is that at night only a few people are present on the slopes and the lights usually make it easier for one to see the land unlike during the day when it is stormy or overcast.When ice forms on footpaths, it is tricky as often the roads and sidewalks are all covered in snow. Therefore, appropriate footwear is mandatory.
This article was written by Natasha Tasha, travel enthusiast and blogger on behalf of HTHolidays - Niseko, Japan.
