22/23 Japan scene?

[iriponsnow]

First things first, can ya even get into Japan as a tourist at the moment?

[m2711c]

Straight poop from the horses mouth….

https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/

[nickbokhoven]

The exchange rate is at a great spot. Most USD buying power in a long time.


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[Mike Pow]

I just got back in.

Arrived 02 May on a Skilled Labour Visa (valid for 1-year, so it covers me for next Winter).

Japanese Government have announced that they will be letting tourists in from 01 June on organised package tours with recognised / approved companies.

Locals here in Niseko Resort Area are confident that if that first wave goes well, then independent tourists should be allowed in sometime in August.

From plane seat to clearing all immigation, customs and saliva Covid testing took me 90 minutes at Haneda, Tokyo.

Smooth sailing.

So if you're contemplating a 22/23 Japan trip lock in your wheels, bed, and money.

It's going to be a shit show.

If you can, avoid 20 December to 01 February if you're intending to spend time in places like Hakuba, Niseko, Asahidake.

Outside of these dates and/or areas it'll be normal.

[singlecross]

We got shut out for ‘22… just re-upped for ‘23. Exchange is favorable.

[Mike Pow]

Here we go

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Japan-waives-COVID-entry-tests-in-step-toward-welcoming-tourists

[trueevan]

I just got back in.

Arrived 02 May on a Skilled Labour Visa (valid for 1-year, so it covers me for next Winter).

Japanese Government have announced that they will be letting tourists in from 01 June on organised package tours with recognised / approved companies.

Locals here in Niseko Resort Area are confident that if that first wave goes well, then independent tourists should be allowed in sometime in August.

From plane seat to clearing all immigation, customs and saliva Covid testing took me 90 minutes at Haneda, Tokyo.

Smooth sailing.

So if you're contemplating a 22/23 Japan trip lock in your wheels, bed, and money.

It's going to be a shit show.

If you can, avoid 20 December to 01 February if you're intending to spend time in places like Hakuba, Niseko, Asahidake.

Outside of these dates and/or areas it'll be normal.

thanks for the advice!

[Mike Pow]

thanks for the advice!

My pleasure

Any specifics on Hokkaido, fire away

[beer30]

Got three weeks planned, peak season unfortunately but hey, someone else is footing the bill.

[famouspotatoes]

My pleasure

Any specifics on Hokkaido, fire away

Thoughts on Rusutsu vs Furano vs Niseko vs somewhere else for 4 days in early February (wish I had more time).
Renting a car and moving around or chasing storms is an option, but I don't want to waste too much of the limited time driving all over the place. I'm also skiing solo so I'll be stuck in bounds unless I grab a guide (which I could probably swing for 1 day).

I was leaning Rusutsu because it seemed like the best mix of interesting (for Japan) terrain and trees, hopefully smaller crowds/lines than Niseko, and better odds of fresh snow than Furano. Plus I'll have Epic, but with Japanese lift ticket costs I'm fine buying tickets somewhere else.

[beer30]

There is a daily bus from Niseko to Rusutsu for day trips if you are without car.

[Mike Pow]

Thoughts on Rusutsu vs Furano vs Niseko vs somewhere else for 4 days in early February (wish I had more time).
Renting a car and moving around or chasing storms is an option, but I don't want to waste too much of the limited time driving all over the place. I'm also skiing solo so I'll be stuck in bounds unless I grab a guide (which I could probably swing for 1 day).

I was leaning Rusutsu because it seemed like the best mix of interesting (for Japan) terrain and trees, hopefully smaller crowds/lines than Niseko, and better odds of fresh snow than Furano. Plus I'll have Epic, but with Japanese lift ticket costs I'm fine buying tickets somewhere else.

Overall in terms of cost, availability, terrain, lift lines, snow then Rusutsu is your best bet.

Do a day trip to Niseko United or Niseko Moiwa if needs be.

I've stayed here a couple of times when I've been solo.

Great place, great location, lovely people.

https://stayrusutsu.com/accommodation/hotel-romulus

[DJ2]

Agree w/Mike Pow on Romulus; stayed there many times, excellent choice for Rusutsu.

[SkiLyft]

22/23 Japan scene?

Don’t sleep on Hokkoda, outside of Aomori killer tram with great guides to show you around. There is a road that you encircles there park for shuttling you back to the tram base.





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[DSG_Mantra]

Lived in Nagano for a year in the mid 90s and I’ve been back several times since.

Skied Hakuba, Nozawa, Shiga Kogen, Togakushi, Iizuna, Kijimidaira to name a few. When I lived there it snowed so much that winter they had to plow the snow underneath the ski lifts otherwise your skis would have been on top of the snow while riding the lift!

I can’t compare to Hokkaido as I have not been there. I will be going back to Hakuba this year as well. I think if you want a really authentic Japanese experience, I would do Nozawa. The have several public onsens that are free, plus that onsen water is piped into the small hotels (ryokans). Glorious.

Good info on this site: https://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts