Post on 03-Apr-2018
7/28/2019 Niseko Newsletter Spring 2013 (April - May)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/niseko-newsletter-spring-2013-april-may 1/6
1
Ni s ek oN ew s l e t t er
S pr i n g2 0 1 3
Introduction
Niseko, located in Hokkaido, the northernmost
island of Japan, is world famous for its bountiful
powder snow that attracts hundreds of thousandsa year. However, there is more to Niseko than just
powder snow! Niseko’s best kept secret is the
green season. Almost instantaneously, the area
turns from a snowy ski resort into a lush outdoor
paradise offering adventure, relaxation and re-
juvenation that will truly make you feel one with
nature. Enjoy hiking, biking, rafting, hot springs
and fresh, locally sourced cuisine before the epic
backdrop of Mt. Yotei. There are great spring
deals to be had on transport and accommodation,
which will guarantee you a value for money expe-
rience in northern Japan that you will rememberfor years to come.
Flying to Hokkaido hasnever been so easy!
The central gateway to Hokkaido is New Chitose
International Airport. 16 international airlines
directly fy into the airport and fights to domestic
destinations like Tokyo, Kansai or Fukuoka leave on
an almost hourly basis.
I you’re fying in rom Europe, catch a plane to
Tokyo Narita or Kansai International Airport and
connect to one o the plentiul domestic fights to
Hokkaido. Peach, Jetstar and Air Asia have taken
up operations alongside other low cost carriers like
AirDo and Skymark at the airport, which means
that connecting to and rom Hokkaido rom other
Japanese destinations is even more reasonable and
convenient.
Direct fights to Japan are available rom London
Heathrow (via JAL), Frankurt, Paris, Helsinki or via
other major hubs in Europe. I you would like to
combine Hokkaido with another destination in
Asia, there are daily fights into New Chitose Airport
rom Bangkok (Thai Airlines), Seoul (Korean Air;
KLM), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacic) and more!
http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/s/
April - May 2013
NisekoNewsletter
access
Hokkaido Heritage
Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and also
the largest of its 47 prefectures. It was first settled
20.000 years ago by the Ainu - the indigenous people
of Japan. Large-scale immigration from mainlandJapan did not start until the 19th century. This is why
Hokkaido is the only place in Japan where you can still
find large stretches of untouched land and protected
wildlife, and discover the ancient roots of Japan.Hokkaido is home to six national parks, one of which
(Shiretoko) is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. In the language of the Ainu, Hokkaido is calledEzo and most of the place names in Hokkaido are
derived from the same language.
7/28/2019 Niseko Newsletter Spring 2013 (April - May)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/niseko-newsletter-spring-2013-april-may 2/6
2
Ni s
ek oN ew s l e t t er
S pr i n g2 0 1 3
Activities
Spring skiingHitting the slopes in the morning - chilling under
cherry blossoms in the aternoon? In Niseko it’s all
achievable without having to catch a plane to make
it a possibility in the middle o your day! During
Golden Week (April 28 - May 5), Niseko’s ski resorts
open or the last week o the season. While there is
still plenty o snow let to enjoy some quality skiing,
it is also warm enough to engage in typical spring
activities (try rating or golng) and absorb the
revitalizing rays o the sun. Several o Niseko’s ac-
commodation providers oer special ski packagesduring Golden Week that will guarantee you even
more value or money.
Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Event
Organizer note: Niseko Village ski resort has coner-
ence acilities available on site, in case you wanted
to hold a spring ski conerence.
Niseko Village
TEL : +81 (0)136-44-2211
http://www.niseko-village.com/en/
central.res@niseko-village.com
Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort
TEL : +81 (0) 136 -58 -20 80.
http://annupuri.ino/winter/english/
Accomodation Ideas: Niseko Product Directory
http://www.niseko-ta.jp/pd/NisekoProductManual2012/
NisekoInoDirectory_en.pd
Driving
Route 66 Reopens!
Driving in Niseko’s green season is like going on a treasurehunt. At every turn you’ll be conronted with views, each
more spectacular than the other. You will discover little
roadside caes, galleries and natural hideouts to let you
share into some o that pioneer spirit that rst brought
early settlers to the untouched wilderness o Hokkaido.
One o Niseko’s most popular (yet never crowded) driving
routes is about to reopen in eary May. Large portions o
Route 66 - ttingly named Panorama Line - that runs rom
Lake Toya in the north to the coastal town o Iwanai in the
south - are covered in snow or almost six months. When
the snow melts and the road reopens or trac, a truly
unique driving experience is unlocked. On the one hourdrive rom Niseko to Iwanai you’ll be greeted by views o
lush valleys, rolling hills and dramatic - almost prehistoric
- mountain sceneries. Tiny glimpses o blue in the distance
quickly turn into panoramic vistas o the Sea o Japan. It is
highly recommended you make a stop at Shinsen Numa en
route or a walk in this breathtaking primordial marshland
or get revitalized in the rustic Goshiki Onsen hotspring
(open or the green season in May), which also marks the
entrance to the Panorama Line on the Niseko side.
Car Rental Services in Niseko
Toyot a R ent -a- Car Nisek o/K utc han Bra nch
http://toyota.rent-a-lease.com/english/index.html Toyot a R ent a C ar Sap por o – Nisek o H irau Branc h
https://rent.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html
Mazda Rent-a-Car Niseko
Higashiyama Branch – Hilton Niseko VillageNiseko Town Branch - Niseko Town, Motomachi
http://www.mazda-rentacar.com/en/
Nippon Rent a Car Niseko branch, Niseko Hirau, Alpen Hotelhttp://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/index.html
Car Rental at New Chitose Airport
More inormation: http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/
service/?no=30
7/28/2019 Niseko Newsletter Spring 2013 (April - May)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/niseko-newsletter-spring-2013-april-may 3/6
3
Ni s ek oN ew s l e t t er
S pr i n g2 0 1 3
Events
Niseko Sakura Matsuri
Sakura Matsuri - the Cherry Blossom Festival - is a major
event in Japan. The brie but delightul beauty o cherry
blossoms has been captivating people’s hearts andimaginations or centuries. Did you know that Japan is so
stretched out rom north to south there isn’t a single day
every spring that not at least one cherry tree is in bloom in
one o its many islands?
The ‘cherry blossom belt’ doesn’t reach chilly Hokkaido un-
til May, but when it does, the locals make sure to welcome
it with a celebration. Niseko Sakura Week is held every
year during Golden Week (April 29 - May 5) all over town.
Around 30 acilities in the area join in the celebrations and
oer special menus, souvenirs, accommodation or activity
packages. There are also ree bus tours to some o Niseko’s
most scenic spots - so join the locals and make sure youbring your camera.
Details will soon be announced at The Niseko Resort Tour-
ist Association’s website!
www.niseko-ta.jp/en
Event Calendar
Niseko Sakura Matsuri 2013: April 27 - June 2
Limited merchandise and ood items celebrating the beauty o the
cherry blossom will be sold area-wide. 30 local businesses are partici-
pating!
Niseko Sakura Bazaar: April 24 - May 6 2013
Local ood reined with sakura will be on oer at Niseko View
Plaza or a limited period o time.
Niseko Country Bus Tour: June 1-2
Volunteer guides will take you on a ree bus tour o Niseko’s
many sights (one tour per day)
Niseko Hanami Hot Spots
Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a national
ritual in Japan. As soon as the cherry blossoms start
coming out, the people gather under the trees
and admire them while enjoying a picnic or a drink
with their amily or riends. There are even theories
claiming that especially sel-indulgent hanami ses-
sions are markers o economic recovery! Join the
locals at these recommended locations:
Twin cherry trees (let)
Niseko’s most amous photo spot! Nothing says “Ja-
pan” like this enchanting view o Mt. Yotei and twocherry trees in ull bloom. The cherry trees bloom
slightly later than the cherry blossoms and can be
enjoyed rom late May to early June(Please take
care not to step into the adjacent elds.)
Arishima Miyayama Hill
In the early 20th century, writer Takeo Arishima
was one o Niseko’s local heroes. The artist moved
to Hokkaido to dedicate himsel to the advance-
ment o agriculture and let his mark on the area
to this day. Today, the Arishima Memorial Museum
in Niseko is dedicated to his lie and works. In his
novel “The Descendants o Cain”, Arishima men-
tions a thousand cherry blossom trees that covered
Miyayama Hill. Over the last several years local
volunteers have engaged in activities to restore the
idyllically located hill to its ormer splendor. Every
year new cherry trees are added to the landscape
and you can admire the work in progress on a walk
around Niseko’s historic Arishima district. Pick up a
map at the station, your accommodation provider
or a tourist inormation centre!
Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum:http://www.niseko-ta.jp/resort/detail.php?service=2334
7/28/2019 Niseko Newsletter Spring 2013 (April - May)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/niseko-newsletter-spring-2013-april-may 4/6
4
Ni s
ek oN ew s l e t t er
S pr i n g2 0 1 3
Stay & Enjoy
One Niseko Resort Towers
Newly opened in December 2012, the stylish
One Niseko Resort Towers is the latest addition
to Niseko’s bustling accommodation scene and is
located next to the idyllic Moiwa ski area. The act
that One Niseko is both a hotel and a condominium
acility makes it a great choice or those preerring
the comorts o a hotel with the convenience o a
condominium (All rooms and apartments are ully
equipped with a kitchen and utilities). The propertyboasts a comprehensive concierge service and a
gourmet restaurant on site.
One Niseko is also a perect base or skiing in winter
and hiking, climbing, walking or simply unwinding
during the green season.
The property also is equipped with an excellent hot
spring (onsen), and the location in Niseko’s Konbu
onsen district means you can enjoy a variety o di-
erent local hot springs within walking distance.
The riendly, English-speaking sta will be happy to
assist you in planning your itinerary!
http://oneniseko.com/?lang=en
Reservations: +81(0)136-50-2111
Hanayoshi Sushi
Invented in Japan, sushi has long since conquered the
world. Visiting a good sushi restaurant is a must or everytraveler to Japan.
Hanayoshi is the best sushi restaurant in Niseko. Not only
the locals love it, people travel ar to enjoy the ood and
atmosphere the cozy restaurant has to oer. To ensure top
quality, the seaood is sourced rom the amous Tsukiji sh
market in Tokyo.
Whether you’re eeling adventurous or are simply ater
some great value-or-money sushi, the menu will not dis-
appoint you. Both well-known sushi classics and more ex-
otic specialties are available - or instance, the locals swear
by the natto maki (shushi with ermented soy beans). All
agree, however, that Hanayoshi’s unbeatable signature
dish is their seaood salad.
Hanayoshi is not only an excellent sushi restaurant, but
also a well-equipped izakaya (Japanese pub). Sample the
large selection o Japanese spirits (sake or shochu) on
oer and try the local recommendations. For the most dar-
ing among you, there even is an opportunity to try ugu
(blowsh) shochu.
An English menu is available. Prior reservation is required.
Opening hours: 17:00 - 23:00 Last order 10:30
Regular holiday: Monday Tel: +81 (0)136-44-3444.
7/28/2019 Niseko Newsletter Spring 2013 (April - May)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/niseko-newsletter-spring-2013-april-may 5/6
5
Ni s ek oN ew s l e t t er
S pr i n g2 0 1 3
Japan travel info
Traditional Spring Events
The our seasons play a vital role in Japanese olklore. Cus-
toms, olk traditions and estivals celebrate the turn o the
seasons and are ways o appeasing the gods (kami).
Every temple and shrine, every town and district in Japan
has its own estival. Visiting one o them is a must when
travelling in Japan, as it is sure to make your stay a memo-
rable one.
Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo
Third weekend in May
Sanja Matsuri is one o the three biggest traditional esti-vals in Tokyo, attracting up to 2 million visitors each year.
Gigantic Senso-ji temple becomes the backdrop or this
estival dedicated to its three ounders, Hinokuma Ha-
manari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo. Several
portable shrines (omikoshi) are energetically paraded
through the streets and the cheerul sound o traditional
drums and futes lls the district or two days.
Walking, Driving and Whale
Watching: Shakotan
Peninsula, Hokkaido
Shakotan is a peninsula in south-western Hokkaido
that stretches over 30 kilometres into the Sea o
Japan. The peninsula orms part o the Niseko-
Shakotan-Otaru quasi-nationalpark and is a spot o
scenic beauty almost completely undiscovered by
international tourism.
While in summer locals fock to the many sandy
beaches o the peninsula, Shakotan in spring is a
place o mystic tranquillity.
Exploring this area by car is highly recommended.
The inland road will take you on a journey through
the dramatic mountain scenery that will make
you eel like you’ve slipped into another world or
a while. Follow the road along the seashore and
you’ll marvel at sheer endless stretches o ragged
coastline that have long inspired the legends o Hokkaido’s native inhabitants - the Ainu. I you’re
lucky you might even be able to spot some whales
or dolphins playing in the waves.
Take a walk up Cape Kamui (Ainu or ‘Cape o the
Gods’) or the best view o the deep blue ocean
whose colour is locally reerred to as ‘Shakotan
Blue’. On your way back, sample the delicious sot
serve ice cream marketed under the same name or
visit a local sushi restaurant - the seaood is said to
be the best in all o Hokkaido.
http://www.shiribeshi.pre.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/srk/en/shakotan.
htmMiyako Odori, KyotoApril 1st - 30th
Miyako Odori, oten also reerred to as the 'Dances o the
Old Capital' or the 'Cherry Blossom Dances', is a estival
in Kyoto's traditional geisha district Gion. For a month
geisha and apprentice geisha (maiko) will perorm their
traditional dances or the public.
Tickets:
http://www.miyako-odori.jp/odori_en.html
HokkaidoTravel Info
7/28/2019 Niseko Newsletter Spring 2013 (April - May)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/niseko-newsletter-spring-2013-april-may 6/6
6
Ni s ek oN ew s l e t t er
S pr i n g2 0 1 3
NisekoResources
Niseko Tourist Guide
Niseko Tourist Map
Niseko’s most inseparable pair o tourist pamphlets have
been updated just in time or the green season! From his-
tory to cultural heritage to all seasons’ activities and useul
contact inormation, the Niseko Tourist Guide includes
inormation on just about everything you need to know
to make your stay in Niseko a success. The Niseko Tourist
Map is a comprehensive area map, ideal or walking, bik-ing or driving. It is published bilingually in Japanese and
English, making it even easy to ask locals or directions i
you need to.
The resources can be picked up at public acilities all over
the Niseko area, or ordered rom the Niseko Town Council
and Niseko Resort Tourist Association. An online version o
the Japanese pamphlet is available here:
http://www.town.niseko.lg.jp/kanko/useul/H24-25nisekotouristguide/
index.htm
Niseko Team Building Guide
Improve you team work, leadership or even
marketing skills while enjoying the best in activities,
culture and scenery Niseko has to oer! Cooperate
to conquer the wild Shiribeshi river, hone your
team’s marketing skills while creating ice cream out
o resh Hokkaido milk or choose a unique Japanese
character that deines your companies uture aims
and write this character as a team using age old
Japanese calligraphy techniques. For more ideas andinspiration, a team building guide can be sent to you
via mail or e-mail.
contact us
Niseko Town, Industry & Tourism Division
Hokkaido, Abuta-gun, Niseko-cho Aza Fujimi 44
048-1595 Japan
Tel: +81 136 (44) 2121
Fax: +81 136 (44) 3500
E-mail: kankou@town.niseko.lg.jp
www.town.niseko.lg.jp
www.niseko-ta.jp/en
www.acebook.com/nisekotown