Japan Stoke Thread 2023
If you didn't know, all restrictions to enter Japan have now been lifted.
Who is going?
Where are you going?
Have you been before and where?
What board/bindings are you taking?
I can't believe I'm actually going, if you asked me 4 weeks ago we were holding off until 2024 but now myself and 3 other mates have already booked our flights and accommodation for the first week of Feb 2023.
This will be my 7th time to Japan, I've been to around 30 different ski resorts already in areas such as Hakuba, Myoko, Fukushima (Bandai), Yamagata (Zao Onsen) and several resorts up on Hokkaido.
This trip I have 2 first timers coming with me and the only way I could convince them was to keep the trip reasonably short and inexpensive. So we have 7 days on snow in Hakuba Valley and we will be getting 5 consecutive days of lift tickets for free with our Epic pass. We are staying right next to the gondola at the base of Tsugaike Kogan ski resort.
I am taking my Salomon Dancehaul 152 with Now Drive bindings and my Korua Dart 156 with Ride A-10 bindings. Both boards should be good in powder with the Dancehaul having a softer more freestyle focus and the Dart will be great for carving.
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Who is going?
Where are you going?
Have you been before and where?
What board/bindings are you taking?
I can't believe I'm actually going, if you asked me 4 weeks ago we were holding off until 2024 but now myself and 3 other mates have already booked our flights and accommodation for the first week of Feb 2023.
This will be my 7th time to Japan, I've been to around 30 different ski resorts already in areas such as Hakuba, Myoko, Fukushima (Bandai), Yamagata (Zao Onsen) and several resorts up on Hokkaido.
This trip I have 2 first timers coming with me and the only way I could convince them was to keep the trip reasonably short and inexpensive. So we have 7 days on snow in Hakuba Valley and we will be getting 5 consecutive days of lift tickets for free with our Epic pass. We are staying right next to the gondola at the base of Tsugaike Kogan ski resort.
I am taking my Salomon Dancehaul 152 with Now Drive bindings and my Korua Dart 156 with Ride A-10 bindings. Both boards should be good in powder with the Dancehaul having a softer more freestyle focus and the Dart will be great for carving.
21 - 40 of 374 Posts
hey gentlefolk, i must apologize for not having contributed to this thread this season- i've got some fucked-in-the-head issues that im still working through, but i am mindful of the local Aussie crew.
Season was ok - got a good run on all of my boards and bindings, so was able to formulate opinions - honestly, the reason I didnt post them was because the more important thing was just staying alive on the roads (fcking kook tourist drivers - bro, it's sick that you got a 600hp SUV but dont drive it around blind corners into trucks that are coming downhill maybe??)
either way folks, i appreciate you, and you have my apologies
Season was ok - got a good run on all of my boards and bindings, so was able to formulate opinions - honestly, the reason I didnt post them was because the more important thing was just staying alive on the roads (fcking kook tourist drivers - bro, it's sick that you got a 600hp SUV but dont drive it around blind corners into trucks that are coming downhill maybe??)
either way folks, i appreciate you, and you have my apologies
Hey Aaron! Surfari w/ K2 Lien would work absolutely - if i can make a suggestion man, i dont feel like you should bring the PP147 to Japan - the board has its place, and for a sz10 boot it's the right width, but i just feel like its more of a fuckaround board - I personally feel that the Dada would serve you better in Japan.I'll be doing everything I can to go, was hoping to do a Niseko trip but might be a little pricy if we don't get the Singapore trips out of Darwin back online. Looking like I'll need to go through Cairns which the RTN trip from Darwin is more expensive than the RTN trip to Japan.
Probably somewhere around Nagano, Myoko, Hakuna or Nozawa.
Only been twice and only to Hakuba, much easier with two of the family that don't ski/board to cruise around and always stayed around Echoland. @JDA what's Myoko or Nazawa Onsen like compared to Hakuba? Is worth venturing up that way?
In terms of boards. I really want to get on my Party Platter as I'm still yet to ride it but just loved the Dada so really want to take that but feel the better combo is the Surfari and one of Dada/PP. PP with Ride LTD bindings and Surfari kith K2 Lien AT's if I can part with the Dada.
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the PP147 - at my weight, i couldnt even butter it properly. I took it up the hill in multiple conditions, but found that whilst the waist was perfect for the sidecute and flex, the nose and tail were justtoo.. short. Dada will serve you better in JP, in a 2x board quiever.
just my 2C
I was just thinking this exact thought like 10 mins ago. I know the Dada and Surfari would be the better combo, just early trying to get on the PP. Think I’ll keep the PP for a one board boys OZ trip next season for a few days. I loved the Dada in NZ, think it’ll be so much more fun also in Japan.Hey Aaron! Surfari w/ K2 Lien would work absolutely - if i can make a suggestion man, i dont feel like you should bring the PP147 to Japan - the board has its place, and for a sz10 boot it's the right width, but i just feel like its more of a fuckaround board - I personally feel that the Dada would serve you better in Japan.
the PP147 - at my weight, i couldnt even butter it properly. I took it up the hill in multiple conditions, but found that whilst the waist was perfect for the sidecute and flex, the nose and tail were justtoo.. short. Dada will serve you better in JP, in a 2x board quiever.
just my 2C
Thanks for your thoughts as always.
If you are chasing powder specifically then mid Jan to mid Feb is peak storm season. The most popular destinations are Niseko and Hakuba. I would personally avoid Niseko as it sounds like you want a more authentic Japanese experience, Hakuba is a good option with some westernised areas but still some taste of Japan especially if you venture away from the bigger resorts in the valley.Any list of areas to hit? I have both the Epic/Ikon/Loveland pass (Powder Alliance partner, Kiroro). I'd be open to anything off this list if it's worth it. Generally looking for areas with enjoyable riding + others (onsen, beer, monkeys that steel your wallet while at the onsen, etc...). Sushi. And more sushi. Followed by a trip to Kyoto + Tokyo even.
Maybe. I tend to change my mind a lot. Just want a guaranteed nice time for what I pay for; I'm not strapped for cash but not willing to unload on single trip when there's Europe and cheese/wine/beer!
It seems by reading here, the best times to go are either:
1. mid-feb+
2. mid-jan+ (or even early Jan+)?
Being from Australia I don't know much about which specific resorts those passes give you access too but if you drop a link or some names of resorts I can give some feedback.
Madarao is a pretty small area, you could stay almost anywhere in the village and be close enough to the ski resort and restaurants. We stayed at a place called First Tracks which is a little further down the road than the place in your link, I just booked it through booking .comThis package below has me interested late January. Nozawa, Myoko and Madarao - looks like a little less crowds than Hakuba and more affordable than Niseko. Probably like to extend to 10 days.
OZSNOW
I think the Myoko area is easier to get to than Hakuba because you can take a train from Nagano instead of relying on the bus service. You said you have already been to Hakuba so Myoko is a great option for you on this trip.
The reviews for Ozsnow don't look too promising, I would just book some accommodation yourself and make your own way there.
Sorry folks ,news flash just in **
report on NKH, not good afraid to say ...........
foorigan boarders from west set on invade snow areas this season, waring to all to beware devils from west, tourist only allowed on groom family trails 1 at a time, special gates to be installed atop family gondola for foreigners. lines expected to be " hours long" , expect ice moguls as big as 1970 VW beetles on most courses... it seems the locals have spoken to thier local councils and do not want the pristine dumps that ANOTHER la nina will bring this season.........to be ruined by powmunchers from the west slashing too hard and aggressively causing ugly lines and scar marks in the pack.
so suggest only bring smallest gelende groomer carver, no pow sticks, you wont be allowed!
i hear.........................
eurpoe will be aces!
report on NKH, not good afraid to say ...........
foorigan boarders from west set on invade snow areas this season, waring to all to beware devils from west, tourist only allowed on groom family trails 1 at a time, special gates to be installed atop family gondola for foreigners. lines expected to be " hours long" , expect ice moguls as big as 1970 VW beetles on most courses... it seems the locals have spoken to thier local councils and do not want the pristine dumps that ANOTHER la nina will bring this season.........to be ruined by powmunchers from the west slashing too hard and aggressively causing ugly lines and scar marks in the pack.
so suggest only bring smallest gelende groomer carver, no pow sticks, you wont be allowed!
i hear.........................
eurpoe will be aces!
Yeah sure no worries, sounds like a choice tourism move after several Covid affected years - see you in the stashesSorry folks ,news flash just in **
report on NKH, not good afraid to say ...........
foorigan boarders from west set on invade snow areas this season, waring to all to beware devils from west, tourist only allowed on groom family trails 1 at a time, special gates to be installed atop family gondola for foreigners. lines expected to be " hours long" , expect ice moguls as big as 1970 VW beetles on most courses... it seems the locals have spoken to thier local councils and do not want the pristine dumps that ANOTHER la nina will bring this season.........to be ruined by powmunchers from the west slashing too hard and aggressively causing ugly lines and scar marks in the pack.
so suggest only bring smallest gelende groomer carver, no pow sticks, you wont be allowed!
i hear.........................
eurpoe will be aces!
Niseko United (7 days, IKON)If you are chasing powder specifically then mid Jan to mid Feb is peak storm season. The most popular destinations are Niseko and Hakuba. I would personally avoid Niseko as it sounds like you want a more authentic Japanese experience, Hakuba is a good option with some westernised areas but still some taste of Japan especially if you venture away from the bigger resorts in the valley.
Being from Australia I don't know much about which specific resorts those passes give you access too but if you drop a link or some names of resorts I can give some feedback.
Lotte Arai (7 days, IKON)
Rusutsu (5 consecutive days Epic).
Kiroro ski resort (3 days)
Hakuba Valley (various resorts (5 consecutive days Epic)
- Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
- Jiigatake Snow Resort
- Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort
- Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort
- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort
- Kashimayari Snow Resort
- Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort
Is Niseko that overrated? You're right I want good riding and perhaps authenticity as well. I can speak some Japanese (quit 4th year classes and was preparing to take JLPT 2-kyu at one point); probably would be talking like a toddler now if I tried (language won't be an issue, just want a good experience).
Thank you.
^ Myoko and Madarao are also in my selection since you mentioned it.
Maybe lodging logistics for 1-2 months. Time to look.
Maybe lodging logistics for 1-2 months. Time to look.
I don't speak Japanese at all and I have never really needed to, so don't worry about that.Niseko United (7 days, IKON)
Lotte Arai (7 days, IKON)
Rusutsu (5 consecutive days Epic).
Kiroro ski resort (3 days)
Hakuba Valley (various resorts (5 consecutive days Epic)
- Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
- Jiigatake Snow Resort
- Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort
- Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort
- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort
- Kashimayari Snow Resort
- Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort
Is Niseko that overrated? You're right I want good riding and perhaps authenticity as well. I can speak some Japanese (quit 4th year classes and was preparing to take JLPT 2-kyu at one point); probably would be talking like a toddler now if I tried (language won't be an issue, just want a good experience).
Thank you.
^ Myoko and Madarao are also in my selection since you mentioned it.
Maybe lodging logistics for 1-2 months. Time to look.
Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro are all on the north island of Hokkaido, I've been to all of them, in fact they are pretty close to each other, maybe 1 hour by bus apart. Niseko is a good mountain with plenty of terrain and high snowfall but it doesn't really feel like you're in Japan, I could imagine 15 - 20 years ago it was an amazing place.
Rusutsu is one of my favourite resorts, probably had the best powder day of my life there. Other than the resort though there is absolutely nothing there, same with Kiroro actually.
Kiroro is a bit flat, worth a day trip or two but wouldn't want to be there too long.
Lotte Arai is back down on the main island of Honshu, same with the Hakuba Valley. Lotte Arai is a really good resort in terms of snow and terrain but other than that its just a big luxury hotel. We did day trips there from Myoko but I wouldn't want to stay there more than a week at most.
I think if you split your time between Hakuba Valley and Myoko you would get to ride a lot of different resorts and get a good cultural experience.
Agree...., that's why we like Furano. It's walking distance to the main CBD not as touristy as Niseko, however nowhere near as big. Niseko is a pretty big resort in it's entirety and gets really good falls almost daily though in peak Winter...., but it's like that a lot in Hokkaido.I don't speak Japanese at all and I have never really needed to, so don't worry about that.
Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro are all on the north island of Hokkaido, I've been to all of them, in fact they are pretty close to each other, maybe 1 hour by bus apart. Niseko is a good mountain with plenty of terrain and high snowfall but it doesn't really feel like you're in Japan, I could imagine 15 - 20 years ago it was an amazing place.
Rusutsu is one of my favourite resorts, probably had the best powder day of my life there. Other than the resort though there is absolutely nothing there, same with Kiroro actually.
Kiroro is a bit flat, worth a day trip or two but wouldn't want to be there too long.
Lotte Arai is back down on the main island of Honshu, same with the Hakuba Valley. Lotte Arai is a really good resort in terms of snow and terrain but other than that its just a big luxury hotel. We did day trips there from Myoko but I wouldn't want to stay there more than a week at most.
I think if you split your time between Hakuba Valley and Myoko you would get to ride a lot of different resorts and get a good cultural experience.
Japan, yes been 2 years and I am very keen. Have spent maybe a year actually boarding ion mountains n Japan and at least 40 mountains over the last decade or so, on both islands. Myoko was amazing when the restaurants had nothing in English but it is getting very busy, you need to book a restaurant. Madarao/Tangram are great mountains with limited accomodation. Has something for everyone. Buses have been going there from Myoko for a number of years now so also can get busy. My definition of busy is when all my powder tracks have a single track on them. Suginohara is a big mountain a short bus from Myoko. Myoko is powder in the trees rather than groomers imo. This time I am looking to get away from the crowds (bugger all really but I have been a bit spoilt) but haven't planned anything yet as I'm travelling around Europe atm. Is Kimija still around can I ask?
Here they are!! Remember I still want one. These look very innovative and exciting, no doubt tried and tested. Where do i see your range so I can understand these sick specimens ?
Japan is my "local" so I have had no riding since January 2020. 19-20 was an awful season for Japan and it was painful to watch 2 la nina's roll through in 2021 and 2022. Luckily, the pow gods are making amends and a 3rd la nina is gonna roll through this winter. The stoke is high !
I'll be in Niseko from 14 to 31 January and plan to take a 4-5 day trip based in Asahikawa to do some riding there at local mountains. I can't wait.
I'll be in Niseko from 14 to 31 January and plan to take a 4-5 day trip based in Asahikawa to do some riding there at local mountains. I can't wait.
oops... thought I was editingJapan is my "local" so I have had no riding since January 2020. 19-20 was an awful season for Japan and it was painful to watch 2 la nina's roll through afterwards in 2021 and 2022 and be shut out. Luckily, the pow gods are making amends and a 3rd la nina is gonna roll through this winter. The stoke is high !
I'll be based in Niseko from 14 to 31 January to hit Niseko, Moiwa, Rusutsu and Kororo. I also plan to take a 4-5 day trip based in Asahikawa to do some riding there at local mountains. I can't wait.
Stop pls
upon reflection - i can tap out.
but... bah - i am throbbing on a couple of local japanese decks this seasoon - and this "float to the tourists" design - dont need that in my life, it's not a requ9irement nor any sort of pressure.
i have had a renewed relationship wiht japanese snowboarding - so, giving it another go.
my list is below.
------2023 JAPANESE BOARDS TO CHECK OUT------
--- November Artiste 158W (freestyle, 5x sidecut radii)
--- Yonex Thrust 161 (carving)
--- Fanatic T-Deck 157 (ground tricks)
--- Head Draw Lyt 162 (pow, carving)
If you do head over to Japan there is a T.J Brand store in Hakuba, Moss Snowstick in Myoko and a Gentemstick in Niseko. It's always nice to fondle the boards but the prices have stopped me buying so far, I usually leave my card in the hotel just as a precautionStop pls
upon reflection - i can tap out.
but... bah - i am throbbing on a couple of local japanese decks this seasoon - and this "float to the tourists" design - dont need that in my life, it's not a requ9irement nor any sort of pressure.
i have had a renewed relationship wiht japanese snowboarding - so, giving it another go.
my list is below.
------2023 JAPANESE BOARDS TO CHECK OUT------
--- November Artiste 158W (freestyle, 5x sidecut radii)
--- Yonex Thrust 161 (carving)
--- Fanatic T-Deck 157 (ground tricks)
--- Head Draw Lyt 162 (pow, carving)
21 - 40 of 374 Posts
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