Japan Stoke Thread 2023

17320 Views 373 Replies 30 Participants Last post by JDA, 2 mo ago

JDA

Discussion Starter · 8 mo ago

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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Doraibu

· #155 · 4 mo ago (Edited)

2

70cm dump?!? Hopefully the chair lifts are operational! Stoked for you guys! maybe I’ll buy a last minute tix to Nagano lol

Font Art Number

how is hakuba looking like if anyone is there ?

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Doraibu

· #157 · 4 mo ago

NT.Thunder said:
What's the best way for me to get to Akakura from Myoko Kogen? I can't seem to reach my accomm for a pickup

Shit… Bus or taxi then. it’s a bit odd for accommodation not being able to help out. It’s a bit out of character… wouldn’t book there again unless they have a good reason

Reactions: 1

Doraibu

· #165 · 4 mo ago

Another storm predicted for

Chern said:
You‘re really fogging up that window! You must be excited! Yuki ga arimasu ! Looks like the start of one hell of a trip. Can’t wait for more “japow porn“ photos. Keep us updated.

“Japowrn” ? 🤣

Reactions: 1

Doraibu

· #168 · 4 mo ago

Myoko said:
No one around, too cold to do more than a few runs they are saying and it is bloody cold and I'm at the bottom.

Most of the accommodations are booked out.
Not many lifts running means still plenty of untouched powder out there. Tomorrow is fair game to all, early bird gets the worm, stoked!

Reactions: 2

Doraibu

· #177 · 4 mo ago

Nothing much tonight but….

weathernews.jp

週末は再び寒気が南下　日本海側は強まる雪に注意を

今週末は、再び日本列島に寒気が流れ込む見込みです。日本海側の各地では雪が強まり、短時間での積雪急増に注意が必要です。その後も短い周期で寒気が流れ込み、来週にかけて全国的に冬の寒さが続く見込みです。

weathernews.jp

Weather warning for this weekend. They predict from Saturday there will be a strong cold wind coming from the Japan Sea side but not as severe as it was this week. Probably around 5cm of snow per hour.

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Doraibu

· #179 · 4 mo ago

Yeah sugi is good too

Man, Japanese either know special ninjutsu or they weigh next to nothing! followed locals going narrow off piste track. They’re walking calmly like Jesus on water , and I sink to my knees on each step and even to my hip level! same foot track, wth, and I’m only 80kg lol

Reactions: 2

Doraibu

· #192 · 4 mo ago

lost speed and got buried.
That’s the depth of today’s fresh snow and it’s still pouring. No, I’m not standing on the groomer, that’s on the other side.
It’s insane!

Snow Automotive tire Freezing Slope Recreation

it’ll be so good if I have a board as big as ship for today lol

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Doraibu

· #197 · 4 mo ago

When the weather was poor last week I was thinking 2024 two board quiver , 158 mind expander and buying 153 Rome party mod.
now that we had so much powder dump today, I’m starting to think 158 mind expander and buy 160 storm chaser or gemtemstick bigfish (163)
Lolol
Anyone tried big fish before ?

epic day today!

Reactions: 2

Doraibu

· #199 · 4 mo ago

JDA said:
My Burton Skipjack Surf 148 handled the deepest snow I've ever seen in Rusutsu with ease. Comparing it to my Korua Dart 156 you can it's going to be unsinkable.
View attachment 166430

I was just thinking about making contribution to economic cash flow but I guess I can just save up lolol

Doraibu

· #208 · 4 mo ago

NT.Thunder said:
Bruising starting to come up now, painful and uncomfortable to ride with. On day 1 of all days.

View attachment 166443

Are you showing us your butt that took the hit recently ? Lewd… 🙈

Doraibu

· #212 · 4 mo ago

Myoko said:
Day 4 on new boots, already massive heel lift on my back foot. You know I tried on 6 pairs and this was by far the best fit but its shit already (boot fitter assisted at Snowbiz btw). Almost like I need a shin pad or something also as its pretty much on max already as you can see by the picture. Left one is fine but obviously doesn't work as hard. No boot fitter anywhere near Shiga Kogan or Madarao where I am going next. Might try an extra pair of thick socks over the top and if that doesn't work maybe put something under the heel. Had so many pairs of snowboard boots and never had this happen so quickly. Sometimes when you live 1000 klms away from the snow you don't get the chance to try dozens of shoes. Apart from that, plenty of powder and few to share it with so can't complain

I think there's a boot fitting shop in akakura onsen, joey's custom bootfitting. there is a bus that travel between madaraokogen and akakura onsen.

which 32 is this? was thinking of retiring my ride lasso and trying out 32. last time i tried in the shop, the heel hold felt good, that was 5 years ago. i remember they had a strap going across the lining. kinda drawn in to that atm, i feel like there is too much "give" on the top of my boot/inner lining, despite cranking up. it could just be it's old, worn out and softer now

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Doraibu

· #231 · 4 mo ago

nitro91 said:
does anyone here use a camelbak or other backpack with reservoir in japan?
Im from aus and i use a normal camelbak but it doesnt get cold enough to freeze.

im guessing a normal one would freeze in japan niseko snow?

Yea, I get very thirsty when snowboarding, easily 1.5 per day or more on a full day ride without including vending machine drinks.
the normal one is doable , just blow back. And quickly close the valve at the mouth piece.
I bought the insulated hose accessory for this trip. A bit of a mixed review. It doesn’t have a valve flip.
Still freezes a bit in hokkaido but you can kinda melt it as you crunch and suck the water.
I guess that’s why YT boarders from Canada just uses water bottle, hmm…
Will I recommend it for Japan ? Not sure
Will I stop using it for my future Japan trip? Probably not. It’s still handy for this thirsty camel.

Doraibu

· #234 · 4 mo ago

NT.Thunder said:
@JDA can't complain

View attachment 166491

Damn…. I should’ve extended my stay by a couple of days

Doraibu

· #256 · 4 mo ago (Edited)

nitro91 said:
On way to niseko and forgot to bring my walkie talkies although apparently foreign ones aren’t allowed anyway?
Anyone know where I could buy one in the niseko area?
Also is Fatmap the best app to use for backcountry routes etc?

If it’s higher power 簡易　(kan-i) 1-5w I would just rent if I were you. Under 1w yea you can just buy.
Technically it’s illegal to use foreign walkie talkies or unregistered local walkie talkies, with severe penalties. It takes 10-14 days for paper work to process , and you’ll need to be able to read and write in Japanese…
There are shops around who rents them or maybe ask the local tour group if you could borrow/rent them. Some of the lodges also do back country tour, maybe you’re residing in one

I’ve bought a couple of Japanese ones this trip, so I can tell you the hassle is annoying. I come here every year, so I don’t mind buying and registering.
Plenty local guys just use cheap short range walkie talkies , don’t need registration for those. big major electronics retailer may stock those eg yodobasbi camera, big camera etc

hokkaidowilds.org

Two-way Radios in the Hokkaido Backcountry | HokkaidoWilds.org

Two-way radios can be very effective in reducing risk exposure in the backcountry. Japan is very densely populated for the most part, however, so the airwaves are highly regulated.

hokkaidowilds.org

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Doraibu

· #259 · 4 mo ago

MountainMystic said:
Did you mean Bic Camera?

ビックカメラ.com | 家電･パソコン･日用品など何でも揃うビックカメラの公式通販サイト

ビックカメラの通販サイトビックカメラ.com、人気のデジタル家電をはじめ、最新のアイテムが何でも揃います。安心の長期保証サービス、店舗在庫をネット上で確認、お近くの店舗で受取り申し込みもできます。

www.biccamera.com

Yes, but there are plenty of other retailers too. You can copy paste this into the search bar if it helps, 無線機. It means wireless device, so you’ll get a mix of walkie talkie and other wireless device in search result. The transmission wattage should be obvious even if you can’t read Japanese 、like 10mW or something.
Those big retailers tend to have English speakers too, at least in major tourist spots. You can also ask for tax free price, 免税、if you bring your passport to the shop.

Reactions: 2

Doraibu

· #303 · 4 mo ago

Yeah, not the best place to get into the hospital. I’ve heard locals saying even pregnant women are not allowed epidural for labour. they just have to bear with it lol

What a terrible way to end an epic trip, but now it’s surely a trip you will never forget!
Hopefully you had people with you to help with packing and luggage all the way home.

all the best in your surgery and rehab!
You’ll probably have to skip Aussie winter snowboarding but I’m sure you’ll make it to 2024 japow ! @JDA

Reactions: 2

Doraibu

· #329 · 4 mo ago (Edited)

Myoko said:
What a nightmare, I feel for you mate and hope it gets better soon. Maybe you can do some swimming? Yes, I also found out the hard way they don't give pain medication and are quite happy to manipulate something that is seriously torn. A tip, as this is what got me through. You will be given maybe Endone or something for your operations. If you don't need it don't take it (addictive) BUT hang onto it. So many years old but I had it with me in Japan thank god when I needed it the first night and will always travel with it, just in case. Shit really does happen, and it's never when you think.

Pretty risky bringing endone to a strict Asian country. If you didn’t have a permit then you’ve been lucky but if they happen to do a spot check…

Does your prescription involve narcotics?
If your prescription medication involves the use of narcotics (eg morphine, codeine, oxycodone, pethidine, hydrocodone), you must seek advance permission from one of Japan’s eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare.

You will need to submit an import application form as well as supporting documentation at least 14 days before traveling to Japan.

en.japantravel.com

Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan - Plan your trip

Find out what the rules are for bringing medication into Japan, including Over-The-Counter and Prescription medicine.

en.japantravel.com

Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities

https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/

You’ll also need a doctor’s letter to support you bringing them in. Not sure bringing endone “just in case I might need it” will make the cut… sorry to be the party pooper…

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Doraibu

· #333 · 3 mo ago

Myoko said:
Wow did not know that. I usually keep it in the box it came in with my details but this time just took the packet. Odds would be ridiculously low as I have done this all over the world for a very long time but it’s a possibility by the looks of it. Maybe I have just been lucky

It’s japan, they love regulations and paperwork, especially hand written paperwork lol. Can you believe it, 2023 and I still have to send paper mail in Japan lol.

you probably won’t get hanged for this but it would suck if your passport gets flagged for future trips or your trip/ travel crew got delayed by a few days because of this.

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Doraibu

· #353 · 3 mo ago

soon, you’ll be able to run in slow motion too.

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Doraibu

· #354 · 3 mo ago

Curious question, the accident happened in Japan but surgery in australia. Were you able to use travel insurance to get surgery done privately ? (Either private in public or private hospital )
or does it only apply to treatments only done overseas?

Reactions: 1

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