The conditions may not be so ideal for skiers and snowboarders in the United States. It is not the case in the eastern side of the world as the conditions in Japan are just right and may be even perfect. The ski resorts in some parts of the island were open and receiving plenty customers until late March. Unlike the shabby conditions in the western world, Japan has gotten an ideal amount of snow fall this season reaching approximately five meters.
On Japan's most northern of its main islands, Hokkaido, sits Mount Niseko Annupuri. This is the location of the Niseko ski resorts. These resorts have the longest season in Japan. They are normally open way into the early weeks of May. Complimented by the conditions provided by the peak makes the spring skiing in Niseko among the best in the world.
The Niseko peak is famous for its quality and consistency in great conditions for skiing. In the last ten years the peak has become very famous among the Australian skiers and boarders. The yearly visitors to Japan has reduced significantly following the Tsunami and earth quake of 2011. Is has only been recently that the population of visitors are returning and in their great numbers. The center of Hirafu is usually crowded with skiers and boarders alike with property developers transforming the small village into a resort center but it has been quite empty with a lack of activity for the last winter season.
The chairlifts and gondolas of the Niseko peak position skiers and boarders in the perfect position to tackle the slops. It will take about twenty minutes of hiking to get to piste slopes. This area is linked to the trails and roads of the mount's more remote sections. The Hanazono resorts provide a backcountry skiing run for all, including beginners, the Strawberry Fields forest run. This area is never without thigh high powder that is easily accessible. Mount Niseko is home to three other areas the Niseko Village, the Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri and they too offer trails suitable for everyone at any level. The Grand Hirafu offers a variety of ungroomed trails that include the Miharashi expert run. The trails winds into a trail called the Holiday and is one of the longest trails offered by the mountain and stretches longer than two and a half kilometers. The combined length of trail offered by the all areas of Mount Niseko add up to 48 kilometers.
To the southeast of Mount Niseko Annupuri you can find Mount Yotei. This mount is preferred by professionals and powder hounds. It will take approximately five hours to reach the peak and it is usually visited by the skiers and boarders that seek fresh backcountry powder.
Skiing is not the only fun to b had on the Niseko. The Apres Ski might be just as fun. Nothing is more comfortable than a nice hot bath in the cold of winter. There are three baths in the area and the Niseko Yu Meguri pass will give you access to all three for only a bit over a thousand yens. This includes the Apres-ski, the Yu meguri and the Niimi Onsen that is a remote bath house that offers comfort and serenity to all its bathers.
Ezo Seafood is located in Hirafu and they serve only the best they have to offer in seafood delights. This includes snow crab legs, Akkeshi oysters and fresh sashimi of every variety. The Gyu will provide you with a variety of beverages from mulled wine to Hokkaido's single malt whiskey. This is a well concealed cottage like bar that is practically invisible in the snowy area. On Ishikari Bay that lies in the north you can find the Otaru fishing port. It is seventy minutes' drive from Hirafu and it is worth the drive. The area is one with a vintage feel with the Sushiya-dori completely devoted to selling sushi. Lake Shikotsu is only two hours' drive from Hirafu and is one of the deepest lake in Japan second only to one. This location is in an underdeveloped park area that boast the likes of the Marukoma and the Ito onsen that overlooks the caldera. This is the perfect spot to end your visit slow boiling out the aches of the body in a vintage style bath house.