Alister, Author at Niseko Tourism

2019 G-20 Summit to Be Held on June 28!

A tourism ministers’ meeting will be held in the town of Kutchan, Hokkaido, next to Niseko!

From The Japan Times, April 2nd, 2018

OSAKA – The 2019 Group of 20 summit in Osaka will take place on June 28 and 29, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced Monday.

Next year’s summit marks the first time the G-20 will be held in Japan. Leaders including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, U.S. President
DonaldTrump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend, along with those from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

The G-20 is the largest international summit to take place in Osaka and the Kansai region since the 1995 conference of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which was also held in Osaka.

The 2019 summit is expected to focus on international finance and economic issues and global themes related to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Pressing regional security and economic issues will likely be discussed in bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral side meetings during the gathering.

Around 30,000 participants including delegation members and international journalists and NGO representatives are expected for the summit, which will take place at the Intex Osaka convention center in the city’s waterfront district.

Security is expected to be heavy, especially in Osaka’s Umeda district, where many luxury hotels are located and where a number of leaders and their delegations are expected to stay. On Monday, the Osaka Prefectural Police launched a G-20 summit task force that will begin security preparations.

In addition to the Osaka leaders’ summit, separate G-20 ministerial meetings are planned. They include one for finance ministers and central bankers in Fukuoka, a foreign ministers’ gathering in Aichi Prefecture,an agricultural ministers’ meeting in Niigata, a meeting on renewable energy in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, and a ministerial meeting on trade and the digital economy that will take place in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture.

There will also be a tourism ministers’ meeting in the town of Kutchan, Hokkaido, next to Niseko.

Photo by Charlie Wood

by Alister

Top Five Selections from Kiyoe Gallery

Drop by the gallery on the 2nd floor of Aya Niseko today!

Looking for something special to bring home? Drop by Kiyoe Gallery today to see a range of curated artworks created by Japanese artists. They are inspired by the beautiful Hokkaido nature and showcase the special bound the artists have with the unique area.

1 Yoko Arano / Calligraphy / ¥400,000 (top image)

2 Minami Seigo/ Ceramic cups / Price starting from ¥10,800 (each)

3 Nakamura Hiroshi/ Ceramic vase & sake cups/ Price starting from ¥4,500(each)

4 Wooden zodiac figure / ¥1,023(each)

5 Copper & silver spoon / Price staring from ¥3,240(each)

Photos by Aaron Jamieson

by Alister

2018 Transportation Guide for Green Season

Want to experience Niseko after winter? There are many different ways you can get here!

Considering to explore Niseko during different seasons other than winter? Niseko's natural landscapes, fresh produce and wide variety of outdoor activities are perfect for your and your family! Now is the time to plan your trip ahead.

AIRPORTS: There are two international airports near Niseko: New Chitose Airport or Hakodate Airport. You can choose whichever suits your travel plan better.

From the airports to Niseko, you can choose between renting a car, hiring a private van/car, taking JR train or taking a shuttle:

RENTING A CAR: this is the most recommended way to travel in Hokkaido during non-winter season! You will get to explore the whole Niseko area a lot easier and enjoy the flexibility during your trip. Most importantly, without the snow, you can finally take pleasure in driving in the nice, wide roads in Hokkaido. Here are some recommended rental companies:

From New Chitose Airport

From Hakodate Airport

Toyota Rent A Car
Nippon Rent A Car

* Please don't forget to apply for international driver license valid for Japan in time! You won't be able to pick up a car unless you have a proper international license.

*Most of the accommodation providers can help you arrange car rental as well. You can contact their reservation or concierge team for more details.

HIRING A PRIVATE VAN/CAR: If budget allowss, you can hire a private van/car as well.

From New Chitose Airport or Hakodate Airport

Sky Express
Cool Star

TAKING JR TRAIN: taking train is a great way to travel in Hokkaido. You get to relax, watch the scenery and it's not too expensive!

From New Chitose Airport, the fastest route will be: Airport --> Otaru Station--> Kutchan or Niseko Station. The ride will take about 2.5 hr.

From Hakodate Airport, the fastest route will be: Airport --> Oshamanbe station--> Kutchan or Niseko Station. The ride will take aout 3.5 hrs.

*When getting to Niseko, please DO NOT get off at Hirafu station.

TAKING A SHUTTLE: From New Chitose Airport, the shuttle will be available from August till mid October. Here is a link from last season for reference. From Hakodate Airport, please use the Hakodate <--> Niseko shuttle!

If you would like to take Shinkansen (bullet train) to Niseko, you can get off at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and take the Hakodate <--> Niseko shuttle! It will take 2hr 50min.

Photo by: Nikahara Kohei

by Alister

EdVenture Summer Camp 2018

Starting from July 2nd, come create an unforgettable summer memory with your kids in Niseko!

Want your kids and family to enjoy Niseko in Summer? Join the EdVenture Summer Camp!

They offer a wide variety of activities for the young ones (6-14 years old) to learn, explore and enjoy what Niseko has to offer on this beautiful land. This year EdVenture will be offering Family, Moiwa and Yotei programs to create a unique program experience for all families.

What is Edventure Summer camp? from EdVenture Niseko on Vimeo.

by Alister

Ready for More? Niseko Resorts Opens till May 6th!

Why not take this opportunity to enjoy spring ski/snowboard fun in Niseko?

Want more fun time on the mountain? Why not come to Niseko! The beautiful weather here during springtime is fantastic.

Here are the Niseko United resort closing dates:

- Niseko Grand Hirafu: May 6th

- Niseko Annupuri: May 6th

- Niseko HANAZONO: April 7th

Niseko Village: April, 2nd

You can still enjoy the unique night riding experience in Niseko till March 18th! And it's just one of the many reasons you should come to experience Niseko in spring as well:

Great deals everywhere!

In spring, there are tons of opportunities to steal some great deals. Not only kids can ski for free, but also wide variety of discounts are available including accommodations, lift tickets, equipment rental, ski/snowboard lessons, activities and also shops.

2. Fantastic weather!

If you visit Niseko before March, the chance is we are having some fantastic snowfalls, but you don't get to see the majestic Mt.Yotei or the beautiful views of Niseko areas. That won't be the case in spring! You will finally get to enjoy the world-famous scenic skiing/snowboarding here.

3. You get to enjoy the resort more!
If you can avoid the peak season and come to Niseko during spring, you will be able take in the peacefulness of Niseko: don't need to worry about long lift lines, get to enjoy the mountain all by you and your friends and family; most importantly, you can get in some famous restaurants in Niseko more easily!

4. Enjoy more than just the snow!
If you are thinking to come to Japan and catch the cherry blossom (Sakura) season, you are in luck! The cherry blossom seasons in Hokkaido normally starts from late April to early May. A perfect time to do some fun runs and see the other beautiful nature Hokkaido has to offer.

5. It's more than just skiing & snowboarding!
Staring early April, you will be able to try white water rafting in Niseko. Just imagine the amount of snow we have here in winter, melting into the Shiribetsu river - how exciting the rafting would be in the fast-moving rapids. After rafting, you can go enjoy all different onsens to warm yourself up. PERFECTION.

Here are some rafting companies you can reach out to:

by Alister

Niseko Ice Village - Free Shuttle Available

Visiting the ice bar and snow playground is much easier now!

Looking for a cool spot to chill out, literally? Come visit the Niseko Ice Village. Free entry, opening every day by 21 March, 2018 scheduled:

Monday through Thursday - 17:00-22:00

Friday through Sunday - 15:00-23:00

There are cool Ice Castle offering drinks with ice shot glasses, food truck providing yakitori, fried chicken and dumplings and cafe & restaurant (must reserve for dinner).

Free shuttle is running from Hirafu, Moiwa & Annupuri. Find out more here!

by Alister

Lost & Found sticker is now on sale!

Lost something in Niseko, Kutchan? No more worrying.

Lost and found sticker is now on sale!! You will be fine as long as you have this.

Kutchan Tourism Association will contact you directly if something finds an item with your sticker on it.

■￥500 - 1 sheet with 2 stickers

■Valid for one year from registration

■For details http://www.niseko.co.jp/en/contact/lost-found

■Contact Kutcan Tourism Association TEL 0136-55-5372 Email [email protected]

Registration is simple!

1.Register your information.（Kutchan Tourism Association website)

2.Just put stickers on your items and you are done.

Let’s enjoy Niseko with the stickers!

by Alister

Sheesa Riding Camp

Why not learn from the best and ride like a Niseko local?

Sheesa Camp is started by a GENTEM pro rider "TOMOMI "sheesa" KUWAHARA", which is for the riders who want to improve their riding skills. It's been operated since 1999, which means this camp has abundance of experience and teaching skills.

Sheesa Camp Riding Clinics has various courses - help you to overcome your troubles and make your riding life much more fun! Below is a basic Sheesa Riding Camp info for reference.

Sheesa Riding Camp
Lecturer	TOMOMI "sheesa" KUWAHARA
Time	Morning Class (9:30～12:00), Afternoon Class (13:00～15:30)
Place	All Niseko United Area
Meeting Place	Grand Hirafu

Pricing
1 person	¥24,000
2 pax	¥13,000 (per person)
3 pax	¥10,000 (per person)
More than 4 pax	¥9,000 (per person)
Additional hr	¥10,000 (per group)

Please note that terms and conditions apply. Check out Sheesa Camp website for more details.

by Alister

Powder Cat Tour in Iwanai Resort

The ocean view with ultimate powder experience!

Fresh powder is the reason you've come to Niseko. Now try oceanfront skiing/snowboarding and get a full day of untracked lines. Experience the ultimate in powder luxury at Iwanai Resort. You'll ride 600-800m of vertical and get 7-9 runs a day, broken only by a fabulous sushi lunch. Whether you like spacious tree skiing, challenging steeps or wide open course, Iwana Resort has what you want!

¥65,000 per seat, covering: