BEFORE jumping on the Hanazono #1 lift, grab a mug of something steaming from the newly opened ‘Hana1’ café. The beats are cranked up as you enjoy your cuppa in the snow. Already getting quite popular at this funky little wooden shack.
THINK you’ve been to all the onsens in Niseko? Think again. The Vale Niseko has just lifted the veil on its brand new onsen, opening it to the public. So, what are you waiting for? Go soak it up!
IN search of a local drink that packs a punch? Try a ‘Jet Li’ at Barunba. We’re not exactly sure what the ingredients are, but we do know that it is delicious…and it does the job! If you’re feeling brave, you can upsize to Jet’s bigger, 1L brother named ‘Bruce Lee’!
ONCE you’ve been hit a few times by Li and/or Lee, some munchie food will be needed. Lawson – the blue convenience store on the way to Kutchan – is infamous for Juicy-Fried Chicken. Kind of like KFC and tastes greasily great after a few drinks. Not as good an idea in the cold, sober light of day, perhaps.
FANCY yourself as Niseko’s biggest glutton? Niseko Pizza has pizza-eating competitions every Tuesday at 4pm and 5pm. Prize is 5000 yennies. Someone’s just gotta knock town sheriff Digglar off the top spot with a record of two pizzas in 4 mins 37 secs. Have you got the guts? Cezar has also expanded his now cheaper menu this season, for those who wish to eat normally.
A SNOWBOARDING lesson where the teacher guarantees you will never, ever fall over, or your money back. That’s what Yankee Steve Schrader is offering Niseko visitors (and some locals!). His progressive, yoga-influenced technique is taught to Wall Street moguls and Hollywood socialites. He’s in Niseko, so email him: [email protected].
ONE of Steve’s US mates, Jessica, posted a desperate plea on Powderlife’s Noticeboard after losing her hot pink and orange fish-shaped wallet in the snow – a direct result of ordering a Bruce Lee instead of a Jet Lee (told you so!). “If you walk by a snow bank and see a neon pink fin sticking out please contact me,” she writes. Here’s hoping this little fishy swims back to its owner.
CHANCES are good that if you have spent any time in Niseko you’ve experienced super-dry powder, and a super dry beer or two. So keep the dream alive and spread the good word of Niseko snow by taking home one of Powderlife’s brand new Niseko Super Dry T-shirts. You can buy them for only ¥3000 at the Powderlife office at Australia House, directly opposite the Seicomart, and keep an eye out for other sales points around town.