In Focus
The natural beauty of Niseko, its mountains, snow, clean air, pure spring water and peaceful environment have made the area an international tourist hotspot. But so many people who come once, come again, and many decide to settle here permanently.
Niseko is full of characters who have left their mark on the area. Since the resort began becoming recognised internationally over the past 10 years or so, a number of foreigners have entered the mix. Whether, born in Niseko, elsewhere in Japan, or overseas, every one of them now shares a common bond – a deep love for Niseko and everything it entails.
In each issue of Powderlife we focus in on one such character and chat to them about Niseko and how they came to live and work here. We also ask them to give us three tips on what to do in Niseko so be sure to check them all out.
Roku San
The weekly traditional Taiko drumming performance outside Hokkaido Tracks is not to be missed. 92-year-old Roku-san is responsible for reviving the tradition in Niseko, thanks to his deep love and spiritual bond with the Taiko drum. Read this fantastic interview with the man himself.
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Tatsuo Hayashida
Meet the creative genius behind the local course map and the painstakingly created and immensely popular village map, both contained in every issue of Powderlife. For everyone who has marveled at the intricate details in the village map, meet Tatsuo Hayashida.
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Ross Findlay
Until a group of Australians established adventure sports companies in the area in the mid 90’s, Niseko’s only attraction was skiing. Ross Findlay was one of the pioneers and the first to begin summer adventure sports.
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Full Note Brothers
The big hearted brother who own Full note and Woody Note pensions in Hirafu offer their guests free shuttles to the lifts every morning. But if they’ve got room they stop at the bus stops and give anybody a lift! It’s characters like these that make Niseko great.
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Simon Robinson
There have been a number of Australians who have made a major impact on Niseko, Making an important contribution to the early days of the resort’s international expansion was Niseko’s first foreign developer, Simon Robinson.
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Jiro Kamiharako
Former Higashiyama Prince Hotel manager Jiro Kamiharako was one of the pioneers of the V ski jump and represented Japan at the 1992 Albertville Olympics. We found out his story… and tried to convince him to open the restricted areas at Higashiyama as well!
Par Dahlin
The dreadlocked Swede has been riding Mt Annupuri for two decades and is one of the most highly regarded guides in the area. His long, blonde dreadlocks streaming out from under his rasta-style helmet are a familiar sight at Moiwa, Annupuri and Higashiyama.
Neil Hartmann
Long time Hokkaido resident Neil Hartmann shot to prominence with the release of snowboarding road trip movie Car Danchis in 2005 . The sequel Car Danchi 2 has been ranked as one of the best good-time snowboarding movies ever made.
Today
Lo: -6°C.
Hi: -3°C.
Hi: -3°C.
Tomorrow
Lo: -5°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Thursday
Lo: -7°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Powderlife Magazine
Flip thru our latest online virtual mag Powderlife Issue 11 and for past issues of Powderlife Niseko go to...
6 Jan Juicy-Fried-Cchicken Eating Comp
To see who can stomach the 6 peices the fastest chicken 1000 yen pot winner takes all The Game is one peice of chicken followed by a 375ml can of beer if you spew your out first finished wins
Full details: Niseko Events
6 Jan Chillout Resort Night for Staff
Chillout Resort Night 300yen Beer for resort staff 8-9pm every Tuesday
Full details: Niseko Events
7 Jan Midweek Madness Nomihodi.
Midweek Madness Nomihodi 9-11pm 2000yen Beer and Basic Spirits Every Wednesday.
Full details: Niseko Events
8-9 Jan DIRTY LAUNDRY @ The Northern Fox
Dirty Laundry - one of the biggest DJ acts in Australia comes to Niseko for one night through the form of head DJ - Dean Cherney. Tickets 1000Yen on the door Limited numbers so ghet there early not to miss out.
Full details: Niseko Events
9-10 Jan Red bar beats party
Red bar and restaurant is located middle hirafu free shutle bus stop#4.We have every friday dj party by national and international djs. Red bar and Restuarant every day open for deliciuse netive neplease food. Where you will get realy test of spice. Come and visit once you will love it. See ya at red bar and restaurant.You will enjoy with frindly staff herein.
Full details: Niseko Events
10 Jan The Annual Capricorn Congregation
Time has come again for the annual Capricorn Congregation. Capricorns and friends; lets unite for this annual event to celebrate our birthdays in style! Saturday the 10th of january. From open, till late.
Full details: Niseko Events
10 Jan 80s Night
10.1.09 80s Night. Free entry. Fancy dress gets 1 free drink on arrival. Prizes: Best Dressed Best 80s Dance moves Biggest 80s Hair style
Full details: Niseko Events
10 Jan Snow Tube & Tobboggan Championships
Join a team of 4 and race around the snow course.
Full details: Niseko Events
11 Jan Jazz Live at Half Note
Jazz bar Half Note presents a pianist, Kuniko Kanno from Sapporo. Please enjoy her beautiful Jazz standard numbers with her trio.
Full details: Niseko Events
11 Jan Japanese Lesson For Beginners
tdes presents: Japanese for Powder People - a fun, informal Japanese lesson for complete beginners, every Sunday at Samurai Bar, Niseko Yurt Village. 1000 yen per person (includes one drink). We teach you simple and useful words and phrases to use during your holiday, like: Two beers, please. To get to Samurai Bar: Opposite Seicomart theres a road that goes down the hill, past Australia House. Go down that road about 100 meters and you’ll see Samurai Bar on your right – it’s in a yurt. See you there!
Full details: Niseko Events
View the full Niseko Events Calendar
Ask Chika
Chika is a fifth generation Niseko resident and licensed travel agent. Got a question about Niseko?
