One of the snowiest winter seasons on record and the complete shutdown of Fukushima have led to an increase in last minute bookings here with accommodations filling up for March.

LIKENED to Niseko circa 2002, Furano is one of Japan’s emerging new international ski destinations. At this stage, the area lacks the accommodation expected of international ski tourists and investors.

WITH fresh powder in the winter, cherry blossoms in spring, rolling hills packed full of flowers in summer and phenomenal warm hues in Autumn, Hokkaido’s Furano is a must-experience destination.

NISEKO’S ultimate ski in ski out accommodation | Absolute ski in ski out | Private onsens | Stunning views up the ski run | Outdoor heated pool overlooking ski run | Après ski terrace | In-house restaurant...

GUESTS are obviously impressed with The Vale Niseko experience – the complex's two penthouses and seven apartments have gone under contract to people who have stayed there since it opened for business on December 9.

NISEKO is this season bustling with guests, following an unseasonably slow 08/09 winter.

NISEKO is this season bustling with guests, following an unseasonably slow 08/09 winter.

Holiday management companies have announced that bookings are up about 30 per cent on last season.

Hokkaido Tracks added that the Christmas-New Year period was at around 75-80 per cent occupancy, while Chinese-New Year in mid-February

HIRAFU'S first five-star condominium-hotel, The Vale Niseko, swung open its doors with its grand opening ceremony earlier this month.

WHILE the leaves on the trees are yet to sprout, the recommencement of work on The Vale construction site is a sure sign spring is on the way.

Nisade Chairman Jonathan Martin said he was happy to silence the naysayers with the recommencement of the construction.

“This will put to rest the endless and unfortunate