Visitors to Niseko will soon be able to reach Hokkaido for never-seen-before prices. Several new low-cost carriers have just started selling tickets for domestic routes, with Hokkaido’s Chitose airport being a major target.
Hokkaido is also on the radar of some new overseas budget airlines, so keep an eye on Powderlife.com for detailed information in the coming weeks. The first details are revealed in this issue’s Niseko News (page10).
February is a great month to fly to Hokkaido, with several snow and ice festivals underway. The internationally famous Sapporo Snow Festival draws huge crowds from across the world, but there are many lesser-known ones like Sounkyo Ice Festival, which we’re introducing you to on our Discover Hokkaido page.
For those of you who are staying in Niseko, explore the many bars and pubs around town, which cater to all tastes and budgets. One of the latest additions to Hirafu’s nightlife is the bar Temperance, which was packed for its grand opening party – see the photos on our Flash page (page 15).
If you’re looking for quality organic food, read about Huckleberry Farm in our restaurant review (page 16). This Niseko farm is running a new restaurant – Ristorante 89 – using its own fresh produce. You can stroll around the farm before or after eating to watch the world’s smallest breed of cows and ponies and also Chinese Silkie chickens all frolicking in the snow.
Whatever you’re up to in Niseko or the rest of Hokkaido, have a great time and email us about it!
Kerstin Winter, Powderlife Managing Editor, [email protected]