Blogs from Hokkaido, Japan, Asia - page 29

Kutchan is the closest little town to Niseko resort. We took the 15 minute bus to Kutchan to do some Nintendo Wii shopping and have some dinner of traditional Japanese BBQ, including some beef (which there isnt much of in Hokkaido, and its very expensive) and what they call "Gengis Khan", which is BBQ'd lamb and veges on you own little bbq. The restaurant was in a tiny little dark alley and was the "real Japan". The owers didnt speak any english but were very cute. They fetched us food and beer and watched japanese game shows on tv while we ate.... read more

We spent the next four days all at Niseko Ski Resort, where it DID NOT STOP SNOWING for the whole time we were there except once on one afternoon when the sun peeped though. I took the chance to take as many photos as possible. In Japan, from Nov to April it snows like nowhere else in the world, probably because its a small island. Lots of cold air and snow comes down from Russia over the Sea of Japan. Japan is also known for its soft powder snow, which, although difficult to ski and turn on, is definitely the most fun to fall on! The mountain, called Annapuri, is huge. Due to the snowfall you hardly ever see the top of it, and we didnt, as it was always covered by clouds. There are 4 ... read more

Arrival Day We had an early flight from Hiroshima this morning. Bit of a hassle getting from our hotel, to the train station on the tram, then onto the bus to the airport, then checking in. We had been a bit concerned about the 15kg luggage limit - which we were well over - but noone seemed to care very much and check in went quite smoothly. Easy flight and got into Hokkaido about lunchtime to meet our Ski Japan rep. She had to meet a few more people so we had a bit of time to grab lunch and check out the airport - always exciting. The bus ride out to the village was a good 2.5 hours long but was actually quite a nice ride. The roads were good and it was just fantastic ... read more

Back in Japan for the second time this year. Its good to be back! Stopped off in Taiwan on the way for one night, didn't really like it there. I had forgotten how friendly and crazy the Japanese people are. I'v got a job here working at the same place i stayed at last year. The people who run the place are so nice, they have me calling them Ozesun (uncle) and Obasun (aunt). Obasun is an amazing cook, we staff eat what they eat and they eat really good, i could write pages and pages about the cooking alone but i'll just let you take my word for it. I work 4 hours a day just moving snow with this thing thats a cross between a tank and a lawnmower, i also pick people up ... read more

I can't believe I've been here in Japan for exactly four months now. I can't believe I haven't written anything about it! Perhaps because there are far too many stories to tell. Practically everyday something happens here. And the weekends? Oh my god. I can't even begin to describe them. Last Friday I was out until 6am. The next night I was out until 10am! I am constantly meeting new people. Here in Sapporo I know pretty much all the bartenders, gaijin, and many Japanese girls. This city is very small so you get to know everywhere and everyone pretty quick. I can go out by myself anytime and can be pretty much guarenteed to run into someone I know to hangout with. My keitai, cellphone, is bulging with phone numbers and memories of crazy nights ... read more