I was lucky enough to experience skiing in Japan earlier this year with my youngest brother Simon and four good mates. This was my first ever trip to Japan and although we didn’t see much apart one very small part of the country on the northern island of Hokkaido I saw enough to know just how lovely the Japanese are, ever willing to please and help with any request, they are gentle, easily approachable, ever so polite, have great food, are proud and welcoming.
One occasion that springs to mind – Simon and Troy were having trouble finding one of the two ATM’s in the town we were staying at and asked a Japanese lady for some directions. Instead of pointing the way, she and her dog accompanied the the two all over town until she tracked it down in the foyer of a hotel at the top of a large hill and well out of her way. The boys kept insisting that they would be fine with some directions but she would have none of it and trudged on through the snow lined streets till they were standing before the machine.
I look forward to seeing more of their beautiful country and people and truly hope that they can recover from their great loss in the recent tsunami and earthquake. There is nowhere on earth that deserves to face such devastation and loss but it seems particularly unfair that it had to be Japan that copped the full brunt, especially after visiting their amazing country.
All of us had a terrific time and all vow to return as soon as we can for more great skiing and holiday experiences. Below are a few photos of the trip.
Simon and I at Shanghai airport before our transfer to Hokaido – the most northern island of Japan that has the driest and most plentiful powder snow.
Coffee in cans became a normal sight in Japan – cold or hot! It wasn’t to bad either.
Our first meal in Hirafu – where we based for our holiday. Luckily there were photos on the menus to help choose. Entering this noodle restaurant the entire kitchen staff would acknowledge any new customer with short, loud welcome.
Troy’s first attempt at chopsticks. Did he master them by the end of our stay… NO!
Mick on the first day of sking with an amazing blue sky day and views across the valley and imposing volcano. I wonder if he’s thinking about work?
We tried to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible and this sushi plate was superb. The only thing that I couldn’t finish was the jellyfish.
Not what we were expecting when ordering a muesli bar for a snack.
Getting into the culture. BTW – that coke was not a coke. Mark ordered something new from the menu and was served a very cold and strong black coffee in a large coke cup – he was boarding better than ever after finishing it.
Bamboo Lodge – our accommodation for the stay. That’s the main mountain at the top of the street.
An enterprising real estate agent had this display on his door front.
Simon sampling some of Japan’s finest powder.
Simon looking all “pro” in this photo. A second later he was totally gone, buried under soft powder.
Troy negotiates the tree run in knee deep powder.
Troy comes up for air after face-planting in the knee deep powder.
Notice how busy the runs are – simply incredible!
Here’s me coming down the crowded front slope of Moiwa resort while Richard and Troy wait to show off their skills to the camera.
Richard enjoying the fantastic conditions.
The locals were super friendly. This racer was genuinely concerned that we were going to drop into the middle of race practice on a seriously steep run.
Another blue ski day at Rusutsu resort. There was a gondola to access each side of the valley at the one resort.
Mark at the top of Rusutsu as a racer drops in for a downhill run. Check the amusement park below – open in summer time only.
Many of the chairlifts at the different resorts had covers for protection from the weather.
Paradise for skiers with snow stretching as far as the eye can see.
The photos are fantastic and capture the spirit and fun of the holiday. The story of the Japanese lady giving directions reveals the traits of the Japanese people you were writing about in your story.
I’m so so jealous!
Dear Andrew, a lot of greetings from old Germany,
You remember, Augsburg?? Your mum had sent your pictures on
my a-mail adress. The pictures are great. The story, I`ll
try to translate.
Excuse my bad English.
A good time to you and your family.
Love
Carmen, Klaus and aunt Elvira
Hi Carmen
Thank you for your lovely note – what a surprise!
Of course I remember Augsburg – Linda and I have never been more lost when trying to meet you all for lunch in 2008 🙂
We all would love to come back and visit again sometime – maybe for a ski trip in the Bavarian Alps, Austria or Switzerland.
I hope you and all the family are well and you are finally enjoying some warmer spring weather.
All the best and love from all of us
Andrew, Linda and the boys