International (Europe/Japan/Southern Hemisphere) Japan 2019

[Eleeski]

Some time around January 20, we wanted to visit Japan for some skiing. We have the Ikon pass so Niseko looks attractive (but if there are better places we can go there also/instead).

Where do we stay?

How do we get there from southern California?

My son is in Osaka. How does he get there? His time off work might be limited so airport ease might be a factor on resort choice for part of the trip.

Do we need (want) a car?

How soon should we book?

Will we get steep, deep and light powder?

Should we bring skis or rent? Or buy to take home? (ID One bump skis sound fun to have at Squaw.)

How cold will it be for pansy California skiers?

Thanks for any input.

Eric

 

[Jim McDonald]

First, explore a bit on this site: https://www.snowjapan.com/
Decide between Hokkaido & Honshu, then narrow down your possibles to a couple or three so you ask specific questions
In the meantime, to get you started...

Where do we stay?
What do you need -- luxury ski-out/in? rustic Japanese-style pension? capsule hotel? (yes, there is one at a ski area)

How do we get there from southern California?
direct flights to Tokyo from LAX or SanDiego, or to Osaka perhaps, not sure; local flight to CTS for Hokkaido, convenient trains to anywhere in Honshu

My son is in Osaka. How does he get there? His time off work might be limited so airport ease might be a factor on resort choice for part of the trip.
see above, multiple daily direct flights Osaka-CTS

Do we need (want) a car?
only if you want to visit several ski areas (and maybe not even then)

How soon should we book?
ASAP for high-end in Niseko or Hakuba (before the Aussies and Chinese book out everything) or for good deals

Will we get steep, deep and light powder?
almost certainly a good dump at least once if you stay five days either side of Jan 20

Should we bring skis or rent? Or buy to take home? (ID One bump skis sound fun to have at Squaw.)
good quality rentals available in Niseko or Hakuba at about Y4,000/day; personally I'd bring my own if going anywhere else

How cold will it be for pansy California skiers?
bluebird days unlikely in your time frame (which is why you'll likely get powder) prepare for -10 C or colder blizzard conditions (you can always shed a layer if necessary)