What Will Happen To Niseko?

Over recent years Niseko has been promoted and received increasing media coverage of the powder snow the area. This has brought along a massive influx of investment to the area. Within the last 12 months the Hanazono area, Higashiyama resort, who also recently announced that the hotel will be part of the Hilton Group and Moiwa have all been purchased by massive international corporations with plans to develop the current structure.

What will this do to Niseko?

After all Niseko is still a relatively small tourist destination compared to other world wide ski destinations, can it handle what lies in the future? Will the locals be happy with what Niseko will transform into, many of them are starting to sell up and move! Some are cashing in on the increasing value of their properties, can not blame them for that, others are just disgusted on what their sleepy paradise has turned into!

It is pleasing to see the local business owners that rely on tourism and investment joining forces with Aoki-san who has formed the Niseko Tourist Board. The Niseko Tourist Boards main roll will be to promote Niseko as a destination and ensure domestic and internationally owned companies reinvest funds back into the community to help cover expenses the local community have incurred due to the rapid increase of tourist numbers, also to invest in increasing town infrastructure, also to handle the tourist numbers Niseko is receiving.

Aoki-san, we wish you luck and thank you for taking the first steps in ensuring Niseko will become a sustainable tourist destination!

Only time will tell what the future holds for Niseko. We hope the people involved have more than YEN as their best interest, otherwise the bubble will burst and another fantastic part of the world will be slayed by the corporate world!

Increasing Security Warning for International Airports

If you have been to Japan in the past you would have appreciated how efficient clearing customs is at any airport compared to our home countries, for those of you that use Brisbane International Airport you know what I mean!

Well it is hoped that this efficiency will continue, however travelers this year will experience an extra security feature that may cause inconvenient delays to your travel plans.

The Japanese Government have introduced new anti terrorism laws that will come into effect in late November. The news laws will consist of every foreigner entering into Japan will be photographed, fingerprinted and interviewed.

It is has not been made clear at this point what the “interview” will consist of, however anyone refusing to cooperate will be denied entry according to Japanese Immigration.

We suggest you contact your flight carrier to make sure you sufficient time to clear customs and transfer if needed to the domestic terminal and be able to make your domestic flights.

The Japanese Government have strssed that anyone who does not wish to cooperate will be denied entry to the country! PLEASE DON’T antagonise Japan airport officials during the screening process!! If you would like to voice your opinions on this matter the safest time would be when you are departing Japan.

Niseko Map

We are currently working on creating a map of the village utilizing Google Maps.

We will be covering all restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and of course the mountain. You will be able to find reviews, sample menus and our recommendations and a few snaps of the meals before they are devoured!!

Stay tuned for the launch of our Niseko Map!

Niseko United Is Open

Niseko United rolled out the red carpet on opening day!

30 to 40 centimeters of light fresh dry powder awaited anyone wanting to walk down the red carpet this morning. It was great to see the locals out on the mountain and the new seasonal staff getting a taste of what is about to come!

The local mascot, Jagatakun, was also hanging out at seicomart and celebrating the opening of the season. Those that were lucky to witness the traditional drumming ceremony will no doubt be blessed with face shots for the rest of the season!

Welcome To Niseko Webzine

Hi and welcome to the first issue of Niseko Webzine!

We are planning on providing you with an interactive (i hope) webzine with video footage and photo's from around the town and on the resort, news, events, parties, REAL snow conditions, information on places to eat and enjoy a drink and places you should avoid!!
Well we hope you enjoy what you see and hope to have you back to read the Niseko Webzine soon.

Tomorrow is the opening of the resort! I am sure we will have our first publication of the Niseko Webzine online soon!

Niseko Webzine