As we pass through the spring equinox and the temperatures begin to flirt with positive numbers, Niseko is starting to quiet down as the crowds recede. The roads start to reappear and massive snowbanks start to shrink as local businesses become visible again. […]

Levels of laziness and neglect of one’s vehicle is unfortunately a public display here in Niseko. If you decide to leave your car for two weeks, people will notice it as they walk by. And then they start to forget about it when your car is completely buried. Although this time the car in question was still visible, lets just say it was a close call. […]

Without a doubt, one of the joys of Japan is the abundance of convenient stores. In central Tokyo, you can usually spot the next convenience store (or “convini” in Japanese) while standing in front of another. At the base of Grand Hirafu resort, there are two main convinis that cater to the needs of the guests. […]

So my trusty vehicle was parked in this spot two days ago. The snow was cleared, the wall was actually vertical, and I headed off for the weekend. However, when I got back… […]

Aside from all the great food and snow, do you know what else Hokkaido likes to have? Illumination Festivals. […]

Well, here we are again. After an evening of harrowing winds that left the local trees a bit balder than yesterday, we were all rewarded with another bluebird morning with excellent visibility in all directions.  […]