Japan Trip Questions

Both the Niseko and the Hakuba areas are two of the best, most well-known spots in the country for foreign ski tourists.

Niseko, aka "the coldest place in Australia," is more or less completely dominated by foreign tourists. Don't expect to have an authentic Japan experience here, although you can expect some great skiing for sure. Hakuba also receives large numbers of tourists, but has the benefit that they're more spread out around the valley.

My compare & contrast in a nutshell: Hakuba offers steeper, more consequential terrain, while the Niseko area is generally more in the "fun-pow" category of low-angle, low-worries pow riding. If you're into steeps, that's plus-one for Hakuba. Niseko (and Hokkaido in general) is usually more snow-secure than resorts on Honshu (the main island), although recent winters have been bucking that trend.

After visiting both areas several times, I would have to say I prefer Hakuba and the greater Nagano area. Here's why: more resorts, more diversity in terrain at the resorts, more real Japanese culture, more opportunities to get off the beaten tourist path.

Drop me a message if you have more questions for your trip planning, I'd be glad to help.

There are also lots of places to go in Hokkaido that aren't Niseko. I've gone to Hokkaido twice and only driven through Niseko, never stayed there or skied in the resorts.
Ethan summed things up pretty well, although I've never skied on Honshu.

I was in Hakuba for a month and it was sick! I stayed in Happo and mostly skied at 47 and Happo One but there are so many places to check out like Cortina as well. Tree skiing is a little different in Japan they take their wildlife preservation on mountains seriously and it is actually illegal to ski in trees at certain mountains so be sure to triple check before heading in. The nightlife in Happo is pretty awesome too, it is A LOT of Australians. If you want great food check out Lucky Pete's Cafe and Bar some fire food and Pete is a really cool dude to just sit and talk with at the end of the day. The Lion Cafe right across from Lawson in Happo also has some great burgers definitely the best in the area that I got to try. There is a foot onsen diagonally across to chill at and dip the feet after a long day of riding as well. I noticed that even the local Japanese love trying to speak English and actually appreciate when you try to learn their language and culture as well.

Thanks guys getting excited at my desk been learning Japanese online haha

SklarThere are also lots of places to go in Hokkaido that aren't Niseko. I've gone to Hokkaido twice and only driven through Niseko, never stayed there or skied in the resorts.
Ethan summed things up pretty well, although I've never skied on Honshu.

springvisualsI was in Hakuba for a month and it was sick! I stayed in Happo and mostly skied at 47 and Happo One but there are so many places to check out like Cortina as well. Tree skiing is a little different in Japan they take their wildlife preservation on mountains seriously and it is actually illegal to ski in trees at certain mountains so be sure to triple check before heading in. The nightlife in Happo is pretty awesome too, it is A LOT of Australians. If you want great food check out Lucky Pete's Cafe and Bar some fire food and Pete is a really cool dude to just sit and talk with at the end of the day. The Lion Cafe right across from Lawson in Happo also has some great burgers definitely the best in the area that I got to try. There is a foot onsen diagonally across to chill at and dip the feet after a long day of riding as well. I noticed that even the local Japanese love trying to speak English and actually appreciate when you try to learn their language and culture as well.

Bump cause i just bought my tickets!!!!!! anyone have any homies living there that can show me around

get a japan rail pass. You have to order it before you arrive. it keeps your options open as the shinkansen now goes all the way up to Hokkaido and you can rent a car from there to get to Niseko.

Was in japan for two weeks this summer and can confirm that a Japan Rail pass is the move.

HaydenWrongBump cause i just bought my tickets!!!!!! anyone have any homies living there that can show me around

What area did you end up going to ? My brothers are I are going to Niseko in January