Morning brought 20 cm of fresh snow. Maya rented a slightly shorter, wider board—common advice in Japan because the powder is so deep that a standard board can sink. They took the gondola up Mount Annupuri. The feeling of carving through untouched, dry powder was surreal. Snow quality tip: Japan’s snow has low moisture content, so it’s much lighter than the Sierra Nevada or Alps. Slow down your turns and lean back more than usual.
They landed at New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. First useful tip: Use the luggage delivery service (takkyubin) . For about $20, their snowboard bags were sent directly to the hotel. They traveled light on the bus to Niseko, watching farmland turn into snow-covered hills.
By noon, the lower runs were tracked out, but the trees above 1,000 meters stayed fresh. They ducked into a marked off-piste gate (always check local rules—Niseko requires a backcountry permit and an avalanche beacon for gate access).
They took a bus north to Asahikawa, home of the famous Asahiyama Zoo (penguin walks in winter) and Asahikawa Ramen (soy-based, rich). Next day, Furano: a smaller resort known for long, groomed runs and excellent tree skiing. Furano is less crowded than Niseko and more affordable. Tip: Furano’s Kitanomine zone has great budget lodges.
Here’s a useful story about snowboarding in Japan—one that combines practical tips, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure. Powder, Onsen, and Perfect Turns