 Poster: A snowHead
|
| mountainaddict wrote: |
A general query, if I may, for the Japan travel experts.
We land in Tokyo on Sun 5th Feb and have 95 mins before our onward flight to Sapporo.
Despite a single booking with Lufthansa from Manchester to Sapporo, they have been unable to add our ski bag to the Tokyo > Sapporo flight with ANA. We will therefore need to collect the bag and check it in with ANA in Tokyo 
Does that, and the need to clear immigration, mean we will have any chance of making the connection to Sapporo? We have completed the online travel, covid etc documentation on Visit Japan Web, so that will hopefully save a bit of time. |
It happened to me with ANA in 2018. I had 80 min for that and it was OK. The direct Helsinki-Sapporo flight in 2020 avoided this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
We had a similar problem when looking to book flights in 2020 but with the return flights, only Finnair would guarantee our baggage on the return journey from Sapporo which we thought was a bit weird. If you are flying from Newcastle hope you have plenty of time for changing planes, our flight from Edinburgh was an hour late which meant we missed the Helsinki flight, ended up with a BA flight via Seoul which was different but at least we still arrived on the Sunday.
@ChrisP3, We started in Kyoto then Shiga Kogen for five days, Tokyo for a couple of days then flew north for five days skiing in Niseko before flying home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Cheers both.
We're flying MAN > Frankfurt > Tokyo. We have 4hrs in Frankfurt, so should be ok.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Sorry for thread drift but to get to and from Furano for a weekend from Chitose is a rental car the best option? Bus seems to take circa 4 hours so no good for last flight out on Sunday (20:55).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| BobinCH wrote: |
| Sorry for thread drift but to get to and from Furano for a weekend from Chitose is a rental car the best option? Bus seems to take circa 4 hours so no good for last flight out on Sunday (20:55). |
I drove that stretch in a hire car in snow conditions. Took circa 2.5-3 hours from memory. Bus should be similar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| mooney058 wrote: |
| BobinCH wrote: |
| Sorry for thread drift but to get to and from Furano for a weekend from Chitose is a rental car the best option? Bus seems to take circa 4 hours so no good for last flight out on Sunday (20:55). |
I drove that stretch in a hire car in snow conditions. Took circa 2.5-3 hours from memory. Bus should be similar. |
This is what Google is saying
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@BobinCH, there are several options/roads from the memory. I followed car’s gps instructions. On a highway stretch busses were overtaking me (does not happen very often). Speed on local roads was limited, but heavyish snow meant I was going slower than a limit.
2.5 hours by a car should be doable (not a complicated drive) if no heavy snow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| mooney058 wrote: |
@BobinCH, there are several options/roads from the memory. I followed car’s gps instructions. On a highway stretch busses were overtaking me (does not happen very often). Speed on local roads was limited, but heavyish snow meant I was going slower than a limit.
2.5 hours by a car should be doable (not a complicated drive) if no heavy snow |
Thanks. Sounds like the way to go to max the time there. Trust every rental car in Hokkaido must be winter ready?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| BobinCH wrote: |
| mooney058 wrote: |
@BobinCH, there are several options/roads from the memory. I followed car’s gps instructions. On a highway stretch busses were overtaking me (does not happen very often). Speed on local roads was limited, but heavyish snow meant I was going slower than a limit.
2.5 hours by a car should be doable (not a complicated drive) if no heavy snow |
Thanks. Sounds like the way to go to max the time there. Trust every rental car in Hokkaido must be winter ready? |
They all are. In 2020 went with TooCo! which was circa 5 min by a shuttle from Chitose airport (they do come to pick/drop you off)
Ed: the beauty parked next to Hanazono, can fit 188 long skis with one driver
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Mon 23-01-23 22:04; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When we were there to find your destination address you just input its phone number into the satnav....avoids all language complications.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
@BobinCH, I'd also go with car hire as it gives you maximum flexibility and peace of mind, plus probably a bit faster than bus or train options. It's an easy drive. I prefer to use Google maps on my phone for navigation rather than the inbuilt car system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
Monday 22 January 2023
14cm New Snow
Fantastic day in Rusutsu
Deserted
Fresh tracks all day
Knee deep with the occasional face shot
Tuesday 23 January 2023
14cm New Snow
Deep day at Moiwa
Got tracked out pretty quickly but there were plenty of untracked lines to be had all morning
River run out is a little Fitzwilliam this year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
I was preparing for the worst when my BA flight to Tokyo was delayed by 4 hours yesterday. However, all went much better than expected...
1) BA flight delayed by 4.5 hours due to a technical problem, so I'll be due £520 in UK261 compensation.
2) Super quick through immigration and customs in Haneda - no queues at all. The new electronic customs system is a bit confusing and disorganised though.
3) I missed my flight to Sapporo (booked separately on JAL using Avios) but they kindly rebooked me for free on the next available flight, which was departing only 40 minutes after I arrived at the domestic terminal.
4) In the end, landed at Sapporo only 2 hours later than planned due to very little hanging around at Haneda.
5) Picking up rental car was very smooth and I made it to Furano in one piece!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
@musehead, hope the snow is as good as it is here. I saw the sun for the first time in about four days today. Lasted for about three minutes and then it was back to snowing, which I think it has done pretty constantly since my last report. Great day out at Pars Powder Paradise, so whoever recommended it, thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| musehead wrote: |
3) I missed my flight to Sapporo (booked separately on JAL using Avios) but they kindly rebooked me for free on the next available flight, which was departing only 40 minutes after I arrived at the domestic terminal.
5) Picking up rental car was very smooth and I made it to Furano in one piece! |
Avios booking via BA site or is there an easier way? And May I ask who you booked the car hire through - my first 2 attempts resulted in no cars available 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
@rogg, Hope so!! If not, I'll be in Sapporo from Monday anyway so I'll be heading over to Kiroro, Kokusai etc which I think have had more snow than Furano.
@BobinCH, Booked using Avios via the BA site.
My car rental was booked with Toyota car rental Japan. They are competitive for longer rentals (I'm renting for 4 weeks). Are you trying to book far in advance? I find it best to book a car maybe 2-3 months in advance in Japan.
Tabirai and Tocoo are two Japanese car rental comparison sites. I've also used budget rent a car Japan (direct) before.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@musehead, Alas last minute booking
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
More snow last night. Bluebird morning. Headed to Rustsu and had a ball East mountain was deep and fresh first thing. Some cloud cover appeared around lunchtime. Started snowing somewhere around 5. Forecast is for snow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
I have run out of words for it has snowed a lot.
Lovely hike to the top of the hill a couple of days ago and a dream line down. Super clean light powder.
Conditions great right now. Full sun first thing but not a lot of fresh groomer carving was the order of the day. Perfect corduroy with a lovely velvety texture. It slowly clouded over around lunchtime and has snowed all afternoon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Question for the Niseko locals - we’re arriving into New Chitose airport on Friday (c.1100). What’s the best way to get from the airport to Niseko?
We’ve sent most of our luggage on, so are travelling relatively light (only one ski bag  ).
TIA,
Ms T.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A bus, easy and good price
PS I am not local but had taken that bus and it worked. I had 2m long ski-bag too which was not an issue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
Thanks, got any links? I’ve been trying to find a timetable, but not been very successful so far.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
I used Hokkaido Resort Liner’s every time I went to Hokkaido, it was pre-booked before I left. They have a kiosk desk at New Chitose, you just let them know you’re arrived, and then wait for your bus to be called. You need to pay attention as often there will be 3 or 4 of their buses leaving at similar times, but they do check your name on boarding. They also load the bags based on which hotel you’re going to, so they can be unloaded in order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
Thanks both, I’ll have a look and see if we can book that one 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@rayscoops, ta
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
Flight booked for next year. Now how the F does accommodation work! Or when exactly does it go on sale. Need to lock in dates so I can build a 3 week trip around it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Gored wrote: |
| Flight booked for next year. Now how the F does accommodation work! Or when exactly does it go on sale. Need to lock in dates so I can build a 3 week trip around it. |
Too early for accom booking for next year. End of summer. Esp smaller/private/owners direct do not take bookings too long in advance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| mooney058 wrote: |
| Gored wrote: |
| Flight booked for next year. Now how the F does accommodation work! Or when exactly does it go on sale. Need to lock in dates so I can build a 3 week trip around it. |
Too early for accom booking for next year. End of summer. Esp smaller/private/owners direct do not take bookings too long in advance |
Yep - also need to decide hire a car & stay further out for flexibility & costs. Or public transport & stay closer to the lift.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Gored, I used booking.com and kept checking when property was becoming available
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
No complaints from me
Bags of the stuff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@mountainaddict, How's the trip going with Skilas?
I've had a couple of particularly excellent days this trip - one of them being with someone who's lived in Hokkaido for 10+ years and said it was some of the best snow he's ever skied...! It was certainly among the best snow I've ever skied too. It was ski touring in a rural location, so no competition for fresh tracks.
For resorts, I've skied Rusutsu, Teine and Furano this trip, although the best days have been leg powered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| musehead wrote: |
@mountainaddict, How's the trip going with Skilas?
I've had a couple of particularly excellent days this trip - one of them being with someone who's lived in Hokkaido for 10+ years and said it was some of the best snow he's ever skied...! It was certainly among the best snow I've ever skied too. It was ski touring in a rural location, so no competition for fresh tracks.
For resorts, I've skied Rusutsu, Teine and Furano this trip, although the best days have been leg powered. |
@musehead Just curious which resort was your favorite?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
Hi @musehead First off, an apology. I didn't contact you as promised. Our itinerary - all very laissez faire with Skilas as you may know - made it impossible. That and the circumstances that arose. Please see my live trip report - under, er 'Trip Reports.' 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently in myoko. Never seen snow come down like it. Bottomless powder of the blowy variety with resets all day.
Great fun but a pita digging the car out all the time
Also tried horse sashimi. Tasted ok
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
