Xmas Day on ANA then skiing, skiing, (NYE) and more skiing in Niseko

[NoobFlyer]

Welcome to my first attempt at an AFF trip report. I have had great joy in reading all the excellent TR's from other members on this forum and hope that I can contribute some knowledge to this great resource from a slightly different perspective. Once we get going I will try to let the pictures tell the story as there is no way I can do justice to the destination with words but forgive my babbling for now. As the title suggests the focus of this trip will be skiing (with a little NYE celebrations thrown in) but I'll also be flying on ANA's new SYD-HND 787-9 service (crossing fingers and toes for the R2-D2 jet).

Background
Having completed my first trip to the Japan earlier this year I was hooked the moment I stepped off the plane in Narita. The utmost politeness and courtesy shown by the general public, the efficiency of the public transport, the superb food, the spectacular scenery, and, most importantly for me at least, the tremendous options available to a skiing addict. So naturally the day I returned from the first trip was the day I started planning the second. Long story short I utilised the compulsory work shutdown to sneak in a week of skiing on Hokkaido, certainly sounds better than enduring the summer heat to me.

I know Niseko is a very westernised part of Japan but I settled here based on this being a safe option for my first O/S solo trip and increasing the odds of better snow in the earlier part of the Japanese ski season. A big catalyst for this trip was the very good prices ANA were offering when they first announced the new route, particularly over the Xmas/NY period. I was essentially able to get Premium Economy for the price most other full service carriers were charging for Economy which worked very well for ANA in convincing me to part with a few extra $$'s to get that slightly more comfortable seat which, hopefully, will allow me to get some sleep on the overnight flights to and from Japan. Something I have not yet been able to achieve on a plane.

Itinerary
SYD-HND-CTS
7 nights Niseko
Skiing, lots of skiing

Flight Track - Yep very exciting I know


Some views to look forward to


What I wish I would look like


Firsts for me on this trip
This will be my first time in a Premium (albeit PremY) cabin although from what I gather the ANA product is a pretty good one to start with particularly with the offer of Lounge Access (especially for this no-status noobie) before the international legs.
Speaking of which, this might seem a bit out of place on AFF but the realm of comfortable seating, free food and drinks, accessible powerpoints and not-terrible wifi that make up airport lounges will be a new concept to me. When I booked the ticket I had read about the lounge access offered for ANA's Premium Economy travelers but thought it would be limited to the ANA operated lounge on the return flight departing Haneda. Upon further research I discovered that they now have a agreement with ANZ to use their lounge in Sydney. The skeptic in me is finding it hard to believe I'll be able to access this lounge easily as I'm not sure the ANZ staff will be used to anyone below star alliance gold/ business class coming into their lounge but here's hoping it all works out.

I'm not really an experienced traveler and certainly not when it comes to Japan so I'm sure I'll make some mistakes but hopefully someone can learn from them if I do. Would love to get some suggestions on things I might have overlooked or night spots to go to in Niseko. Can barely contain the excitement!!

Bags are packed, skis are waxed, next stop... Japan!!

 

[trentusjuventus]

This looks like it's going to be a great trip!

As far as night spots in Niseko there's plenty to choose, but mostly westernized options, you'll struggle to find authentic Japanese style places for a drink. There are lots of little places tucked away, especially in the lower village, as well as the bigger, we'll known places closer to the main road. The name escapes me but there's a cool little bar with a fridge door as the entry which is worth a look. Wild Bill's probably not worthwhile unless you're really missing Australia.
My advice would be to hit the onsen before anything else for a hot soak (and bring a beer or two in with you). Yukoro in lower Hirafu is my go-to.

Enjoy your trip, I look forward to reading your report.

 

[Fifa]

I imagine ANA will provide you with a lounge invitation at check-in so no worries there. JAL also offers lounge access for its PE passengers. Enjoy!

 

[Cynicor]

This looks like it's going to be a great trip!

As far as night spots in Niseko there's plenty to choose, but mostly westernized options, you'll struggle to find authentic Japanese style places for a drink. There are lots of little places tucked away, especially in the lower village, as well as the bigger, we'll known places closer to the main road. The name escapes me but there's a cool little bar with a fridge door as the entry which is worth a look. Wild Bill's probably not worthwhile unless you're really missing Australia.
My advice would be to hit the onsen before anything else for a hot soak (and bring a beer or two in with you). Yukoro in lower Hirafu is my go-to.

Enjoy your trip, I look forward to reading your report.

Ok advice overall but please don't bring a beer into the onsen unless it is allowed (and they mostly aren't).

Don't be a feral aussie further destroying the area.

 

[NoobFlyer]

This looks like it's going to be a great trip!

As far as night spots in Niseko there's plenty to choose, but mostly westernized options, you'll struggle to find authentic Japanese style places for a drink. There are lots of little places tucked away, especially in the lower village, as well as the bigger, we'll known places closer to the main road. The name escapes me but there's a cool little bar with a fridge door as the entry which is worth a look. Wild Bill's probably not worthwhile unless you're really missing Australia.
My advice would be to hit the onsen before anything else for a hot soak (and bring a beer or two in with you). Yukoro in lower Hirafu is my go-to.

Enjoy your trip, I look forward to reading your report.

When I settled on Niseko, I knew this would be a trade-off but I figure aiming for some of the local izakaya will be a good way to go. Ah yes onsens! Of course I will need to be frequenting an onsen on the way back from the slopes each day, there is no better way to end a day of skiing Japanese powder and Yukoro onsen does come well recommended, thanks P.S. Bar Gyu+ is the one behind the vending machine door

I imagine ANA will provide you with a lounge invitation at check-in so no worries there. JAL also offers lounge access for its PE passengers. Enjoy!

Well that would make a lot of sense, thank you for pointing that out.

Ok advice overall but please don't bring a beer into the onsen unless it is allowed (and they mostly aren't).

Don't be a feral aussie further destroying the area.

I am mindful of this and will be leaving the biiru for the izakaya and not going crazy when there in any case as that might take away from skiing time! In my (limited) experience, I previously have expressly asked the owner of the onsen if it was OK and been allowed to take beer in but that may have been more them being to polite to say no directly. I am now on the side of leaving the beer for afterwards but understand particularly in the westernised areas like Niseko and Hakuba that a few people do and the owners don't mind so much as long as people are well behaved and have somewhat stretched their custom to allow it. Unfortunately I'm also sure there are plenty of horror stories of drunk tourists wrecking the experience for others as well.

 

[RB]

Good start to the report & I am lookng forward to reading the rest. Seems the Japanese ski scene is pretty addictive

 

[Cynicor]

They really need some snow in Niseko but a storm might be coming for Christmas. The mountain is not fully open which is crazy for this time of year.

I still have 3 weeks before I get to Niseko so I'm reading the daily snow reports out of hope!

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Looking forward to reading about it NoobFlyer! I too have been really impressed with the Japanese hospitality and ease to get around when I traveled there this year and can't wait for my next trip

 

[NoobFlyer]

They really need some snow in Niseko but a storm might be coming for Christmas. The mountain is not fully open which is crazy for this time of year.

I still have 3 weeks before I get to Niseko so I'm reading the daily snow reports out of hope!

Very true. The forecasts are showing some promise for the week I am there but I knew when planning this trip I wasn't guaranteed powder every day. As long as there's some white stuff to slide on, I will be like a kid in a candy store.

 

[TomVexille]

This looks like it's going to be a great trip!

+1 to that.

I look forward to following along

 

[lakeman]

Subscibed !
I am sure you will have a great time.
I nearly clicked the booking link for a trip on the same carier but my snowboard buddy convinced me to see canada again.
I would be interested in ANAs policy re skis and boards.
Japanese carriers have been less than accomodating in the past in their attitude to oversize bags.
My mate was hit for fees in tokyo once.
I read their rules and cant see how a standard snowboard bag would escape extra fees.
Be sure to write of your or other traveĺlers experience.

 

[Cynicor]

I've done ana domestic with no hassles. If they want to charge more than $20 it's probably worth just shipping them.

Will know about international by Jan 6th.

 

[NoobFlyer]

Subscibed !
I am sure you will have a great time.
I nearly clicked the booking link for a trip on the same carier but my snowboard buddy convinced me to see canada again.
I would be interested in ANAs policy re skis and boards.
Japanese carriers have been less than accomodating in the past in their attitude to oversize bags.
My mate was hit for fees in tokyo once.
I read their rules and cant see how a standard snowboard bag would escape extra fees.
Be sure to write of your or other traveĺlers experience.

The 205 cm limit for tickets booked before 25th November (I think) is very limiting indeed. I was originally planning on taking one wheeled double ski bag packed to the gills with my big powder skis, boots, helmet, clothes, etc, etc but this was about 230 cm linear so not even close. Led to a revision in strategy that included taking a second piece of checked luggage for everything but the skis and poles and taking my shorter all mountain skis instead in a lightweight single ski carry bag (without wheels!). The ski bag is about 205 cm linear so can make it with a squeeze . If it absolutely pukes and the 90 mm waist AM skis aren't adequate then I'll just hire some fats over there. The new 258 cm (???) limit is much more accommodating for skiers at least

Speaking of which, the forecast for the next week is looking very favourable http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Niseko/6day/mid

Sugoi, Sugoi!!
Arigatou gozaimasu!!

 

[NoobFlyer]

And here we go...
First glimpse of the bird I'll be flying SYD-HND parked in a remote bay.

Flight radar tells me it is B789 rego JA836A and unfortunately not the R2-D2 livery. Oh well keep everything crossed for the return.

Oh and yes I may have been a little on the safe side accounting for xmas day traffic and arrived at the airport >4.5 hours before my flight time.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Little snow at Hakuba at present. Awaiting a big dump tonight hopefully.

From this trip I've worked out if I can tolerate the jet lag Canada presents better skiing options and all round experience. Some will disagree with this no doubt. The Japanese don't welcome visitors with open arms.

 

[Cynicor]

Little snow at Hakuba at present. Awaiting a big dump tonight hopefully.

From this trip I've worked out if I can tolerate the jet lag Canada presents better skiing options and all round experience. Some will disagree with this no doubt. The Japanese don't welcome visitors with open arms.

Intriguing comments. I would disagree with pretty much every aspect of this if one is a boarder. There is a reason that Japan is seeing many more Europeans and Canadians than ever before, but this season is really sucking and that is (I assume) part of the reason you would prefer Canada.

I have only found the Japanese to be friendly polite and helpful, but each to their own. If you prefer Canada the mountains there are definitely larger and steeper and more inter-linked.

 

[NoobFlyer]

Check-In and Air New Zealand International Lounge
So here we go, as mentioned previously I arrived a tad early so bit of planespttoing first then once check in opened it was quickly through thanks to priority check in and off to security. Check in agent didn't bat an eyelid at my technically oversize ski bag (by 2 cm) , nor was there any hint of a tape measure, etc. Just asked me to place the skis in a nearby oversize baggage cage and off I went. Not much of a line at security and about a 20 minute wait for TRS (anyone else think the non QR code line moves quicker than the QR code line?).

Up to the AirNZ lounge where the lounge angel seemed a little stumped at my economy cabin lounge access (invitation was printed on the boarding pass) but after a quick check of the computer, I was waved through with a smile and the wifi password. Nice selection of soups, cold salads and sweeter items available for dinner. The lentil soup was lovely as were the carrot, spinach and pepita muffins. Desserts were of course all excellent particularly the scones although I am a massive sweet tooth so maybe not an accurate reflection

Apologies photos don't seem to be working, I'll try again at the accommodation tonight. Along with the flight report and travel between CTS and Niseko.
Update: Seems I've found a workaround, not the best solution in terms of presentation and readability but it will do for now.

 

[NoobFlyer]

Air New Zealand International Lounge (cont.)
Alcohol selection as seen in pictures, apologies to the wine drinkers but I will generally stick to beer so can't offer much of a review on the available drops. The Mac's Green Beret IPA was superb though. I think there was more varieties of wine to choose from at the bar however I was content with the choices available at the self serve option.

I could definitely get used to this lounge caper, I can see why so many on here go to great lengths to ensure they can keep the status that allows access. Can only imagine what the first lounges must be like. Some plane spotting before the flight.
Emirates B773 with Etihad A380 and a better shot shot of the ANA B789 that will feature further in the next post.

 

[NoobFlyer]

Flight 1
ANA
NH880
SYD-HND
Seat 15A


Boarding called at 9:00 and most people had already boarded by the time I got to the gate around 9:15. Very full loads in all 3 classes, not a spare seat in PY or Y (or J from a quick glance as I walked on). Very soon after I was seated, one of the FAs confirmed my vegetarian meal choice. Pushed back around about on time. Apologies no seat shot as the cabin was already full but the bulkhead seat was a good choice as I did feel that at full recline, the seat in front would make getting in and out of your seat quite difficult. Plenty of legroom of course, I could just touch the bulkhead when seated upright.


Seatbelt sign was turned off quickly and service began with hot towels and the meal service. Can't comment on the normal dishes but the choices were Salmon or Hungarian beef. Not entirely sure what the vego meal was but some sort of eggplant with tomato based sauce. Not spectacular but I had eaten a fair bit in the lounge so wasn't too fussed. Likewise for the sides and dessert. I think the service speed was ok, hard to tell how long it took to serve economy but I think my tray was cleared after about 45 mins (sorry, new at this haha). Don't have much to compare it to anyway.


Settled down into a movie (Guardians of the Galaxy), set my carry on up as a foot stool and got really quite comfortable, though I couldn't seem to get the IFE screen to sit at the right angle without being tilted slightly, oh well. The premium economy seat would be great for a day flight where sleep wasn't on the cards, however, as mentioned in the OP having not been able to sleep at all on a plane prior to this I was hoping things could change. And they did, kind of. I eventually dozed in and out of slumber with maybe a total of 3 or 4 hours kip so I'll take that as a win. I haven't been lucky enough to test how much I could get in a flat bed but we'll be finding that out soon enough hopefully.


Late flight snack including Smith's chips, Anzac biscuits and a raspberry and chocolate cake was served about 1.5 hrs out from landing (about 3am destination time).

Landed about 4.30 local time, disembarked after J pax, through immigration in all of 5 mins, oversize baggage delivered to the carousel and priority baggage worked so far as I don't think I saw a non-priority tagged bag come out before mine. There were a lot of priority tagged bags (likely due to the high % of total seats sold as either business or premium economy) though so still had to wait around 10mins.

Through to domestic transfer check-in, security and onto the transfer bus to arrive at the domestic terminal at 5.30. Easily made the tightest connection of my trip, though I wasn't ever really worried.

 

[NoobFlyer]

Flight 2 and Train to KutchanANA
NH987
HND-CTS
B738
Seat 7C


Boarding: 6:05
Pushback:6:30
Takeoff: 6:40
Landed: 7:45



Back to cattle class for this short hop up to Hokkaido. Legroom in 3rd row of economy was perfectly adequate. No in seat IFE, just shared screens. Some really nice views after take off as we rose up through the cloud layer with the sun rising but unfortunately no pictures as I was on the aisle. All announcements were made in Japanese and English (or at least attempted) which was appreciated especially on the domestic leg. Complimentary beverages offered after take off, I chose the 'ANA original coffee', straight. Wasn't the best coffee I've ever had but I know this isn't the right country for the coffee snob. Coffee in Japan is purely about the caffeine hit and this hit the spot just fine. I do enjoy a vending machine coffee but let's be honest that's more about the ridiculous amount of sugar in them...


After a fairly long taxi around the snow covered fields we arrived at the gate parked next to the lovely artwork seen in the attached file.

Priority tags definitely in play as after a short wait for the carousel to spring into action my bags were 2nd and 5th! Very new feeling for this non-status newbie. Though by reading some other reports on AFF, this may be a feeling foreign even to this with status in Australia.

Down to the JR station and ticket bought for the train to Kutchan, with a transfer at Otaru. The train isn't the most convenient method of getting to Niseko from CTS but I would much prefer to sit on a train and be able to wander around and stretch the legs than sit on a bus for 2-3 hours but that's just me. It should be a little cheaper and is a similar travel time if the transfers line up. Going by the amount of other westerners I saw at Otaru (or pack thereof) I think I'm on my own with this choice among fellow gaijin anyway.


Train to Otaru is very scenic with rolling snow and tree covered hills on the left and the sea to the right. I think on the way back I'll sit on the sea side as that appeared to get some nice contrasting snow and sea photo opportunities.

Grabbed a bento box for a late brekky and washed it down with a Sapporo. What else would you drink around here? The train to Kutchan is just a local 2 carriage job. Not rapid but on time to the dot as with all trains in Japan, even with the snowy conditions.