Japan Part I: Niseko

The journey over to Japan was a long one: our flight in Shanghai got delayed, which caused us to miss our connection in Osaka where they told us that the next flight out to Sapporo was also delayed and could potentially turn around once in the air if the weather worsened. We took our chances and in the meantime, enjoyed wonderful Japanese innovations like an auto-dispensing draft beer machine:

Thankfully, we made it to Sapporo later that night, about 15 hours after leaving our place in Shanghai. But our travels weren't over yet; the next day we took a three-hour bus ride to the mountains of Niseko.

We chose to stay in Hirafu, part of Niseko, a ski resort seemingly overrun by Aussies. It's a very cool place, with the same mellow vibe that's so characteristic of mountain towns, but where bowls of ramen replace bowls of chili.

Mike booked us at the Niseko Prince Hotel where we stayed in a traditional Japanese room, complete with tatami mat flooring and a private onsen (like a jacuzzi minus the bubbles). In theory, sleeping on tatami mats is lovely; in practice, and after long days on the mountain, not so much. The private onsen, however, was crucial.  

Top photo: onsen; bottom photo: mountain view from onsen

The snow was fantastic; Mike was in heaven. Somewhat new to the whole snowboarding thing (and being the LA girl that I am), I had moments when I questioned what the f*ck I was doing in such cold. But I also had moments of pure joy when all I wanted to do was get one more run in.

See that thermometer? Minus 10 degrees celsius!

Up next: Fatty Tuesday, Japan-style.