Hokkaido is the powder paradise, most of the graphic memories are more of a culinary report. Nobody takes a real camera to the slopes (except for those owning a GoPro) and realistically, food is the second best thing of northern Japan.
When we hit the slopes in Kiroro, we actually stayed at Otaru, which is a really cute town close to Sapporo. There are restaurants, but is not a pure resort spot. Meaning that sometimes, you have to wait.
Restaurants are sometimes crowded, but well equipped with waiting sits. For everyone in the group.
Wine is widely available.
Along with salad. This is remarkable, after years in Stockholm where greens were not even in the menu of the most refined places.
In Yakitori (chicken skewer) spots, everyone orders something. We put it in the middle and share with others. Just like when Spanish people go out for tapas. We also split the bill equally. This is called betsu-betsu and one of the first words you learn when moving to work in Japan (as everyone tells the woman on the cashier of the lunch spot, betsu-betsu onegaishimasu).
Niseko, as opposed to Otaru, is the powder resort. There are many restaurants. But all of them are super crowded. So it's highly advised to pick up a restaurant guide from the visitor center and get your phone calls done by noon, so a table is ready when you are done with the après ski hot-bath.
Different spot, same style. Order anything, from tempura through teriyaki chicken or hokke, the large fish. Enjoy & split the bill.
Niseko offers some kind of nightlife, in the form of snowboarding bars.
Cool hangouts packed with Aussies.
Bruce Willis, the drink of Niseko.
The decoration is not fancy, but really cozy for some friends' talk.
Good wine, big smiles, unforgettable memories, awesome time.
