hokkaido in late march and early april 09

[sydneyswans]

Hi there
1) I was planning to do some skiing in Hokkaido in late March this year
Any comments on that ? Is it too late in season ? Is Niseko good for skiing?

2) Also, can anyone recommend any other things to do in Hokkaido in late March - or does the snow mean i would be better off heading south to catch the beginning of spring (im keen to hike). If the snow is heavy and everywhere, what are the options (sorry, im from a hot country)

3) Any recommendations on hiking to make the most of spring ? I would like to hike from hut to hut if possible in a natural area - koyasan, or instance
I understand the Japanese alps would be under snow and therefore no good for hiking

4) Any recommendations on getting from osaka to sapporo in late march. Flying seems expensive.

5) I was thinking train would be best. Should i use a japan rail pass - i was thinking getting a 3 week pass - then using it to get from osaka to sapporo, then it would be unused (with the time ticking) for 7 days, then i would use it again to head south for 2 weeks, with some hiking at the end
It seems like this is the cheapest option - does that sound right ?

thanks for any advice

[Nagoyankee]

1) It won't be too late unless the spring comes unusually early this year. The ski resorts in Hokkaido are generally open through the first week or so of April. I myself have skied in early April in Tomamu, if not in Niseko.

Niseko is a very well-known resort, so you should have fun there. That's where you see the most Australians in Japan, too.

2) If your main purpose is hiking, then Hokkaido may not be your best choice for late March. You might want to go someplace around or west of Tokyo. No need to go too deep down south. Remember that late March is the season for the cherry blossoms for the good two-thirds of the country.

3) There's a Koyasan specialist on JF. So let's wait till he comes on.

4) I'm not sure what the cheapest method is, but there's a bus service between Osaka and Aomori. The one-way fair is 4,100 ~ 8,500 yen depending on the type of bus and dates. From Aomori, you can take the boat to Hakodate, Hokkaido. The fair is 2,700 yen one-way.

5) Sorry I know nothing about the rail pass as I'm a resident. But I'm sure others will be replying.

[sydneyswans]

thanks Nagoyankee for helping me out with some advice

I have a whole month and am keen to get the skiing in (never skiied overseas before), then work my way back to Osaka

it is my understanding it would be too late in the season to ski on Honshu

It sounds like once i finish skiing (7 days), i will head back to Honshu - im keen to hike and see natural, beautiful, spring Japan. I was thinking Kamicochi but Lonely Planet says it is shut until late April. So Im looking for hiking options that do not require a car to get to - bus or train. I was also looking for something a bit spiritual - thats why Koyasan appeals. Im looking at other hiking options that are ok weather wise for April - i understand that its spring but ive read about strict hiking seasons for Mt Fuiji for example (just doing the homework). A mountain with plateau area - which combines hiking, beauty, temples/ or simple shrines and even huts to stay in (yes, i probably want too much - but if you dont ask, you dont get - maybe there is such a place ??)