Hi guys, going skiing in Niseko in Feb. Looking for Accommodation for 5 nights. There is a stack of options on the web, trying to filter them down. When I skied in the US we looked up rentals through VRBO.com, is there anything like that for Niseko? There is 3 of us, we can afford better than a Backpackers but probably not a 5 star penthouse. I was thinking one of the better pensions in town close to the lifts!
Niseko Pension?
2ndeffort on 09/08/2012 - 12:05
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Niseko is in Hakuba Japan, Hokkaido prefecture. I obviously didnt explain myself well, sorry. For the last couple of years I have been skiing each Feb in Colorado in the US. For a change, this year I am going to Japan, Niseko to be exact. I am trying to book accommodation but all I seem to be able to find on the net is travel agents and booking agents. Agents normally add a 15-20% markup at least to costs and in the past I have done well booking accommodation directly or through low cost websites like VRBO in the US.
Rather than pay an extra thousand to a travel agent, I wondered if anybody knew any way to book accom directly for accommodation in Japan?
Maybe try asking in tripadvisor?
Japanese resort accommodation is certainly very different to USA/western style (even niseko). There isn't really any VRBO owner direct booking system. You generally have to book pensions/lodges via their sites (links on SnowJapan website or via agent sites).
SnowJapan and Ski.com.au forums are great for recommendtions (already a few threads on Niseko accomodation to go through)
http://www.sekkalodge.com/rate.html I stayed here with 2 mates last Feb. The place is run by an aussie guy Malcom and his Japanese wife. It is in a very small village, no convenience stores there but Malcom was happy to take us to the nearby town in his van when we needed supplies (namely beer saki and chocolate).The village is away from the crowds, and the lodge an easy walk up the street to the lift/gondola. I cant remember what the rates were like what I do remember is the snow was the best I have ever been on
Niseko is in Japan, isn't it? I think you got the wrong country.
FYI in Australia, pension usually refers to an allowance or payment (not to accommodation or hotels as in Europe).