st. moritz bridge with niseko annupuri under clouds

Sasson Club in Niseko with Moiwa mountain behind the cherry blossoms

Wiki for Kutchan
Wiki for St. Moritz

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These photos were taken on 26 May 2010, I think they speak a thousand words each. In summary they say “anytime of the year is a great time to be here. ”

In spring when the snow has melted one thing that many people do is get out in the mountains and gather the regrowth of plants. A few that are fairly easy to find in Niseko are takenoco [bamboo shoots] udo,  fuki, and gyoja ninniku[Ainu garlic]. Below are a few pictures of the some zan sai as found in the mountains or just after they have been picked. Please note that of the time of this being written mountain vegetable are still being picked in the higher parts of the Niseko Mountain chain.

Fuki in the Wild

Udo in the mountain

Ainu Garlic and Udo ready to be prepped

The real trick to san sai is the preparation and or cooking so head across to our small section of  spring mountain flavour recipes that are unique to Japan, simple but simply delicious. Or in the mean time grab some takenoco and mix up some miso paste and mayonnaise to make a miso-mayo dip and eat while drinking beer in the comfortable spring climes. Got some recipes and want to contribute? add a comment and we can get back to you.

Miso Mayo and unprepped and lightly boiled Takenoko

150g of Ainu Ninniki [Garlic]
1 Tin of Tuna
Mayonaise
Black Pepper

Method

1. Cut Ninniku into 4-5cm piece, leaf and stalk
2. boil for 2 mins
3. cool down
4. drain tuna
5. add tuna to the ninniku
6. add mayonaise and pepper to your liking

Recipe Translated from Cookpad

Ingredients

• fuki (white and thin ones if you can get) : 10 pieces
• salt : little bit
• soy sauce : 2 spoon
• sake : 1 spoon
• sugar : 1 spoon

Method

1. Cut off leaves
2. boil the water ( put little salt)
3. put fiku in the boiled water and wait for 2-3 minutes
4. put fuki in the water.
5. peal fuki
6. drain the water
7. cut fuki in 3-4cm
8. stir-fry fuki with soy sauce, sugar and sake.

*This is pretty sweet. If you don’t like sweet, put less sugar.

Thanks to Hiromi from Ramat Niseko for this recipe

A good example of where you might end up is the Sutsu / Shimamaki area on the south west coast of Hokkaido approximately two and a half hours from Sapporo and significantly less from Niseko. Here you will find some actual rocky untouched coastlines with sparkling clear water and an abundance of sheltered coves perfect for picnicking.

The scenery here is quite distinctive with mountains that are very close to the coast, these are especially striking when they are still holding snow. Aside from the scenery the area is also popular for recreational fishing and of course there are some fantastic onsens to be had, try Shimamaki for these. Here you will also find the local delicacy, Oysters.

This area is just a tiny part of what Hokkaido has to offer but it reflects a lot of what travel here can be like. Every town seems to have some must try delicacy and a beaut Onsen is always close by. Free camping is a fantastic way to experience places like this but for those wanting a little more comfort there are usually various accommodations in most towns.

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Shimamaki—Shimamaki-YH-032271.en.htm?himap=Y#book

The Goko (5 lakes) is a place that everyone should visit when they visit the Shiketoko World Natural Heritage site.

Like any place in Hokkaido and most of Japan for that matter the 4 seasons are distinct and the weather is changeable. The day we went  was the first day of the spring season that the full 1 and 1/2 hour walk round the 5 lakes was open and the cloud was low making the experience a little different than potrayed in the guides. This time of the year also gave us the unique experience of seeing  Skunk lillies (Lysichiton camtschatcense).

The Goko lakes are surrounded by virgin forest and on a clear day you will see the Shiretoko ranges and forest reflected in the lakes making them one of the most interesting landscapes in Shiretoko.  As well as the 90 minute walk around the the 5 lakes there is a 40 minute walk that takes in the first two lakes and an elevated 15 minute board walk that takes you from the car park to a view point. Bears can sometime come to the area so make sure you have a bell to deter them or don’t be surprised if the walk is close.

About an hour and a half west of Sapporo lies the Shakotan peninsula, a beautiful piece of coastline that is well worth a visit whatever the season. In fact every season gives us a different reason to visit the area winter through summer. If you’re passing through Sapporo or perhaps visiting Otaru a drive to Shakotan is well worth the effort.

Shakotan Misaki Onsen

During the winter the peninsula is covered in snow and its rugged cliffs and rocky coastal outcrops are quite spectacular. Under the clouds the sea turns an eerie grey and seals can sometimes be spotted in the ocean. During the summer months the sea is crystal clear and surprisingly warm for swimming and snorkeling. These things alone make the drive worthwhile but at the end of the peninsula lies an added attraction.

Niseko Toyru Sea Kayaking

Following the road to the end of the peninsula you find your self at Shakotan Misaki or Cape Shakotan, here you can take in beautiful ocean views which best of all can be enjoyed from the blissful comfort of an Onsen. There are many Onsens in the area but Shakotan Misaki Onsen delivers ocean views and is easy to find. During spring, summer or autumn the best time to visit this Onsen is at dusk when you can take in an idyllic sunset. During the winter it will probably be snowing so any time is good!

Shakotan holds many treasures in every season and is worth the trip to take in the stunning autumn colors, to fish for Sakura Masu in spring, to snorkel or sea kayak in summer or simply to relax in an Onsen and take in the view any time of the year.

http://www.toyru.com/seakayak/seakayak_top.html

Crystal clear waters

When I went to the Museum of Natural History [Fudo Kan] I was I little hesitant and I had heard varying reports. However I really enjoyed the varying displays they had from the massive satellite picture on the floor, the displays on the Zero testing they did on the top of Annupuri, the mountain we all ski and board, weather and snow displays and a lot more. Go along and check it out!

The Fudo Kan is open all year around, it is in the North East part of Kutchan, you can get into the Shu Ogawara Museum of Art at the same time on the same ticket.

Fudo Kan Website

Roku San Tribute room, Roku San is the very famous Taiko Drummer. This room display is one of many from an old school room to a room on JR Trains.

Part of the massive satellite picture on the floor spanning from the mountains to the east of Yotei-zan to the coast of Iwanai.