Tucked inside the western edge of the Japanese island of Hokkaido, Niseko is a world-renowned powder paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Anticipation for each Winter season starts when the first snows begin to fall atop Mt. Yotei, known as the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido."

Due to its proximity to Siberia, Niseko benefits from weather patterns bringing cold air across the Sea of Japan, where moisture collects and is later dumped in the form of snow across the region. Lots of snow.

An average of a little over 595 inches (15 meters) per year qualifies Niseko as one of the world's top three snowiest ski resorts.

And it's not only the volume of snow that sets Niseko apart, but it's also the quality too.

With an average Winter temperature of 17.6F (-8C), the snow tends to be dry, champagne powder.

It's this combined reputation for consistent, high-quality snowfall that draws tourists from around the world to a town of no more than 5,000 people in northern Japan.

How to Get There

The closest major city and airport is Sapporo, a two-hour flight from Tokyo or a four-hour flight from Shanghai, China.

Once in Sapporo, it's another two and a half hours by private taxi or coach, or three hours by train, to Niseko.

It's recommended that transfers be booked two weeks in advance, while train tickets can be bought on arrival.

The Niseko Resort

Niseko features 69 runs serviced by 28 lifts and gondolas.

There's a wide variety of terrain to suit everyone's interests, including groomed trails, trees, moguls, and the Hanazono terrain park, featuring a half-pipe and rails.

The lifts operate 12 hours daily, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Needless to say, with hours like these, night skiing is available.

The All Mountain lift pass provides access to Niseko, plus three additional and interconnected ski areas (known collectively as the Niseko United Area).

A comprehensive range of Winter services are available, including:

• Ski and snowboard equipment rentals
• Backcountry/avalanche equipment rentals
• Private and group ski lessons, plus a special kids program
• Private backcountry tours
• Catskiing tours
• Snowmobile tours
• Spa services, including oil, hot stone, and shiatsu massages
• Access to natural 15 hot springs (onsens)
• Car rentals
• Assistance in arranging day trips

Accommodations run the gamut from ski-in/out mountain chalets to house rentals, townhouses, apartment rentals, and hotels of all sizes. There's even a Hilton.

And due to the international nature of tourism here, it's possible to find a wide range of American and European cuisines, in addition to Japanese.

Like many ski resorts, when the snow gives way to warmer weather and fresh flowers, Niseko begins to attract a different kind of visitor.

Whitewater rafting, hiking, and golfing are just a few of the many ways one can pass the summer months while waiting for those first snowflakes to fall atop Mt. Yotei, signaling the beginning of a new winter season.

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This post was brought to you by Hanazono Niseko.

[A]fter shopping and eating to my heart's content during our visit to Tokyo, I was quite ready to get out of the sky-rise buildings and concrete, and wanted some fresh air, surrounded by nature.

If you're in Tokyo and looking for a quick trip out-of-town into the mountains, Mount Takao makes a wonderful day trip.

Mount Takao is a sacred Japanese religious destination, and it's also extremely popular for people who want to exercise. It's one of the busiest mountains in Japan, with over 2.5 million annual visitors.

Planning a trip to Japan? Book budget-friendly train passes here!

The mountain is located only about one hour by train from central Shinjuku station in Tokyo.

Just get a ticket to Takaosanguchi station on the Keio Railways line, and for just 390 Yen, you'll find yourself at the base of the mountain. Step foot out of the train station, and you can start hiking immediately.

Apart from the train costs getting there, or if you decide to take the optional cable car, hiking to the top of Mount Takao is one of the free ways to enjoy Tokyo.

There are two main ways to get up Mount Takao, by cable car or just walking the entire way.

The cable car costs, I believe 480 Yen each way, and it only takes you about ½ the way to the top of the mountain. I think the cable car can be good, mostly for those who are unable to walk, or who come with small children.

For those that can walk, I think the better option is to make the hike, enjoy the fresh air, and get the exercise.

There are eight main designated trails at Mount Takao, all leading in different directions, but all eventually meeting at the top of the mountain.

When I went, it was still winter, so it was quite cold, and a few of the trails were blocked by snow. We ended up taking the main trail #1, which is the busiest and most developed trail.

Although some parts of Mount Takao feel like you're far removed from the city and within wilderness, being so close to Tokyo, the mountain is more of a recreational park, so you're never too far from civilization.

I was hiking up the hill, only passing trees and nature for about 10 minutes, and then all of a sudden I passed a row of about 12 vending machines!

As you get to the second half of the mountain, the area where the cable car drops people off, you'll pass more and more restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The mountain turns more into a park style environment, but it's still far from motor vehicles, and halfway up the mountain, so the setting is still fantastic.

Hiking to the top of Mount Takao you'll pass through many Shinto shrines and even a couple of temples.

The mountain has been a sacred place of worship for Shinto-Buddhist followers for many years. Stopping to visit the peaceful temples and shrines along the trail, are a great addition to a hike up the mountain.

It took us a little over 1 hour to reach the top of Mount Takao. The trail wasn't difficult, but it was steep in some parts, and provided some much-needed exercise.

The view from Mount Takao was quite amazing, but it can depend on weather conditions.

On one side you can see the entire skyline of Tokyo in the distance, and on the other side is the mountain range, including a great view of Mt. Fuji if it's a clear (the day I went Mt. Fuji was covered in clouds unfortunately).

Many local Japanese had packed portable grills and food, and carried it up to the top of the mountain. At the top, many people were hanging out, and grilling meat and vegetables over camp stoves.

I have to admit, the food smelled amazing, and I know for sure on my next visit I'll be bringing my camp stove and some meat in my backpack too.

When you're in Tokyo and looking for a nice nature filled day trip, that's both relaxing and an opportunity to get some exercise, Mount Takao is great place.

I enjoyed the hike, the Japanese culture that revolves around the mountain, and the wonderful view from the top.

Tokyo's Senso-ji Temple is one of the most well-known religious sites and attractions in the city.

Thousands of both tourists and local Japanese who make the pilgrimage from throughout the country, visit every day to pay respect.

Senso-ji is a wonderful place to experience the ancient side of culture and religious practice in Tokyo, without having to break the budget.

Planning to explore more of Japan? Book budget-friendly train passes here!

Senso-ji is the oldest and one of the most significant temples in Tokyo. The temple is located adjacent to the Sumida River, in an area of Tokyo known as Asakusa.

According to the official story, it was on a quiet morning in 628 when Hinokuma Hamanari and his brother Takenari were fishing, and all of a sudden they felt something heavy in their net.

They pulled in their net to find a statue of Bodhisattva Kannon, a Buddhist deity who is often depicted as a female and known for compassion and being responsive to people's needs and prayers.

The head of the village, Haji no Nakatomo, realized that this was a truly significant find and a blessing.

He therefore dedicated his life to the Bodhisattva Kannon, by first remodeling his personal home into a temple.

In 645, Shokai Shonin a traveling Buddhist priest, visited the small fishing town of Asakusa, and decided to build Kannondo Hall dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon.

The priest also made the decision, which he received in a dream, that the statue itself should not be seen by humans - which remains today.

In World War II, the Main Hall of the temple was destroyed, but it has since been rebuilt into what it is today.

The temple remains one of the most sacred sites in Japan, and a place that attracts over 30 million people per year.

One morning, during my visit to Tokyo, I decided to head over to Senso-ji to see this important site.

Walking in from the south, I first passed through the Kaminarimon Gate. The gate was built in 942 and includes a huge red lantern marking the entrance.

Before getting to the Main Hall, you'll first see a giant incense burner.

Many Buddhist and Shinto followers, before entering the Main Hall, will first purchase a bundle of incense, light it on fire, extinguish it by waving it (instead of blowing), and then place the incense in the main burner in front of the Main Hall.

They then take their hands and direct some of the incense smoke over their body's, a gesture that is believed to cleanse ones body and also symbolize healing.

Another purification process you'll notice at Senso-ji is the water cleansing.

To the right side of the Main Hall is a fountain of water where followers rinse their hands and mouth with the pure water to symbolize cleansing.

Inside the Main Hall of the temple, people toss a coin into the coin box, bow twice, clap twice, and then bow once more before saying a short prayer.

Another part of Senso-ji that I enjoyed, was walking around the outskirts of the temple.

The entire neighborhood and the surrounding alleys are lined with stores selling all sorts of souvenirs and relics, as well as quite a few vendors selling Japanese snacks and goodies.

I decided to sample some traditional Japanese sweet bread at a shop right next to the temple that was continually busy with Japanese students.

The bread was extremely light and fluffy, and had just the right amount of sweetness to it. Make sure you taste a few snacks when walking around Senso-ji!

As one of the most popular destinations in Tokyo, as well as being one of the most significant religious sites in Japan, a visit to Senso-ji should be on your list of things to do when you're in Tokyo.

[I]f you love to drink and eat, there's hardly a place you'll love and feel more comfortable at than a Japanese izakaya.

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of these wonderful Japanese pubs in Tokyo, all serving an array of refreshing alcoholic beverages and a menu of delicious snacks.

Planning to explore more of Japan? Book budget-friendly train passes here!

What is an Izakaya?

In the shortest explanation possible, an izakaya is a Japanese pub or bar that serves alcoholic beverages and food that tastes good with alcohol.

Drinks, tasty little plates of food, unwinding from a serious day at work, and good socializing with friends, is what going to an izakaya is all about.

When you're in Tokyo, finding an izakaya is not difficult, partly because there are so many of them, but also because they are normally marked by signature red paper lanterns (which read "izakaya" in Japanese) which dangle from the doorway and roof.

A Japanese izakaya can be anything from a tiny little hole-in-the-wall that's dark and smokey with only a few bar seats, to a huge commercial establishment with many tables and chairs, plus everything in between.

Most Tokyo izakayas open their doors in the late afternoon, catering especially to office workers who get out of work, and head straight to an izakaya for a few drinks, pre-dinner snacks, and chance to laugh and chat with their colleagues.

In Tokyo you'll see many izakaya customers still wearing suits, and very business professional looking.

After you sit down at an izakaya, the first thing you'll want to do is get a drink. There's often the full range of beverages available, including sake and whiskey, and a variety of refreshing Japanese beers like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo.

Drink in hand, you can then take your time to navigate through the menu to see what looks good.

Think of the food at a Japanese izakaya like the equivalent of Spanish tapas; small plates of tasty salty food that are meant to be shared with everyone at your table.

Some of the popular foods to eat at izakayas include sashimi, karaage - fried chicken, yakitori - skewers of grilled meat, okonomiyaki - savory pancakes, and gyoza - dumplings.

Some of the larger modern izakayas have an incredibly extensive range of food available, and other smaller izakayas might only have a few house specialities or only serve something like yakitori.

At most izakayas, you have to pay per dish or drink you order, but there are a number of well-known izakayas in Tokyo where you pay a flat fee, and for a designated amount of time (usually 2 hours or so), you can eat and drink as much as you please.

If you're really ready to drink and eat, and do it fast, this is a good option to check out.

While dining at restaurants in Tokyo is often a quiet peaceful experience where you shouldn't raise your voice too loud to respect other diners, izakayas are the complete opposite.

They are usually loud places, with each table talking and laughing and having fun.

In Tokyo, there are countless izakayas, but underneath the railroad tracks and slotted into small walking alleys, are where izakayas seem to cluster.

When you're in Tokyo, here are a few well-known izakaya areas to explore:

• Yurakucho - Underneath the railroad tracks
• Koenji - Near Shinjuku
• Ueno - Within Ameya-Yokocho market

Experiencing an izakaya when you're in Tokyo, or elsewhere in Japan, is not only a great place to have a drink and some delicious food, but it's also a cultural glimpse into the drinking and social scene of Japanese culture.

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This post was brought to you by the Bottle-O.