Little do many of the winter ski revelers know that Niseko is only a 45 minutes drive to the coast Being on a small island, you have two coasts to choose from, the Sea of Japan or Pacfic Ocean.

Both areas are beautiful in their unique rugged way.  The Japanese coastline is a sight for any visitor - vertical cliffs, unbelievably deep forest greens and super clear water.

On the Sea of Japan side, the fishing is unbelievable. A key spot is Shakotan, about 1.5hrs drive from Niseko. The bed and breakfast (a Ryokan called Uni-Ya) there is owned by a local fisherman who serves up the best sushi I would say in all of Hokkaido. Fish are caught at 6am and on your plate by lunch - the ultimate in fresh sushi.

Many current Niseko property owners are making their way up in summer to experience the green side of Niseko and its surrounding areas.

Pic: Coastal Shakotan.

Tri-weekly in The Bunker Gym.

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes.

reservations@nisade.com for details.

The abundance of snow from the 2009|10 winter has paved the way for a perfect summer skiing base in Niseko.

At only an hours hike, locals are heading over the back of Mt An’nupuri to get their summer turns in.

The landscape up the top looks like a moonscape however the spectacular views over Sea of Japan and onsen at the bottom make it a truly awesome Japanese skiing experience.

Photos from May 22 2010;

Niseko this week is a balmy 18 degrees C. As we see the back of winter, the days are getting longer, skies are perfectly blue and wildlife comes out of hibernation.

The Vale Niseko is open for summer. With amenities including the onsen and pool, its central Hirafu village location make it the number one spot to stay during the off season.

Niseko has a huge range of summer activities including golf, hiking, mountain bike riding, road bike riding, fishing or simple relaxation in the alpine air.

Niseko Alpine Developments [ Nisade ]  and it’s main property development The Vale Niseko, is sponsoring Kurt Barnes in the aid of helping him achieve  his goal of becoming a world top 200 golfer this year.

Already moving swiftly up the ranks from 900 to 471 since January this year, Kurt will use The Vale Niseko for his time away from the tour.

To follow and support Kurt, see www.kurtbarnes.com.au

Image from www.kurtbarnes.com.au