The super efficient Niseko powder provided a fantastic open day for this years season kick off.

Niseko properties have been blanketed the past week with around two feet of powder - topped off with sunshine and Yen2000 lifts tickets, many a local were grinning ear to ear.

Niseko accommodation in peak season is looking very close to full in many parts of the village. This season looks set to be a blinder with at least three new bars opening in the top village, two new apartment complexes and a host of new guest services.

Niseko visitors are set to receive another transport option.

Although a few years away, combing the expansion of Sapporo airport (Chitose) and Tokyo airport (Haneda) which are already under construction, it’s great news for the growth of the region and current Niseko property owners.

Expected to take around 3.5hrs from Tokyo to Kutchan, the Bullet Train (Shinkansen) is hoped to reach speeds up to 360km/h.

Proposed route utilises the existing tunnel to Hakodate. This part of the route is already under construction and expected to be complete circa 2015.

Further information can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkaid%C5%8D_Shinkansen