I was more commenting on triptaka's comment, not the EXCELLENT TR.

(I think we owe another one too don't we?)

2PM, no offence intended to your host but I stand my comment that it would be hypocritical of the Japanese locals being overly suspicious of "foreign investors." Like I said, the prefecture (including hakuba) has been a source of Japan's most deep-seated corruption post-WW2. Japanese themselves are well aware of it. Attitudes and practices here don't change fast, and there is a lot of complicity. There will be other Japan-based foreigners who should know what I'm talking about it. So, yes, I feel it's a bit ripe for any Japanese being "overly" suspicous of foreign intentions.

Any foreign shadeys in Hakuba will probably be operating on a low level. We're not talking the Gambino family here.

I find that almost laughable. The locals made a killing during the bubble era. The foreigners are picking up the pieces from the drunken orgy.

No offence taken.
Think what you want mate.... obviously you will!!

yes, go ahead, you're obviously the expert.

I'll be open-minded about it. I guess a bit of suspicion is normal.

Thursday, trust me, I'm definitely not an expert on the economics if Japanese resorts, but I know enough to see a familiar pattern in Hokkaido, Nagano and Miyazaki.

Well after that slightly bizarre and irrelevant interlude, lets get back on topic.....

Good report Bag!

Nice to read that. One day I would like to get to Hakuba, Shiga Kogon and Nozawa Onson.

Whats Asahikawa like as a city/town in terms of jobs and stuff. I've often thought of getting out of dodge in the future and looked at places in Hokkaido, obviously Sapporo as its the biggest city and will have more jobs but Asahikawa interests me due to its proximity to quality ski fields


good write up lads, hope you don't get too glum looking out the office window at grey old London!

Good one BagOfCrisps. I generally agree with your scores and feel the same way about all the places. All good.

Good one mate.

I enjoyed reading that cheers.

Thanks folks. (And thanks to Bag for doing the writing!)

Yes. But you need to write 'the other one', 2pints

Good report.

I bet a trip around Tohoku will be fun. Will you be renting a car?

Oh yes I think so.
But then again.... no firm plans yet.

That was interesting to read thank you for sharing your experiences. I have never been to Tohoku myself but by all accounts it is a very attractive area.