Japan in February -- seeking info

Going to Japan with the wife for our honeymoon last two weeks in February, and we'd like to get 2-3 days of skiing in. Currently, our other destinations in Japan will also include Tokyo and Kyoto. We're currently debating if we should fly to Sapporo, tour the city, and ski at Niseko or Rusutsu; or other option would be to take the train to Nagano/Hakuba Valley and skip Hokkaido. Ideally we'd like to have a more Japanese-centric experience (vs international/global ski scene), and are a little less enthused by Niseko. But we'd also like to still ski good powder off-piste without getting in trouble.

Both options are on the table and we're looking at all criteria: ease of travel, quality of skiing, traditional/nontraditional experience

Any input or other feedback on our plans would be appreciated, thank you!

Also consider Myoko Kogen on Honshu



www.powderhounds.com/Japan/Honshu/Myoko-Kogen.aspx


My wife worked there a long time ago as a exchange student and we have visited there many times over the years. Unfortunately her host family has finally sold their Hotel in old Myoko. so we no longer have a connection there.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asahidake_Ropeway

The powder here is amazing.   Be sure to bring avy gear and super warm clothes.   We got some frostnip on faces and ears touring above the ropeway.  Also you'll want hard cold waxes to ensure good glide.  The terrain rolls and there are flattish sections to get back to the base.

The hotel Bear Monte at the base is reasonable, if somewhat westernized.

Also be sure to partake of the osen (hot springs) 

Ski areas nearer to Sapporo -- Kokkusai and Kiroro are worth visiting-- Kokkusai seems frequented mostly by locals, which pretty much stay on the groomers, leaving more pow for westerners to enjoy.   We skied in a group with avy gear and were not hassled by ski patrol.

Thursday is "honorable elders day" $12 lift ticket for those 55 years and up.  But heck a regular ticket is only $36

vimeo.com/198412074

Wow, it sounds amazing there. How would it be with younger kids? Beginner skier options?

Skiing is a required course in Sapporo schools there is lots of easy groomed terrain for kids.

Westernized resorts like Niseko have English first speaking instructors ( many Australians )

More Hokkiado fun, at a ski in hut

vimeo.com/199515039