by glen on September 2, 2011
This summer many local companies and individuals came together to try and make a difference in the lives of people living in the earthquake and tsunami affected regions on the main island of Honshu. Groups were invited to stay in the Niseko Hirafu, property owners and management companies generously donated accommodation, the Japanese government offered subsidized travel assistance, local business donated services and local people volunteered time to help out.
The Niseko Tsunami Relief Program looked after the group and offered a large range of activities for participants from English lessons, games, all kinds to sports including hiking and much more – the weekly BBQ’s were also held drawing large numbers.
It was really good meeting some of participants and I went hiking a few times with different groups.
A lot to the kids from down south haven’t been able to get outdoors as much as usual so they were having lot’s of fun running around which was good to see.
Locals helping out with BBQ duties !
Near the BBQ venue I had never really taken much notice of the mini waterfall and pond in the park just below the J First hotel and it was nice to see the kids catching tadpoles and cooling down there during the hot weather.
Wishing all the participants the best back home.
Tagged as:
hiking,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
niseko,
people,
Photography
by glen on August 21, 2011
After a doubtful start to the day with a heavy downpour threatening the festival the sun returned stalls were relocated to drier ground and the festival went on.
(click on the images to view them at a larger sizes)
Young and old turned out in large numbers making this years festival a huge success.
One of the activities that really united the festival goers was the Bon Odori Dance – in this Bon Odori Panorama you can see the dancers making their way around the festival tower in unison.
There were a huge number of food stalls providing an amazing array of international foods from traditional Japanese festival BBQ to Indian and french flavors.
One of the more spectacular events of the festival was the Mochi and Candy toss where people scrambled to grab as much as they could.
There was a brief spell of rain which sent everyone in search for cover but this didn’t last long before the fire was raging.
The Yotei Taiko Drumming group fired up the crowd with a typically energetic performance and i did my best to get down the front and stay low to shoot this Yotei Taiko Panorama unfortunately i didn’t have space to move my big head out of the way !!
I put my camera away for the final fireworks display and enjoyed the moment with my wife and friends.
Thanks to everyone who contributed towards producing the event – no doubt a great time had by all.
Tagged as:
cultural,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
Kutchan,
niseko,
panorama,
people,
Photography,
shops
Last night Downtown cafe held its opening party for the 2011 summer season.
This year there has been a change in management team and Mexican is now on the menu.
I was lucky enough to get a taste of the the Nachos earlier in the day HOLA’
Sooooo good.
(click on the images to view them at a larger sizes)
Anyone who has spent time sitting on the deck at Downtown in summer knows that this is THE spot in Hirafu to sit and watch the world go by. The cafe will be open for lunch and dinner so drop on by and check it out.
Gracias !
Tagged as:
downtown,
food,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
Kutchan,
mexican,
party,
people,
Photography,
Restaurant
Yesterday after a meandering morning cycle i dropped in at Niseko Green Farm to see how Dennis and the guys were doing.
(click on the images to view them at a larger sizes)
I am usually completely unaware of what vegetables are in season but found out that here in Hokkaido Asparagus is now in season as Jenn was quietly harvesting in the distance.
Dennis kindly gave me a bag cast offs or a selection of pieces that were slightly marked and no good for sale but 100 % edible. I jumped back on my bike and when i got home fried up my bounty with a few bits and pieces and BAM a delicious hearty breakfast with freshly picked asparagus.
Thanks NGF !! !
Tagged as:
asparagus,
cycling,
farming,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
Kutchan,
nisekogreenfarm,
organic,
people,
Photography
Today HAJET Outreach Project in association with Groove Cycles held its third Niseko/Kutchan BBQ Bike Ride Bonanza! The event raised 80,000 yen for the people of Iwate prefecture still living in relief shelters.
(click on the images to view them at a larger sizes)
Each participant paid 3,000 yen which included a BBQ after the ride with the remainder of the cash going to the relief fund.
The group of 20 + riders set off from Hirafu just after 10 and cruised up past Hanazono to the Weiss Hotel about 14km’s away.
The support team were EVERYWHERE ! cheers
The return leg of the ride back to Hirafu was a bit easier – mainly downhill.
Alistair really out did himself by garnering the support of some friends to make the event happen, motivating some participants and the end of the day turning on a treat of an event for a great cause …oh’ and the food was delicious.
Way to go !!!
Tagged as:
cycling,
hanazono,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
Kutchan,
mtb,
people,
Photography,
spring
