Finding good, functional gear in Japan is not easy. There are a couple blocks in Tokyo that are wall to wall snowboard stuff, but mostly crap. The youngsters seem to like the flashy shiznit, wild hair styles, and low hanging pants. Finding brands like Burton and Prior (for split boards) leads one to The Boarding Company in Hakuba. In my yearly sojourn to Hakuba to experience the white monster, I always visit the store and hang for a bit. Will, that rather good looking brotha there, or as the Japos would say, goor rooking, 'will buff you out, mate,' and indeed he does. A great selection of high-end sales and rentals is his specialty. Recently we've discussed my plateau in boarding, I blame my staid clothes (tan/grey) and my decade old gear, I think I may need something more snazzy - and the Boarding Company has it. And not just for the snow, they sell surf boards too, not the Abubakirs (Itacare, Brasil) that I favour, but good stuff nonetheless. If you haven't been to Hakuba, you're missing out, stay with Mitch-san at Snowbeds and eat pizza at Will's wife's place, Gravity Worx. And thus I end with some musings of my trip.
- The Japanese baths, onsen, are a must, but realize when you shave your pubes (like I do) furtive sideways glances at your ding dong will be expected
- Off piste is a no-go, but Happo-One seems to tolerate it more than other resorts, no pulling your tag here
- For drinks in Echoland, go to the Master Braster, yes, his wife is hawt, yes, she's like 45, yes, stop staring at her boobies
- Bring your anti-Mozzie spray, they are everywhere
