Every season in Niseko offers something special, with cherry blossoms in the spring, festivals through the summer and the emotive colours of the Autumn. Summer is of course one of the best times.

Ski and snowboard videos are what hungry powder hounds feast on during the summer months and the more video's you watch the more you realise Japan is the place to be if you want deep, dry all you can eat powder.

Over the last couple of years the Hanazono area in Niseko has undergone some big changes. First the park Hyatt has built an impressive hotel at the base which features ten lounges, bars and restaurants, including French cuisine, sushi, robata, teppan, Italian and Chinese.

If you are looking for a convenient, comfortable, well laid out and nicely appointed 3 bedroom home away from home look no further than Fumoto. Lower floor living and bedrooms up top make for a roomy lounge and kitchen plus nice views from the bedrooms.

Niseko has is firmly established as an internationally acclaimed resort destination and the name now synonymous with incredible snow, mouthwatering food and an ever increasing range of fantastic accommodation.

Coming to Niseko with kids can be a bit of a daunting prospect but i doesn't have to be. Kids usually love the snow and getting out and about in it, throwing it and and sliding down it.

Last week was an emotional one here in Niseko as on Friday we said farewell to Trever Ponting a kiwi born Niseko local who had been coming to the area for more than 20 years.

So the time has finally come, your Niseko dream holiday is but a couple of clicks away from being confirmed. The question now is where to stay.

There are many attractions just beyond the outskirts of the Niseko area and one of these is lake Toya, a stunning scenic destination any time of the year.

When you think of a ski trip to Japan you will likely be dreaming of endless snowfall, delicious sushi, onsens and given the chance you'll want to absorb some of the rich culture the country has to offer too.