Snow, lots of snow. My snow boots finally look at home and prove to be awesome.

Explored Hirafu and Kutchan today. While waiting for the bus to Kutchan, I noticed a man working hard to remove snow on a sloped roof in only a t-shirt.

Checked out the local grocery stores and enjoyed the various items on the shelves unique to the area.

Sampled local baked goods.

Kutchan is a small town close to Niseko. It is not very big but I still got turned around because there does not appear to be any street signs.

Managed to find a soba restaurant and had some delicious scallop soba noodles.

While in Kutchan, I had the chance to check out the two grocery stores and drool over all the delicious deli foods and the different cheeses.

Hokkaido is known for good dairy products. And of course, seafood! We had crab dinner tonight at Niseko Crab Canon.

Hairy crab.

Snow crab hot pot.

Soup was delicious.

Grilled king crab.

Crab mac n cheese.

Some yummy ice cream with yuzu sauce and cereal topping. A very nice end to the first day in Niseko.