2024 Japan Season Outlook
Introduction
After a few rollercoaster seasons, the team is returning in full force and preparing to serve you up with the best boots and service for the 2023/2024 winter. This blog provides a brief overview of how things are shaping up and what to expect this season.
The forbidden winters of COVID
There is not a lot that needs to be said except that we survived, and are very grateful to those who helped keep our doors open over the past two seasons. Business was tough but the skiing definitely was not, and solid levels of snowfall both seasons reminded the world that Japan is still the undeniable powder destination of the world.
Stock and inventory situation
To make up for the fact that many people could not get new boots over the past two seasons, we have gone a bit crazy with our orders this year! Our range is wider and deeper than ever, and our brands instore will include Atomic, Burton, Dalbello, Darn Tough, K2, Kamik, Lange, Nitro, Nordica, Technica, ZipFit. For a sneak peak of what we will have in stock this winter, keep an eye on our digital channels.
The staff
It is no secret that we are regarded as one of Japan’s best custom boot fitting shops, and our staff are a key part of what sets us apart. For the 2023/2024 season we are stoked to welcome back many returning staff, along with new faces from within Japan and around the world. See you all soon!
Hakuba locations
We are still operating in Hakuba, however the store has moved to a new location. This specialist store has a licenced bar inside so if our boots are not enough to earn your visit, we hope our beer, wine and whisky will be.
Note: we are no longer operating within the Rhythm store in Hakuba, so although there is a similar looking boot shop set up in our old location, it is not us.
Niseko Locations
In the Niseko region we have the same Hirafu store as years previous, located in the bottom floor of the Nozami Views building, right next to the Rhythm main store. This is our one and only Hirafu location.
Over at Niseko Village we are located within the Village Sports store, right next to the ski lift. Village Sports is a premier ski shop that offers the best of everything that you might need on the mountain, while Boot Solutions provides everything within the store related to boots. This store has received rave reviews since its inception five years ago thanks to its extensive range, top notch service and the reality that it does not get as chaotic as the stores in Niseko Hirafu. Oh, and did we mention they have parking, and are currently running a 30% off rental special?! Click here to learn more about Village Sports.
Opening dates
Our stores are all currently closed for the season of Autumn. Our stores open for winter in line with the resorts which they are located around, for example our Hirafu store will open when Grand Hirafu opens, the Niseko Village store will open when Niseko Village opens, and the Hakuba store will open when the lifts start turning at Happo One. Please check back closer to the time for confirmed opening dates.
Boot fitting appointments
Although not at all essential, we recommend you make an appointment if you know you’ll need to see us when you arrive in town. It is free to make an appointment, click here to get started.
Social media
If you like deep powder snow, geeking out on products and seeing what we get up to behind the scenes in the boot lab, make sure you are following us on Facebook and Instagram. Once the Japan powder tap turns on we will be giving you a glimpse from within the snowglobe, so make sure you are following us, get involved, and tag us or dm us your content to be featured.
Events
We’ve got a few events in the pipeline for the upcoming season, these will be announced on our Facebook as they are finalised.