Snodeck > Bar/Restaurant/Accommodation > Asagai Gelande, Niigata > Beer 600 yen > Pizza 1350 yen > Bed 3000/3500 yen

Location
A mere two hours from Tokyo, the Snodeck sits comfortably at the foot of Asagai Snowboard Park, ten minutes walk from the main ski resorts of Naeba, Niigata. Having heard good things about the 'deck', we thought we would send our own bunch of intrepid incompetants on a two day ski trip to fully test out its credentials.

Travel

There is a bus from Shinjuku to Naeba which leaves at 7:30 (advance booking only).
Being woefully unprepared, we had to take the more expensive Shinkansen route from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa, followed by a local bus to Naeba Village. The Snodeck is within walking distance from here for those wearing decent shoes. Those wearing ski-boots or carrying heavy bags will need to get the bus up the road. If you are incapable of any of the above then you may be lucky (as we were) and get collected by the Snodeck.

A warm welcome in a cold climate

Run by experienced boarder Lorne from Brighton, U.K, the Snodeck houses friendly staff, excellent home-made food and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. Hip Hop, Electro and 90s Pop were the DJs offerings to a mixed international clientele. The place has a suitably laid back vibe complete with comfy seating, hand-made decorations, mood-lighting and a halfpipe for finger Skateboard enthusiasts. They also provide cheap accommodation in the lodge across the road. It is basic, but homely and cost between 3000-3500 yen a night, which TR believes is bargainous behaviour at its best.

Get your kit on
The Snodeck has a limited amount of kit available for cheap rental and there are various other rental outlets in the area all offering complete kit for around 2500-3000 yen a day. A complete whole area ski-pass costs around 5000 yen although cheaper ones are available for specific areas.

There is more information, maps, videos, photos etc on www.snodeck.net. Check it!








****/5

Insomnia Lounge > Bar > Shibuya > Cocktails 900 yen > 6pm - 5am

A cosy bar with tasty cocktails and wall to wall red velvet. Food served. Get your friend to pay.










***/5

Bar Galaxy > Bar > Omiya > Cocktails 700 yen > 9pm - 5am

Sixth floor bar just outside Tokyo in Omiya, Saitama. If U.S commercial hip hop hits your spot then head on down and take a look around. Female dancers and an extensive array of...well...drinks.











**/5

The Hub > English Pub > Across Tokyo > Pint 680 yen > 10am - late

A vast chain of English themed Pubs that are situated across the breadth of the city. The Hub is an institution. When in Rome go to Mcdonald’s. Mock at will, but when you live in Tokyo at some point you will almost certainly yearn to speak to someone who has heard of Eastenders. The Hub represents your best chance of finding that person. If you’re homesick you can get (a very small) fish and chips and settle down to watch The Premiership shown live throughout Sunday night and Monday morning.

Special note - whilst you will find an assortment of beers served by the pint (including Guiness), if you want to get drunk then the Long Island Ice T is lethal (6 shots in a pint glass with a splash of coke) and most cost efficient during one of their many generous happy hours.



***/5