Hokkaido's Hidden Gem

THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS tell you that spring has officially arrived in Japan. But if you're not quite ready to keep your skiing gear just yet, there's still a part of Hokkaido that's still holding out.

Kiroro is less well-known than Niseko, but thanks to its location - the town is nearer to the Sea of Japan than other ski resorts in Hokkaido - it gets higher snowfall each year, and reportedly has the best powder snow.

On average, Kiroro gets 21m of snowfall annually, and has the longest ski season in Hokkaido.

It is the perfect time to go now, before ski season officially ends on May 6. Since it is low season, ski rentals and passes are also cheaper.

Getting to Kiroro involves more than an hour's drive from New Chitose Airp…