Aoni Onsen

We took a break from snowboarding this weekend....not sure why...but it was worth it. Its always good to go completely off the grid. No computers, no iphones, no electricity. Just Oil Lamps, good food and a hot Onsen to keep you warm. This place is like going back in time as what it might have been like staying at a hotel in Japan 50 years ago. Aoni is deep in the Mountains near the base of the Hakkodas and is an Onsen heaven with 4 baths to choose to from.  I only made into 2 of them as I really enjoy the outdoor baths the best especially when the snow is falling.  Here are a few pictures from our one night stay. Can't wait to go back or try someplace different. Japan is truly a special place. 

almost spelled my name right

My favorite one.

Outdoor Bath

Yukata

Dinner

Our window view

Breakfast

SNOW

Hakkoda Head Vol 2

Photos By: Neil Hartmann

It's not everyday that you have a professional snowboard photographer in your backyard.  I was really fortunate enough to get a chance to ride with Neil, UE, and Mino about a month ago on their trip to Hakkoda. Neil was shooting for his latest project and he sent me these images last week.  So stoked on these, as its nice to have a pro shooting at Hakkoda and to get a few shot of myself. I am usually too busy riding/ guiding to have someone take any photos of me.  BIG Thanks to Neil!

 For more on Neil Hartmann go to his Blog--------> http://neilhartmannlife.wordpress.com/  It's always fresh with content from his life in Japan and his world wide travels.  Neil has been in Hokkaido, Japan for over 20 years and has deep roots in the snowboard community. Its been a pleasure getting to know him over the last couple of years and can't wait to see what the future holds. Cheers Neil!

For more Photos on the trip check out this sick Gallery on Honeyee.com web Magazine.

All Photos By: Neil Hartmann

Series: 3 shots:

Dust.

Series: 4 shots

Mini drop

Mino and I