If you’re going to ask someone for a guide to Japan, I daresay there would be no one better than an artisan snowboard company such as Offshore Snow Shapes.

And so that is what we did. Japan has always been a favourite place of ours to visit, and with the dollar exchange value working heavily in our Aussie dollar favour there really isn’t a better time to go. Considering how dismal our winter is turning out to be for snow lovers, Japan for Christmas is looking pretty likely for most of us in the office. While we don’t really need any further convincing we figured asking the founders of Offshore Snow Shapes, Richard and Josh, about a couple of necessary things that would maximise the fun could help. You know, like a couple new snowboards and bottles of whiskey. Offshore Snow Shapes snowboards are handmade in Niseko, Japan, crafting some of the highest quality boards on the market. We all know the level of craftmanship the Japanese are renowned for, with Offshore Snow Shapes living up to that and then some. Here’s what the fellas have to say about all things snowboarding, Japan and fun.

Are certain mountains better for different types of riding? What would be the best park mountain and what would be the best pow mountain in your opinion? 

Richard: Rule of thumb for choosing where to ride in Japan is, the further North you go, the more consistent the snow, but the less gnarly the terrain. 

The reality is, that there are great powder days to be had on every mountain in Japan, and that insane terrain can still be found all over Hokkaido, Japan’s Northernmost island. 

We call Niseko home for its consistent deep snow, super playful terrain, and countless features to slash and pop off. It rewards those that are happy to poke around finding little zones. It’s kind of similar to city skating; rolling around scoping side streets looking for ledges and gaps. 

Josh:Yeah, for park laps the resorts on the main island, Honshu, have always been the go to. Variable snow conditions mixed with more sunny days lead to more park orientated riding, over the powder focus of the northern resorts. There are a few cool parks starting to develop in Hokkaido though, with an emerging young local crew and the influx of tourism dollars. If we had to choose one park it would probably be the park at Hakuba 47. There is always a feature or two you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world. 

What board would you recommend for a knee deep powder day? 

Richard: This question is akin to asking us who our favourite child is. Knee deep powder is the equivalent of 4ft and glassy when surfing. You're going to have a good time on anything. I apologise to your readers, but the best way I can answer this is to ask another question. What is the feeling you are seeking? 

Long drawn out turns off the back foot? Punchy slashes in tight transitions? Stability in landing with a bit of extra float? Each board we make can do any of the above, but every model captures one feeling best. 

Nevertheless if I look back at my best days, I would have to say it’s our Cabin Fever. Fast, stable, turns on a dime, pops hard and loves a solid cliff drop. The extra length in the nose also helps when you drop into a deep wind loaded aspect. 

Josh: The most important factor for me is choosing a board that is going to handle the terrain I want to ride, whilst giving me the float / speed I will need to enjoy that terrain. 

I love the Snurfs Up for its versatility and playfulness. It was the first shape in our line up. It was designed purely for Japanese conditions. It’s a standard all-mountain shape with surf influenced design, giving you an extra edge in powder. I would liken it to a high performance surfboard with some extra foam under the chest and the wide point shifted north to help get into waves early and generate speed down the line. It really doesn’t matter what terrain or conditions you ride that board in, you are going to have an insane time. The base material we use on all of our shapes is the fastest on the market, so no matter the board, you are going to be humming. 

What’s the best drinking hole? 

Richard: Karabina Izakaya, Annupuri. 70’s alpine ambience. Carefully curated drinks. Best fried potato experience in your life. (Lesser known fact; Niseko area’s claim to fame is potatoes).

Josh: The Hirafu area is the most well known and developed area of Niseko, and where the majority of the night life is situated. Jam Bar is a Niseko staple and for good reason. Sharing a drink with the owner Shinya is worth the visit alone. But onsen always wins. 

Good Japanese whiskey recommendation? 

Richard and Josh:Is there a bad one??

Latest squeeze: Amahagan Mizunara Wood Finish (Nagahama Distillery) - clean and round. 

Most memorable to date: Hibiki 17 year (Suntory) - luscious cherry and rich wood.

Old faithful: Yoichi, Single Malt (Nikka) - all class always.

What is the difference between handmade snowboards and machine made? Can you feel it when you’re riding? 

Richard: This is an interesting question, because all snowboards, irrespective of factory, will be pieced together by hand from machined componentry. 

I think what most people are getting at here is, what is the difference between a board made by a single passionate craftsman embedded in mountain life versus a multi-person production line in a desolate industrial area?

The answer: Feeling and connection. 

It’s interesting when you chat with Yama, our master craftsman. He says he can see each board’s future on the mountain and is determined to realise this for the customer. Unlike a passionless and detached factory line worker, he is putting a large amount of himself into every board. 

On a more pragmatic level, Yama will follow the board through every step of the process. Feeling the board countless times before it leaves the factory. Knowing that each step has been done right. Quality doesn’t come any more controlled. 

Mid-overhead powder turn this difference is fully realised. Connected to the board, each part working in harmony, the care Yama has taken translates into confident seamless performance. In this moment I think you could say yes, you can feel and are connected to the difference between the work of a production line and a master craftsman. 

Josh: It sounds tripper like, but the energy you feel when you pick up one of our boards vs something from a big production factory is crazy. Sure at the end of the day they are just boards and tools for play, but there is something special about making something with love. 

Everyone always says they miss the glory days of skating, surfing and snowboarding. But then happily feed into the machine of mass production and soulless brands. Riding a board that was built by someone who cares not only about snowboarding, but every single aspect and detail of the board they are shaping, truly creates something special. Perhaps I am romanticising, but at the same time it's real. 

Is it ridiculous to go to Japan for a week? 

Richard: Not at all. Very doable with little to no time zone change from Australia. Fly overnight Friday to arrive Saturday morning. Transfer to resort Saturday. Shred 6 days, Sunday to Friday. Leave Saturday morning and your back that night or early Sunday. 

Josh: The question should be, ‘is it ridiculous if given the chance, to not go ride powder for a week, onsen and eat incredible food in one of the coolest countries/cultures in the world?’

Do you have a food recommendation that might seem a little unusual but is definitely worthwhile trying? 

Saki-Ika. Tempura battered dried shredded squid. It’s a crispy shelled umami bomb with a delightfully chewy texture. Essentially deep fried squid jerky. Delectable when washed down with a Sapporo classic. You’ll find it at most Izakaya.

Josh: Everything in Japan is unusual, and everything is worth trying. Some of the combos of flavours they create even in a packet of chips blows the mind. Half the fun is not knowing what you are trying though and then discovering later what the whacky thing is you just consumed. Being sideways and navigating 7-11 after a bender is about the burliest terrain you will find in Japan. 

How is Offshore Snow Shapes maintaining the artisanal values Japan is so well known for?

Richard: Never compromise on value. Give the master craftsman the time and resources they need to ensure quality. Let them run their processes and refine with a light touch where necessary. 

Josh: By believing that every single aspect matters. From the design and shape of the board, to the materials used to construct it. From the people who build it and the passion and love they have for snowboarding, to the environment in where it is crafted. We are so fortunate that our factory is located 100m from the chairlift of one of the coolest resorts in the world. We can literally design and build a board, and in the same day walk out the door and test it.

What is your go to board and why?

Richard: Teepee 156. Agile freestyle/freeride board with powder board-esque geometry in the nose. It simply makes me want to charge. It’s my confidence board and it keeps me progressing no matter the conditions or terrain. The brainchild of legendary NZ skater and snowboarder Trev Ponting - R.I.P brother.

Josh: Cardiel 153. We developed this model with our favourite skater of all time, John Cardiel. John wanted a custom board made to suit his current riding style, and after we started testing it, we knew it was going to become a mainstay in our quiver. Designed to be ridden slightly shorter than your normal board, with some extra width to accommodate the reduction in length. The result is a super skate-like feel that handles anything you throw at it. Perfect to hold the Cardiel name.