Meet Lilly Sayaka Miyakawa, a content creator splitting her time between island days in the Philippines and powder runs in Japan, as she discovers Hokkaido with us.
Whether it’s a place to live or go on holiday, most people have to pick between the cool mountain air and the balmy sea breeze. Lilly Sayaka Miyakawa decided not to.
The Japanese content creator is currently living her best life by choosing both: spending the winter season in Japan then decamping to the Philippines (or another tropical island) to chase the sun. “During winter, I stay in Japan. Once the season ends, I spend time somewhere else in the world,” she says. “That’s the lifestyle I live now.”
When in Japan, her love for snowboarding shapes her stay — mornings built around snowfall forecasts, long days in the mountains, and dinners savouring local eats. Then, after the ski season, things shift to island mode. She is currently largely based in Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, where she rides the waves and explores the island with daily dispatches shared on Instagram. What sounds like two completely different lives has, for Miyakawa, become an intentional lifestyle.
In March, she returned to Hokkaido for the tail end of the ski season. She spent time between the slopes of Niseko and Rusutsu showing us her approach to spring snowboarding. We catch up with her in between runs.
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How many times have you visited Hokkaido, and what keeps bringing you back?
This was my third snowboarding season in Hokkaido. I truly believe Hokkaido is home to real powder snow. I also feel that the people who gather here genuinely understand the value of it — they’re the real ones.
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Do you often snowboard in spring? What was your impression of the spring season in Hokkaido?
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I hadn’t really been snowboarding much in spring recently, but coming back to Hokkaido made me rediscover how enjoyable it can be. There isn’t the same intense ‘powder war’ atmosphere you get during peak winter, and I really loved the slower, more relaxed vibe.
Compared to peak season, what do you think makes spring in Hokkaido special?
There’s no aggressive early morning rush for powder, and the lift lines are much shorter. The roads aren’t icy, so it’s easier to walk around. And it’s not freezing cold — you can even walk around without gloves!
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Are there other perks to coming in spring time?
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In winter, staying warm is the priority, but in spring you can enjoy fashion more as part of the experience.
Tell us, how was your stay at The Luxe Nomad properties?
The stays felt luxurious while still being incredibly comfortable. The location of The Setsumon was amazing! Being right in the heart of Hirafu was exciting, and the spacious kitchen and bathtub made the stay very comfortable.
Over at The Vale Rusutsu, the architecture and atmosphere were simply beautiful. I loved the room design, having access to Kotobuki no Yu onsen, and being able to choose breakfast options.
What moment from this trip would you love to experience again?
There are many: The Hanazono Zipflight at Niseko Hanazono Resort, staying longer at The Setsumon, the ski-in ski-out experience in Rusutsu. And, of course, relaxing in an onsen after snowboarding.
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For those considering a trip to Hokkaido, what would you suggest as must-dos?
First of all, I think everyone should visit Niseko and experience its unique atmosphere. It almost feels like being overseas. And of course, Hokkaido’s powder snow is something you can’t miss. The snow is unbelievably light, and once you experience it yourself, you understand why people call it the best in the world!
I also highly recommend the zipline and snow tubing at Niseko Hanazono Resort. Even people who don’t ski or snowboard can enjoy them.
And lastly, the food. From fresh seafood to local specialties, Hokkaido has so many incredible things to eat.
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