5 reasons why a trip to the snow in Japan is a must!
The country that brought us kid favorites ‘Hello Kitty’ and ‘Pokémon’ forgot to tell the rest of the world about fresh powder snow in its backyard. Although Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, it was only recently that Japan really began to command some attention from the international powder hunter, as a ‘must-see’ destination.
For most Japanese resorts, the snow season usually begins in mid-December, peaking in January and February, and continues until the end of March. While weekends and national holidays at popular resorts can sometimes get quite busy with the locals, on weekdays you’ll often find yourself riding solo on the tracks.
The heavy investment in Japan’s snow scene during the 1980s means that the big ski and snowboard resorts in Japan have fairly modern lift systems, with high-speed quad lifts, gondolas, and cable cars. Many resorts now have snowboard and ski parks, halfpipes, quarterpipes, snow tubing, and other facilities to add to your experience.
Japan has more than 500 ski resorts and two main ski areas, Nagano Prefecture, with The Hakuba Valley, the most developed and popular ski area in the South Island. On the North Island, Hokkaido is the most developed ski area, and Niseko is a better-known tourist location for many regulars.
Hakuba Valley incorporates 10 ski resorts, more than 200 slopes, 139 ski lifts, a local village, ski/snowboard shops, a mix of traditional and Western foods, and apres-ski entertainment. A popular option among all skiers and snowboarders of any ability is the multi-resort ski pass, which gives you access to Happo One, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba Highland, Sunalpina, Iwatake and Tsugaike ski resorts.
Niseko continues to grow at a rapid pace and each year sees a greater number of foreigners on the slopes, which means there are no language barrier issues. Niseko Annupuri, Niseko’s main mountain, has 3 resorts, with slopes for all ages and abilities. The ‘Niseko United’ pass is a great option for flexibility, giving you access to 48 km of groomed trails, 57 runs, and entry to the other 2 resorts, Niseko Grand Hirafu (Hirafu and Hanazono) and Niseko Village.
If you like 80’s Rock & Pop, you’re in luck! Japan’s ‘ski experience’ wouldn’t be complete without the sounds of J-Pop pumping through the speakers as you hit the slopes. Songs like Wham’s “Last Christmas” will play from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. your thing!
Here is our list of 5 things to entice you to come to the Land of the Rising Sun:
The snow
Japan’s Power is the driest in the world, which means the powder snow is light and fluffy for skiers and snowboarders, which means prime snow conditions. Average snowfall is up to 45 feet and is on par with North America’s big mountain resorts, with treeline skiing possible in off-piste areas.
meal
Hungry? The fresh Japanese food is amazing, and each area has regional specialties as well as the more traditional Japanese food we associate with the country (sushi, tempura, soba noodles, etc.), just look for ‘horse’ on the menu if you’d rather bet! by racing you eat ‘Mr Ed’! If local food isn’t your thing, many ski towns also offer plenty of Western and other ethnic dining options (from Mexican to Thai and everything in between).
Culture
Your experience will never be like your average destination in North America or Europe. Here you can take part in ‘Only in Japan’ experiences like a Japanese tea ceremony, ride the bullet train, watch ‘Harajuku girls’ fashion, and if you’re lucky, train with a samurai. The influence of Buddhism is also clearly evident with the bronze statues located throughout the country.
Onsens (hot springs)
Most traditional Japanese guesthouses will have a private onsen that is often divided between the two genders, since bathing in them requires you to be nude. There is no shortage of onsens in Japan, and each one has something different to offer, with options such as crystal clear water, high levels of minerals (to cool the body), indoor, outdoor (rotenburo), and breathtaking views, this is the perfect place. way to end a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Entertainment
Do you want to party? Places for nightlife, to play pool, table football, darts, sing karaoke and dance the night away are scattered throughout the ski resorts. The less lively ski resorts still have traditional Japanese pubs (Izakaya) as well as hotel lounges and bars to relax and have a beer with friends and compare the best runs of the day. If you can make a layover in Tokyo, you’ll see the neon lights for which the city is famous, and if you’re from a western country, it’s not uncommon to be approached on the street and asked for a photo with the locals and treated like a D grade celebrity!
