Japan is high up on the bucket list for so many, and for good reason. The perfect fusion of tradition and modernism; Think tiny karaoke bars, stunning architecture, not to mention the amazing food. But Japan has one more trick up its sleeve, the skiing. 

Words by Abigail Manthel-Brown, Marketing and Ski Specialist, Ski Travel Specialists.

Blow the dust off your passport; Japan is waiting. Visit some of the world’s most vibrant cities, be engulfed in knee-deep powder, and deeply immerse yourself in Japanese culture. All of this awaits you just a non-stop 11-hour flight away. So swap your wet Auckland summer for a remarkable Japanese winter and make some lifelong memories.

The journey begins in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan. The city combines ultra-modern and traditional architecture, with shrines and towering skyscrapers nestled throughout the metropolis. Shinjuku, one of twenty-three city Wards in Tokyo, is full of lively, colourful streets with buzzing restaurants, large shopping centres, neon-lit hotels, and karaoke rooms. If you’re looking for a restaurant for dinner, stroll the streets and choose from the many hidden gems. My family and I travelled to Japan in January, and we found that our most memorable dinners were the ones we stumbled upon and were unsure about – take a punt and you won’t be disappointed. From Shinjuku, you can travel almost anywhere by train.

A quick 25-minute ride is Shinjuku’s neighbouring Prefecture (Ward), Shibuya. Here you’ll find Yoyogi park, which holds Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine, a dedicated shrine to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken, surrounded by a vast spread forest in the middle of the city. 

A day trip to Mt Fuji is a must; the almost perfect symmetry of the active volcano is a sight to behold. Just a two-hour train from Shinjuku is Fujiyoshida City, home to the Chureito Pagoda, the most photographed view of Mt Fuji. The traditional architecture and complementary mountain view are why it is one of Japan’s recognisable landmarks. 

After Tokyo, a journey North will have you in double thermals as the temperature drops, and the snow grows thicker. In Nagano, you will find troops of Japanese Macaques, native to Japan and better known as snow monkeys, these exceptional creatures are the world’s only snow-dwelling primates. Here you can observe the naturally curious monkeys bathe in the hot springs nestled amongst the snow. As part of our trip, we had the opportunity to stay at a guest house near the monkey park, where we took a soak in an outdoor onsen surrounded by the captivating monkeys. Their relaxed manner was fascinating and an experience not to be missed. 

Japan is recognised for its public baths, known as onsens, which is an experience that is both liberating and relaxing and the best way to warm up. Immerse yourself in a traditional experience by staying at one of many guest houses. Ginzan Onsen’s guesthouses gave us an authentic Japanese experience in what is better known as one of Japan’s prettiest onsen towns with historic ryokan lined up along the river. In addition to a 9-course meal with Japanese dishes, we also enjoyed traditional onsens and rooms with futon mattresses. 

Japan’s many ski resorts have a range of options from gentle beginner slopes to steeps, bumps and long groomers, all accompanied by plenty of fresh powder. Often touted as the best place to learn to ski, due to the sheer amount of dry, fluffy snow which in fact, is more than any other country in the world. There are many choices for ski resorts in Japan, including Niseko, Shiga Kogen, Furano, Hakuba, Myoko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen, and Tomamu. 

Niseko, the most famous ski resort in Japan, consists of four resorts, Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri; these form Niseko United and can be skied all on one pass, giving riders the widest variety of slopes. We visited Niseko in January, Niseko's prime snowfall month of the season. Each night, Niseko got a dumping of light powder snow ready for the next day’s skiing, proving its title as one of the world’s top ski resorts and perfect for powder hounds. After a significant snowfall, there is often untracked powder for days. We found ourselves favouring one run, a run entirely through the trees with untouched powder, no matter how many times you skied it.

Sometimes it felt like you had a whole mountain to yourself, as the crowds are widespread over all four resorts. Hot ramen is the best remedy for sore legs after a run through knee-deep powder. Niseko has a wide variety of dining options that combine Japanese and Western cuisine. Hidden away in the trees is Bo-yo-so, which serves up some of the best Japanese cuisine on the mountain. This was a personal favourite, perfect for refuelling for the powder runs. There is something for all types of travellers and skiers in Japan. Whether you are a family, a large group, or an individual, we will work with you to craft the best itinerary to tick all your Japanese dreams off the bucket list, plus a wide selection of ski-in ski-off accommodation options provides a comfortable and stress-free stay. 

Call our knowledgeable team at Ski Travel Specialists to book your next Ski Adventure. Whatever your destination, we will book your dream holiday away. 

Ski Travel Specialists, Nuffield Street, Sales@skitravel.co.nz, (09) 307 1350