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WINTER SKI 17/18
ANOTHER COOL SIDE TO JAPAN
Japan enjoys an almost guaranteed supply of first-class
powder that falls on the mountains of its main islands,
Honshu and Hokkaido, offering exciting on-piste and
back-country conditions for beginners and experts alike.
As a result, the Winter Olympics have been to Japan a
number of times. Couple these top-class skiing conditions
with a fascinating culture, exquisite food, hot springs to
soothe weary limbs, friendly people and efficient Bullet
Train transport within Japan, and the whole experience
adds up to a truly memorable winter sports holiday.
Five reasons to ski and board in Japan:
Perfect snow and plenty of mountains
Deep powder is more the norm than a snow-blind myth
here. An abundance of the white stuff on Honshu and
Hokkaido make Japan a skier and boarder’s dream.
Hokkaido’s resort of Niseko and Hakuba on Honshu island
are the snowy crown jewels but there are plenty of hidden
gems throughout the country, with hundreds of smaller
resorts to choose from.
Quiet slopes and night skiing
Exchange the popular European Alps for the quieter
Japanese Alps to get away from the crowds. Japan is 70%
mountainous, with an abundance of snow-covered slopes
in the winter, but there are no big lift queues or packed
pistes here. If you want it even quieter, many resorts are
open for night skiing with slopes lit up until late and the
powder still deep.
Japanese culture and hospitality
Although there’s almost guaranteed excellent quality
snow in winter, ultimately it’s Japanese culture and the
Japanese people that will propel your trip beyond any
other ski experience according to InsideJapan Tours. Japan
is unique, with an ultra-modern appearance blending
with a strong sense of tradition wherever you go. Western
visitors are welcome in Japan and the Japanese are eager to
provide the very best hospitality whether you’re staying in
a Western-style hotel, private lodge or traditional ryokan
(guest house).
Hot springs with good, inexpensive food & drink
A benefit of skiing in one of the world’s most volcanic
countries is the hot spring baths (onsen). There’s nothing
like soaking aching muscles in an onsen after a day on the
slopes, in readiness for the next day. After a soak, refuel
with excellent quality, inexpensive food, whether in a
traditional lodge or local izakaya (Japanese pub), and the
night out is always fun, friendly and lively.
Places to ski and places to see
Winter in Japan is much more than perfect snow. If you
want to take a powder break, you might also want to
experience the culture and wildlife across the country.
From the excitement and bright lights of the Tokyo
metropolis to the shrines, temples and geisha of Kyoto, and
bathing snow monkeys in the mountains, there is plenty to
see. It’s all easily accessible by Japan’s outstanding transport
network - including the famous Bullet Train.
For more information visit www.insidejapantours.com
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