Why Ski Japan

Japanese Snow

Japan has some of the world’s deepest, lightest powder snow. Winds that blow from Siberia dump huge quantities of snow along the west coast of Japan. With water quality as low as 8% and annual snowfalls of up to 18 metres, gliding through chest deep Japanese snow is as good as it gets!

600 Japanese ski resorts

With around 600 ski resorts its no surprise that there’s a lot of variety to be found in Japan, whether you’re looking for extreme powder, untouched backcountry, perfectly groomed slopes, or huge snow parks!

Deserted runs

Ski Japan without the crowds you’d get in Europe and North America – and usually you can forget queuing for lifts at all! While some spots have become internationally renowned, most areas of Japan receive few foreign visitors.

World’s Best Night Skiing

Because the Japanese people work long days, night skiing is popular and in Niseko most of the mountain is open until 9pm. Night skiing on deserted, knee deep powder covered runs after a day of snowfall is an exhilarating experience!

Culture

Its flair for technology and cutting edge development are well renowned, but Japan’s traditions and unique culture ultimately prevail. As a country that closed its boundaries for centuries, Japan developed a unique and rich culture that never ceases to seduce.

Inexpensive

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but you’ll find that in resort costs are far lower than you’re used to paying. At around ¥1,000 for lunch or dinner and ¥400 for a drink in a bar, you’ll be able to enjoy skiing in Japan without the expense.

Delicious Food

Forget overpriced fast-food and think hot, tasty, freshly cooked meat or seafood with rice or noodles, soup and a glass of Japanese beer – all for about 7 pounds. Typical dishes in Japanese ski resorts include hearty servings of pork ramen, Japanese curry and delicious tempura.

Hot Springs

Japan is a mountainous, volcanic stretch of islands and all this geothermal activity results in an abundance of hot springs, or onsens. After a day in the snow, lie back and unwind in an outdoor onsen, soaking in the spectacular scenery as natural minerals cleanse your body and mind.

Friendly People

Visitors to Japan are amazed by the warm hospitality and high level of service. Considering Japan’s exposure to the West it’s remarkable that foreign visitors can still attract celebrity status. Local people feel honoured to have you as their guest and simply can’t do enough for you!

Exciting Festivals

Celebrating Japan’s remarkable change of seasons, snow festivals are held every winter providing a spectacular insight into traditional Japan. You can see gigantic snow sculptures, experience Japanese festival atmosphere, enjoy delicious food specialities and knock back sake with the locals.

Japanese snow monkeys

Snow monkeys are abundant on the Japanese mainland. Spot them bathing in the hot springs or darting around the ski resort. You can even pay a visit to Japanese snow monkeys in the hot springs of Nagano, and observe them close-up in their natural habitat.