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People often wonder if you can you ski in Japan.The answer is absolutely YES.As a matter of fact, Japan is a skier’s paradise.
Japan is an island country with extensive mountain ranges that allow skiing throughout the nation.With ski resorts found in just about every prefecture, skiing is a casual recreation enjoyed by many.
Adding to the fun is high-quality snow, well-designed ski courses and a wide variety of after-ski entertainment possibilities.Japan is proud to have resorts that are favorably compared with world-class facilities in other countries; however, those in Japan are not as large as Trois Vallees, Chamonix in France or Zermatt in Switzerland.Even so, Japanese ski resorts attract avid skiers from around the world and even hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998.It is definitely worth coming to Japan if you are looking for a new skiing destination.
This edition of Japan Now! shines the spotlight on two ski resorts, Niseko and Hakuba.Niseko is now the hot spot among Australian skiers.Hakuba is the largest ski resort in Japan and also the site of the ski competitions during the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998.After experiencing the great skiing in Japan, you are sure to want to come back again and again.
Niseko- Best Powder in the World
The slopes of Niseko has seen a great inflow of skiers from Australia.Afterenjoying the ski season during the summer time in their own country, they flock to Niseko, with the added convenience of no jet lag due to the very small time difference.The main reason for coming to Niseko, though, is to experience Niseko’s superb and abundant powder snow.The skiers from around the world rate Niseko’s light, stable, high-quality powder snow as top class.The quality powder snow can be enjoyed right after getting on the lift, while in most countries you have to use a helicopter to reach the same quality snow.Skiers have a phenomenal time skiing in Niseko have made the pilgrimage to its slopes for several years.
In addition to the powder, the 4 kms of slopes that provide a magnificent view of the Mt. Youtei, also known as “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji”, are a major draw of Niseko ski resorts.In addition, the vertical drop and the longest run are similar to Park City Ski Area in Utah, USA.
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Apres Ski at Niseko
Niseko has even more to offer. After skiing, soaking in an onsen (hot spring) is a must! Higashiyama Onsen and Grand Hirafu Spa are located right next to the ski resorts. Be sure not to miss Goshiki Onsen, an emerald green hot spring spa. There is no better way to relax tired muscles from a day on the slopes. Local food is also a draw. Hokkaido is famous for mutton barbecue known as “Genghis Khan”. Since mutton meat is low in cholesterol and delicious, it is a popular choice for visitors to the area. |
Basic Information
 Niseko ski resorts are spread over three ski areas, "Grand Hirahu" (the largest), "Annupuri" and "Higashiyama". Skiing can be enjoyed from morning (8am, Higashiyama, 8:30am Annupuri, Hirafu) until evening (9 pm, Annuuri, Hirafu Kogen Area, 7 pm Higashiyama, 4 pm Hirafu Hanazono Area).
Skis and ski wear can be rented for around 4500 yen per day.  Annupuri and Hirafu also provide kids areas so families can enjoy their stay.
Free parking is available at all areas. An all-mountain pass for Niseko is 4800 yen for 8 hours.
Getting There
Approximately 2.5 hours from Shin-Chitose Airport (Hokkaido) by either train or bus. From Sapporo Station, about 1.5 hours by Niseko Ski Express (available throughout the winter). URL: Please Click here!!
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Hakuba, A Dynamic Ski Resort
Remember the excitement of the Winter Olympic Games in 1998? Hakuba hosted the downhill races, and its slopes are representative of the best skiing Japan has to offer.
 Hakuba consists of 7 unique ski areas, all with great views of the Northern Japanese Alps. One of the resorts, Hakuba Happo-One, is Japan’s largest, and offers a wide range of ski activities. The vertical drop at Happo-One is more than a 1000 meters, which is the steepest in Japan. There are 3 long courses, and 13 courses in all. Racing down the slopes with the Japanese Alps in the distance can be absolutely breathtaking. This resort attracts and can satisfy skiers of all skill levels, including beginners.
Happo-One is also one of the few ski resorts in Japan recognized by the International Ski Federation. Similar ski resorts overseas would be Canada’s Lake Louise and Snowmass Ski Area in Colorado. Hakuba is also great for other activities. Waiting just inside Hakuba Village are 11 onsens (hot springs). The alkali onsen spring water, which is said to be good for the skin, is said to be Japan’s best. Even a simple foot soaking will help you relax after an enjoyable day on the slopes.
 Another hot spring resort, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, is famous for its bathing snow monkeys.It’s the only place in the world where monkeys bath in hot springs. Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is about a 30 minute walk from the Kanbayashi Spa and about 1.5 hours by car from Hakuba village. Organized tours are also available.
URL: Please Click here!!
In addition to hot springs, there are many sightseeing spots that are perfect for day trips, including Zenkoji Temple, built in the 7th century, and Matsumoto Castle, both of which are national treasures. Also check out local delicacies in Nagano such as soba(buckwheat noodles), oyaki(buns stuffed with minced vegetables), and sake.
Basic Information
Hakuba consists of seven ski areas: Happo-One (the largest in size), Sanosaka, Goryu, Hakuba 47, Iwatake, Mintekata and Hakuba Highland.Hours are 8 am- 8:30 am to 4 pm-5 pm.Goryu is open from early morning through the evening. Happo-One is also open at night.Rental fee for ski equipment is around 2500 - 3500 yen per day.Lift tickets are about 4000 - 4500 yen per day.Restaurants, coin lockers and changing rooms are available.
Getting There
Approximately 2.5 hours to Nagano Station by JR Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Shuttle buses are available rom Nagano to Hakuba.
URL: Please Click here!! Approximately 3.5 hours by train from Shinjuku Station and about 4.5 hours by bus.
URL: Please Click here!!
Approximately 3.5 hours from Nagoya Station by JR Chuo / Express Shinano Line to Matsumoto Station and JR Oito Line to Hakuba.
Approximately 4.5 hours from Osaka Station by JR Shinkansen, Chuo / Express Shinano Line to Matsumoto Station and JR Oito Line to Hakuba. |
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Other Tips - Luggage
Convenience stores offer luggage service to the airport.If you deliver your luggage two days (in some areas, three days) prior to your departure date, you will be able to pick up your luggage at the airport.Ask for a delivery sheet for such Yamato, Nittsu Perican, or Sagawa.Write down the Airport name, Prefecture, Terminal name (Wing name), Flight number and Flight time.Luggage may be picked up at Shin-Chitose Airport, 1F; Narita Airport, Green Port Agency Counter (Terminal 1, 1F & 4F, Terminal 2, 1F & 3F); Haneda Airport (International and Domestic) on the in for both Terminal 1 & 2.
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