Skiing in Japan - Tips you need to know
Here's a few essential pointers for skiing in Japan, this is from our friends Caroline Van T Hoff & Julie Nieuwenhuys a couple of ski journalists from the flat lands – you can follow them over here.
Wasabi Powder Plan
After a month in Japan we have been SPOILED with the deepest and driest powder and the yummiest food. Soaking in an onsen after another day filled with face shots, it is safe to say that Japan is the Mecca for powder junkies. So start saving up right now and you will not be disappointed, we promise! Here are some tips:
Hokkaido
Even though it snows in Niseko almost 24/7, make sure you don’t hit the bar to early. Instead of drinking sake you can actually ski powder until 9pm and the visibility is better than during daytime! If you are looking for a luxurious accommodation, check out Niseko Boutiques or The Niseko Company.
Rusutsu Resort is a fantasy world for adults! Famous for it’s tree skiing, the beautiful birch forest resembles a winter jungle.
Tomamu is the coldest resort in Japan and this makes for the driest powder! Make sure you warm up again in the Mina Mina Beach wave pool at the hotel.
Kamui Links is a small resort off the beaten track in the Hokkaido Powder Belt with perfect tree spacing and is a great day trip from Furano.
Furano has recently relaxed their backcountry policies and it is worth checking out! Furano tourism can help you plan your trip. A good option for accommodation are the Tsuru apartments, just 5 minutes away from the lifts.
Going touring in the Daisetsuzan National Park at Tokachidake is an absolute must. Hokkaido Powder Guides will lead you to bowls of untracked powder and you can finish the day in the natural outdoor onsen, surrounded by snowy trees and pillow line. Kamihoro-so is a great Japanese style hotel. Stay in the national park for only $60 a night and enjoy a delicious Japanese style diner and breakfast.
Check out the active volcano at Asahidake, or if you have ‘bad luck’ and it snows, use their gondola to shred their fun terrain. Have Hokkaido Powder Guides show you the back bowl that we have named “Miso Deep”
Honshu
Nozawa Onsen is famous for its many public onsens and the authentic Dosojin Matsuri fire festival on January 15th. Their backcountry alone is a good enough reason to come to Nozawa, as the lines are long and steep and you have them to yourself! To guarantee first tracks in the morning stay, at the Paradise Chalet on the mountain. http://www.paradisechalet.com
Apparently there is such a thing as too much snow! @Myoko get’s the goods and wow we have never seen so much snow in our lives! Make sure to check out Seki Onsen on a weekday and ride their single chair. Make sure you go for a crazy karaoke session at Hotel Refre-Akakura.
Hakuba, or hAKuba has similar terrain to Alaska. No wonder Jeremy Jones filmed here for is latest movie Further, their alpine terrain is extraordinary! Have Dave (the owner) or one of the other guides from Evergreen Outdoor Center lead you through the backcountry in Happo One, Cortina or one of the other 8 surrounding resorts.
Monday is cultural night at Shirouma-so, where make your own rice cakes and listen to traditional Japanese drums. This old farm is one of the oldest buildings in Hakuba and their breakfast is by far the best Japanese food we ate!
Morino Lodge is a great place to socialize with other riders and have a few drinks in there bar. If you are really lucky the owners Craig and Matt might even go riding with you and show you some of their secret stashes.
Gakuto Villas are beautiful, well equipped apartments in de Wadano area of Happo. Henry the manager will do almost everything to help you enjoy your stay.
Hope to see guys you out there next year, because we will be back!
Arigota gozaimas & thank you. Sayonara!
