With the 2017-18 Japan skiing season fast approaching, now is the time to plan your pre and post Japan snow holiday accommodation and tours. Japan has it all, extraordinary culture, authentic history, divine cuisine and some of the world’s best powder snow. A ski & snowboard trip to Japan is so much more than just that. It is a chance to immerse yourself in the calmness and romance of ancient times, temples, shrines, geishas and breathtaking scenery. At the very same time, you'll find advanced technology, a booming economy with stylish, confident and modern cities. The deep, deep powder snow found in Japan, is just a bonus!
Here are our top 5 sites in Japan that cannot be missed before or after you have had the time of your life in the 2017-18 Japan skiing season.
Kanazawa is a must stop on any visit to Japan. It is just a 2.5 hour bullet train ride from Tokyo or 65 minutes from Nagano. So close to resorts such as Hakuba, Shiga Kogen or Madarao. If you’re skiing in Niseko or Furano in Hokkaido it is just a short flight away from Sapporo.
Kanazawa offers chance to discover real Japan, in its many hidden treasures including, Kenroku-en Garden. This is a beautiful Japanese garden next to Kanazawa Castle that has been maintained from the feudal times. From its scale and beauty, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords' gardens in Japan.
Other sites we highly recommend are Kanazawa Castle, Naga-machi its Samurai district, Omi-cho Market, the Nishi Chaya Geisha district, its many arts and crafts, fine cuisine plus its many museums. We recommend 2-3 nights in Kanazawa.
A trip to Nagano would not be complete without a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi Town. Despite its relatively remote location, roughly 90,000 visitors trek through the woods of Nagano each year to see Japan snow monkeys in the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. The monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm waters of the onsen, and return to the security of the forests in the evenings. Tours can easily be arranged locally from ski resorts such as Madarao, Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Naeba and Hakuba. This is a good option for when the weather has turned, or the body is simply not up for another day skiing or riding. If you are only planning on skiing in Hokkaido, day tours are available from Tokyo.
Tokyo, is a must see destination. In 2017, it was awarded as the #1 best city in the world by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The accolades don’t stop there, it has also claimed #1 of the world’s most livable cities, #1 safest cities, #2 best megacities for women and #3 for global power cities. It’s busy, crowded, modern, it’s alive yet at the same time it is calm, ordered, ancient and peaceful. You’ll find ultra-modern, neon lit sky-scrappers next to serene temples hundreds of years old. With more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere else, there is no surprise that this is a place to set the taste buds on fire. Do yourself a favour and add a few nights in Tokyo during this coming Japan skiing season. To experience the best of Tokyo, we recommend 3 nights in this exciting city.
Located in the center of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park contains several memorials to the atomic bomb victims of Hiroshima. The purpose of the park is not only to memorialise the victims of the bomb, but to also raise awareness of the horrors of nuclear war and advocate world peace. This quiet and spacious place touches everyone, it is an emotional experience being there. The park is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, so perfect to visit late March-mid April. Tours that include Hiroshima park can easily be arranged prior to travel or locally. If you are planning to get there on your own it’s nice and easy. From the JR Hiroshima Station or the Hiroshima Airport Bus stop, take the 20-minute Hiroshima Electric Line to the Atomic Bomb Dome. From Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, take the 45-minute ferry on the World Heritage Sea route to Miyajima, another spectacular site.
Kyoto is another destination in its own right. This cultural city offers a real Japanese experience. Some highlights include Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, Arashiyama Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple and the Gion area. This is an area to discover geishas, karaoke, fine cuisine and sake. We can help prearrange a tour, or be game, explore the city on your own, get lost, get found, discover real Japan. We recommend 2-3 nights in Kyoto.
Want to learn more about how Deep Powder Snow Holidays can help you plan the perfect Japan Ski Holiday? Contact us today to speak to one of our experts!
