Pick the perfect snow destination in Japan—and further afield
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Japan’s ski and snowboard culture used to have a reputation for looking to the West for inspiration. What was once dismissed as derivative, though, is now an immense, fully-encapsulated industry with its own media, manufacturers and local superstars. With a mind-boggling 500-plus resorts to choose from, many boasting conditions that are nothing short of incredible, Japan has become a Mecca for people who enjoy stellar snow consistency, gorgeous landscapes, unbeatable food, and the obligatory hot spring soak after a day on the slopes. Which, er, would be just about everyone, wouldn’t it?
Hokkaido has a number of prime areas, including the world-famous Niseko, Furano and Annapuri. It’s the most fawned-over ski destination in the whole of Japan—and not without good reason. The snow is top-shelf, the runs long and numerous, and the scenery breathtaking, with jaw-dropping views of the dormant volcano Mt Yotei from the top of Mt Niseko. There are a total of 57 runs spread across four ski areas, with fantastic back country and numerous parks with half pipes.
Niseko, the largest ski resort in Hokkaido, is renowned for its velvety powder snow—so dry and fluffy, it feels almost weightless. Fifteen meters of the good stuff falls there annually, making the conditions world-class. There are plenty of major chain hotels and facilities catering to the international market, and the area is heavily populated by foreign clientele.
One of the most mountainous prefectures in Japan, Niigata gets about 9m of snow a year. Popular resorts include Naeba (better-known as the location of the annual Fuji Rock Festival), which offers modern facilities and wonderful skiing on vast slopes. It’s a snip to get there by shinkansen from Tokyo, and the runs link up superbly.
Niigata also has the tastiest rice and some of the best nihonshu in the country, both made with water from snowmelt. Many top-tier sushi restaurants wouldn’t consider using anything other than the Uonuma Koshihikari rice grown in the prefecture, and countless top-ranked premium sake brands such as Kubota also hail from there.
Nagano is the other contender for Japan’s best ski area—though despite being one of the country’s premier resorts, its runs can get unbelievably quiet during the week. With off-piste attractions such as the hot spring monkeys of Jigokudani, and charming onsen towns like Nozawa (with its fantastic Winter Fire Festival), it’s on a par with Hokkaido if you’re looking for a dreamlike snow trip.
Shigakogen, which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, is impressive in its scale: getting from one side to the other takes a full day. The resort offers 21 fields and 70 lifts, making it the largest in Japan. Given that it’s also less than three hours from Tokyo, it’s an appealing option for people strapped for time.
Nozawa has a highly rated snow field of its own, and walking the town’s streets in a yukata on the way to the dozen-odd free bathhouses makes for a sublime experience. Nagano also has the immense Hakuba, which includes the Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Happo One resorts.
Yamagata actually gets the most annual snowfall of any prefecture in Japan. Mt Gassan is permanently capped with white, and has a ski resort that opens in late April—yes, you read that correctly—and keeps going until early summer. Combined with the neighboring Haguro-san and Yudono-san, it makes up what’s known as Dewa Sanzan, a sacred region with a long history of animist mountain worship. The area brims with temples, and you can often spot worshippers clad in white robes.
Zao isn’t so well-known on the international circuit, but offers consistent snow and breathtaking scenery. It’s well photographed, too, beloved by the Japanese for its “snow monsters”—the snow- and ice-covered trees that line the runs. While in Yamagata, cap off your trip with a visit to Ginzan hot spring, where wooden bathhouses line the river, creating a romantic, film-like atmosphere.
Other resorts include Fukushima, which has fantastic snow conditions at six resorts, including Alts Bandai and Snow Paradise Inwashiro, both of which afford gorgeous views of Lake Inawashiro. It’s an easy two-and-half hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, and though smaller than some other areas, it’s perfect for a weekend break. There are plenty of family-friendly beginner slopes alongside the more advanced ones, and—double bonus—the region also produces wonderful sake.
While Japan is Asia’s go-to destination for skiing and snowboarding, there are other options for people who want to enjoy a different culture while riding the slopes. Korea has close to a dozen resorts, most of which are concentrated in the northwest of the country, around four hours from Seoul. Private slopes cater to those with bling and/or connections, most notoriously Phoenix Park, where an entire run is designated for the Samsung president’s personal use.
While the snow is decent, and there are plenty of parks catering to fans of aerial tricks and pipe surfing, there isn’t an incredible amount of powder in Korea, and there are far fewer back country opportunities than in Japan. However, after a hearty BBQ and an unbeatable body scrub that will leave you several layers lighter—and with artificial snow in reserve to ensure decent conditions—you might dismiss these shortcomings and enjoy the experience for what it is.
China is another exotic option, with the promise of excellent food, wonderful sightseeing, and dirt-cheap prices. However, you might want to take your own gear with you—many of the resorts are under-stocked, and the equipment they do carry is often low-quality. Most slopes in the country are designed for beginners, but Yabuli is well-regarded, with snappy temperatures, good snow, premium facilities, and fantastic trails for cross-country skiers, as well as a 5km run—the longest in Asia.
If those two destinations aren’t enough to baffle your peers (“You’re going where for skiing?”), try Russia, home of the world’s best vodka, bad fashion and incredible snow. Given the frigid temperatures, vast mountain ranges, and the promise of caviar pancakes for breakfast, the country is fast becoming the boarder’s next pilgrimage of choice.
Russia’s skiing and snowboarding scene is still a work in progress, so the facilities are reportedly less than world-class. However, the disused military vehicles strewn around the landscape and a somewhat fairytale-ish atmosphere make up for the schizophrenic showers and antiquated lift technology. And if you really want to live vicariously, you could blow ¥1 million on a heli-skiing trip on the Kamchatka peninsula. Now that would be something to brag about.
JAPANESE ALPS
Olympic-grade slopes and off-piste fun just a few hours from Tokyo
Evergreen Outdoor Center
With its massive peaks and large ski runs that see more than 12m of snowfall per year, the resort town of Hakuba is the gateway to the Japanese Alps. One of the venues of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, it’s also where the Evergreen Outdoor Center has provided outdoor recreation activities, ecology tours and mountain safety courses since 2000. With programs that run year-round, Evergreen offers professional, safe and environmentally sustainable tours for all. It aims to instill a love for the outdoors in visitors as they embark on a path of adventure, personal challenge and teamwork.
In addition to private ski and snowboard lessons, deep powder riding on backcountry tours, professional avalanche safety training, and snowshoe or cross-country ski tours, the 2009/2010 season will include an expanded group lesson program, with ski and snowboard classes for all levels and ages offered at Happo-one and now Hakuba Goryu. Evergreen’s daycare service and lunch-inclusive lessons leave parents free to participate in all of the programs on offer or explore other resorts all day long. Children, meanwhile, can have a blast at the newly designed kids’ ski camps, where the emphasis is on skill development and having fun on the slopes with other children of similar age or ability. Put a smooth finish on your day with an evening snowshoe tour and chocolate fondue with mulled wine or hot milk, enjoyed outdoors in a winter wonderland.
Evergreen’s international staff consists of professional instructors and experienced guides who are passionate about their work and, above all, focused on making each experience a safe and memorable one. No matter what your ability or desired activity, Evergreen Outdoor Center’s winter getaway is sure to be educational and entertaining.
Kokusai Lodge, 4377-2 Happo, Hakuba, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano. Tel: 0261-72-5150, fax: 0261-72-8056. www.evergreen-hakuba.com, tours@evergreen-outdoors.com
Hakuba House
A comfortable and friendly ski lodge in a unique location 890m above sea level, Hakuba House enjoys an enviable perch right on the spectacular Japanese Alps. High in the forest area of Wadano, it sits above the chair lifts of the Happo One ski area, and most of the time you can ski right to the front door and down to the Sakka lifts. Otherwise, it’s a mere 180m walk from Happo One.
Hakuba House prides itself on delivering quality Western-style lodge accommodation, where the king-sized mattresses are topped with luxurious, body-contouring foam. Most rooms have forest views, heated floors and individual climate controls, as well as private toilets, showers, baths and vanity stations. All room rates include a breakfast and free Hakuba transfers on both arrival and departure.
The owners and staff provide you with a daily local booking service for restaurants, ski/snowboard hire, lessons, sightseeing and back country tours. With its scintillating mountain location, Hakuba House offers a warm and memorable experience for all.
4892-2 Wadano, Hakuba-mura, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano. Contact Mick (090-4464-1991) or Sarah (090-9669-1551). www.hakubahouse.com, email: stay@hakubahouse.com
Hakuba Springs Hotel
With a family atmosphere and excellent access to the Happo ski terrain, Hakuba Springs Hotel is an extremely affordable option for anyone seeking a winter adventure that won’t leave them financially stranded in a snow drift.
Simple but spacious, with the fresh white snow outside serving as a guiding motif for neatness and cleanliness, the hotel’s Japanese and Western-style guestrooms range from twins to groups. Two new log cottages have also been opened this season, and all rooms offer free wireless LAN.
The main restaurant, Jaldin, serves up French fare, but for the winter season, wagyu steak and shabu-shabu will also be on the menu, among other Japanese specialties. And, of course, your stay wouldn’t be complete without a soak in the hotel’s “Haspa,” an onsen and jacuzzi bath that uses the area’s famous bijin no yu (beautifying hot spring) water.
5090 Hokujo Hakuba Village, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano. Tel: 0261-75-5511, fax: 0261-72-5532. www.hakuba-springshotel.net
Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
Approximately three-and-a-half hours by super express train from Shinjuku, this branch of the Tokyu Hotel group occupies a dazzling natural setting in Japan’s Northern Alps, between Happo and Wadano and within walking distance of the Happo-One ski lifts. The guest rooms—each with their own balcony—have been designed with the colors of Hakuba’s stunning scenery in mind.
Expect five-star hospitality at this elegant resort-style hotel, with fine dining options that include authentic French cuisine at Chamonix, and the seasonal delights offered at Japanese restaurant Manyou.
Those seeking a beautifying experience will appreciate the Grand Spa, which uses the natural waters of the Hakuba Happo spa. These are highly alkaline and will smooth and soften the skin.
With luxury like this, you might be encouraged to linger a little longer—and special discounts are available for guests who stay four nights or more.
By train: take the shinkansen from Tokyo station to Nagano (90 mins), then an express bus to Hakuba (60 mins). Happo-Wadanonomori, Hakuba-mura, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano. Tel: 026-172-3001. www.hakuba-r.tokyuhotels.co.jp/english, email: hakuba-r.ro@tokyuhotels.co.jp
Niigata Hikari pageant
Niigata City is alive with the natural scenery of each of its seasons—not to mention abundant traditions and culture. Visitors are warmly welcomed, made to feel at home, and encouraged to think of Niigata as their city.
Special treats await those who head there this winter, including the annual illuminations from December 11-January 10, when the 200 keyaki (Japanese elm) lining Keyaki street to the south of Niigata station sparkle and dazzle with more than 260,000 lights from 5pm-12:20am. For Japanese food and sake fans, major events including the “Shoku no Jin” and “Sake no Jin” will be held at various locations in the city between December and March. Hot pots, fresh seafood, sushi, sashimi, tempura, rice bowls and sake from 90 different sake cellars (made from Niigata farmed rice) can be enjoyed in a festival-like atmosphere. You can take part in the fun on February 6-7 at Niigata Furumachi Street (10am-5pm) and February 13-14 at Toki Convention Center (10am-6pm), among other dates.
2F Niigata City Kaihatsu Kousha Kaikan, 1-613-69 Hakusan-ura, Chuo-ku, Niigata City. Tel: 025-265-8000, fax: 025-266-3357. www.nvcb.or.jp/en, email: visitor@nvcb.or.jp
UFO Stadium
Après-ski entertainment promises to take on a new meaning in Hakuba this winter, with the mid-December opening of UFO Stadium. Located just a short walk from the Hakuba Happo ski resort lifts, the complex, in partnership with neighboring Keyaki No Ki Hotel, will feature a host of new entertainment spaces capable of holding up to 600 people at full-floor capacity.
Start your après-ski with the happy hour at Blue Lizzards, a new sports bar on the lobby floor of Keyaki No Ki Hotel. From 4-6pm, enjoy your libations with billiards, darts, arcade games, big-screen TV and guest DJs. It’s easily accessible straight from the slopes or the nearest pickup location by free UFO Stadium shuttle bus (see website for bus details).
For dinner, hit up the Happy Forest restaurant for yakiniku, along with a daily taste of traditional Japanese culture, ranging from taiko performances to hands-on mochi making. Also on hand is a mouth-watering Korean BBQ and special live jazz performances, creating a festive atmosphere for all.
Later, head downstairs to the newly refurbished Lounge 898, Hakuba’s number one nightclub, featuring local and international DJs on fresh rotation, plus major events on weekends and special nights throughout the season.
If club music isn’t your thing, UFO Stadium’s third floor is now home to 3rd Shift, Hakuba’s only dedicated live music venue. This winter will see performances from local and international groups. And musicians, take note: UFO Stadium also has 16 fully equipped rehearsal studios available for rental daily, so bring your instruments and snow gear for an unforgettable break from the city routine.
Book your winter holiday to Hakuba now for some serious fun on the slopes… and the dance floor.
Tel: 0261-75-5155. See www.more-resort.com or www.hakuba-entertainment.com for event schedules and booking info.
Kamesei Ryokan
Experience the heart and soul of Japan this winter at Kamesei Ryokan, your base for exploring Nagano. This traditional Japanese inn features a wood-burning stove in its lobby, gardens throughout, a soothing hot spring bath, and spacious tatami mat guestrooms where you can relax in a yukata robe.
Kamesei’s main onsen have outdoor baths as well—one made from yellow cedar, the other from river stones. Both are open to the winter sky, allowing you to soak in the revitalizing waters while basking in the sunlight or starlight.
Guests have the option of feasting on gourmet kaiseki-style dinners made from local and seasonal ingredients, as well as full breakfasts—highly recommended if you want to truly appreciate the ryokan experience. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request.
Kamesei Ryokan is centrally located, offering easy access to the best that Nagano has to offer. Jigokudani’s snow monkeys, the spiritual Togakushi Mountain, the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and the Japanese Alps are all popular day trips. For those seeking a skiing adventure, Nagano’s top ski areas—Hakuba, Nozawa and Shiga Kogen—are just an hour away by car, making Kamesei a perfect onsen stopover before or after skiing. The ryokan is located in an onsen town, so guests are free to walk about in Kamesei’s yukata and wooden geta sandals as they browse the many local shops, soak their feet in the footbath, or wander down by the Chikuma River.
Helpful itinerary planning for Nagano is gladly provided by Tyler, Kamesei’s American proprietor, who is happy to share insights into his adopted home. Night View tours, early morning Zazen meditation, and Thursday night Lion Dance practices are just some of the complimentary excursions available for guests.
By train: take the Nagano shinkansen to Ueda, then the local Shinano Railway for four stops to Togura. Free pick-up service available.
2-15-1 Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma City, Nagano. Tel: 026-275-1032. www.kamesei.jp, email: omotenashi@kamesei.jp
Phoenix Hotel
Located in the Japanese Alps, in the heart of one of the world’s finest ski resorts, Hakuba’s Phoenix Hotel has everything you need for a singularly satisfying winter holiday. Expect suberb access to some of the top slopes in the country, fantastic views, and the best in traditional Japanese and Western accommodations and meals.
The hotel’s suites have been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, and employ all the special touches found in a boutique hotel. Guests can also stay in one of the newly built Phoenix Chalets: self-contained three-bedroom, three-bath units with high-speed wireless internet. With their stylish, ultra-modern interiors and picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains that define Hakuba, these exclusive and luxurious chalets provide the ultimate winter escape.
Phoenix’s signature restaurant and bar, Mimi’s, serves up a fusion of the finest local produce prepared by award-winning international chefs who will indulge your taste buds with all that Hakuba and the surrounding Shinshu region has to offer. A visit will definitely be one of the highlights of your holiday.
Those who need to recover after skiing (or chilling out) can kick back and relax in the Phoenix’s private steam saunas and Japanese baths, or unwind with a massage from the qualified in-house physiotherapists.
Phoenix Hotel’s guest services will assist you in planning and arranging all your holiday needs, from advice on local attractions and tours to ski hire and free transfers to any of the local ski areas via their new ten-seater vans.
By train: take the JR Nagano Shinkansen Asama from Tokyo to Nagano station, then catch a bus to Hakuba or contact the hotel’s pick-up service. From Shinjuku station, take the JR Chuo Honsen Limited Express Super Azusa to Hakuba, then take a taxi or contact the pick-up service.
4690-2 Hokujo Wadano, Hakubamura, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano. Tel: 0261-72-4060, fax: 0261-75-5030. www.phoenixhotel.jp, email info@phoenixhotel.jp
UP NORTH
Yes, it's cold—but the snow's sublime
Niseko 343
Niseko is renowned for the quality of its snow, but that’s not the only thing that sets it apart from other destinations. The scale and bracing weather of this Hokkaido resort demands special equipment: “Niseko-grade” gear, if you will. And if it’s Niseko-grade you’re after, you’ll be able to find it at Niseko 343.
This long-running shop has been providing snow gear and impeccable service since 1993, stocking a range of kit including ski suits, gloves, boards and boots. It also offers high-grade ski and snowboard rentals and board tune-ups, not to mention lessons in powder and mogul skiing and guided backcountry tours.
Niseko 343 can be found in the center of town, right in front of the first stop on the free shuttle bus route, making access to the slopes a breeze. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you and your friends can shack up at the shop’s Cottage 343, a pair of 15-person chalets with six rooms apiece. Honestly, what more could you want?
170-136 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido. Tel: 0136-23-0343, fax: 0136-23-0344. www.niseko343.com
ALTS Bandai Snow Park & Resort
Sure, Nagano and Hokkaido have some top-notch skiing and snowboarding action, but they’re far from the only world-class resort areas that Japan has to offer. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, set your compass for ALTS Bandai Snow Park & Resort in Fukushima Prefecture. The largest resort in the whole of Tohoku, it’ll leave you feeling spoiled for choice—take your pick from a staggering 29 different courses, with something to suit any ability level.
If you want to brush up your skills while you’re there (or start from scratch), ALTS Snow Academy provides classes for beginners to experts, with lessons available in English as well as Japanese. Beginner snowboarders can also use one of the Academy’s Burton Learn-To-Ride (LTR) boards for free.
While you’re out on the slopes, let the kids loose in Adventure Kingdom, a snow park where activities range from rides on carts and banana boats to toasting marshmallows inside a Mongolian-style yurt. Skiers and snowboarders aren’t allowed inside, meaning that youngsters can enjoy themselves in complete safety.
At the end of the day, simply step off the slopes and through the doors of the Bandaisan Onsen hotel. This elegantly appointed hotel has a wide range of modern, Japanese-style guestrooms for two to six people, along with maisonettes, kids’ rooms and deluxe suites. Guests can take a free dip in the onsite “Akane no Yu” onsen (also available after check-out), and enjoy delicious buffet spreads of locally-produced food at breakfast and dinner. Ten percent discounts on ski and snowboard rentals and lessons are also offered to hotel guests.
Oh, and don’t even think about going home without trying ALTS’ famed curry and rice—a dish so good, its makers confidently offer a full refund to anyone who isn’t won over at first bite. It tastes all the better when washed down with a refreshing glass of the local beer, Bandai Commons. Who needs Hakuba?
By car: 15 minutes from Bandai Kawahigashi IC on the Banetsu expressway (3 hours from Tokyo). By train: take the Tohoku shinkansen from Tokyo station to Koriyama (90 mins), then a free shuttle bus to ALTS (80 mins, departs 8:20am, 9am, 12:30pm, 9:20pm). 6838-68 Sarashina Shimizudaira, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima. www.alts.co.jp/english
HAKONE
The winter wonderland on Tokyo's doorstep
Fujiya Hotel
Traces of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) are hard to come by in Japan these days, but the spirit of the era is alive and well at the Fujiya Hotel in Hakone. Since 1878, Japan’s first Western-style hotel has maintained a distinctive tradition and culture through its remarkable architectural beauty, Japanese garden and hot springs. It can accommodate up to 300 guests in its 146 rooms in the Main Building and annexes: the Comfy Lodge, Restful Cottage, Flower Palace and Forest Lodge.
Guests can enjoy therapeutic waters from the Miyanoshita, one of Hakone’s famous hot springs, in all of the spacious guestrooms, as well as an indoor hot spring swimming pool.
Dignitaries and international celebrities have spent their holidays at the Fujiya, and you too can savor a fulfilling moment there—along with a rare, tantalizing taste of the Meiji Period.
359 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa. Tel: 0460-82-2211, fax: 0460-82-2210. www.fujiyahotel.jp/english/index.html, email shukuhaku@fujiyahotel.co.jp
Hyatt Regency Hakone
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa offers guests the combination of a plush lodge in an area of outstanding natural beauty near the foothills of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park. Guests can expect the world-class service for which Hyatt is renowned while relaxing in a friendly, comfortable environment.
The open-plan rooms, which have an average size of 68m2, each come with a balcony or sun terrace with views of the seasonal scenery. There are also six dog-friendly rooms, meaning that Rover can enjoy the resort along with the rest of the family.
This is Hyatt’s only resort in Japan, and the Spa has taken advantage of Hakone’s natural resources to offer various “Naturopathy” treatments, as well as packages where guests can indulge in the spacious natural onsen bath and eight treatment rooms, all of which come with walk-in mist saunas and showers.
For those who venture outside the Hyatt Regency’s comfort zone, the Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, Hakone Tozan Cable Car and other attractions are all easily accessible.
1320 Gora, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa. Tel: 0120-123-420 or 0460-82-2000. http://hakone.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp, email hakone.regency@hyatt.com
Ichinoyu
Founded in 1630, Ichinoyu is a pioneer of the hot spring hotel industry in Hakone, and was even immortalized by the famous ukiyo-e painter Ando Hiroshige. It currently operates eight hotels in the Hakone area, all of which follow the Ichinoyu motto: “low-priced, light-hearted and convenient.”
Each hotel offers something unique, be it the point of access, setting, view, choice of Japanese or Western-style rooms (or both), or the type of spa(s) or beauty treatment available. One of them, the Daihakone Ichinoyu, even allows guests to bring their pets.
Hakone’s various museums, parks and gardens, including the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, are also easily accessible depending on the hotel’s location.
Ichinoyu Honkan will be registered as a Tangible Cultural Property this winter.
Tel: 0460-85-5331 (daily 9am-9pm). http://english.ichinoyu.co.jp, email: reservation@ichinoyu.co.jp
TOURS & TRIPS
Let the experts do your planning for you
Discover Japan’s Winter Activities
Discover Japan has been helping individuals, families and groups escape the city and explore the beautiful countryside of these fair isles since 1984. David Green and his experienced staff provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, bicycling and residential summer camps for students.
The latest addition to their arsenal is Nanbo Kokusai Mura, a new “getaway” lodge just 200 meters from the beach in Minami Boso, Chiba. Two hours from Tokyo, it’s perfect for company retreats, seminars, family trips and school outings, and is also available for private parties, overnighters and more. The lodge sleeps 36 people and comes complete with a lounge area, dining room, bar and pool table, as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a “Discovery Room” designed specifically for children, offering board games, a library, art supplies and a science corner. The lodge also has 25 Trek mountain bicycles that guests can use to explore the surrounding area.
On a more wintery tip, Discover Japan’s 26th season of Community Ski Trips to Shiga Kogen is also coming up. Participants will stay at the New Yokote Ski Lodge on the slopes of Yokoteyama, which offers both Japanese and Western facilities and buffet-style meals. Top-grade instruction, tours, equipment rental and much more are also available. Why not become one of the thousands of happy customers who have joined Discover Japan over the years on its special winter adventures?
Ski/Board Camps for students: Dec 19-22, Jan 5–8. Community Ski/Board Trips: Feb 10-13 and 17-20. For more information, see www.discoverjapan.co.jp or call David Green on 090-7716-0102.
HIS Experience Japan
Want a relaxing (or thrilling) winter adventure, but can’t be bothered with the headache of actually planning it? Look no further than HIS Experience Japan (HEJ), where total travel packages can be tailored to your interests.
If you’re hankering to get out of town, HEJ recommends heading for Hakone, one of Japan’s best-known spa resort areas. Surrounded by mountains, it is only 90km southwest of Tokyo and can be easily reached from Shinjuku in 70 minutes on the Odakyu line Romance car. Along with having a restful soak in one of the area’s many onsen, visitors can take a spirited ride across Lake Ashi in a uniquely decorated pirate ship, and visit the Hakone Open Air Museum, where over 100 modern and contemporary sculptures decorate the natural setting.
For those who want to come face to face with Japan’s famed “snow monkeys,” HEJ recommends visiting Yudanaka in the northeastern part of Nagano Prefecture. There are two plans available to see these wild primates, who survive the harsh weather by bathing in the local hot springs. Stay at the 400-year old Kokuya Ryokan, which offers no less than six kinds of hot spring, or at Shimaya Ryokan in the center of Yudanaka, just a short shuttle bus ride from the monkey park. Don’t miss your chance to party with the primates this holiday season!
HEJ also offers many other tours and packages to choose from, so contact them today to book a complete Japanese experience this winter.
www.hisexperience.jp
