Winter Sports in Japan
Japan is one of the world's great winter sports nations. Over 80% of Japan's land area is composed of mountains and the winters are governed by the Siberian air mass, the coldest air mass in the world. As a result at least four months every year the mountains in the central highlands and northern regions of Japan are blanketed with snow, making Japan's ski grounds among the best in the world. Japan was the first Asian country to host Winter Olympics in 1972 and then again in 1998. Yet despite the country's brilliant winter sports conditions and facilities few Europeans have ever been skiing there. This is all set to change with nine British ski tour operators offering Japanese ski resorts for the first time in 2006-2007. The tour operators are - AsiaFare, Crystal, Inghams, Inside Japan Tours, Into Japan, Jaltour, Japan Travel Centre and Oxalis Holidays.
Is Skiing in Japan Affordable?
One of the reasons few Europeans are yet to go skiing in Japan may be due a mislead belief that Japan is not affordable. Skiing and snowboarding are particularly popular with young people in Japan so resorts have been careful to keep their costs low. A full-day lift ticket at a major resort in Japan will cost around 4,500 yen (approx. £19/€28). All large resorts offer various accommodation options. Rates per person per night range from 6,500 yen (approx. £27/€40) including two meals at a minshuku (reasonable Japanese inns) or skiers lodges to 20,000 yen (approx. £84/€124) and up at first class hotels without meals. In addition to fantastic skiing, ski holidays to Japan also offer visitors a completely different cultural experience that they do not get from skiing in the US or Europe. For example, Japanese cuisine and onsen (natural hot springs that skiers in Japan relax in after skiing) and also temples to visit when skiers want a break from the slopes. An annual winter highlight in Hokkaido is the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February. The festival's huge and elaborate snow sculptures attract millions of viewers every year. The festival is well worth a visit if you are able to plan your trip to coincide with the festival.
View tour operators offering Japan winter sports packages.