ww ap p n k www.seejapan.co.uk
Cover photo: © HakubaValley Photography: Dan Power Photography, NAGANO-NIIGATA Snow Resort Alliance, New Furano Prince Hotel, Rusutsu Resort, Niseko Photography, Niseko HANAZONO Resort, Scott Tovey, Yasufumi Nishi, Matsumoto, Kanazawa City, JNTO, JTA
Contents Why Japan?
Reasons to ski /snowboard in Japan........................................................................... 4
Hokkaido
Overview ............................................................................................................................ 6
Niseko
One Mountain, Four Resorts.......................................................................................... 8
Furano
Family Friendly Resort with Amazing Backcountry Options............................... 10
Rusutsu
Hokkaido’s Largest Single Ski Resort........................................................................ 11
Nagano and Niigata
Overview........................................................................................................................... 12
Hakuba
Japan’s Premier Alpine Resort ................................................................................... 13
Shiga Kogen
Japan’s Largest Winter Resort..................................................................................... 14
Nozawa Onsen
Modern Resort in a Perfect Hot Spring Village Setting........................................ 15
Myoko
Your Invitation to a Stay in Japan’s Snow Country................................................ 16
Naeba
A Wonderful Selection of Snow, Springs and Local Delicacies.......................... 17
Tohoku
Overview........................................................................................................................... 18
Zao
Come to Japan’s Premiere Ski Slopes and Historical Hot Springs Town.......... 19
Appi Kogen
Be Happy in Appi! .......................................................................................................... 20
Urabandai
Worthy International Powder Snow Resort............................................................. 21
More Snow Resorts in Japan.................................................................... 22 Further Information on SKI & BOARD JAPAN........................... 23 2 Contents
JAPAN SKI GUIDE
All information is based on data as of September 2016 and is subject to change without notice.
Contents 3
Experience some of the finest powder snow in the world. Japan offers great runs, varied terrain and amazing alpine scenery. Soak up the culture, indulge in the local cuisine and relax in the natural hot springs after a day on the powder. Flights from the UK take 12 hours and arrive in Tokyo, making it easy to combine your skiing and snowboarding with a city break. Once you are in Japan the snow resorts are just a short flight or bullet train ride away. 4
Experience Amazing Powder Snow! Chilly winds from Siberia translate to heaps of quality powder snow being dumped on Hokkaido from November to April. The Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata areas on Honshu also receive consistent high quality snow throughout the season.
Onsen (Hot Springs) One of Japan’s greatest assets. Nothing beats a relaxing soak after a day in the snow.
● Sapporo
Sendai ●
● Niigata ● Nagano
Tokyo ● Hiroshima
Kyoto ●
●
● Nagoya
●
Osaka
●
Fukuoka
Enjoy delicious cuisine and Japanese hospitality Fabulous food and friendly faces. Japan is renowned for its excellent cuisine and the warmest hospitality.
A winter holiday like no other! In addition to fantastic skiing, winter holidays to Japan offer visitors a completely different cultural
experience that they do not get from skiing in the USA or Europe. Japanese cuisine, temples, natural hot spring spas, the adorable snow monkeys and a huge range of exciting winter festivals will make your trip to Japan unforgettable!
the ground won’t break the budget. Please see P23 for more information.
It’s affordable
Useful websites:
There are loads of reasonable ski packages available and prices on
Exceed your expectations! Japan has a wide variety of snow resorts to meet and exceed all your expectations.
www.snowjapan.com www.seejapan.co.uk WHY JAPAN? 5
HOKKAIDO
● Niigata ● Furano (P10)
● Nagano
Tokyo ● ● Nagoya
Kiroro ● ●
Niseko (P8 - 9)
6
● Rusutsu (P11)
Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has some of the best quality snow in Japan. It has long been recognised as a fantastic winter sports destination with the first Winter Olympics in Japan having been held in Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, in 1972. The island is an all-season nature paradise and home to many natural wonders including Daisetsu-zan National Park in the far north, the secluded Shiretoko Peninsula, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kushiro Marsh that is home to a range of wild life including the Japanese crane, the volcanic Shikotsu-Toya National
Park with its many lakes and the ever changing Shakotan Coast. There are also countless hot springs, like Noboribetsu Onsen, Jozankei Onsen and Sounkyo Onsen, where you can relax and rejuvenate after your journey. Hokkaido boasts one of the busiest event calendars in Japan, with over 1,200 festivals and events throughout the year. In winter there is the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival. In summer there is the Furano Lavender Festival, as well as port festivals held in every coastal town to pray for a good catch and safe fishing.
Access from Airports in Tokyo area Airport Limousine Bus from Narita AP to Haneda AP: 75 minutes. Fly from Haneda AP to Shin-Chitose AP: 90 minutes. Fly from Narita AP to Shin-Chitose AP: 90 minutes.
Further information on Hokkaido, visit
• Visit Hokkaido: en.visit-hokkaido.jp • Hokkaido Tracks: www.hokkaidotracks.com • Hokkaido Ski Promotion Council: www.skiing-Hokkaido.com • Kiroro Resort: www.kiroro.co.jp HOKKAIDO 7
Niseko: Hokkaido consistently produces large quantities of some of the world’s best quality snow. Notably, Niseko’s four resorts: Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko HANAZONO Resort and Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort, enjoy these top snow conditions. On top of the great snow, locals pride themselves on sharing their authentic culture and providing the finest Japanese hospitality, making every stay memorable. All aspects of the area’s four resorts are briefly outlined below. Ski Areas: Niseko HANAZONO Resort’s varied terrain and access to massive off-piste areas has made it popular amongst visitors to Niseko. Offering gentle long slopes and dedicated learning areas for beginners, as well as three terrain parks and an FIS half pipe for the adventurous, Hanazono has something for the whole family to enjoy. Grand Hirafu operates the largest number of lifts amongst the four Niseko resorts, offering visitors fast and easy access to the vastest and most diverse terrain in the area. Lifts open at 8:30am and for those who still have energy at the end of the day, the powder can be skied until 8:30pm in Japan’s largest night skiing area. Niseko Village boasts some of the best and longest powder skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country. Scenic courses lead through beautiful natural forests and family focused activities are abundant. On piste, Niseko Annupuri caters for novice to intermediate levels of skiers, while its access to a huge backcountry area that also permits skiing makes it popular with more advanced skiers too.
8 HOKKAIDO - Niseko United
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Airport Limousine Bus from Narita AP to Haneda AP: 75 minutes. Fly from Haneda AP to Shin-Chitose AP: 90 minutes. Fly from Narita AP to ShinChitose AP: 90 minutes. Chuo bus and Donan Bus companies operate buses daily between Shin-Chitose Airport and Niseko: 2 hours 30 minutes. Japan Rail runs services from Shin-Chitose Airport to Kutchan: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Eating
There are over 80 restaurants and drinking establishments in Hirafu Village, offering an array of cool bars, delicious noodle houses, scrumptious Italian pizza houses and restaurants serving Hokkaido’s freshest seafood. There are three bars and a total of seven restaurants in Niseko Village offering wide varieties of gourmet cuisines from Japanese to western. In the Annupuri area guests can enjoy Japanese, Chinese and western cuisine at the restaurants situated in Niseko Northern Resort, An’nupuri and NOOK Annupuri. A barbecue dinner is also available at Mokumokutei in Hotel Niseko Ikoino Mura. HANAZONO 308 offers an array of western and Japanese lunch options, including the famous Kani (crab) Ramen.
Niseko United One Mountain, Four Resorts
The Niseko area is located between the Niseko Annupuri Mountains and Mt.Yotei. These two mountains create a haven of fresh, dry powder snow. The town centre is 15 minutes drive from the mountain base and has several supermarkets, lots of bakeries, cafes and pubs, providing anything that you may need on your ski vacation. Local buses easily connect the various ski resorts with the town centre.
Après-ski
Guests can choose their favorite bar in Hirafu Village and enjoy talking with the locals and travellers from all over the world. At Niseko Village guests can enjoy hot springs, spa treatments or karaoke. Horse riding, snowmobiling and snow shoe trekking are ideal activities in Annupuri. The HANAZONO Activity Park has a range of fun and exciting snow-play activities for all ages, including the Winter Zipline, snow tubing and sledding.
Accommodation
Hirafu village has many kinds of accommodation, including hotels, condominiums, lodges & pensions. Especially recommended is the Hotel Niseko Alpen which features a ski-in skiout location, 130 rooms (from ¥10,500 per person including breakfast), shops, heated swimming pool, hot springs (inside & open air), bar, foot & body treatments, as well as a day care center. Niseko Village is the perfect base from which to enjoy a huge variety of outdoor activities. The Green Leaf Niseko Village and the Hilton Niseko Village both offer ski-in ski-out access throughout winter. Be sure to check out the happy hour deals for après ski at the Hilton or the Tomioka White Lounge & Bar at The Greenleaf Niseko Village. Guests can enjoy the natural hot springs located at each hotel. Soak in the natural hot spring bath before choosing from one of seven gourmet restaurants. In Niseko Village, a perfect base from which to enjoy a huge variety of outdoor activities, is The Hilton Hotel which offers ski-in ski-out access throughout winter. After a day on the
slopes soak in the natural hot spring bath before enjoying teppanyaki in the hotel’s stylish Ren restaurant. In the Annupuri area, a recommended pl a c e to s ta y is th e N is ek o Northern Resort, An’nupuri. Located at the base of Niseko Annupuri Ski ground, the hotel has 152 rooms (rooms from ¥15,000 for 2 people including breakfast) as well as Japanese & western cuisine (buffet style, set course meals and other reasonably priced dishes).
Official websites
• Grand Hirafu: www.grand-hirafu.jp • Niseko HANAZONO Resort: www.hanazononiseko.com • Niseko Village: www.niseko-village.com/en • Annupuri: annupuri.info/winter/english • Niseko United: www.niseko.ne.jp/en/ • Niseko Promotion Board: www.nisekotourism.com/en/
Regional Specialities
Niseko is not only famous for its powder snow, but also for its hot springs (onsen), so the area provides the perfect opportunity to experience this favorite Japanese pastime and soak in natural steaming water while enjoying the breathtaking snowscape. Hotel Niseko Ikoino-Mura is famous for its rotenburo (open air hot spring), and other famous hot spring areas such as Konbu-Onsen & Yukichichibu can also be easily accessed.
• Number of Courses: Grand Hirafu: 30 Hanazono: 11 Niseko Village: 27 Annupuri: 13 Niseko United All Mountain: (Beginner 36%, Intermediate 38%, Advanced 26%) • Number of Lifts: Grand Hirafu: 16 Hanazono: 3 Niseko Village: 8 Annupuri: 6 • Longest Course: Grand Hirafu: 5.6km Hanazono: 3.3km Niseko Village: 5km Annupuri: 4km • Lift Pass: Niseko All Mountain Pass: 8-hour ticket.....¥6,300 1 day ticket (8:30am – 9pm) ................................¥7,400 2 day ticket........¥13,600 Grand Hirafu / Hanazono only: 8-hour ticket.....¥4,700 1 day ticket (8:30am – 9pm) ................................¥5,200 Niseko Village only: 5-hour ticket.....¥3,900 8-hour ticket.....¥4,600 Annupuri only: 5-hour ticket.....¥4,000 8-hour ticket.....¥4,600 • Rental Equipment: Grand Hirafu: ski/board set 1-day..... ¥ 4,650 2-day.................................. ¥ 8,250 3-day.................................. ¥10,350 Niseko HANAZONO Resort: Demo ski/board set 1- day................................ ¥ 5,200 2-day.................................. ¥ 8,500 3-day.................................. ¥13,000 Niseko Village: ski/board set 1-day..... ¥ 5,000 Annupuri: ski/board set 5 hours.............................. ¥ 3,800
HOKKAIDO - Niseko United 9
Furano
Family Friendly Resort with Amazing Back Country Options Famous for having some of the lightest and driest powder in the world, Furano offers so much more than just a resort experience. Furano is a town of 25,000 people panning out from the base of the ski area. The town delivers an authentic cultural experience and the resort is a favourite with families due to its uncrowded slopes and friendly atmosphere. The ski area is part of the of the Hokkaido Powder Belt, and day trips to other Hokkaido Powder Belt ski areas from Furano provide backcountry options and plenty of variety for the more adventurous. In Furano you can enjoy a world class ski area as well enjoying the local food, drink, sights and culture.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
From Haneda or Narita take a connecting flight to Shin-Chitose Airport and then a direct bus transfer (2 hours 15 minutes), or a connecting flight to Asahikawa Airport then a direct bus transfer (65 minutes).
Eating
With over 100 bars and restaurants in the town and the resort, the options are seemingly endless. Choose from Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, as well as curry, Italian and other western options.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the Furano Area Guide which has local restaurant listings in English.
Après-ski
Après ski activities include onsen tours, the Ningle Terrace arts & crafts village, the Kan Kan Mura ice bar and snow s c ul ptur e a ttr a c tio n , F ur ano Wi nery, Furano Cheese Factory, relaxing in cafes, snow mobiling, snow shoeing and exploring the downtown area.
Accommodation
A full range of accommodation options are available in Furano, including the two ski-in ski-out Prince Hotels, budget hotels, Japanese inns, pensions, selfcontained condominiums and facilities for back packers. Most accommodations are within a short walk of the lifts.
Official website
www.princehotels.com/en/ski/furano
10 HOKKAIDO - Furano
• Opening Times: Late November until early May • Longest Course: 4km • Number of Runs: 23 (Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%) • Number of Lifts: 1 x 101 person cable car, 1 x 6 person gondola, 7 x chair lifts, 2 x magic carpets • Night Riding: Yes from late December until late March • Lift Pass: 1-day adult pass ¥5,200. Kids 12 & under ski for free • Rental Equipment: Adult ski rental starts at ¥5,600 per day for skis, boots and poles, with multi-day packages offering greater value. Carving skis & powder skis are also available, as well as backcountry equipment rental including touring skis, skins and avalanche safety equipment.
Rusutsu
Hokkaido’s Largest Single Ski Resort Rusutsu Resort is situated in a beautiful natural highland covering 1,700 hectares near the base of Mt. Yotei. In winter it is Hokkaido’s premier ski resort, with three mountains (East, West and Isola) serviced by four gondolas, seven quads and seven lifts. The ski area, with a total run distance of 42 km including a 3.5 km legburner, has 37 beautiful courses. The board park is filled with challenging hits and the amazing pipe extends to a length of 100m. The night skiing, restaurants and shopping mall will certainly keep everyone busy during the evening as well.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
The Airport Limousine takes you from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport in 75 minutes. Shin-Chitose Airport is 90 minutes from Haneda Airport and the bus from Shin-Chitose Airport to Rusutsu Resort is around 2 hours (Rusutsu Resort to Niseko: 60 minutes).
Eating
Options range from casual fast food shops and fun filled diners to authentic western, Chinese and Japanese restaurants. There are twelve restaurants in Rusutsu Resort, where you will find an abundance of dining options, from grilled burgers and chips at Daniel’s Street to sushi and sashimi at Sekkatei and comforting Italian at Costa Terazza.
wave pool and karaoke rooms. You can also enjoy local beer while watching sports on TV at sports pub Cricket.
Accommodation
You can choose from a diverse range of room types that together accommodate over 3,000 guests. They are spread across four lodgings: the informal Highland Lodge, the Travel Lodge, the European style North and South Wings and the 24 storey Rusutsu Tower. Authentic log houses and cottages suitable for ski groups and families are also available.
Official website en.rusutsu.co.jp
• Number of Courses: 37 (Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%) • Number of Lifts: 18 • Longest Course: 3.5km • Lift Pass: Lift pass prices are relatively cheaper than those at the major ski resorts in the USA, Canada and Australia. 1-day ticket......¥5,500 Night Skiing ticket (4 – 8pm) ...............................¥2,300 Discounted rates are available for hotel guests. • Rental Equipment: Full sets of equipment for rent are available for ¥10,500, which consist of a three-piece ski set, outwear and accessories.
Après-ski
Among the facilities that can be enjoyed after returning from the slopes are the shopping mall, game centre, ‘Rusutsuno-yu’ big bath with sauna, the indoor
HOKKAIDO - Rusutsu 11
The prefectures of Nagano and Niigata are dominated by many 2,000-3,000 metre-class steep mountains and, as such, are home to a variety of resorts and diverse ski runs. The year round natural beauty of Nagano Prefecture is spectacular, with the snowscape in winter, when skiers and snow sport enthusiasts flock to the prefecture’s many ski resorts, being particularly beautiful. The prefecture’s capital, Nagano City, even hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. In addition to its snow fields, Nagano is famous for hot springs including Nozawa Onsen and Shibu Onsen, the latter being well known for the snow monkeys which bathe in the hot spring at Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. The Echigo Mountain
Range runs across the south east part of Niigata Prefecture, with 2,000 metre class mountains standing one after another to form a stretch of highlands across the prefecture. The areas between mountains are dotted with ski resorts and hot springs. Niigata is also home to many of Japan’s leading sake labels, whose products are made using the finest quality rice and water. There are many restaurants where you can Nozawa Onsen (P15) Myoko (P16) ● ● enjoy the ● Naeba (P17) ● ● local sake with Hakuba Shiga Kogen fresh seafood. (P13) (P14)
● Niigata ● Nagano
Tokyo ● Kyoto ●
● Nagoya
●
Osaka
Access from Tokyo station To Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Myoko: JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki, Hakutaka or Asama) to Nagano: 90 minutes. From Nagano station, 60 minutes to Hakuba by express bus, 90 minutes to Shigakogen by express bus, 40 minutes to Myoko by local train. To Nozawa Onsen: JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) to Iiyama: 100 minutes. From Iiyama station, 25 minutes to Nozawa Onsen by bus. To Naeba: JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa: 100 minutes. From Echigo-Yuzawa station, 50 minutes to Naeba by bus.
Further information on Nagano & Niigata, visit • Nagano Prefecture Tourism Information: (Ski) www.snowlove.net/japan/ (General) www.go-nagano.net • Enjoy Niigata: enjoyniigata.com/english/ • Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park: www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp 12
Hakuba
Japan’s Premier Alpine Resort This magnificent alpine region comprises eleven ski resorts including Happo-one, Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Iwatake, featuring more than 200 runs spread out along the 3,000m high ranges of the Japan Alps, making Hakuba one of Japan’s largest and most respected world-class winter resorts. With over 10m of seasonal snowfall and a 1,071m vertical rise, Hakuba delivers superb powder skiing and riding at each resort. There is such variety within this one area, including many exciting trails ideal for all levels, from novices through to experts, as well as park terrain and backcountry fields ideal for snowshoe expeditions or cross-country skiing. All this makes Hakuba a great location for your next ski holiday.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Take the JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo (approx. 60 minutes) then the JR Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano (95- 110 minutes) and finally the express bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba (from 60 minutes depending on the resort). Shared taxis are also available and are a convenient and viable option between Nagano Station and Hakuba. A chartered coach direct from Tokyo takes 5 hours.
Eating
Enjoy dining out at more than 150 restaurants, shops, cafes and bars. A fine choice of dishes from all over the world is served to our guests including Japanese, French, Italian, Mexican, Indian and Austrian menus. Experience th e local cu i sine in a J a pa nese -s ty l e atmosphere at many local “izakaya” Japanese pubs or soba noodle restaurants.
Après-ski
The night shuttle bus “Genki-go” will transport you around the village to many shops, restaurants, bars and pubs for your après-ski entertainment.
Accommodation
The village has around 700 different types of accommodation on offer, with a wide selection of hotels ranging from one-star through to five-star resort hotels, as well as traditional Japanese “ryokan” hotels, “minshuku” Japanese inns, pensions, cottages, private cabins and budget dormitories for backpackers.
Official website
www.hakubavalley.jp
• Number of Courses: 81 (Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 20%) • Number of Lifts: 18 • Longest Course: 3.5km • Lift Pass: Happo–one 1-day ticket: ¥5,000. A variety of consecutive and nonconsecutive 2-day and 3-day passes, Hakuba Valley Passes and senior tickets are also available. • Rental Equipment: Good quality ski & snowboard equipment is available from as little as ¥4,500 per day.
Regional Specialities
When you gaze at the mountains in Hakuba Valley, you will see why this resort stands apart from the rest. Huge 3,000m high jagged peaks tower above the town below, with the ridges of the most magnificent snow drenched mountains protruding into the sky where they are exposed to wind, snow, sun and ice, making the awe-inspiring view from the valley floor look just like a picture postcard. Indoor and open air hot spring baths are abundant and foot baths can be found near Hakuba station and in the centre of town. All are great for relaxing and rejuvenating your body after a day out on the mountain, and this essential Japanese experience will surely make your stay all the more memorable. We hope you will also visit our historical sports venue, the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium, where you can go up to the top observation deck to inspect the launch area and marvel at the view of the town below. The Winter Olympic Memorial will take you back to the year 1998 and the Nagano Winter Olympic Games. Happo Mountain History and Culture Museum is located in the centre of town behind Happo Information Center and introduces you to our 60 year ski history timeline as well as local fauna and flora to be found in the region.
NAGANO & NIIGATA - Hakuba 13
Shiga Kogen Japan’s Largest Winter Resort
With 19 ski fields, 52 lifts (including gondolas) and more than 80 courses, Shiga Kogen is the biggest snow resort in Japan and caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It is located in Joshinetsu National Park and blessed with powder snow equal to Hokkaido in quality. There is no doubt you will enjoy skiing and unwinding at Shiga Kogen.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes. JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano: 80 minutes. Express bus from Nagano station to Shiga Kogen: approx. 70 minutes.
Eating
There are a variety of restaurants in Shiga Kogen serving original Japanese di she s as we l l a s Fr ench, I ta lian an d various other cuisines.
Après-ski
B a r s , e t h n i c f o o d re s t a u ra n t s a n d Japanese izakaya-style pubs can be found in some hotels.
Accommodation
There are approximately 100 hotels, ryokan, B&Bs and minshuku in Shiga Kogen, with prices from ¥7,000.
14 NAGANO & NIIGATA - Shiga Kogen
Official website
www.info-yamanouchi.net/english Regional Specialities
Shiga Kogen has eight hot springs: Kumanoyu, Kidoike, Hotaru, Shigayama, Takamagahara, Hoppo, Makuiwa and Maruike-Hasuike. It also has breathtaking scenery, most notably the beautiful view of the North Alps, so-called "snow monsters" that appear as snow and ice forms around the trees at the resort, and the setting sun over a sea of clouds. A range of events are held during winter, and don't miss the famous snow monkeys in the rock bath at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• Number of Courses: 84 (Beginner 48%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 14%) • Number of Lifts: 52* * including gondolas • Longest Course: 3.5km • Lift Pass: 1-day ticket......¥5,000 2-day ticket......¥9,300 Allows access to all lifts and includes shuttle buses. • Rental Equipment: Hotels supply good quality ski and snowboard equipment from ¥3,000.
Nozawa Onsen
Modern Resort in a Perfect Hot Spring Village Setting Since 1930, Nozawa Onsen has always been at the top of the Japanese skiing scene, and more recently snowboarding has also become popular in the area. It was the first place in Japan to install ski lifts and also holds numerous major skiing and snowboarding tournaments each year. Although the snow resort of Nozawa Onsen offers modern facilities for both skiers and snowboarders, the village of Nozawa Onsen strives to maintain a traditional atmosphere. During the 1988 Nagano Olympics, Nozawa Onsen hosted the Biathlon competitions.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Accommodation
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes. JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Iiyama: approx. 110 minutes. Bus from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen: approx. 25 minutes.
More than 250 hotels, traditional Japanese ryokan inns and “minshuku” B&Bs welcome you with the warmest hospitality.
Eating There are 43 restaurants in the area where you can enjoy local dishes including soba noodles, onsen-manju (steamed buns), wild vegetables such as nemagari-dake (bamboo shoots) and mushrooms. A pickled green vegetable dish called Nozawana-zuke is one of the local specialties.
Après-ski Nozawa Onsen has a lots of cafes, bars and restaurants packed into its compact area, ideal for pub crawls!
Official website
www.nozwaski.com/winter
• Opening Times: Mid December – Early May • Snow Depth: 2m • Longest Course: 10km • Number of Runs: 36 (Beginner 40%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 30%) • Number of Lifts: 21 • Night Riding: Yes* * Saturdays only with some exceptions • Lift Pass (Adult): 1-day pass........¥ 5,000 2-day pass........¥ 9,300 3-day pass........¥13,400 • Rental Equipment: The resort has several ski and snowboard rental shops. Ski set ¥3,800 per day Expert ski set ¥4,200 per day
NAGANO & NIIGATA - Nozawa Onsen 15
Myoko Snow Resort Your Invitation to a Stay in Japan’s Snow Country
The Akakura hot springs area of Myoko town is right next to the ski slopes and boasts a wealth of accommodation facilities and restaurants. During the ski season the Mountain Shuttle Bus (fare required) runs every day to connect the slopes.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport (60 minutes) or the Tokyo Monorail or JR lines from Haneda (40 minutes) to Tokyo Station. JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano: 90 – 110 minutes approx. North Shinano Line from Nagano to Myoko Kogen: 40 minutes. Taxi or shuttle bus: 10 – 30 minutes.
Eating
There are around 40 restaurants in the Akakura hot springs area, allowing you to experience many different cuisines during your stay, from Korean barbecue to okonomiyaki, noodle dishes such as udon and ramen and even Italian food!
Accommodation
There are around 70 hotels and traditional lodgings (ryokan) in the Akakura area, offering great convenience.
16 NAGANO & NIIGATA - Myoko Snow Resort
Official website
www.myoko.tv/english
• Opening Times: from 20th of December to 31st of March • Snow Depth: Depth not sufficient for skiing in November. 1.5m in early December. Around 4m in January to February 3m in March. • Longest Course: Suginohara Ski Resort: 8,500m Vertical drop: 1,100m • Number of Runs: 5 resorts (Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%) • Number of Lift: 33* * including 2 gondolas • Night Riding: Yes • Lift Pass: 1-day pass: ¥4,600, 21-day pass (Super Big-4): ¥38,000 • Rental Equipment: 1 set (per day): ¥8,000
Naeba
A Wonderful Selection of Snow, Springs and Local Delicacies
The town of Yuzawa has great access from the capital and provides a wonderful variety of ski slopes. It also offers wonderful hot springs, local beverages and food. Local rice dishes are of a particularly high quality.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Accommodation
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport (60 minutes) or the Tokyo Monorail or JR lines from Haneda (40 minutes) to Tokyo Station, then the Joetsu Shinkansen to EchigoYuzawa Station (1 hour 30 minutes). From Echigo Yuzawa station: For Prince Hotel guests only: shuttle bus (30 to 50 minutes) Non hotel guests: highway bus (50 minutes)
The town of Yuzawa has over 300 accommodation choices catering to all needs, from large scale hotels to traditional ryokan with their own hot springs, private lodgings and guesthouses.
Eating The local noodle dish “hegi soba” is a renowned delicacy, featuring a generous portion of buckwheat noodles in a unique dish known as a “hegi”.
Après-ski There are many hot springs and public baths to enjoy after you come down from the slopes. The hot springs district also boasts many drinking establishments and guests enjoy spending their nights eating and drinking here.
Official website
www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba
• Opening Times: Mid-December until early May • Snow Depth: December 99cm, January 1.85m, February 2.89m, March 2.73m, April 1.3m • Longest Course: 1,245m • Number of Runs: 14 (Beiginner x 5, Intermediate x 5, Advanced x 4) • Number of Lifts: 13 • Night Riding: Yes (between December and March) • Lift Pass: 1-day pass........¥5,000 (Adult) • Rental Equipment: Full set (ski and snowboard): ............Adult ¥7,500, Child ¥5,000 Individual ski or snowboard set: ............Adult ¥5,000, Child ¥3,000 Skis or snowboard: ............Adult ¥3,000, Child ¥1,800 Ski or snowboard boots: ............Adult ¥2,500, Child ¥1,800
NAGANO & NIIGATA - Naeba 17
The Tohoku region located in the northern part of Honshu receives heavy snowfalls and has many resorts scattered across its six prefectures. Tohoku is also rich with a variety of traditional festivals and onsen (hot springs). Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture is one of the best places for hardcore snow boarders, telemarkers and skiers. It offers fantastic steep and deep powder courses. There are also many magnificent resorts located in Iwate Prefecture, such as Appi Kogen and Shizukuishi, both of which have great snowfields and many attractions for visitors. The Tazawako ski resort in Akita Prefecture’s Tazawako Kogen boasts a breath-taking view over Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, and has a wealth of runs that everyone can enjoy, from beginners right up to veteran skiers. There are a number of hot springs facilities in the local area too, such as Tazawako Kogen spa village, Mizusawa spa village and the especially popular Nyuto spa village secluded deep in the mountains. Many traditional festivals are held close to here, such as the Yokote Kamakura Festival and the Namahage Sedo Festival in the town of Oga, as well as August’s Kanto Festival, one of the
Tohoku Sendai ●
●
Appi Kogen (P20)
Zao (P19) ●
three great festivals of ● the Tohoku region. Bandai Kogen Sen dai, th e (P21) capital of Miy agi Prefecture and also the centre of Tohoku, is home to the Tanabata Star Festival. Not far from Yamagata City in Yamagata Prefecture is the resort of Zao Onsen where you can experience amazing powder snow and the spectacular sight of famous windswept and snow covered trees known as snow monsters. Fukushima Prefecture has more than 130 hot springs and is home to Lake Inawashiro and the Bandai Kogen Highlands, both which offer an abundance of seasonal tourist attractions including skiing and snowboarding. Further information on Hokkaido, visit
Access from Narita Airport JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes JR Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita: approx. 4 hours JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata: approx. 2.5 hours JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori: approx. 3 hours to Morioka: approx. 2.5 hours to Sendai: approx. 1.5 hours to Fukushima: approx. 1.5 hours 18
• Travel to Tohoku: www.en.tohokukanko.jp • Aomori Sightseeing Guide: www.en-aomori.com • A Trip to Iwate: www.japan-iwate.info • Akita fan.com:
www.akitafan.com/en • Miyagi Touring Navigation:
www.pref.miyagi.jp/kankou/en • Welcome to Yamagata:
www.yamagatakanko.com • Sights in Fukushima Japan:
www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Come to Japan’s Premiere Ski Slopes and Historical Hot Springs Town
The hot springs town of Zao boasts around 80 accommodation establishments, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Enjoy being surrounded by the art of nature with our beautiful frost rimed trees.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
• Opening Times: Mid-December until early May
From Haneda: Fly to Yamagata airport with JAL and then catch a local shared van service direct to Zao Onsen (Booking required). From Narita or Haneda: Go to Tokyo station and ride the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata station before taking the bus to Zao Onsen (No booking required).
Eating Zao Onsen town is famous for its Mongol style lamb barbecue dishes.
• Snow Depth: November 20cm, December 90cm, January 1.7m, February 2.01m, March 1.6m, April 1m • Longest Course: Juhyobara course to Omori piste approx. 10km
Après-ski There are many traditional bars and drinking houses around the town, letting you experience Japanese izakaya culture.
Accommodation The town boasts around 80 different accommodation options to suit any budget, from luxury hotels down to privately run B&Bs.
• Number of Runs: (Beiginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%) • Number of Lifts: 39 • Night Riding: Yes • Lift Pass: 1-day pass........¥5,000 2-day pass........¥9,200 • Rental Equipment: Ski set.......................from ¥3,500 Snowboard set.....from ¥4,500 Ski wear...................from ¥3,000
Official website
www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/index.html
TOHOKU - Zao 19
APPI Kogen Be Happy in APPI!
Appi resort sits adjacent to Towada-Hachimantai National Park in northeast Honshu. Amazing powder covers Appi’s entire 828 metre vertical from peak to base. Appi’s 21 trails are easily and comfortably accessible by two eight-person gondolas and three high speed detachable hooded quad chairs. And you can’t beat Appi’s variety: there is everything from bunny slopes to a 5.5 km cruiser to steep and deep! Appi has received the highest marks from a number of major ski magazines and continues to be a mecca for skiers and boarders alike.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Après-ski
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes. JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station: 130 minutes. JR Hanawa Line from Morioka to Appi Kogen: 50 minutes
Hotel Appi Grand has 2 Bars (open untill midnight), and a bus runs to the local town in the evenings for dinner, drinking and shopping.
Eating In addition to the relaxed atmosphere and excellent view, guests can also enjoy local produce and fine cuisine. Appi’s hotels have eleven restaurants ranging from Japanese, Chinese and western offerings to Korean BBQ.
Accommodation
• Snow Depth: December 41cm, January 62cm, February 91cm, March 1.05m, April 99cm • Longest Course: 5.5km
Appi’s hotels, the Hotel Appi Grand and Tower, Appi Grand Villa and Appi Grand Annex, boast a capacity of 1,000 rooms to accommodate 4,100 guests and a fabulous array of facilities to fit any preference or budget. And don’t forget to wash away your fatigue at one or both of our two natural hot springs! (Free wi-fi available at all hotels and ski-in/out at Hotel APPI Grand)
• Number of Runs: 21 courses (Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%)
Official website
• Rental Equipment: Ski/Board Package ............................ from ¥4,600 Ski wear (Top & Bottom) ............................ from ¥3,800 Accessory Package (8-hour) ............................ ¥2,800
www.appi.co.jp/foreign_country/ english/winter/index.html
20 TOHOKU - Appi Kogen
• Opening Times: December until May
• Number of Lifts: 18* * including 2 gondolas • Night Riding: Yes • Lift Pass: 5-hour ticket..... ¥ 5,300 8-hour ticket..... ¥ 5,600 2-day ticket........ ¥10,900 3-day ticket........ ¥16,200
Urabandai
Worthy International Powder Snow Resort The resort is situated in the village of Kitashiobara, stretching out across the highlands on the north side of mount Bandai. Past volcanic eruptions have created a wondrous natural landscape of over 300 lakes that enthral people all year round. In winter the resort is blessed by high quality clouds, making many winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding very popular. Also, don’t miss smelt fishing on the frozen lakes, relaxing in the numerous hot springs or trying the delicious “mountain salt ramen” noodles using the very salt that enlivens the hot springs and gives the town its name.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
• Opening Times: End of November to 1st of May
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo takes around 60 minutes. From Tokyo station to Koriyama station by JR Tohoku shinkansen takes 1 hour 15 minutes. From Koriyama station to Grandeco takes 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus.
• Snow Depth: November 80cm, Dececember 1.5m, January 2.4m, February 3m, March 3.4m, April 2.5m, May 1m • Longest Course: 3km • Number of Runs: 21 (Beginner 35%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 25%)
Eating Many restaurants are available, such as the Gondola Summit Bunabuna and the Grandeco Restaurant, offering famous local delicacies such as Aizu mountain salt ramen noodles, Aizu sauce katsudon and soba noodles, as well as stone-fired pizza and a variety of Japanese and European style set meals.
Après-ski Swimming pool and hot spring bathing, snowmobile rides and smelt fishing on Lake Hibara.
Accommodation Hotel Grandeco is a five-star resort hotel situated beside the major ski course.
• Number of Lifts: 8 • Lift Pass: 1-day ticket (8.30am – 5pm) ....................................from ¥4,700 4-hour ticket........from ¥4,200 • Rental Equipment: 1-day for adult ski set or snowboard set...............¥4,700
Official website
http://grandeco.com/ english/
TOHOKU - Urabandai 21
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Offering a vast area with over 20 outdoor activities and 28 ski courses for you to enjoy. Number of Courses 28 Number of Lifts 6 More Info www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/
Kiroro
Sahoro
Opening in late November and closing in early May. Kiroro resort has a longer operating period than most other ski fields in Japan.
One gondola covers all 17 courses which are blessed with quality powder snow. Number of Courses 17 Number of Lifts 8 More Info www.sahoro.co.jp/ language/english/
Number of Courses 21 Number of Lifts 9 including 1gondola More Info www.kiroro.co.jp/en/winter/
Kusatsu Kusatsu is a hot spring and ski resort town with heli-skiing and a family oriented atmosphere. Number of Courses 8 Number of Lifts 11 More Info www.kusatsu-kokusai.com www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/ gunma/kusatsu/kusatsu-kokusai
Enjoy one of the longest trails anywhere in Japan. Number of Courses 12 Number of Lifts 6 More Info www.snowjapan.com/ japan-ski-resorts/iwate/ shizukuishi/shizukuishi
Ishiuchi
Tazawa-ko
A large snow area covered by the Three Resort Ticket that is also valid at nearby GALA Yuzawa resort and Yuzawa Kogen.
Ski by the lapis-blue waters of Lake Tazawa.
Number of Courses 24 Number of Lifts 18 More Info www.ishiuchi.or.jp 22
Shizukuishi
Number of Courses 13 Number of Lifts 6 More Info www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/ akita/semboku/tazawako
Further Information on SKI & BOARD JAPAN Tour Operators Abercrombie & Kent 01242 547 914 www.abercrombiekent.co.uk via website Ampersand Travel 020 7849 9770 www.ampersandtravel.com info@ampersandtravel.com
Ineedsnow 020 8123 7817 www.ineedsnow.com via website
Samurai Snow 0203 151 7669 www.samuraisnow.com info@samuraisnow.com
Inside Japan Tours 0117 370 9751 www.insidejapantours.com info@insidejapantours.com
Ski Club of Great Britain Freshtracks 020 8410 2022 www.skiclub.co.uk Skiers@skiclub.co.uk
British Airways Holidays www.ba.com
Into Japan Specialist Tours 01865 841 443 www.intojapan.co.uk info@intojapan.co.uk
Black Tomato 0207 236 9888 www.blacktomato.com via website
Japan Journeys 020 7766 5267 www.japanjourneys.co.uk info@japanjourneys.co.uk
Club Med 020 3811 1507 www.clubmed.co.uk reservations.uk@clubmed.com
Jaltour 020 7850 4409 www.jaltour.co.uk jaltour@ectuk.com
Crystal Ski 020 8939 0877 www.crystalski.co.uk via website
Japan Ski Experience 020 8099 9034 www.japanskiexperience.co.uk info@japanskiexperience.com
Different Snow 01242 242 505 differentsnow.com via website
Japan Travel Centre 020 7611 0150 www.japantravel-centre.com enquiry@japantravel.co.uk
etours 020 7725 6774 www.peoples.travel japan@emerald.co.uk
JTB Europe 020 8237 1605 www.japanspecialist.co.uk info@japanspecialist.co.uk
Exses 020 7337 9010 www.exsus.com via website
Kuoni 0800 144 8780 www.kuoni.co.uk via website
Flexiski 020 8939 0862 www.flexiski.com
Magical Japan 0161 440 7332 www.magicaljapan.co.uk enquiry@magicaljapan.co.uk
G Adventures 0344 272 2010 www.gadventures.co.uk experience@gadventures.com James Orr Heli Ski 0333 006 5816 www.heliski.co.uk adventure@heliski.co.uk Iglu Ski 020 3811 6415 www.igluski.com Via website
Miki Travel 020 7507 5707 www.miki-visitasia.com jasales.uk@group-miki.com Original Travel 020 7978 7333 www.originaltravel.co.uk ask@originaltravel.co.uk
Scott Dunn 020 3411 0692 www.scottdunn.com via website Ski Independence 0131 243 8097 www.ski-i.com ski@ski-i.com Ski Safari 01273 224 060 www.skisafari.com via website Skiworld 0330 102 8004 www.skiworld.co.uk sales@skiworld.co.uk Snoworks 0844 543 0503 www.snoworks.co.uk info@snoworks.co.uk STA Travel 0333 321 0099 www.statravel.co.uk via website Steppes Travel 01285 601 758 www.steppestravel.co.uk via website Unique Japan Tours 020 3239 2519 www.uniquejapantours.com info@uniquejapantours.com ViaJapan Holidays 020 7484 3328 www.viajapan.co.uk English.uk@his-world.com Warren Smith Ski Academy www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com theteam@warrensmith-skiacademy.com
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SKI & BOARD JAPAN 23
Email: info@jnto.co.uk