five Reasons a Japan Snow Trip is really a Should!

The nation that brought us the kids' favourites Hello Kitty and Pokmon, forgot to tell the rest of the world concerning the fresh powder snow in their backyard. Even though Nagano had the 1998 Winter Olympics, it is only been lately that Japan has really began to demand some attention from the International powder hunter, as a must-shred destination. For many Japanese resorts, the snow season generally starts around mid-December, peaking in January and February, and goes through until about the end of March. Whilst the weekends and national holidays at popular resorts can occasionally get pretty busy using the locals, on weekdays you will often find yourself riding solo on the slopes. The huge investment into the Snow scene in Japan during the 1980s, indicates the big ski and snowboard resorts in Japan have fairly contemporary lift systems, with high-speed quad lifts, gondolas and ropeways. Numerous resorts now feature snowboard and ski parks, halfpipes, quarterpipes, snow tubing, and other facilities to add to your experience. Japan has more than 500 ski resorts, and two primary ski locations, the Nagano prefecture, using the Hakuba Valley probably the most developed and popular ski region within the South Island. Within the North Island, Hokkaido will be the most created ski area, with Niseko a much more well-known resort location for many regulars. The Hakuba valley incorporates 10 ski resorts, more than 200 runs, 139 lifts, a local village, ski/snowboard shops, a combination of conventional and Western dining and apres ski entertainment. A well-liked option with all skiers and boarders of any ability is the multi-resort lift pass, giving you access to Happo One, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba Highland, Sunalpina, Iwatake and Tsugaike ski resorts. Niseko continues to grow at a fast pace and every year sees a larger number of foreigners on the slopes, meaning no language barrier issues. Niseko Annupuri the primary mountain in Niseko, has 3 resorts, with slopes for all ages and abilities. The Niseko United pass is a superb choice for flexibility, giving you access to 48km of groomed trails, 57 runs, and entry towards the other 2 resorts, Niseko Grand Hirafu (Hirafu and Hanazono) and Niseko Village. If you are into your 80s Rock & Pop you are in luck! The Japan ski experience would not be complete without the sounds of J-Pop pumping via the speakers as you carve the slopes. Songs like Whams Last Christmas will be pumping from 8am 5pm, (the normal operating hours of the lifts), and may be a reason to make sure you pack the iPod before you leave, if hearing George Michaels' vocals arent your thing! Heres Our list of 5 things to entice you to come to the Land with the Rising Sun: The Snow Japans Power is the driest within the world, meaning the powder is light and fluffy for skiers and boarders, meaning premium snow conditions. The average snowfalls are upto 14 metres and is right up there using the big mountain resorts of North America, with tree line

skiing possible in off-piste locations. Food Hungry? The Fresh Japanese food is amazing, and every region has regional specialties, as nicely as the more traditional Japanese food we associate using the country (sushi, tempura, soba noodles etc.), just watch for horse on the menu if you'd rather bet on the racing kind, than eat Mr Ed! If the local grub isnt your thing, many ski villages also offer lots of Western along with other ethnic dining options (from Mexican to Thai and everything in between). Culture Your experience will never be like your average North American or European destination. Here you can partake in Japan Only experiences like a Japanese Tea Ceremony, Ride the Bullet Train, observe the fashions of the Harajuku Girls, and if you're lucky, train with a Samurai. The influence of Buddhism is also clearly evident using the bronzed statues located about the nation. Onsens (Thermal Hot Springs) Most traditional Japanese guest houses will have a private onsen that is frequently split between the two genders, as bathing in them requires you to be naked. There is no shortage of onsens in Japan, and every one has something different to offer, with options like crystal clear water, high levels of minerals (to refresh the body), indoor, outdoor (rotenburo) and stunning views, this is the perfect way to finish up a day of skiing or boarding. Entertainment Want to party? Places for nightlife, to play pool, foosball, darts, sing karaoke and dance the night away are dotted all about the ski resorts. Less lively ski resorts still have conventional Japanese pubs, (Izakaya), as well as hotel lounges and bars to relax and have a beer with friends and compare the days best runs. If you can manage a stopover in Tokyo, you'll see the neon lights, that make the city famous, and if you are from a Western nation, it is not uncommon for you to be approached within the street and asked for a photo using the locals, and be treated like a D-grade celebrity! By on one piece manga