- Travel
With its deep powder snow, weak yen, and slew of hotel upgrades, there's never been a better time to book a ski trip to this part of the world.
miguel smithNorth Asia correspondent
oSubscribeto save article
There are few more pleasant surprises in travel than when the marketing hype turns out to be real.
In early April, I visited Club Med Kiroro Peak, the French chain of luxury resorts' third and newest property in Hokkaido.
As I make my way to the restaurant on my first morning, huge clumps of snowflakes fall outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Less than 24 hours earlier, I was in a T-shirt looking at the cherry blossoms in Tokyo before taking the 90-minute flight to Hokkaido.
Guests are ditching the breakfast buffet to run outside, where an army of cheery Club Med ski instructors from various countries are waiting to take them up the mountain.
"Come on everyone. Get out of bed. It's snowing," Merlin Chelliah, the resort's energetic general manager, says over the hotel's loudspeaker.
I'm quickly learning that stamina is useless in the Club Med universe: the charismatic staff are trained to keep you on your feet skiing, snow hiking, singing and dancing, day and night.
Let me say it up front, I'm not normally a Club Med type of person. But I do love to ski. And for the past 18 months, I've lived in Tokyo, putting world-class resorts on my doorstep.
I moved to Japan to becomeThe Australian Financial ReviewNorth Asia correspondent during the pandemic. One plus side was having the place to yourself. And as soon as I was able to take my first week of annual vacation, I headed straight for Niseko, the ski mecca that has drawn scores of Australians for decades.
Announcement
In January of last year, Niseko felt surreal. He was knee-deep in the airy powder snow, having the time of my life, and there was not another soul on the mountain.
Those days are long gone. Japan's borders reopened at the end of 2022 and the masses are back. Resorts reported a bumper season that winter and are bracing for even larger numbers in late 2023, particularly as Chinese tourists begin to travel again.
Returning crowds aside, the good news is that there has never been a better time to ski and snowboard in Japan.
A surge of tourist dollars into the country in the years before the pandemic caused big resorts to pump capital into new facilities, and COVID-19 provided the perfect opportunity to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, so there are now dozens of of upgraded resorts to choose from. of.
A nine-hour flight (and only an hour from Sydney), Japan has some of the best skiing in the world. What it lacks in Europe's après-ski party scene, it makes up for in deep powder, friendly people, amazing onsens, and steaming bowls of ramen.
Most of Japan's ski resorts are spread across the northern island of Hokkaido and the main island of Honshu. Australians tend to flock to the Hokkaido town of Niseko, famous for its huge powder snow dumps and lively bars. These days, however, the four mountain resorts in the area tend to draw a more luxurious crowd.
Part of the reason is financiers, including Australian businessman Colin Hackworth, who has been overseeing a $500 million ($747 million) play by Hong Kong's Nihon Harmony Resorts in Niseko, which includes new ski lifts with heated seats and a Newly built Park Hyatt hotel. , which opened in early 2020. Its room rates are around $1200 per night. Such investment symbolizes the end of an era in which outdated infrastructure was neglected after the bursting of Japan's bubble economy in the 1990s.
“This year saw the rise of the Americans in Niseko,” says Hackworth. “Just as waves of Australians came in years ago, now it's the Americans. Not as many Australians as usual, probably because the border opened too late and people had already made plans to go elsewhere.
Announcement
"The Aussies will be back in numbers next season for sure."
Japan's second most popular ski destination is Hakuba, a lively town four hours by train from Tokyo.
Hakuba is my favorite, mainly because it's easy to get to, and I have friends who live on the Hakuba Happo-One Resort base. I reserve my Rhythm Hakuba gear online so it's ready when I arrive on Friday night.
With stunning alpine scenery, excellent cross-country skiing, and a wide variety of slopes (if you're willing to take buses every day to try different resorts), the main town of Hakuba also has many hotels, chalets, and restaurants. But the place gets packed during the high season and you need to book in advance.
There are dozens of other well-developed spots on the main island of Japan, including the charming town of Nozawa Onsen, which has a European vibe and cafes serving flat whites for Australian visitors.
Another option is Myoko Kogen, three to four hours from Tokyo by train or bus, where Australian cousins Joseph Pagliaro and Liam Mugavin have opened a distinctive guesthouse called AIR Myoko (AIR stands for Artist-in-Residence). Here, celebrity chef Luke Burgess serves a tasting dinner menu paired with Japanese wines during the winter. Myoko Kogen has arguably retained its Japanese feel more than many of the resorts
Meanwhile, those vacationing in Tokyo who want a quick taste of a day of skiing in Japan can hop on the Shinkansen (train line) and head to Gala Yuzawa, a journey of just 90 minutes.
Announcement
Japan has never been more popular with foreigners, but the industry actually peaked in the 1990s when the country's booming economy meant there were more than 18 million skiers and almost 800 resorts, compared to little less than 500 now.
Today, the Japanese are skiing less. On the other hand, record numbers of winter sports fans are visiting from other locations. According to government data, more than 2.2 million foreigners visited Niseko and 1.5 million went to Hakuba in the 2019-2020 ski season, before the pandemic closed borders. Figures for the 2022-23 season are not yet available, but they are likely to exceed pre-pandemic figures.
Along with Vail Resorts, Club Med is one of the big new investors in Hokkaido, where it has two other resorts: Sahoro and Tomamu, and a third on the tropical Japanese island of Ishigaki, called Kabira. With their family-oriented all-inclusive packages, it was never on my radar until I was invited on a "spring ski" stay to check out their new resort at Kiroro Peak. The first phase of the hotel opened in December 2022 with the launch of a second phase in December of this year.
Located on the outer limits of Niseko on the western side of the island, the area claims the heaviest snowfall in Japan: 21 meters a year thanks to Siberian winds that push snow clouds up the region's mountains.
It is also the longest ski season in Japan, from late November to early May.
Staying at Club Med Kiroro Peak
Arriving at the new hotel, I quickly figured out that convenience is the best thing about skiing at an all-inclusive resort like this rather than one of the crowded ski towns.
After consuming my east-west breakfast combo of eggs, bacon, noodles, and miso soup chosen from the extensive buffet at one of the resort's two main restaurants, it takes less than five minutes to get from the restaurant to my ski locker on the ground floor. low. and out into the snow.
Announcement
I'm still digesting my omelette when Dejan, a Serbian ex-cop turned nomadic ski instructor, meets me outside and takes me on the chairlift to the top of the mountain, where a class is being held.
There's just a slight sprinkling of the famous dust you'd expect here in January or February, but conditions are still great. Crowds are thin and there's plenty of room for our middle group of skiers (mainly from Hong Kong and Taiwan) to hone their skills on some of the mountain's 23 red, green and black runs.
Group lessons at Club Med, which like almost everything at the resort are included in the package, last two hours in the morning and another two hours after lunch if you have the energy (nothing is mandatory). The sun is out in the afternoon and it's warm enough to remove our jackets as we round off the day with an Aperol Spritz served from a temporary outdoor bar.
I'm pleasantly surprised by the resort, which, at 126 rooms, is more intimate than Club Med's standard offerings of 400-plus rooms. Children under 12 are not allowed, ensuring a more adult and clubby atmosphere. Just like my day on the slopes, it's all about comfort.
The key (literally) to it all is the Club Med digital wristband, which straps to your wrist upon arrival. This device, which you don't even take off in the bathtub, unlocks your room, your ski locker and pays for the extras you want to buy (such as premium wine). Even upon arrival, my ski jacket and pants are already hanging in my room and putting on my skis and boots takes a record 15 minutes.
A former Sheraton hotel, the property has been renovated to make life as simple as possible for guests, including locating the ski lockers on the ground floor, making it easy to get out into the snow.
My room is a spacious Junior Family Suite with a separate living room, a large master bedroom, two bathrooms, and panoramic mountain views. Fluffy cushions line a comfortable alcove where you watch the skiers whiz by outside. The master bathroom has a soaking tub, perfect for soaking while watching the snow fall. The windows open if you want fresh air - a great selling point for anyone who has endured one too many sleepless nights in overheated ski resorts.
Kiroro Peak also has an upbeat artistic bent, including a life-size red deer sculpture in the lobby. The main hall of the complex has floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can recline on the sofas with a cocktail. Complimentary snacks like pastries, sandwiches, and drinks seem to be available all day. The space becomes a lively entertainment area at night.
Announcement
However, it's the staff, who come from a dozen different countries and are all fluent in English, and the impeccable service that make this place tick.
Known as GOs (Gentle Organisers), a term invented by Club Med decades ago and used at its resorts around the world, they do literally everything from cleaning, cooking, serving you coffee, chatting with you over dinner, and singing and dancing. at the resort. Evening shows on stage. Coco from Perth explains all this when she joins us for a drink on our first night before he starts his shift as sound guy at 9pm. “It's our life,” she says. “It's hard work, but we love it. Every night is a party."
For the next four days, I eat more than I normally would in four weeks; kidding myself that I'm recharging after a hard day of outdoor exercise. Unlike the all-inclusive buffets you might find elsewhere, the quality of the Western and Asian dishes is standard a la carte.
Beer, wine, sake, and other decent drinks are all included, and there's a selection of premium wines and spirits for an extra charge.
The tranquility of hotel life allows one to concentrate fully on what we are all here for: I ski every day, snowwalk through a Narnian landscape of snow-covered forests and icy streams one morning, and spend an hour most afternoons relaxing at the resort. Fourth floor onsen, overlooking the peaks.
The nightly performances are a dazzling display of song, dance and light shows, but unfortunately, I miss the Freddy Mercury tribute on my last night after passing out in a coma after dinner.
If an all-inclusive resort isn't your usual cup of tea, take note: This one is worth a try.
The writer was a guest of Club Med.
I need to know
- Club Med will offer Australian guests special introductory rates of $2,622 per adult for seven nights at Club Med Kiroro Grand (opening later this year) for bookings from December 1, 2023 to June 14, 2024.
- Seven nights in a Club Med Junior Family Suite during low season are $24,046 for two adults + two children (12 years and older); or $13,358 for two adults. Prices include all meals and drinks, ski passes and group ski/snowboard lessons.
oSubscribeto save article
license article
Presenting yourNews
Follow the topics, people, and companies that matter to you.
Know moreRead more
Skiing
Adventure travel
Turismo
Japan
miguel smithNorth Asia correspondentMichael Smith is the North Asia correspondent for The Australian Financial Review. It is based in Tokyo.Connect with Michael atGore.Email Michael atmichael.smith@afr.com
the latest in travel
Getting the latest articles
FAQs
Do you need a guide to ski in Japan? ›
All over Japan's ski country, there's ample backcountry terrain—and not a ton of people exploring it. So, you'll find plenty of fresh tracks if you know where to look and you're willing to hike for your turns. Hiring a backcountry ski guide if you're planning to head out of bounds is always a smart idea.
Is Japan the best skiing in the world? ›Japan's remarkable snow conditions make it one of the best places around the world to go skiing and snowboarding.
What is the ski etiquette in Japan? ›Who has right of way skiing in Japan? A basic safety rule of the road for skiers in Japan and anywhere else is that the downhill skier has the right of way. If you are uphill of another skier, it is your responsibility to avoid them, and give them space for unexpected turns or a crash.
Is it worth getting a tour guide in Japan? ›Cases when you should hire a guide in Japan
Guides can really help enhance your experience. A good guide will know the best hours to visit the attractions to avoid big crowds, how to avoid rush hour, and tricks to let you experience the most out of major tourist destinations even with big crowds.
You need 3–4 days at least to fully enjoy skiing with the finest powder snow at those ski resorts. Niseko Ski Resort is surrounded by gorgeous accommodations, restaurants, bars and other facilities, so you will never get bored there how long you stay in Niseko.
What month is best for snow in Japan? ›Japan's snow season typically begins in mid- to-late December, just before Christmas, and continues through late March or early April. This will vary from resort to resort based on the actual snow conditions. The season peaks from mid-January to late February.
How much does a ski trip to Japan cost? ›Ski Japan. For $2196, you can get 7 nights accommodation, 6-day lift passes and all breakfasts for four people at Shiga Kogan in Japan through Travel Snow.
What month is the snowiest in Japan? ›While most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, receive only small amounts of snow, locations offering snow experiences are readily accessible from them. The snow season is long and in some places begins as early as November and lasts into May, with the peak being in February.
Where do the rich ski in Japan? ›Niseko, Japan: Home to "champagne powder," a variety of luxury chalets, and an under-the-radar skiing hotspot where millionaires can eat fresh sushi in ski lodges. It's no wonder that Niseko, one of the snowiest spots in the world, has caught the attention of luxury hotel chains and wealthy skiers.
Can foreigners ski in Japan? ›Yes, even in Niseko. The foreigners you did see were mainly people who lived in Japan. Even now, you can still go to many smaller ski areas around Japan and never see a foreigner the entire day.
Is it cheaper to ski in Japan? ›
"Nozawa Onsen and Japan in general is still some of the cheapest skiing on the planet and some of the best," said Baumann. "Our slogan for Nozawa has always been 'twice the snow for half the price'."
Is sitting criss cross rude in Japan? ›In Japan, crossing one's legs is seen as disrespectful. It is because when you do this you show the bottom of your feet to guests, and since they have picked up dirt, you are showing that dirt to your guests.
Is hugging frowned upon in Japan? ›In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples. Our editor Kanako said that she's never hugged any of her family members as a grown woman. She hugs her foreign friends but not the Japanese ones.
Do you tip in Japan? ›Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.
How many days is ideal for Japan trip? ›Ideally, how long for a trip to Japan ? We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks to discover the Japanese archipelago. This is the minimum travel time in Japan to have time to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and their surroundings. For this, we advise you to spend a minimum of 6 nights in Tokyo and 6 nights in the Kyoto region .
Can I hire a personal tour guide in Japan? ›Recommended tour guides in Japan
Look: If you are looking to hire a private guide in Japan, there are many places on the web where you can hire one. However, it is difficult to determine whether it's good and trustworthy website or not. My recommendation is the GoWithGuide website.
When is the best time to visit Japan? The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.
What season is best to ski in Japan? ›So when is the best time to ski in Japan? If you're after powder, the best time to visit is January and February. For festivals, the best time to go is from late January till mid-February. If you want to get a great deal and enjoy stunning weather, March and early April is the time to go.
What month do you ski in Japan? ›WHEN IS THE JAPAN SKI SEASON? Located in the northern hemisphere, Japan ski season dates fall between November and May, with main dates being December to March. The northernmost ski areas are usually the first to open with the Niseko ski season usually starting in the last week of November.
Is the skiing in Japan hard? ›Japan's mountains aren't all tall as famous ski areas in Europe and North America, which means that many offer gentle terrain and thus equally gentle slopes. Because of this, Japan's mountains also boast amazing powder snow. The snowfall doesn't stem from the altitude but from the climate.
Where do you fly into for Niseko? ›
The nearest airport to Niseko is Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, which receives flights from all over Japan and some international destinations as well. New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's main transport hub and the gateway to Hokkaido for both domestic and international travelers.
What is the coldest month in Japan? ›Japan Weather in January
During January, Japan typically has snow covering much of the country. According to Holiday Weather, in Tokyo, January is generally the coldest month during the year with temperatures soaring below 36°F.
The typhoon season in the Pacific usually begins with less severe storms in April and does not end until November. The most severe typhoons usually occur in August and September.
Is it better to ski in Japan or Korea? ›Japan's powder isn't just normal snow. It is super light, dry, and fun for travelers to ski or ride on. The scientific explanation for why Japan's powder is superior is because winds from Siberia collect a large amount of moisture while transiting across the Sea of Japan.
Is it cheaper to ski in Japan or New Zealand? ›Japan might have cheaper on ground costs (such as accomodation, food and ski passes) and has a wider range of fields and higher resort elevations but we think New Zealand ultimately comes out on top.
Is it cheaper to ski in Japan or Canada? ›Lift ticket prices are significantly cheaper in Japan compared to North America. In Japan, the day lift tickets for the top resorts are typically less than half the price compared to the Canadian resorts and even a quarter of the price compared to American resorts.
What month is rainy in Japan? ›...
The Beginning and End of the Rainy Season.
| Area | Beginning of Rainy Season* | End of Rainy Season |
|---|---|---|
| Kinki (Nara, Hyogo, Wakayama) | Around June 6 | Around July 19 |
The coldest month in Tokyo is January, with an average temperature of around 5°C (41°F). However, December and February can also be quite chilly, with temperatures averaging around 7-8°C (45-46°F).
Where does Bill Gates ski? ›Ski passes are not required at Yellowstone Club, and members and guests have unfettered access to 2,700 acres of what the resort has trademarked as Private Powder™ across 18 ski lifts and over 100 trails.
Where do billionaires go ski? ›The distance from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to the Yellowstone Club, where billionaires ski and golf across 15,200 exclusive acres, is about 50 miles.
Where does Mark Zuckerberg ski? ›
Yellowstone Club: The exclusive ski resort where J Lo and Zuckerberg rub shoulders | US | News | Express.co.uk.
What is most foreigners in Japan? ›The total included 761,563 people from China, the largest group by nationality, 489,312 from Vietnam and 411,312 from South Korea.
Can you go to Japan as a tourist without knowing Japanese? ›Do you need to speak any Japanese to travel around Japan? Absolutely not. You can travel to Japan without learning any of these words and have a great time. People ask us about the Japanese language barrier all the time, with common questions such as, Do Japanese people speak English?
What is Japan's most remote ski destination? ›Buffeted by wild winds and blanketed in deep powdery snow throughout winter, the remote island of Rishiri off Japan's north-western tip is a self-powered skier's paradise.
When and where is the best time to ski in Japan? ›Early February is the best time to visit Hokkaido if you want to see the Sapporo Snow Festival. March brings more fine weather days so it's ideal for the backcountry type ski areas (Asahidake, Hakkoda, Tenjindaira), and it's an enjoyable time for piste skiers and snowboarders to visit.
How expensive is a trip to Japan for 2 weeks? ›...
2 Weeks in Japan Trip Costs.
Japan is the perfect holiday destination for a beginner skier or snowboarder. There are no other countries in Asia that offer the same combination of high quality snow, ideal beginner terrain and international standard guest service. Japanese ski resorts also offer a range of other activities, both on and off the snow.
What is disrespectful to Japanese culture? ›Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don't show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public. Never beckon with your forefinger. The Japanese extend their right arm out in front, bending the wrist down, waving fingers.
Is it rude to wear flip flops in Japan? ›Wear slip-on shoes
While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.
Making eye contact is considered rude, leads to uncomfortableness, and can be construed as a sign of aggression. When speaking to or approaching a Japanese individual, make very brief eye contact to signal the individual, but then maintain appropriate eye level, such as the individual's neck.
Who is the Japanese most hugged woman? ›
Japanese adult actor Eimi Fukada set out to become "the most hugged woman in the world." She held a 24 hour event where she hugged over 3,000 fans. In the 24 hours she claims she only took one three hour break and a few 10-minute breaks.
Do friends shower together in Japan? ›In general, the Japanese enjoy taking baths together, and there are different opportunities to do so. It can happen while staying at a hotel together, for example, where the bathroom has a big bathtub.
What is considered most respectful in Japan? ›Bowing is an essential part of Japanese custom to show respect, thanking, greeting or apology. In stead of shaking hands, we bow, and it depends on time and people how long and deep you bow.
Can you just say arigato? ›Yes, they do! Arigatou on its own is a simple, somewhat casual “thank you.” That said, most people prefer doumo arigatou or arigatou gozaimasu as their standard way of saying thanks, because both of those phrases are more polite than arigatou on its own.
How do you respond to konichiwa? ›When someone greets you in Japanese with “Konnichiwa” it is best to respond with the same phrase “Konnichiwa”.
Can you drink tap water in Japan? ›Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water whilst travelling in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).
Do you tip ski instructors in Japan? ›The old saying at lunch time is “Enjoy the Ride, Feed the Guide” or at the end of the tour “Enjoy the Ride. Tip the Guide”. But by no means is it expected. Our people are chosen because they have a love for what they do and want to share it with as many people as they can, so do not feel obliged to tip.
Do you need an itinerary for Japan? ›You have to take a package tour with a fixed itinerary, which means there's a high chance that your Japan trip will be much more expensive than usual.
What is the best time to ski in Japan? ›So when is the best time to ski in Japan? If you're after powder, the best time to visit is January and February. For festivals, the best time to go is from late January till mid-February. If you want to get a great deal and enjoy stunning weather, March and early April is the time to go.
Where is the easiest place to ski in Japan? ›On top of the most accessible Japan ski destinations list, the charming town of Yuzawa in Niigata is just an hour away from Tokyo. The resort town lies in the Japanese Alps, so you can expect some really heavy snowfall in winter!
How late in the year can you ski in Japan? ›
Located in the northern hemisphere, Japan ski season dates fall between November and May, with main dates being December to March. The northernmost ski areas are usually the first to open with the Niseko ski season usually starting in the last week of November.
Why do I not tip in Japan? ›Overall, tipping in Japan is not customary. The Japanese culture is one that is firmly rooted in dignity, respect, and hard work. As such, good service is considered the standard and tips are viewed as unnecessary.
Is leaving a tip rude in Japan? ›Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan? ›Entry & Exit:
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
The best time to visit Japan is between March and May and between September and November as it's both warm and dry between these periods. However, the joys of springtime and the iconic blooming of the cherry blossoms in Japan are no secret, which means you'll be sharing the space with plenty of other travellers.
How many days in Japan is enough? ›Ideally, how long for a trip to Japan ? We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks to discover the Japanese archipelago. This is the minimum travel time in Japan to have time to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and their surroundings. For this, we advise you to spend a minimum of 6 nights in Tokyo and 6 nights in the Kyoto region .