Sensational Snow vs Tantalizing Tropical Island ... Double The Fun and do Both in Japan

Well-renowned for its cleanliness, Japan is emerging as a sought after destination for when the international borders lift ...

With more emphasis placed on hygiene when choosing a travel destination than ever before, Japan is looking more appealing than ever when its safe to travel again.

I mean, Japan installed automatic no-touch taxi doors years ago and have even created an Anti-Coronavirus Robot Squad, in which autonomous robots disperse disinfectant to public areas.

Covid-19 meant that instead of enjoying a beach getaway or hitting the slopes, many families forgoed travel to protect themselves and comply with travel restrictions.

Ice Village at TOMAMU Hoshino Resorts

Credit: @Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

When the opportunity arises to travel again, take advantage of Japan’s diversity to both ski and surf in one holiday and make up for the missed opportunities!

Japan is an archipelago, with a climate that ranges from subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north. This means you can ski, slide or just enjoy the masses of fluffy powder snow in the northern-most island of Hokkaido with only a 4-hour affordable domestic flight separating you from the Okinawa Prefecture, an array of islands in the south that enjoy long summers and warm temperatures.

Late March is an ideal time to visit both when Hokkaido still offers lush snow and Okinawa sits comfortably in the mid-twenties throughout the day.

Terrace of Forest Trees

Credit: @Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

Experience a Winter Wonderland at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, is known for its powdery snow, volcanoes, natural hot springs and ski areas. TOMAMU is regarded as Japan’s most family-friendly resort and is one of the largest, with world-class facilities and convenient ski-in ski-out accommodation.

The resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels and offers a plethora of family-friendly activities.

Enjoy a snow sled park, tandem and kids snowmobiles, ice fishing on Tomamu pond, snow picnics and more.

Mina-Mina Beach - Japan's largest indoor wave pool

Credit: @Hoshino Resort TOMAMU

Make sure you visit Ice Village! This magical ice town appears in Hokkaido TOMAMU’s Winter nights and is built with a single piece of ice. Its temperature gets as low as -30° C and includes an ice slide, ice sweets shop, ice hotel, ice chapel and more.

Head to Mina-Mina Beach where Summer never ends in this building made of glass. This man-made indoor beach is popular with families and features one of the largest wave pools in Japan. ‘’Mina’’ means ‘’smile’’ in the Ainu language!

The Ice Village

Credit: @Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

Get a Dose of Vitamin-Sea in Okinawa at HOSHINOYA Okinawa

Okinawa Island and the chain of islands that make up the Okinawa Prefecture might well be Japan’s best-kept secret, as is the secret as to why Okinawan residents live longer than almost anyone else on earth.

Dazzling blues and greens dotted with tropical islands, Okinawa is known for its distinct culture and even has its own version of the ‘’Hawaii’’ shirt.

Families staying at HOSHINOYA Okinawa will enjoy the warm weather and the west coast beaches of Yomitan Village, with Gima beach - natural and untouched by the resort - directly in front of the guest rooms.

HOSHINOYA Okinawa Pool Sunset

Credit: @HOSHINOYA

The resort pool area is the place to be to watch the sunset, featuring a kids area, infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and poolside lounges.

When you finally drag yourself away from the resort, families can snorkel the reef, enjoy the pristine waters, go on a morning horse rise, take a traditional dance or karate lesson, or explore the cultural sites of Yomitan.

Okinawa Banta Cafe treat

Credit: @HOSHINOYA