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orts for s e r t s e t t o eh Here are th winter! is h t s ip r t i sk the coolest
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Do not worry about purchasing ski equipment as you can rent everything from the resort. Once you have everything you need, it is downhill from here!
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ite ly De fi n hese ! gt re nt in レンタル す！ できま
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スキーが 好きなら、 日本へ 行こう！
Japan is a popular spot with ski enthusiasts thanks to the photogenic scenery, welcoming locals and gorgeous snow. Even if you are a newbie to the sport, skiing here is a smooth experience as there are friendly courses for beginners, English instructors (available at most of the following resorts), and best of all, the featherlight powder snow that breaks your fall with a benign “poof” instead of a “thud”. Japan is the perfect place to enjoy winter to its fullest, plus you can reward your efforts after with a heavenly dip in a steaming hot outdoor onsen while watching the dancing snow.
Check
Import an t 重要！
list
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Other than a need for speed, it would also be good to have these for the course:
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Ski Gloves Ski Coat Ski Pole Backpack for camera, personal items Helmet Ski Pants Ski Boots Skis or Snowboard
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Hoshino Resort Tomamu 星野リゾート トマム
English instructor: Advanced booking recommended Number of courses: 25 Highlights: Just over an hour away by train from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, this resort comes with an open air hot bath facing the lush forests of Tomamu. Give ice skating a go as well at the Ice Village and enjoy its various ice sculptures. Address: Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yuufutsu-gun Access: Take the shuttle bus from Tomamu Station. Web: snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/
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Niseko United ニセコ ユナイテッド
English instructor: Advanced booking recommended Number of courses: 60 Highlights: Pick up an All-Mountain Pass for access to all four resorts on Mt. Niseko Annupuri. With a total of 48km of groomed slopes and a course as long as 5.6km, this 4-in-1 spot is great for longer stays. Address: Niseko Annupuri: Aza Niseko 485, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun Access: Take the Niseko United Shuttle Bus to all four resorts from Kutchan Station. Web: niseko.ne.jp/en/
3Must-go
Hokkaido
ski resorts スキーするなら北海道！
Furano Ski Resort
Niseko Ski Resort
Hoshino Resort TOMAMU New Chitose airport
places to visit
around
ing Steam d !! o Hot fo い し 美味
石狩鍋
Ishikari Nabe No Hokkaido winter is complete without this hearty hot-pot dish, a combination of succulent salmon from the Ishikari River with the island’s famed miso broth.
さっぽろ雪まつり
Sapporo Snow Festival Marvel at the massive ice sculptures that line Sapporo’s Odori Park at Japan’s largest snow festival from Feb 5-11.
Furano Ski Resort 富良野スキー場
English instructor: Advanced booking recommended Number of courses: 23 Highlights: Known for its gorgeous rural landscapes and clear blue skies in the winter, you will not find a more picturesque skiing backdrop than the Furano Valley. After skiing, grab a drink at a snow dome ice bar. Address: Nakagoryo, Furano-shi Access: Take a taxi from JR Furano Station or the direct shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/furano/ index.html
流氷
Drift Ice Viewing
Breathtaking sight 迫力満点
Hop on a sightseeing boat for a dynamic view of this natural phenomenon of huge ice chunks that cover the Okhotsk Sea.
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新潟
Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort ＧＡＬＡ湯沢スキー場
Nigata Prefecture 新潟県 English instructor: Yes Number of courses: 17 Highlights: With a decent amount of courses, Gala Yuzawa is the ideal ski resort for skiers and snowboarders of any level, and is also conveniently connected to the Shinkansen Station. Have a hot bath at hot spring SPA Gala No Yu afterwards to get the most out of this all-in-one ski facility. Address: Yuzawa 1039-2, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun Access: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to GALA Yuzawa Station from Tokyo Station. Web: galaresort.jp/winter/english/
Manza Onsen Ski Resort 万座温泉スキー場
3
hours
Nagano Prefecture, 長野県 Gunma Prefecture 群馬県 Powder ★★★★★ EnglishSnow: instructor: Advanced booking recommended English Instructor: Booking Number of courses: 9 needed Level: All ages Highlights: If ski and spa is your ideal combination, Highlights: This is the Kyoto koyo spot. Manza is your most convenient choice. At a 1,800 m The vast expanse of crimson maples in altitude, enjoy fresh powdered snow and choose from the valley below the Tsutenbashi bridge ten relaxing onsens—the highest in Japan—at the Prince (aptly nicknamed the “Tsuten Koyo”) Hotel, located right on the slopes. is so breathtaking that one can easily Address: Manza Onsen, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun lose track of time at Kyoto’s oldest and Access:temple. Take the Seibu Kogen Bus to Manza ski area largest from Karuizawa Station. Guests Access: From Tokyo Station, take of thethe Manza Prince Hotel or Manza Kogen Hotel to can Shinkansen to Kyoto, change thealso take a free shuttle bus through booking.Station. Nara Line andadvanced get off at Tofukuji Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/manzaonsen WEB: niseko.ne.jp/en/index.html
Authaencetsic
群馬
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世界～
旅で白銀の別
間の たったの 3 時
{ hotel/resorts }
{ pension }
The leisurely and perhaps most typical way to spend the night, these come with full amenities, private bathrooms, and sometimes even onsens.
These stylish European style guesthouses offer a more personal touch, with Western-style meals and basic amenities provided.
pl
STAY
to
From traditional tatami mat rooms with futons to luxurious hotels with king size beds, there are many ways to rejuvenate yourself after a long day out on the slopes.
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山形
Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort 蔵王温泉スキー場
Yamagata Prefecture 山形県 English instructor: Private lessons only (advanced booking needed) Number of courses: 12 courses Highlights: Soak in one of Japan’s most famous onsens after a full day of skiing amongst the awe-inspiring juhyo (樹氷 ice-frosted trees) here. From December to February, the unique weather conditions create these natural wonders—often called “ice monsters”— particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Address: Zao Onsen 708-1, Yamagata-shi Access: A 40-min. bus ride to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal from Yamagata Station. Web: zao-spa.or.jp/english
岩手
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{ lodge }
行ける！
やバスで楽々
東京から電車
Shizukuishi Ski Resort 雫石スキー場
Iwate Prefecture 岩手県 English instructor: Advanced booking recommended Number of Courses: 13 Highlights: Experienced skiers will love the challenging slopes here at Mt. Iwate, home to the FIS ski and snowboard world cup multiple times. If you’re feeling brave, glide down its longest course, which is a good 4.5km long! Address: Takakura Onsen, Shizukuishi-machi, Iwate-gun Access: A 20-min. taxi ride from Shizukuishi Station, or take the free shuttle bus to Prince Hotel Shizukuishi through advanced booking. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/shizukuishi
{ minshuku }
{ hostel }
©Osaka Guesthouse KOMA
Immerse yourself in nature in these cozy wooden accommodations, usually located in the mountains and by ski resorts.
Experience Japanese culture to the fullest in these family-run bed and breakfasts, which include tatami mat rooms, and traditional Japanese meals.
The best option for big groups of friends as you can bunk together in the same room for a low price.
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Fujiten Snow Resort ふじてん スノーリゾート
Yamanashi Prefecture 山梨県 English instructor: Private lessons only (advanced booking needed) Number of courses: 7 Highlights: Fujiten Snow Resort makes for a great ground to learn the basics of skiing, and has child-friendly courses as well. You can also enjoy a day of skiing with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop. Address: Fujisan 8545-1, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun Access: Take a taxi from Kawaguchiko Station to Fujiten Snow Resort. Web: fujiten.net/pc/ (Japanese)
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Snowtown Yeti スノータウンイエティ
Shizuoka Prefecture 静岡県 English Instructor: No Number of Courses: 5
Ski resorts 東京から日帰り スキートリップ
Tokyo
near
Highlights: Located on the southern foothills near Mt. Fuji, Snowtown Yeti starts its skiing season from October, perfect for those who can’t wait to ski. This resort is mostly for beginners, and night-skiing is available for those who find the winter daytime too short. Address: Fujiwara 2428, Suyama-aza, Susono-shi Access: Take the Yeti Bus from Gotemba Station to Snowtown Yeti. Web: www.yeti-resort.com/en
Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa
Fujiten Resort
Haneda Airport
Snowtown Yeti Narita Airport
places to visit
around
Da zzling View キラキラ☆
イルミネーション
Illumination Tokyo Midtown, Shiodome, and Nakameguro are just a few of the places to watch the city light up with snowy wonder.
おでん
Oden
Japan’s traditional winter comfort dish is made of fish cakes, boiled eggs and vegetables, simmered in a soy sauce dashi broth. Available at street stalls or at any convenience store.
Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa 軽井沢プリンスホテルスキー場
Nagano Prefecture 長野県 English instructor: Yes Number of courses: 10 Highlights: How about skiing in the chic town of Karuizawa? After skiing, you can shop at an outlet mall or enjoy the hot springs in the area. This is the ultimate integrated winter resort near Tokyo. Address: Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun Access: A 10-min walk or 1-min by taxi from Karuizawa Station. Free shuttle bus is also available. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/ karuizawa/index.html
Relaxing~ きもちいい～
温泉
Onsen Perhaps this is the only Japanese winter pastime more popular than skiing. Dipping in an outdoor hot spring is particularly delightful when surrounded by snow.
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Tobu Special Spacia 東武 東急スペーシア
TRAIN TRAVEL in
o k k Ni
View From Train Take in the natural breathtaking views of the Tochigi Prefecture on the Tobu Line as it heads to Nikko.
湯西川橋梁
1 Yunishigawa Bridge Constructed alongside the Aizukinugawa Line of the Yagan Railway in 1983, the bridge was built between the Yunishigawa Onsen Station and Nakamiyori Onsen Station on top of the Tone River which runs its course to the manmade Lake Ikari. It is 240 meters long and stands 20 meters above the lake's surface.
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日本、鉄道の旅 日光編
日本の車窓から
鬼怒川温泉駅
2 Kinugawa Onsen Station One of the most famous hot spring areas in the northern Kanto region, the station offers you a free foot bath for you to rest, relax and refresh your feet by the mascot’s statue at the station’s front square, making it the perfect place to start or end your trip.
Head deeper into the mountains of northern-central Japan and discover the wonders Nikko has to offer on the scenic Tobu Line. A famous tourist spot since the Edo era, Nikko has flourished since the construction of the railway in 1929. For more info, visit nikko-travel.jp/english/guide/
Sightseeing
観光
Nikko is filled with interesting adventures from exciting theme parks and soothing hot springs to culturally rich heritage sites. 湯西川温泉
3 Yunishigawa Onsen This cosy small hot spring town serves a unique traditional fire-pit and baked foods cuisine called Heike Ochudo Ryōri (平家の落人料理).
日光東照宮
4 UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine The resting place of the late Tokugawa Ieyasu, you can find over 15 national treasures and Important Cultural Properties (重要文化財, jūyō bunkazai) against the serene backdrop of the Nikko National Park forest. toshogu.jp/english/index.html
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Yunishigawa Onsen stn.
Kinugawa Onsen stn.
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Shimo-Imaichi stn.
Tobu-Nikko stn.
Nikko City Tochigi Prefure
Getting on Nikko Train Lines
東武ワールドスクウェア
江戸ワンダーランド 日光江戸村
5 Tobu world Square - Kinugawa
6 Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
This architectural museum is divided into six zones and has 102 famous buildings from around the world in 1/25 scale, including the Tokyo Skytree and the New York World Trade Center.
Discover Edo Period Japan (1603-1868) in this cultural theme park populated by samurai, ninja, geisha and other townsfolk. The village is packed with shows, restaurants and fun experiences for all. Plus why not be a ninja for a day!
tobuws.co.jp/en
edowonderland.net/en/
From Asakusa Station
• Tobu Skytree Line, Tobu Nikko Line > Tobu Nikko Station • 2hr 10 mins
From Tobu Nikko Station
スノーシュー
• Tobu Nikko Line > Shimo Imaichi Station (transfer) > Tobu Kinugawa Line Yagan Railway > Yunishigawa Onsen Station • 56 mins
Snow Shoe This snow activity for all-ages is a great way to explore Nikko’s winter landscape. Take a day to hike around the different hot springs and villages, make snowmen or just slide down the snowy slopes!
Tobu Railway Special Passes • 2 DAY NIKKO PASS • All NIKKO PASS • KINUGAWA THEME PARK PASS
nikko-travel.jp/english/experience/
More info: www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/
湯西川温泉かまくらまつり
3 Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival Enjoy sleigh rides or duck into a kamakura (かまくら, snow house) for a cosy barbeque during the day. Come for the outdoor hot springs that line the river but stay for the “Winter Illumination” where the igloo-like snow houses are lit up, creating a fantasy-inspired night scenery. Date: 23 Jan – 6 Mar ‘16 Venue: Yunishigawa Onsen
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Events
Discover delicious food and snowy festivals hidden deeper in Tochigi’s
イベント mountainous regions that last from December to March.
奥日光湯元温泉まつり
8 Yukiakari at Okunikko Yumoto-Onsen Snow Festival Admire the yukiakari (雪灯里 , snow lights), made with over 1,000 lights in a snow wall, winter fireworks and ice sculptures at this annual snow festival. Date: 24 Jan – 31 Mar ‘16 Venue: Okunikko Yumoto-Onsen
苺狩り
9 Strawberry Picking
日光そばまつり
Delight in the fresh sweet-sour flavours of freshly picked strawberries when you head down to Nikko Strawberry Park for an afternoon of all-you-can-pick-and-eat tochiotome (Tochigi Prefecture speciality strawberries).
⓾ Nikko Soba Festival
Date: Mid Dec - late Jun Venue: Nikko Strawberry Park and more
Date: 21 - 23 Nov ‘15 Venue: Nikko Daiya River Park Camp Venue and Information Area and more
Train Bento
Celebrate all things soba at this annual soba festival. Stores from around the nation will be coming together to set up stalls and showcase their best flavours to promote soba and soba culture.
駅弁
Ekiben (駅弁, railway boxed meals) are bentos sold exclusively on trains and at train stations and are rich in local flavour.
ゆばちらし弁当
Yubachirashi Bento This large portioned bento focuses on Nikko’s signauture yuba and contains namafu which flavours and colours depending on the season. 880yen (tax incl.)
日光鱒寿し
Nikko Masu Sushi This ekiben Grand Prix prize winner is a local speciality made from cherry salmon and Nikko koshihikari (越光 , short-grain rice). 1,300yen (tax incl.)
おつまみ弁当
Otsumami Bento This bento is made of Nikko’s specialities including yuba (湯葉 , tofu skin), Nikko wagyu beef and other local seasonal ingredients. 1,030 yen (tax incl.)
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