We are very excited to be offering Japan for the first time this winter as one of our 'Extraordinary' Skiing Holidays destinations.

With sensational snow and unusual ski terrain the skiing alone is well worth the trip. But it is just part of the Japanese experience. Combined with the fantastic food and the attractions of both a modern economy and a rich cultural history, Japan provides the ultimate ski holiday experience.

Japan has hundreds of ski resorts, most of them small with just a couple of lifts and fairly basic accommodation. Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, is home to some of the country’s largest and best.

Hokkaido

Our ski resorts are located on Hokkaido where storms blowing off Siberia ensure a vast supply of the lightest, driest powder there is. The season runs from mid-November to the end of March.

Hokkaido is a 1 ½ hour flight from either Tokyo or Osaka. You can fly to New Chitose airport for Niseko and Rusutsu, or to Asahikawa for Furano. The drive between Furano and Niseko/Rusutsu is approximately 4 hours.

Although Hokkaido is home to Sapporo, one of Japan’s rapidly growing cities, it is predominantly rural with National Parks covering areas of mountains, lakes, forests and coastline – a real contrast to Japan’s large cities.

We offer transfers from the airport to the ski resorts, but hiring a car will allow you to explore the island at your own pace.

The skiing

Apart from the fine snow, a defining characteristic of the terrain in Japan is the tree-skiing. Snow accumulates between the well-spaced trunks of the deciduous trees lining the slopes, creating the best glade skiing imaginable.

Another is the volcanic scenery. The impressive Mt. Yotei, a dormant volcano, dominates the view from Niseko and can also be seen from Rusutsu.

Beyond the skiing

While you will be lured to Japan by the skiing, you should take the time to see what else this fascinating country has to offer. Tokyo and Kyoto have attractions galore, and there is much more beyond.

This feature gives more information about the resorts and cities and how you can put them together to create the holiday of a lifetime.