From snow to sashimi, ridgelines to ramen, our Flavours of Japan Ski & City Safari is the ultimate holiday for those who want to experience authentic Japanese food culture with incredible skiing.
Starting in the powder mecca, Niseko, on the snow-blanketed island of Hokkaido, you’ll have no issue satisfying your palate after carving through some of the best tree runs on Earth.
Then, you’ll travel by planes, (bullet) trains and automobiles to three unique gastronomic hubs: Kobe, famed for its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef; Osaka, Japan’s neon-lit food capital, with bold flavours and regional specialities; and Tokyo, Japan’s dazzling capital, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world.
The skiing
Often exceeding 15 metres of snowfall each winter, Niseko is a top destination for powder hounds, groomed trail enthusiasts and backcountry adventurers alike. Four seamlessly linked resorts make up the Niseko United area - all accessible on the same ski pass. From wide, mellow runs covered in soft, corduroy snow, to vast tree skiing in the deepest powder, there's something here for every ability and style.
The experience
Stay in tranquil Niseko Village or buzzing Hirafu Village, near the local restaurants, bars, live music and nightlife. Niseko has a diverse food scene, from local izakaya-style dining (a selection of small plates) to fine dining. Expect everything from hearty bowls of steaming miso ramen and locally caught seafood to gourmet Western-Japanese fusion cuisine.
After five thrilling days on Niseko’s slopes, journey to Kobe. Set between a picturesque harbour and the Mount Rokko Mountains, the city is a stunning location for exploring centuries-old shrines, temples, and forest trails. Kobe is famed in the culinary world for its beef, a very marbled and succulent type of premium wagyu - you'll find it served everywhere!
Next, it’s on to the energetic and neon-lit streets of Osaka, crammed with a range of affordable restaurants, food markets and street vendors. Dotonbori, the epicentre of it all, offers sights and irresistible flavours that pull you in and keep you wandering (and grazing) for hours. Try the takoyaki, a popular dish of octopus-filled balls that originated in Osaka.
Tokyo delivers the perfect finale: a high-energy explosion of street food, gourmet dining, and electric city life. For Tokyo dining ideas, check out our blog, One Night in Tokyo: Where to Eat, Drink and the Most Thrilling Way to Explore.
Our Flavours of Japan Ski & City Safari can be tailor-made to suit your needs. Visit in winter or spring - each season has its own exceptional experience. The cities are quieter in winter, making it easier to enjoy popular dishes and hearty street food without the crowds. January to March provides full “Japow” conditions, while in late March, you might catch the cherry blossom, celebrated with Sakura-themed sweets. See our sample itinerary for inspiration.
Our Flavours of Japan Ski & City Safari visits four iconic destinations: Niseko, Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo.
Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort, the quality and quantity of snow here is unparalleled - for powder, it doesn’t get much better than a Niseko ski holiday.
City Add-Ons
To give you the most choice and best value, we create every holiday from scratch. This means that the quotation you receive is unique, based on your preferred departure dates, group size and holiday preferences.
We do all the hard work for you, sifting through the prices and promotions for every airline, hotel and resort, exploring all options. We don’t publish all our prices online, just enough to give you an idea of costs.
What our customers say about Flavours of Japan Ski & City Safari.
Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you. Our ski specialists will look at your enquiry and will be in touch within a day or two. We promise it's worth the wait!
Not for you? Check out these other Ski Safari options in Japan.
