Ski Japan General Information
Honshu --- Japan's Main Island
Honshu has more than 500 ski resorts, and the following areas are regarded as the up-and-coming hot spots of skiing in Japan. All our ski resorts offer unique and diverse skiing options, from the Olympic Jump Stadium facilities and heli-skiing at Hakuba, to the remarkable snow monkey tour in the National Park adjoining the Shiga Kogen resort. All resorts offer international standard accommodation, great ski facilities and a range of on-mountain dining options. Honshu is waiting to step up as the ski destination of choice for New Zealanders skiers, so come discover this outstanding region before the crowds arrive!
Hokkaido --- Japan's Northern Most Island
Japan's North Island of Hokkaido has some of the world's best powder snow, spread across more than 60 ski resorts. Ski resorts in Hokkaido are blessed with a consistent average snow base of 5 metres for the duration of the ski season, with fresh powder snow welcomed regularly. Facilities at resorts are excellent, and après-ski activities include a wide variety of unique dining and nightlife options.
Don't miss the chance to try a traditional onsen (hot springs) during your stay in Japan; these baths offer the perfect remedy for tired muscles and cold bodies after a long day on the slopes.
FROM NEW ZEALAND
The time difference between Japan (GMT +9) and New Zealand Time
(GMT +12) is just three hours. This favours New Zealander ski travellers, with little jet lag and quick access to the snow. Japan Airlines and Air New Zealand fly from most capital cities to Tokyo, with connections to other cities. Direct flight time to Japan is usually about 10 hours from New Zealand.
TRANSPORT
On arrival, there are a number of transfer options to get you to the ski resorts. Hokkaido has excellent bus services to all major resorts, while the Honshu resorts are accessible both by shinkansen (Bullet-train) and bus from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Public transport in Japan is easy to use, with English signage, punctual services and clean, comfortable amenities.
SEASON & TEMPERATURE
Powder snow regularly falls throughout the winter ski season of December to March, and average daytime temperatures range between –5°C and -10°C at most resorts. We recommend you bring warmer ski gear than you would wear at an New Zealand ski resort.
RENTAL GEAR, SCHOOLS & EQUIPMENT FACILITIES
Rental gear is usually near-new in Japan and costs are similar to New Zealand. On average, Japanese feet are smaller than New Zealanders, so availability of larger sizes may vary. Check with the resort or consider renting gear in New Zealand if you use a larger boot size. Ski and snowboarding schools are located at all resorts featured in this brochure.
LUGGAGE SERVICE
Japan has a well-established luggage courier service, and can usually deliver anywhere in Japan overnight. Courier companies operate out of airports, and give you the option of sending luggage to the resort ahead of you. This is particularly useful to guests taking short stopovers in the main cities, or guests with extra luggage/long skis etc.
ACCOMMODATION
Most ski resorts offer Western style ski-in/ski-out hotels or lodge style accommodation. Japanese resorts are well planned with fast, modern lift networks. All accommodation in this brochure has been inspected by JTB staff and is to JTB standard, which includes appropriate industry licences and insurance checks.
LANGUAGE
Japanese is the official language spoken in Japan, though many Japanese also speak some English. Japanese students all study English during their school years, though they may be too shy to admit it. If you are having trouble communicating, try writing it down. Japanese are often better at written English than spoken, with much emphasis at school placed on penmanship.
CURRENCY & COSTS
Recent fluctuations in the Japanese yen rate make direct comparisons difficult. However, as a rough guide, a simple lunch at a ski-in/ski-out cafe should cost around NZD$10-15, and ski lift passes about NZD$70-80 per day. Traveller’s cheques and Credit cards are not always accepted and it is recommended to carry some cash. ATMs are usually located in Post offices and Seven Eleven convenience stores, though exchange rates and service charges will depend on your card issuer.
All package prices include land costs and airfares. We are also happy to quote on land-only packages or tailor a package to your personal requirements. Please contact JTB or your licensed travel agent today for more information.
