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Discover Japan: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Discover the fascinating Japanese culture while enjoying amazing runs in Hokkaido, on the best powder in the world.

Top trips | Japan

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FAQs: Japan

What should I know about Japan?

Japan is an archipelago on the eastern edge of Asia, with four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The fascinating Japanese culture combines ancient traditions with amazing natural beauty and futuristic technological advances. Is a true paradise not only for powder junkies but also for curious minds looking for unique experiences. Don’t leave the country without soaking on an onsen bath or trying a heated toiled seat!

Why should I choose Japan for my adventure?

Best powder on Earth

Japan is the ultimate destination for powder hounds. In Hokkaido and in the Japan Alps, in the main island of Honshu, you will find incredible dry, light powder, with some resorts receiving an average of 10 to 18 meters of snow every year. Don’t miss out on the chance of relaxing on a onsen (hot spring) after a great skiing day.

**Natural beauty **

Japan is a country of spectacular natural wonders, full of mountains, green forests, volcanoes, rivers and lakes, a perfect setting for great outdoor experiences. Walk through bamboo forests, climb the iconic Mount Fuji, hike along the beautiful Daisetsuzan National Park, or just visit Japan during the magical cherry blossom season.

Unique cultural experience

Ancient traditions fuse with the most vibrant and dynamic modern culture and futuristic innovations in Japan, providing unique experiences. Spend a night at a traditional ryokan or in a modern capsule hotel, enjoy a tea ceremony and watch a sumo match. You could also indulge in some delicious food after singing in a karaoke in one of Tokyo’s countless bars.

What can I expect from the weather in Japan?

Japan is a long collection of islands, therefore the climate varies considerably from one region to the other. During the winter, it’s mild in central regions and almost tropical in the small southern islands, but it can be freezing cold in the northern island of Hokkaido, where snow and ice dominate the landscape. Summer is hot and humid and June is the rainy season in most of the country.

Getting There

Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Osaka’s Kansai are the main international flight gateways. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport also offers international connections. You can get to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport (Hokkaido), from Haneda Airport in about 1 ½ hours.

Which language is predominantly spoken in Japan?

Japanese

What’s the country code of Japan?

+81

What currency is accepted in Japan?

Japanese Yen (JPY)

What’s the high season in Japan?

If you are looking for the best powder, then you should visit in January and February, and you could also be there for the amazing Sapporo Ice Festival in February. Spring is considered to be the best time to visit for hiking and other activities. You should try to avoid -or book in advance- for Golden Week (April 29 to May 6), as it is the longest holiday of the year in Japan and everybody is travelling.

What people are saying about Japan trips

Axel

5.00

Yuske did a great job. He chose the perfect day and changed to a day tour. Only then could we reach the summit. His quiet and safety-minded nature we liked very much.

Andrey

4.00

I have had an opportunity to take advantage of an brief weather opening to SkiMo Mt Fuji with Yusuke and enjoy some very skiable powder on the way down in spring snow conditions quite typical for the Alps. The pre-trip communication were spot on and Yusuke proved very efficient in monitoring the rapidly changing forecast to make the call whether we SkiMo up or just do an Alpine ascent. Even though the ascent doesn't present any technical challenges the rapidly changing weather might dictate that the 2000+ vm trip is taken in one day and thus a good pre-trip aclima would be essential. The first part thru the forest along the old pilgrims' trail is a regular approach hike, however upon entry of the high alpine terrain the gradient stiffens and good kick turns and crampon skills are essential to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The guide's choice to switch to bootpacking would generally appears a bit too early for European skiers as terrain could yield itself for at least 400 vm more of skins switchbacks but there was reason for the choice, and is generally down to personal preference. The way down if VERY varied snow conditions and requires a versatile skill set and appropriate speed management. During our trip there was no significant avalanche traps, however some of exposed terrain is prone to rock falls and thus should be negotiated at a prompt pace. Night over in a traditional Japanese mountain hut is a fantastic experience in its own right and not to be missed. If one ski toured in France, the hut would appear a luxury accommodation but is slightly below the comparables in Austria and Switzerland. Dinner and b'fast are served as traditional meals and provide more then sufficient cals of warm homemade food. A visit to the local shrine followed by a relaxing session at a near by Onsen is the cherry on the cake for the trip and is definitely recommended as a supplement to the trip. If I come to Ski Tour in Japan again would surely contact Yusuke for his availability.

Lukasz

5.00

Chika is a perfect guide!

elizabeth

5.00

Absolutely wonderful!!!! Chikako was absolutely amazing! We had the most amazing time and was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip! Thank you so much for being so wonderful.

Zubin

5.00

The whole trip was well planned in advanced, about 2 months that I started communicating with Chika. There were rapid responses to questions, even before a confirmation/payment was made. As the dates grew closer, good advice on gear and other practical issues were passed. Typhoon Hagibis had just left significant damage, and the weather was quite unpredictable. It was clear that is was safest to delay the climb, and I was lucky the extra day that I had came with excellent weather. Chika was excellent in communicating the reasons for the delay, as safety was paramount. I had done an earlier trip during the usual summer season a few years back, but with light snow up top, this was one of my best treks/climbs so far.

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