Skiing in Japan
This is our third winter featuring Japan as a ski destination. Its massive success is down to one word – snow. Our three Japanese resorts average over 50 feet of snow each winter dumped down from massive Siberian low-pressure systems – waist-deep powder is not a myth here, it is commonplace! If this wasn’t enough, add the truly fascinating and absorbing culture of Japan with a Tokyo or Kyoto stopover. Expect snow, and lots of it!
We’ve hand-picked the very best that Japan has to offer and all from personal experience. World beating ski hotels and ski apartments in world renowned Japanese ski resorts including Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu.
Niseko Survival Guide
Cash
Japan is still largely a cash society, and Niseko is no different. Some places accept credit cards but many smaller shops, businesses & accommodation houses don't. For maximum convenience and to avoid missing out on that fantastic looking little restaurant or unique souvenir shop that you may not pass again, it is advised to carry cash.
ATMS
There is no ATM that will accept international cards in Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village or Annupuri. If you need to withdraw cash from an ATM, you will need to will need to go to a post office in Kutchan Town, which is a 10-15 minute taxi or bus ride away. The post offices in Kutchan have ATMs with English instructions.
Top Tip - get cash out at the international ATM at the airport when you arrive at Sapporo. Go to level 3 and use the Citibank ATM which accepts many international cards.
Credit Cards
Lift tickets, ski hire & ski lessons can all be paid for by credit card. Most large restaurants and small ones will accept them.
Top 10 Japanese words for beginners:
1. Sumimasen - I'm sorry, excuse me, thank you.
Use it when you accidently bump into someone in the queue for the lifts or inadvertently ski into them. 'Sumimasen' is also used to get someone's attention and can be used to get another round of drinks at an izakaya.
2. Doumo - thank you, hi
There are many ways to express gratitude in Japanese - 'doumo' is the simplest.
3. Douzo - here you go, go ahead.
When you're handing you new friend the drink you've just bought them or motioning them to start eating, say 'douzo'. If you arrive at the ticket gates at the same time as someone else, motion for them to go first and say 'douzo'. If someone does this for you, go ahead and say 'doumo'.
4. Ohayou - good morning
Use 'ohayou' to greet people before noon.
5. Hai - yes
Useful for answering easy questions and confirming orders.
6. Onegaishimasu - please
Use this when ordering or requesting something.
7. Kanpai - cheers
You deserve a drink after a hard day on the slopes! Before you start drinking raise your glass and say 'kanpai', Before eating, press your hands together infront of you and say 'itadakimasu'.
8. Oishii - delicious, yummy, tasty
After you've said 'itadakimasu' abd started eating, the next thing you'll probably want to say is 'oishii'.
9. Kawaii - cute, nice, pretty
If you're a female in a shop you can use this word to describe almost everything that you like.
10. Saikou - great, awesome, wicked
How was the powder this morning? 'Saikou!' Do you like Niseko? 'Niseko Saikou'
Top tips & survival guide thanks to www.powderlife.com
Stopovers:
Add another dimension to your holiday experience
Building a city break or an excursion into your holiday itinerary is both easy to do and relatively inexpensive, and is a great way to experience a little bit more of Japan.
Japan is a wonderfully vibrant, friendly and culturally different country and offers a truly amazing array of interesting ideas and novel experiences for the discerning traveller. Visit the teaming metropolis of Tokyo for a city stay, or the tranquil temples of Kyoto by the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’, go to a Sumo match, or visit the amazing Mt Fuji. There is just so much to do in Japan.
We’ve included brief details of our top six Japanese stopovers and excursions, however we can tailor-make any itinerary to suit your individual requirements – call us for details and advice.
| Tokyo
A simply amazing city – it’s a ‘must visit’ destination. We’d suggest the 5 star Prince Park Tower hotel – prices start at £99 pppn including breakfast. Try a city tour including lunch – our recommended tour gives you a great insight into Tokyo and costs from £79 pp. |
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| Kyoto
Kyoto can be done as a day tour from Tokyo (via Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’), but it’s a long day, and we’d recommend either taking slightly longer to appreciate the tranquil temples and shrines of Kyoto, or including Kyoto as part of a multi-centre tour. Call us for full details. |
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| Osaka
Visit Universal Studios Japan or the huge Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka. Travel to Osaka by air or rail from Tokyo, or air from Sapporo. Stay at the 5 star Swissotel Nankai Osaka – prices start at £95 pppn including breakfast. |
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| Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’
Japan’s main island of Honshu is covered by a network of high speed train lines that connect Tokyo with most of the island's major cities. These trains are called Shinkansen or ‘Bullet Trains’ and reach speeds of 300kmph, making the journey from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto just under three hours. No visit to Japan would be complete without travelling on the Shinkansen! |
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| World Heritage Sites
Japan has 14 World Heritage Sites – we would suggest visiting a few in conjunction with a city stay in Kyoto or Osaka. |
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| Multi-Centre options
Japan is a big country, but one that’s easy to travel in. We have a huge range of multi-centre fully escorted tours we can offer which are designed to help you get the most out of a short visit – explore Tokyo + Mt Fuji + Hakone + Kyoto + Nara – a 4 day tour that ticks all the boxes. Guides are English-speaking. Prices on request. |
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