Japan

When it comes to skiing, Japan of course stands as one of the world’s premier destinations, see one of the Best Ski Resort in Japan. From small local hills to sprawling mountain resorts, Japan offers a diverse range of options for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the country has around 536 ski resorts, making it one of the top destinations for snow sports globally. The biggest ski resort in Japan is Shiga Kogen, located in Nagano Prefecture. This massive resort encompasses 19 interconnected ski areas, providing access to a wide variety of terrain and snow conditions. With a total of over 80 kilometers (50 miles) of trails and 52 lifts, Shiga Kogen is not only the largest but also one of the most versatile ski areas in Japan. Japan’s ski season typically begins in late November and lasts until early May, with the peak season occurring between January and February. This period is when the country experiences its famous “Japow,” or Japanese powder snow, which is known for its light, fluffy quality, which is a dream for any ski enthusiast. The combination of abundant snowfall and top-notch facilities makes Japan an ideal destination for a ski vacation.  In this writing, we will explore the best ski resort in japan with various regions of Japan, highlighting their unique features and attractions to help you find your perfect winter retreat.  Ski Resort in Niigata, Japan Exploring Niigata’s Iconic Ski Resorts Niigata Prefecture is home to some of Japan’s most iconic and best ski resorts, including Naeba Ski Resort and Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort. Naeba, part of the larger Mt. Naeba area, offers 22 trails and a 1,335-metre vertical drop, making it a favourite among both locals and outsiders. It is known for hosting international ski competitions, including the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Why Gala Yuzawa is Japan’s Most Accessible Ski Destination On the other hand, Gala Yuzawa is unique because it has its own Shinkansen (bullet train) station, making it one of the most accessible and best ski resorts in Japan. This resort features 16 courses and a 1,000-metre elevation difference, catering to all skill levels. The resort also offers various snow activities, such as snowmobiling and sledding, making it a popular choice for families. A study by the Niigata Prefecture Tourism Board indicates that the number of international visitors to Niigata’s ski resorts has increased by 25% over the past five years, highlighting the region’s growing popularity among global ski enthusiasts. Ski Resort in Aomori, Japan The Unique Charm of Hakkoda Ski Resort in Aomori Aomori Prefecture, located in the northernmost part of Japan’s main island, is known for its heavy snowfall and pristine ski conditions. Hakkoda is one of the best ski resorts in Japan and is a renowned destination in this region, famous for its backcountry skiing and unique snow monsters – trees covered in thick layers of snow and ice. Appi Kogen: A Family-Friendly Ski Destination with Night Skiing in Aomori Additionally, Hakkoda is renowned for its deep powder snow and unique terrain. The resort features a mix of groomed trails and backcountry areas, offering a challenging and exciting experience for advanced skiers and snowboarders. According to a report by the Aomori Prefecture Tourism Association, Hakkoda receives an average of 14 metres of snowfall annually, creating ideal conditions for powder enthusiasts. Another notable resort in Aomori is Appi Kogen Ski Resort, located on the border with Iwate Prefecture. Known for its wide, well-groomed trails, Appi Kogen is a popular choice for families and intermediate skiers. The resort also offers night skiing and a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing and snow rafting. Ski Resort in Nagano, Japan Hakuba Valley: A Premier Ski Destination in Nagano Nagano Prefecture, home to the 1998 Winter Olympics, boasts some of the most famous ski resorts in Japan. For example, Hakuba Valley is a world-class ski destination comprising 10 different resorts, including Happo-One, Hakuba 47, and Tsugaike Kogen. With over 200 runs and a vertical drop of 1,071 metres, Hakuba Valley offers a diverse range of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, making this spot one of the best ski resorts in Japan. Nozawa Onsen: Where Skiing Meets Traditional Japanese Culture The resorts in Hakuba Valley are known for their deep powder, spectacular mountain views, and vibrant après-ski scene. A study by the Nagano Tourism Organisation found that Hakuba Valley attracts over 1.5 million visitors each winter, making it one of the most popular ski destinations in Japan. Another highlight of Nagano is Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, famous for its traditional hot springs (onsen) and charming village atmosphere. With 36 runs and a vertical drop of 1,085 metres, Nozawa Onsen offers a perfect blend of skiing and relaxation, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan Discovering Sapporo Teine: Olympic History and Stunning Views Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is surrounded by several excellent ski resorts, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Just a 40-minute drive from the city centre, you can find Sapporo Teine Ski Resort. It offers 15 trails and a vertical drop of 683 metres. It hosted some events during the 1972 Winter Olympics and is known for its well-groomed runs and stunning views of the city and the sea. Kiroro Ski Resort: Hokkaido’s Snowiest Winter Wonderland Another popular resort near Sapporo is Kiroro Ski Resort, located about an hour’s drive from the city. Kiroro is one of the best ski resorts in Japan, renowned for its abundant powder snow and diverse terrain, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. According to a report by the Hokkaido Tourism Organisation, Kiroro receives an average of 21 metres of snowfall per year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in the region. If you are seeking a unique experience, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort offers night skiing and various snow activities, such as snow rafting and sledding, making it a popular choice

Staying connected to the internet while travelling can often be tricky, including for travellers in Japan. There are multiple options available such as roaming, travel SIM cards, or local SIM cards, but finding the option that best suits your needs is challenging. Additionally, navigating a foreign country like Japan, where you may not speak the language, can pose another hurdle when seeking advice from locals. However, fear not! In this article, we’ve outlined all the available connectivity options for tourists in Japan, empowering you to make an informed decision and stay connected throughout your adventure! Internet Access in Japan: Roaming, Travel SIM, and Local SIM 1. Roaming with your home SIM Using international roaming from your home country is one way to stay online while travelling. It enables your device to connect to a local provider’s network in another country, allowing you to use services such as calls, texts, and data abroad. This service is typically provided through agreements between your home carrier and foreign carriers. International roaming is convenient since your device might automatically connect upon disabling Airplane Mode. However, it can be extremely expensive and may prove to be the costliest option, especially if you have high data usage. For Australian tourists, there are several providers you can choose from: Telstra If you’re planning a trip abroad, Telstra offers an International Day Pass. Once activated, this feature remains active as soon as you use your phone outside Australia, charging only for the times you use it overseas. Upon your return to Australia, you won’t incur any charges even if you keep it active. With the International Day Pass, the plans and fees vary depending on your destination country. For instance, in Japan, it costs $10 per day, providing access to 1GB of data, as well as unlimited calls and texts. If you exceed the daily data limit, Telstra will send a message with a top-up option. Optus Optus offers Optus Daily Roaming, which automatically activates when you travel overseas. Upon using your phone after landing, you’ll receive a text confirming that your roaming has been activated. Optus Daily Roaming provides access to 5GB of data, along with unlimited standard texts and calls for $5 per day. This plan is available for travellers visiting countries in Optus’s Zone 1 list, which includes Japan. 2. Japan Travel SIM or eSIM Another way to access the internet while enjoying your time in Japan is by using a travel SIM card. Travel SIM cards offer global coverage, along with the option to choose from extended and robust plans, making it easier for tourists to use the internet, send texts, or make calls. With a travel SIM, you can conveniently order your SIM card online and have it delivered to your doorstep. Better yet, if you have an eSIM-compatible device you can order a travel eSIM which is sent instantly via email! You can activate both of these options anytime you like, whether it’s just before your trip or upon arrival in your destination country. Travel eSIM and SIM cards are also a much cheaper option, particularly when compared to roaming charges. If you’re seeking an affordable, reliable, and convenient travel eSIM or SIM card provider with responsive support, consider TravelKon! TravelKon TravelKon is an Australia-based provider of travel SIM cards and eSIMs, offering prepaid data plans for more than 180 countries, including Japan. Not only is TravelKon affordable and convenient, but it also stands out for its reliable connectivity and responsive customer support. Assistance is readily available through Messenger, WhatsApp, and email whenever you have questions or need help. There are several plans you can choose to complete your Japan trip including but not limited to (prices are in AUD): Product Quota Data Validity Price Japan SIM Card 3 – 50 GB 30 Days $19 – $79 Softbank Japan SIM Card 5G 15 – 50 GB Until expiry date $39 – $69 Japan Docomo IIJ eSIM 3 – 50 GB 30 Days $14 – $75 Japan eSIM Saver 10 – 50 GB 30 Days $12 – $78 Japan eSIM Unlimited Max Unlimited Data 1 – 30 Days $9 – $99 TravelKon Japan SIM card and eSIM Plan* For more details on the available options, explore TravelKon’s physical SIM Cards Japan options and Japan eSIM. 3. Japan Local SIM To ensure connectivity throughout your Japan trip, you can also consider purchasing a local prepaid data SIM card. This option provides reliable and fast internet at a lower cost than roaming, and you won’t need to return the card afterward. However, there are some drawbacks to using local SIM cards, such as language barriers or ID registration. Additionally, there’s no instant connection upon landing, as you’ll need to purchase the SIM card from airports or stores, or wait for delivery. Here are some local Japan SIM cards that tourists can choose from: Softbank If you find yourself in Japan without a SIM card and are looking for a trusted option with extensive coverage, consider SoftBank, one of the biggest telecommunication companies in Japan, which covers almost every corner of the country. SoftBank offers a Prepaid SIM for Travel plan, with prices varying depending on the retailer. However, you can purchase an additional 500MB of data for $17*, valid for 31 days. Mobal Whether you’re planning a short or long Japan trip, Mobal provides flexible options. Its long-trip plans include mobile data, texts, and calls, while the short-trip plans focus solely on data usage. With Mobal’s long plan, you can purchase your SIM for $30 and choose the package that best suits your needs. One of the most popular packages offers 5GB of data, along with free incoming calls and texts, for only $32.50* per month. Sakura Mobile Sakura Mobile provides high-speed mobile data with extensive coverage, encompassing most of Japan. It offers unlimited data through six different plans, each varying in price and validity period: Days Price 8 $50 15 $72 30 $100 45 $160 60 $176 90 $264 Sakura Mobile Japan SIM