When do Hokkaido ski resorts open for winter 2023/2024?

Looking forward to hitting the slopes in the winter of 2023-2024? Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for its powder-filled ski resorts, is a winter wonderland for snow enthusiasts. From the slopes of renowned resort Niseko to the charming resorts of Rusutsu and Tomamu, get excited as we bring you the latest updates on when these top-notch resorts […]

Winter festivals in Sapporo and Otaru: Experience the magic

Otaru Light Festival

Updated 22 August 2023 by Anthea Hung Winter in Japan is a time for festivities, especially in Hokkaido. It is when the Sapporo Winter Snow Festival and the Otaru Light Snow Path Festival come alive. These festivals are held annually in February and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. They make for […]

The fastest way to enter Japan this winter

Finally, entering Japan has become much easier again. However, there are certain things you can prepare before entering the country to make your ski trip as smooth as possible. We have briefly outlined below how to enter Japan from 11 November, 2022.  Requirements for entering Japan Be sure to understand the following points and prepare […]

Ready for a Japan ski holiday? Now it is possible

LATEST UPDATE (12 September 2022):  Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida is reportedly expected to announce soon the resumption of independent travellers to Japan.  For the latest updates, visit our latest news updates here. Our ski holiday packages will still be available so head to our private ski package tours page for more information and to make […]

Japan at Winter Olympics Beijing 2022

We are only a few days away from the start of the XXIV Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. China has proven that they have deep pockets and have created unique venues using all the latest technology. Choosing a location where natural snow is not as abundant as in Niseko is risky business. Climate change is […]

Pizza Box: The most terrifying chairlift in Niseko

When people talk about Niseko, it is usually about the famous powder snow, the high-end and modern accommodation facilities, and exceptional local Japanese food. Yet there is an interesting conversation starter that gets many skiers from Europe and US excited. It is the resort’s lift infrastructure and the iconic “Pizza Box” chairlift. The Pizza Box […]

How to get to Niseko: Train vs Plane

Skiing in Hokkaido is different from skiing in any other place in the world. The high snowfall, its unique coastline, mountains that go from a few hundred meters high to volcanoes and the central Hokkaido high alpine mountains. Not to mention the excellent fluffy powder snow that keeps falling for days. The terrain is primarily […]