Hidden gem to the north of Asahikawa BIFUKA is a picturesque rural town of Hokkaido's northern 'Dōhoku' region, located some 95 kilometres from Asahikawa on the JR Sōya Main Line. Its neighbour of Nayoro is some 80 kilometres from this central Hokkaido transport hub, and together, they form an… Read More
DISCOVER MORE Kamui enjoys an average of eight metres of dream-like powder snow a season, and sheltered inland, is known for its brilliant blue skies in winter. Lift passes are also very reasonably priced here, and there's a course for everyone - as well as plenty of great snow activities - … Read More
Great local resorts, after-ski entertainment and attractions WITH its exotic Asahiyama Zoo, great surrounding ski resorts, and lively dining and drinking spots, Asahikawa is a popular day-trip and long stay destination for skiers and snowboarders visiting the Hokkaido Powde… Read More
Nature up a notch, in the heart of Hokkaido LOCAL farmland around Furano is famous for its prime produce, and one of these farming districts is the city of Ashibetsu. With 89% of its land area composed of lush forests, it is filled with the fresh atmosphere of alpine countryside, enc… Read More
For hungry riders on a raw powder diet TOKACHIDAKE is nature in the Hokkaido Powder Belt 'as is'. There are no lifts, no groomed runs, and no crowds; just pure powder to be enjoyed. The area consists of Tokachidake, a 2,077-metre volcano, and Tokachidake Onsen, a hot spring village d… Read More
PURE POWDER PLEASURE Furano receives an average of some seven metres of the lightest, driest powder there is to be enjoyed in Japan every winter. It is essentially a drier version of the bounty that hits resorts closer to the Hokkaido coast, due to the lower humidity levels inland, where tempe… Read More
> Full-service outdoor playground > Lower humidity means even drier powder snow > Authentic local culture and hospitality Winter guests visit the city of Furano for skiing and snowboarding both locally, and nearby at backcountry spots and other resorts around the Hok… Read More
HOME OF POWDER SNOW Rusutsu Resort is Hokkaido's number one for sheer size, with an enormous network of 37 courses over three mountains. They include terrain from double black diamond to beginner, and just 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the resort averages over 13 metres of f… Read More
Hot spring heaven around the corner from Niseko @JNTO NISEKO still has a few secrets up its sleeve, and one of these is Niseko-chō, or the Niseko town district. Set within the forests and rivers of the lush Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, it is naturally abundant, and a po… Read More
Japan is stunning to visit at any time of year Feast your eyes upon four of Japan's great seasonal activities and destinations in this feature. Although they showcase some of its quintessential natural and cultural heritage, these highlights can easily remain hidden behind the deep powde… Read More
Be the master of your destiny with your own mode of transport. There is nothing more exciting than travelling to a foreign country like Japan. But what if there was a way to make it so much more than that, a way to turn it into a true adventure. How? You can be th… Read More
Nagano City is a gateway to the amazing snow destinations of northern Nagano Prefecture, and featured as a stage for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. Every year since, the city has kept the Olympic spirit burning with a spellbinding winter illumination at it… Read More
KING OF SNOW Situated in a beautiful highland area of Iwate Prefecture, a little over three hours north of Tokyo, Geto Kogen Ski Resort is known as the 'King of Snow' for good reason: the snow pack here can reach an enormous four metres. Open from early December to early May, the resort has… Read More
HOTEL GRAND PHENIX OKUSHIGA Situated amongst the 1500 metre high Okushiga Kogen, Hotel Grand Phenix was made to please skiers and sport enthusiasts. The hotel has a warm atmosphere with touches of Europeanstyle decors. Each of the room is prepared to provide guests with the utmost comfort dur… Read More
The Hotel Mont Blanc Hakuba Group is well trusted and well established as the provider of home away from home for many Australians. The staff at both accommodations by the group is known to provide friendly, flexible and formidable service. ‘The staff have continually gone above and beyond in makin… Read More
ALL BASES COVERED Togakushi Ski Area has more than 20 courses for all riders, and enjoys consistent falls of dry powder snow. Its Champion Course features steep inclines of more than 30 degrees, and there’s also Park 9, where riders of all skill levels practice their technique and try to do tric… Read More
We would like to invite one winner and friend to Nagano and Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, which is just an hour and a half away from Tokyo! The grand prize includes return flights, accommodation and a pocket Wi-Fi Device. Those who enter and answer our survey about Japan will be in the running to win th… Read More
Welcoming hot spring town with retro charm Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen carved itself a place on Japan's hot spring destination map just over 120 years ago in 1893. Times were tough, and to revive the local economy, the head of the town implemented a plan to dig for hot springs. Since the waters began… Read More
NAGANO CITY -> Convenient winter holiday base 79 minutes from Tokyo -> Close to the Hakuba Valley, Nozawa Onsen and the snow monkeys -> Local attractions include Zenkō-ji temple, a National Treasure of Japan Nagano City is more than a famous gateway for pilgrims to Zenkō-ji, its icon… Read More
Stay in Tomamu and Asahikawa, and enjoy the best of Central Hokkaido! Great snow holiday areas in their own right, Tomamu and Asahikawa are also convenient bases for visiting Furano, Sahoro and Kamui, and enjoying the best of the Central Hokkaido region. This area is famous for even drier, fin… Read More
