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Discover the simple yet sophisticated art that lies within authentic sushi Sushi has a significant place within the eclectic Australian food culture, and the compact, easy-to-eat hand rolls continue to be a hit. Slowly but surely, Australians are also beginning to uncover the exquisiteness of … Read More
Steaming mineral-rich pools of health and happiness are found everywhere in Yamagata from the coastline to its mountainous interior, and can be enjoyed quickly on a day trip or slowly and decadently on a hot spring holiday. For visitors on a snow holiday, local hot spring (onsen) villages are … Read More
With over 30,000 Australian travellers visiting Japan in 2014, Japan has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for many Australians and no longer a curious island country far up in Asia. Japan is home to a unique culture that comes from a mixture of traditions and futuristic technolo… Read More
Experiencing the bounty of a Japanese Bordeaux Echigo-Yuzawa is part of a region called Minami-Uonuma, which is in many ways a Bordeaux of Japan. Just as Bordeaux has an ideal climate for viticulture, Minami-Uonuma has an ideal climate for rice farming, and the quality of its Minami-Uonuma Koshi… Read More
Discovering an ancient healing retreat When Hanroku Takahashi descended into a valley in Echigo-Yuzawa some 900 years ago, a hot spring bath was the last thing he had in mind. The local warrior had fallen ill on a journey through what was then a wilderness area, and was trying to catch medicina… Read More
Choosing the resort area that's right for you The 12 ski resorts around Echigo-Yuzawa are spread across three different areas: Yuzawa-Kandatsu, Naeba-Kagura and Tsuchitaru. They're filled with fun, exciting runs and amazing scenery, attracting everyone from kids putting on a set of skis for the … Read More
“…take in the stunning panorama of the Japanese Alps…” Along with Shiga Kogen's trademark top-quality powder snow, Ryuoo Ski Park's major draw cards include its jumbo-sized ropeway, indulgent courses of up to 6 km, and fun activities for kids. One of Japan's longest ungroomed runs, the park… Read More
History flows through the hot springs of Yudanaka Onsen From the moment you step off the train at Yudanaka station, you are already fully immersed in this onsen (hot spring) town. The station has its own hot spring facilities for day-trippers, and outside there’s a foot bath you can enjoy to kic… Read More
“A truly natural ski resort, open for all” Surrounded by a vast panoramic view, the Kumanoyu Ski Area is located in the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park. The national park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, ensuring the protection by the local environment. From the 2015-20… Read More
An extended stay in Omachi often happens naturally when day visitors fall in love with its charming hot spring inns, restaurants and izakaya bars... HOT SPRING INNS & HOTELS With its long history, traditional architecture is one of Omachi's trademarks, and inn rooms with slidi… Read More
One of Omachi's biggest strengths as a snow holiday destination is its variety of attractions, which can be mixed and matched for a great day out... KASHIMAYARI SPORTS VILLAGE & JIIGATAKE SKI RESORT Omachi's two main snow resorts, Kashimayari and Jiigatake offer enough variety, and … Read More
A kaleidoscope of colour all year round... It’s a sobering -20°C, and you’re standing in a giant igloo filled with the glow of luminescent reds, pinks and purples. The colours warm the interior with a charming glow that evokes fairy floss, big tops and other childhood pleasures, and cast an… Read More
A place of never ending fun - in and out of the snow” Whether it’s your first snow holiday or your 100th, a holiday at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a new kind of holiday experience you must try. Located between Asahikawa, New Chitose and Obihiro Airport, the resort is accessible by train or car w… Read More
The powder is on ice in Japan's coldest place In the centre of Japan’s skier and boarder holy ground, Hokkaido, is Tomamu, a small mountainous area unlike any other. Tomamu belongs to the village town of Shimukappu, known as the coldest place in Japan, and in winter, the skiers and boarders alike … Read More
To go where no piste has gone before 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 2,077m high volcano, and Tokachidake Onsen, a hot spring village dotted with … Read More
Real powder, and the real Japan Manicured fields of lavender, sunflowers and other colourful blooms, carpeting gently undulating hills with mountain peaks over the horizon. Administratively a city, quintessentially still a country town, Furano has Eden-like qualities that have attracted televi… Read More
Home of Hokkaido's larger-than-life snow festival The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is one of the biggest highlights of the winter season in Japan. For a week in February every year, hundreds of ice sculptures and statues take over Sapporo's Odori Park, and Tsudome and Susukino … Read More
Fall in love with Hokkaido's historic port The town of Otaru is known as a port town and where Hokkaido's railroad network sprung out of back in the 1800s. Not only is it one of the more warmer places in Hokkaido but it is rich in history, romance and seafood and has a welcoming mood for visit… Read More
A naturally blessed town surrounded by agricultural lands and hot springs, including the renowned Konbu Onsen It’s no secret that Australians love Niseko and its deep, fine powder but Niseko has a few lesser known secrets up its sleeve. Niseko Town, or Niseko Cho in Japanese is quietly tucked… Read More
Explore Japan’s own soul food region Known as Naha City’s kitchen, Kousetsu Ichiba, the city marketplace is the most liveliest, flavourful place to learn about Okinawa’s distinctive food culture. It has been the locals’ go-to place for grocery for over 60 years, and with the growth of Okinawa… Read More
