Japan
Japan General Information
Why Ski Japan?
Reliable powder Snow, spectacular scenery, natural hot springs, night skiing, culture and fantastic cuisine just to name a few reasons.
Hokkaido is the coldest and most northern Japanese island and receives some of the best snow there is.The most popular resort in Hokkaido is Niseko, a resort that is fast becoming well-known with skiers and snowboarders throughout the world.
Niseko continues to expand at a fast pace and each year sees a larger percentage of foreigners particularly Australians on the slopes. Expect to have no language problems if you are making your way to Niseko.
Japan is becoming increasingly popular with skiers around the world,
book early to avoid disappointment!
Shiga Kogen - New for Ski Express this year!
Shiga Kogen is the largest ski resort in Japan with 21 interlinked resorts. In the heart of the Japanese Johshinetsu Kogen National Park.
Nozawa Onsen - New for Ski Express this year!
A charming, classic Japanese ski village with it's own unique mountain culture where tradition and history play a big part of your ski holiday.
Passport and Visas
Australian passport holders, traveling for tourist purposes, do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. Although not essential, it is recommended that passports be valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated departure date from Japan. Those with passports, other than Australian, should check visa requirements.
Meet and Greet
A representative of Ski Express will be on
hand to meet you upon arrival at New
Chitose Airport in Sapporo. The friendly and
experienced staff, who speak both Japanese
and English, will ensure that your transfer
from the airport to your ski resort in
Hokkaido is hassle free.
In Resort Services
To complement our service at the airport, representatives of Ski Express on site in Niseko. The bilingual staff will be there to assist with check in, orientation and translation services, should any problems arise. Other services available include: 24 hour emergency assistance, tour and restaurant booking services and airline confirmation.
In Niseko, also offer complimentary half day mountain guiding at scheduled times, an inter resort shuttle service between Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri, which operates after the local resort shuttle service finishes, from 9.30pm - 12.30am and mobile phone rentals (only 3G mobile phones will work in
Japan).
Banking and Money
Major international credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by leading banks, hotels and stores in major cities; however you will need have sufficient cash before heading into the ski areas.
ATMs, found mostly in larger cities, only offer restricted access to funds as many do not accept foreign cash cards or credit cards and are only in operation during regular banking hours.
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and one of the lowest crime rates is still heavily cash reliant; once you travel beyond the major cities, cash is generally the only accepted form of payment. 7-Eleven stores accept EFTPOS cards.
Snowboarding,Hokkaido
© Furano Tourism Association
Accommodation types
There are a number of accommodation options available; from 5 star hotels to pensions, which are small family-run bed and breakfast properties. Within these accommodation options there are two distinct styles of bedding offered:
Japanese style: The bedding is traditional rice-straw tatami matting. During the afternoon, housekeeping staff will make up your comfortable futon bedding, which will then be packed away the next morning. When staying in Japanese style rooms, you will need to change your shoes for slippers and bare feet are required whilst walking on the tatami.
Western style: The bedding is usually single, mattress and base beds. Double, queen or king sized beds are not widely available in hotel or pension style accommodation.
Smoking
Smoking is still popular in Japan. It is uncommon to find accommodation with non smoking rooms or non smoking areas in restaurants or public places. Whilst it is possible to have hotel rooms freshened prior to check in, the smoke will remain noticeable.
The Onsen ( Hot Springs)
Soak the days skiing/boarding away in the outdoor hot springs, known as `The Onsen' in Japan.
Stopovers
Unless your flight from Australia travels directly to Sapporo, you will need to stay in either Tokyo
or Osaka for a least one night. You may wish to stay in Nagano overnight if travelling to Hakuba. This stopover may be the perfect opportunity to discover more of this fascinating country. Ask your travel consultant for details regarding stopover options.
