Tokyo Weekender - January 2016

POWDER QUEST | FEATURE | 13
by Phil Luza
While many hardcore snow fiends head all the way up to
Hokkaido to get their fix, there’s plenty of the white stuff to go
around in Kanto. Here’s our guide to getting your ride on
I
t’s no secret that Japan has some of
the greatest skiing and snowboarding
on the planet. With some of the
world’s highest annual snowfall, the
country has long been on the radar for powder
hunters. Thanks to a myriad of resorts to choose
from—ranging from tiny bubble-era destinations
with a few runs to high-tech mega resorts
that offer a great experience for everyone from
beginners to seasoned pros—it belongs on every
winter sports enthusiast’s bucket list.
Living and exploring northern Honshu has
left a soft spot in my heart for its snowy winters
and huge variety of mountains. The broad range
of course difficulties and the combination of
modern convenience and traditional Japanese
culture makes each trip a memorable experience.
Winter in Japan offers a unique opportunity
to explore a wide range of mountain ranges
and embrace seasonal cuisine, spectacular
festivals, and a relaxing soak in an onsen.
Tokyo offers great access to resort destinations
in the Honshu area for hardcore powder
hunters and weekend warriors in addition to
weekend getaways and family vacations.
WEEKEND GETAWAY
One of the most popular getaways is Gala Yuzawa in
Niigata Prefecture. It’s only 80 minutes from Tokyo
on the Joetsu Shinkansen and the station connects
directly to the gondola. Gala is one of the most hassle-free
day trips from Tokyo and resort tickets are
often packaged by JR East with the purchase of your
Shinkansen ticket.
If you are looking to get a break from the crowds,
explore, or have a unique experience, a trip to Zao
Onsen Ski Resort is a great choice. Zao has less of
www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016