Prince Hotel BlogsJapan is renowned for its diversity as a travel destination – including a wealth of culture and history, brilliant entertainment and incredible natural scenery. But for those who love a great rush of adrenaline, the country has some incredible gems that will leave you hankering for more.
From the Shizukuishi Ski Resort and much more besides, Japan is packed with adventures all across the country. Read on to find out some of the best spots to head to, when you want to enjoy something a little more exciting on your next holiday.
Japan is one of the most renowned winter sports destinations in the world, and revered for having some of the most consistent and impressive powder conditions you could hope for. With extremely cold winters, you can count on enjoying plenty of fresh, powdery snow, and with over 500 ski resorts across the country, including the stylish Shizukuishi Ski Resort, you’re never short on choice.
As there are so many ski resorts across Japan, there’s something here for everyone, from family-friendly destinations where you can enjoy a taste of skiing or snowboarding for the first time with younger ones, or more serious destinations where you can indulge in a little more action and après-ski excitement.
As you’d expect in a country renowned for its cutting edge technology, you can expect beautifully well-maintained resorts that provide a warm and hospitable experience. Alongside all the modern conveniences, you will also often find a touch of the traditional too, with classic onsens in many of the resorts. These are traditional hot spring baths, and are the perfect counterpart to a busy day in the snow, so if you’ve been working up a sweat in the Shizukuishi Ski Resort, make sure to unwind afterwards with a soothing dip in some natural hot water to ease all of your aching muscles.
While the famous mountains of Japan make winter sports an obvious connection, you might not think that the same country that boasts somewhere like the Shizukuishi Ski Resort is also a top spot for surfing.
However, with nearly 2,000 miles of coastline and some impressive waves in parts, Japan has a strong surf culture, with some great areas dedicated to the sport, as well as a few lesser-known gems.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and are keen to try out surfing in Japan, the nearby Kanto region offers up some great beach spots through the late summer months. For serious surfers who want to enjoy the best of what Japan has to offer though, it’s worth heading to Okinawa and the nearby islands – with gorgeous, tropical conditions, crystal clear waters and fantastic waves all year round, this is a popular destination for both Japanese and international visitors alike, and it’s not hard to see why. There are a good number of surf schools here as it’s a popular local activity, so if you are an eager beginner at the sport, there will be plenty of guidance and support available. Grab your board and wet suit, and dive into the ocean for some fun, before indulging in some seriously tasty fresh seafood to help you recover afterwards.
Japan has some stunning natural scenery across the country, as a visit to the Shizukuishi Ski Resort will soon demonstrate. From majestic mountains, rolling countryside and calm, captivating lakes, Japan has a beautiful diversity of natural wonders to explore, and a hiking holiday is a great way to experience all that there is to see.
Throughout the year, different parts of the country burst into life with a variety of colour across the landscape, so whenever you plan to visit, there will always be something new to discover. Mount Fuji is one of the most famous destinations for a scenic hike, and deservedly so, as the biggest mountain in Japan at over 12,000 feet, it is a challenging, strenuous but deeply rewarding climb. For those who make the tough ascent, they’ll be rewarded with the sight of many sacred shrines along the way, as well as some ethereal views.
As well as some incredible mountain hikes, besides the iconic Mount Fuji, you can also find some less lofty trails that are nonetheless just as picturesque. Try the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, a comfortable two kilometre walk along cherry-tree lined pathways besides the canal, which provides the perfect place for a calm and scenic walk. Or head to the magical Lake Chuzenji, which is exceptionally stunning in autumn, as the surrounding forest bursts into vibrant colour, reflected beautifully in the crystal clear lake water.
For those who love their adventures to involve two wheels, cycling in Japan can be a unique and memorable adventure. It can be a great way to see more remote areas of the country, and explore the ambling countryside while enjoying a slower pace of life. It’s a good idea to be fit and healthy before trying to embark on a major cycling trip in the country through – as two thirds of Japan is mountainous, you can expect some pretty rugged territory, as you make your way across.
While the ride can be tough at times, it’s always a scenic experience. Explore the pristine mountain ranges, including the Japanese Alps and more, take in the gentle countryside, or admire the dramatic sight of Japan’s incredible coastline.
If you’re keen to embark on a cycling adventure, there are many specialist cycling tours that take groups around short or longer rides, and can provide you with all the support required to help you get around. Make sure you come fully prepared though and brush up on the country’s cycling rules before you head out – having a cycling helmet is compulsory here, and packing an extra pair of slip on shoes will be handy, as you can expect to take your shoes on and off a lot, when coming in and out of buildings, homes or some sacred sites.
The cherry blossom is a quintessential symbol of Japanese culture and the country’s natural beauty, and the custom of celebrating the spring season with cherry blossom viewing parties has been taking place since the 8th century. While cherry blossoms can be seen all over the world, in Japan these delicate soft flowers, and the short […]