Prince Hotel BlogsWhether you’re a seasoned winter sports addict or keen to try it for the first time, Japan is one of the world’s best places to experience the adrenaline rush and beauty of skiing. The country boasts some of the best snow conditions in the world, as well as incredible natural scenery, centuries of culture and amazing food. Altogether, it makes for the perfect ski holiday destination.
If you’re ready to start planning a ski trip soon, check out great deals on hotels in Karuizawa Japan for a convenient and comfortable place to stay, near some of the top ski regions in the country. Read on for some useful tips to help you plan your perfect trip.
Travelling anywhere in the world should naturally mean that you automatically respect the attitudes and norms of the local culture, but if you’re planning a ski trip to Japan, this is especially important. Japan is renowned for having a polite and slightly formal culture, and you will find this everywhere, including when you head out on the slopes.
Don’t mistake politeness for unfriendliness, however. Everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a warm welcome, including in local hotels in Karuizawa Japan, and nothing but the best hospitality. However, paying attention to some basic etiquette will go a long way and will be greatly appreciated by all those around. It’s a good idea to learn how to say “please”, and “thank you” in Japanese, at the very least. You can also be attentive to following waiting lines for ski lifts, being careful not to become pushy or demanding, and generally avoiding rowdy and rude behaviour.
You might be in Japan to experience all the wonderful, cold snow, but don’t forget to enjoy a hot dip too! There’s nothing quite like the soothing experience of a hot bath to relieve aching and tired muscles, after a busy day of skiing, and Japan’s unique onsens are one of the most wonderful places to do this.
Onsens are hot spring baths, and the mineral-rich, naturally heated water is a great place to relax in, before you head back to your hotels in Karuizawa Japan. However, it’s important to be aware of some basic onsen etiquette.
Most onsen are either indoors, or outdoors with screens for privacy. They are usually gender-dividing, although occasionally you may come across a mixed onsen, or private ones that allow mixed use. Entrances are clearly marked, and once you go in, you are expected to remove your shoes onto the raised wooden floor. From there, head to the changing room, where you can keep your clothes in a basket or locker. It’s considered extremely poor form to wear swim suits or bathing trunks, so don’t be too bashful and instead embrace the experience.
Before you enter the onsen, there will be an area where you can wash yourself down first. Give yourself a good scrub with the bucket or hose, to ensure you’re clean, and then head into the hot water to enjoy a good relaxation session. When you’re ready to leave, wash yourself down again and dry as much as possible, before you head back to the changing area.
Japan can get extremely cold, especially out on the slopes, so it’s a wise idea to pack your warmest gear before you head out for your stay at hotels in Karuizawa Japan or anywhere else. With temperatures regularly dropping to -20C or even lower, this isn’t the place to skimp on layers.
The cold temperatures ensure that there is a regular supply of fresh powdery snow, but that can also mean low light for much of the time. You might also like to pack a headlamp with you too, especially if you are keen to try out night skiing, which is especially popular in Japan. Choose good quality goggles designed for low light conditions, as well as warm inner layers to keep you cosy while you ski.
Due to the soft, powdery condition of the snow in Japan, you’re unlikely ever to see much ice here, so if you’re wondering what kind of skis to bring, all-mountain skis or wide snowboarding planks are well suited to the climate here. There are plenty of places to hire or purchase gear too, so if it’s your first time, don’t worry about having to bring your own equipment beforehand.
Cash is still very commonly used across Japan, and it’s a good idea to bring plenty with you before your trip. Many shops and restaurants will often only accept cash payments, and rather than paying significant charges to withdraw foreign currency at local ATMs, it’s best to plan ahead and order the right amount of money beforehand.
You can also find local currency exchange offices across most towns and cities in Japan, including near hotels in Karuizawa Japan and near most ski resorts, so if you find yourself short of money, you will still be able to get your hands on extra cash during your stay.
While you can find plenty of great places to ski in Japan throughout the main winter season of December through to March, many resorts tend to get busiest during the peak times around the Chinese New Year. This can often mean resorts are extremely popular and booked up ahead of time, making it much more crowded on the slopes.
If you’re happy with this, then it’s fine to travel during this period, however, if you’d rather have a little more quiet and calm around you, it might be a better idea to travel outside of this time.
With over 500 ski fields across Japan, there is plenty of opportunity to experience a unique and exceptional ski experience, with some of the best snow in the world. Dive into the adventure, and soak up all that the country has to offer.
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