These answers represent only a fraction of our local knowledge, so if you have any questions please get in touch!
I'm not the best rider in the world, Japan sounds pretty hardcore with all that snow! Is SNOW SEASON JAPAN for me?
When and where should I book a flight for?
I don't want to get lost in Tokyo - will you meet me at the airport?
Do I need to be able to speak Japanese?
Can I book on my own?
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
Do I need a VISA?
I am a pretty advanced level rider - will there be enough to challenge me in Japan?
Can I use my bank card in Japan?
How can I keep in touch with friends and family?
What if I don't like sushi? Is all Japanese food raw fish and weird stuff?
Is there a supermarket?
Can I build a backyard jib park in all that snow?
Do I need any specific equipment for skiing or snowboarding in Japan? I'm thinking of some fat skis or powder specific board…
Can I bring my DVDs?
Can I work in Japan while I am doing a season?
Can my girlfriend/boyfriend come and stay for a week?
Will I have to share a room with other people?
What if the people I stay with are terrible?
Can I drink the water?
I've heard Japan is really expensive. Is this true?
How much spending money do I need to budget for the season?
Can I go shopping in Tokyo?
How much does it cost to eat out and drink in Japan?
Are there any other British or English-speaking people?
Is there a bus service?
Can I do day trips to other resorts?
Will I get my money back if I break my leg?
Are there good hospitals and medical centres?
What's the weather like?
Can you still ride when it's snowing?
I like a decent party - are there clubs and bars?
Are you allowed to go off-piste, or will we lose our passes?
I really like the look of winter in Japan, but I only have 6 weeks free. Can I still make use of SNOW SEASON JAPAN?
I'm not the best rider in the world, Japan sounds pretty hardcore with all that snow! Is SNOW SEASON JAPAN for me?
Yes! The amazing regular snowfalls that make perfect conditions for hardcore powder hunters also make Japanese resorts great places to learn or improve whatever your level - It's easier to progress on soft fluffy new snow, rather than the ice of the Alps when it hasn't snowed for a week or two. The lack of crowds on weekdays also make Hakuba a great place to ride for all levels or skier and snowboarder - no queuing for the park or pipe means faster progression and confidence quickly rises on empty soft groomed pistes!
When and where should I book a flight for?
Please book a flight to Tokyo Narita Airport to ARRIVE on the start date of your 4, 8 or 12 week trip. For example, for ‘January plus February 8 week trip’, please book a flight to arrive on January 5th. This means booking a flight LEAVING the UK or Europe on January 4th, due to the time difference.
There are direct flights to Tokyo Narita from most major cities, and indirect options for those searching for the cheapest deal. We can advise you on finding a flight, so feel free to get in touch as soon as possible to get the best ticket for you. If you can't find a flight on that day, or want to arrive a day or two earlier or later, please contact us and arrangements can be made.
There are direct flights to Tokyo Narita from most major cities, and indirect options for those searching for the cheapest deal. We can advise you on finding a flight, so feel free to get in touch as soon as possible to get the best ticket for you. If you can't find a flight on that day, or want to arrive a day or two earlier or later, please contact us and arrangements can be made.
I don't want to get lost in Tokyo - will you meet me at the airport?
You don't have to worry about getting lost, as you will be met by the transfer driver who will have a sign with your name on, at arrivals in Tokyo Narita airport. Worry not - Narita airport is very foreigner-friendly though, with lots of English speaking staff..
Do I need to be able to speak Japanese?
No. Most foreign visitors to Japan speak no Japanese at all. You can get by with simple English, and when necessary gestures, as Japanese people are very eager to help you and will try to understand. With our Japanese Language course too, you'll be able to master the basics of speaking Japanese and get even more out of your time in Japan.
Yes! Of course! Many of our guests will be coming alone. Meeting new people who have the same interest in riding, and making lasting friends is part of season life, so don't be shy. Feel free to call us if you have any worries about booking.
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is essential, especially for skiing and snowboarding, so we have researched the best cover for your season in Japan. We recommend that you take out the cover from TGIC as it has the highest level of cover for you, your ski and snowboard gear, and all the essential off-piste cover at the best price. Check out the link on our Dates and Prices page for more details. You are free to take out travel insurance from a different company too, but alongside full medical and legal cover for Japan it must cover all aspects of skiing and snowboarding (even if you aren't a hardcore backcountry rider, off-piste and mountain search and rescue must be included, as this could be just off the side of the piste). You must have suitable insurance before departure in order to come to Japan, but don't worry - please contact us for a chat if you are unsure or need any help looking for the best deal.
No, but you do need a valid passport. You get a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival. Please make sure you have an up-to-date passport that is valid for the entire duration of the trip. Please leave enough time to apply for a new passport if needed.
If you want to travel for longer than 90 days in Japan, or want to try to work here you can apply for a working holiday visa from the Japanese embassy.
I am a pretty advanced level rider - will there be enough to challenge me in Japan?
Yes. Hakuba has loads of terrain and pro standard parks, with Japanese pros often seen in the Hakuba 47 park and pipe, and in the Japanese Alps there are serious big mountains beyond the resort boundaries. If you are serious about filming and getting footage of yourself too, the unusually frequent fresh powder dumps in Japan are perfect for filming powder freestyle or backcountry lines that would not be possible as often in Europe. Check out how many ski and snowboard DVDs have a 'Japan' powder section - it isn't the favourite of visiting pros for nothing!
Can I use my bank card in Japan?
Yes. The post offices and also the 7-11 convenience stores in both Hakuba and Myoko have ATMs that accept international VISA bank cards to withdraw Japanese Yen cash. This is the best way to manage your cash without any hassles.
How can I keep in touch with friends and family?
The accommodation has wireless internet so you can easily keep in touch by email, Facebook, and chatting on Skype for free! There are phone boxes within walking distance and you can buy cheap international phone cards. Sending a postcard of Japan back to Europe only costs about 50 pence, so you can easily keep you friends and family in awe of your travels.
What if I don't like sushi? Is all Japanese food raw fish and weird stuff?
Lots of Japanese food is not raw fish or strange things with tentacles! For eating out, there are a range of restaurants in both locations offering both western and Japanese food, from pizza and Mexican, to BBQ grilled meat and simple delicious noodles... all fully cooked!
For eating in, we have hand picked the Hakuba accommodation and it has a great kitchen so you can cook what you want, and where you can get to the supermarket easily.
H: Yes, there is a big supermarket in the centre of town, with western food (baked beans, cornflakes, sausages) as well as Japanese food, so there's fresh fruit and vegetables... and fresh sushi! It's also the only supermarket in the area with full size tubs of Haagen-Dazs ice cream! There is also a 7-11 within easy walking distance for snacks, ATM and daily essentials.
M: Yes, there is a good supermarket in Myoko. The friendly manager will also order in food that you want if they don't have it in stock, if possible. It can be reached in 5 minutes on the regular buses down to Myoko town from ski area base areas. There is also a convenience store for milk, snacks, beer, and toiletries within walking distance in the Akakura base area.
Can I build a backyard jib park in all that snow?
H: Yes! The wonderful lodge is surrounded by snow and has had a really fun backyard park every year, and is looking forward to the SNOW SEASON JAPAN crew keeping up this tradition!
M: Yes! There is plenty of space and loads of snow to build jib features... the only problem might be finding them again in the morning when it dumps overnight!
Do I need any specific equipment for skiing or snowboarding in Japan? I'm thinking of some fat skis or a powder specific board…
It is not as brutally cold in Hakuba as Hokkaido or the cold snaps experienced in Canada, so typical outerwear layering is fine. Fleecy neck gaiters to keep out the powder are highly recommended - even on piste! Many people develop a sudden desire for a second powder specific board, like a tapered or reverse camber model, or some super-fat skis, after riding the powder here. While not essential by any means (most Japanese rippers ride freestyle set ups) if you are considering this, give us a call and we can share our many seasons experience with you, and help you find the best place to buy whether at home or in Japan.
Yes. Japan is the same DVD region 2 format as the UK, so your DVD collection will play here with no problem.
Can I work in Japan while I am doing a season?
On a tourist visa you cannot work in Japan, and you wouldn't want to - apart from needing fluent Japanese, most of the seasonal winter resort workers work 5 or 6 days a week, leaving precious little time for riding! SNOW SEASON JAPAN is set up for those who want to ski and snowboard as much as possible.
Can my girlfriend/boyfriend come and stay for a week?
No. All accommodation has fire and safety rules, so extra guests are not permitted. However, we welcome friends and family who want to come out for a shorter stay, and can arrange alternative accommodation to suit them.
Will I have to share a room with other people?
Yes. The accommodation has mixed shared rooms, and we expect all our guests to act with consideration and respect for the others in their room.
What if the people I stay with are terrible?
Meeting new and different people is part of what a season is about and over 12 weeks small problems may occur, but we'll do our best to resolve these and support everyone - with a shared passion for the snow it is rare for people not to get along. For everyone's comfort, serious misconduct or persistent trouble-making will not be tolerated, and will result in the person being evicted from the accommodation.
Yes! The tap water is good in Japan, and especially clean and pure in the mountains.
I've heard Japan is really expensive. Is this true?
Yes and No. Many things in Japan are cheaper than in the UK or Europe. Eating out in bars and restaurants is much cheaper, ski and snowboard equipment is slightly cheaper (although much cheaper in the sales). Japan is true to its expensive reputation in some things, like housing, rent and utility bills, but we have taken care of these for you!
How much spending money do I need to budget for the season?
Eating out and drinking in Japan is much cheaper than in the UK. For example, if you wanted to, you could eat out for lunch AND dinner with a beer every day of the week - for about £100. Try that in a French or American resort! With the kitchen facilities you can save money by cooking at home, and alcohol is cheaper from the supermarket too. Obviously the answer to this question depends on how you want to live, but £100 a week is more than enough - you could spend more, but you could also live comfortably and have fun on a lot less in Japan. It is up to you!
Yes. You can ride the shinkansen bullet train and be in the bright lights of downtown Tokyo in approximately 2hours 45 from both Hakuba and Myoko. We will help you buy tickets and plan your journey, and if you want an overnight trip we can recommend places to go out, and help you make a hotel reservation.
How much does it cost to eat out and drink in Japan?
Japan is cheap to eat out! With sushi at about £5 for 8 pieces, whole Japanese dinners for less than £5, big bowls of ramen or soba noodles in soup for about £3.50, you can afford to explore Japanese food …and definitely never go hungry! Beer in a bar or Japanese style izakaya (tapas style restaurant bar with an informal relaxed atmosphere) is at about £2.50 a pint, and there are lots of varieties on offer from European style lagers to dark stouts and locally produced ales. Sake, Japanese rice wine, is a local delicacy and often served warm in winter, and costs about £4.50 for 4 shots. Obviously the exchange rate may change, so theses prices are approximate.
Are there any other British or English-speaking people?
H: Yes. There are a mix of international locals and visitors in Hakuba, with the big mountains and snow drawing people from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the UK. You are sure to make friends and end up with an address book of skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
M: Yes. There will be other British people there over the season, and English speaking riders hitting the resorts at the weekends, but during the weekdays there won't be many other foreign riders tracking the powder.
M: Maybe! Japanese people will be happy to try out their English, and there will be a few other English-speaking riders hitting the resorts at the weekends, but during the weekdays you may not see many other foreign people. This is one of the reasons we recommend shorter stays in Myoko.
H: Yes. There are regular shuttle buses between the resorts, and night park riding at Yanaba is only a short 15min train ride away. There is an evening bus service around town servicing the bars and restaurants too.
M: Yes. There are regular shuttle buses between all the resorts, and a public bus service between the ski resort base villages and Myoko town.
Can I do day trips to other resorts?
H: Yes. With so many resorts on your doorstep, you can access a range of resorts for all levels and probably not have time to exhaust the possibilities within the Hakuba valley in one whole season.
M: Yes. It might take you a while to get to grips with all on offer in your season pass, but if you want to explore further a field we'll help you arrange a day or overnight trip.
Will I get my money back if I break my leg?
This is down to the individual travel insurance agreement between yourself and the insurance company, so look for a policy for generous cover for skiing and snowboarding. Check out our recommended travel insurance on the Dates and Prices page here.
Are there good hospitals and medical centres?
Yes. Japan is modern country, and there are emergency medical centres and clinics in Hakuba and Myoko, and good hospitals less than an hour away. Doctors often speak English.
We have selected our dates to match the best 12 weeks available for riding. The weather is cold and snowy in January and February, but as it's often snowing, the air temperature is not bitterly cold, usually a very comfortable -2 to -5: perfect for keeping the powder light! March still brings regular snowfall, but also more blue skies and sunshine. In April warmer spring temperatures come to the town but the mountains remain deeply covered in white.
Can you still ride when it's snowing?
Yes! It's often snowing here, and there are lots of trees so you can keep riding while the thick white flakes fall. While the friendly lifties brush the seats off for you each time (and bow when you get off), your tracks will often have filled in by the time you get back to the top of lift when it is really snowing here!
I like a decent party - are there clubs and bars?
H: Yes, for sure. Alongside more laid back traditional Japanese bars and restaurants, there is a range of bars and clubs with cool events, and we'll keep you in the know about the best local parties throughout the season. Check out the Hakuba page for more information.
M: Myoko's après-ski is very Japanese, perfect for getting out and sampling some local food and having a beer with the locals on a week or two’s visit.
Are you allowed to go off-piste, or will we lose our passes?
Off-piste rules and patrol policy vary from resort to resort in Japan. There are always options for great off-piste available, but in all cases you must follow the rules or risk losing your pass. Passes taken by patrol, or lost by leaving your pocket open are not refundable or covered by any travel insurance, so don't duck ropes and look after your pass!
I really like the look of winter in Japan, but I only have 4 weeks free from work. Can I still make use of SNOW SEASON JAPAN?
Yes! We have arranged our trips into 4 week, 8 week or 12 week stays, so that you can get the most out of your stay in Japan, whether it’s a long holiday from work or a full winter season pushing your skiing and snowboarding in Japan.
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Tel: +44 (0)131 208 1155
Email: info@snowseasonjapan.com