Snow Season Japan: Japan

Apart from the enduring symbol of Mount Fuji in the Japanese landscape, this island nation's stunning mountain ranges are relatively unknown to the outside world. Japan is a country of great contrasts, most famous these days for the neon lights of downtown Tokyo, electronics and technology moving faster than a speeding bullet train. Outside the cities, however, Japan has kept its beautiful mountains and unbelievable powder stash well hidden. Until now that is. More than 600 ski resorts lie dotted around the country (that's more than North America) and it's no surprise really when you consider that 80% of the land is mountainous.

Featuring as a must visit destination in travel editorials of major national newspapers and being raved about by visiting pro riders shooting for the latest snowboard and ski DVDs, Japan is growing more and more popular amongst Western skiers and snowboarders. The land of sake, sushi and sumo has been more recently associated with powder, park and pipe. Japan is truly a unique place to spend a winter season, not least because of the fascinating culture and unbelievable snow conditions.

Each winter season, Hakuba and Myoko receive some of the highest snowfalls not only in Japan, but also in the world. As a coastal mountain region, the Japanese Alps receive a staggering amount of precipitation over the winter months with weather systems moving in from Siberia across the Sea of Japan. With snowfalls of up to 15m in a season, the roads are lined with huge walls of snow and the resorts piled high with light dry powder. The stormy days, perfect for riding in trees, balance out nicely with the sunny bluebird ones.

The other magical thing about skiing and snowboarding in Japan is that you won't find the usual lift queues, even on those frequent powder days. Long hours and a strict working culture in Japan leave people little time for holidays, which means the slopes are relatively empty compared to Europe and North America. With a multitude of ski resorts to choose from in both Hakuba and Myoko, and no crowds you'll find fresh tracks for days on end after a big dump. Japan is quite literally an off the beaten track winter paradise for any seasonaire.

A common misconception about Japan is that it's an expensive place to live and travel. It might cost a little more to get here than say the French Alps, but once you do the cost of daily life in the Japanese Alps is surprisingly low - and much cheaper than the UK! For example, you can eat out for less than £5. From soba noodles and sushi, to dishes you might be less familiar with like basashi (raw horse meat) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes) you won't run out of new things to try! Fear not though, there are also plenty of Western ingredients to be found in the supermarket, as well as restaurants serving up everything from Mexican to Italian food.

Japan's après-ski scene is also unique. After a day of floating through the powder past the distinctly Japanese birch trees, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the many traditional hot springs, the ultimate in Japanese style après-ski. Japan is full of atmospheric bars, filled with friendly local riders, fresh flowing beer and warm sake, and in Hakuba you'll find everything from cosy authentic Japanese bars to reggae parties. With our beginners Japanese course to get you going, you are sure to make lots of lifelong friends from Japan and all over the world!