Top 5 Reasons to choose Japan for
Winter Holidays
Winter in Japan has a special magic to it, one you cannot
experience any other time of the year.
With far fewer tourists means you can avoid the seasonal
crowds and long queues, so often associated with the cherry blossom or Autumn
leaf changing seasons. Hot springs and speciality dishes from different regions
are best served in the Winter. From December onwards you can see the cities
light up with state of the art Christmas illumination. Take a day trip to the
ski slopes from Tokyo, chill out in the outdoor onsens found all over Japan,
and ride through each place on the high speed bullet trains like a local! Although
you will need to bring your Winter coat, day time is usually pleasant with
crisp fresh blue skies.
1,
Ryokan Stays and Onsens
There is nothing more
rewarding than an early morning or late evening dip in the natural hot springs
at any time of the year, but most magical in the Winter. A soak in the healing
mineral waters will make your stiff shoulders. Combined with a stay in a
traditional Japanese ryokan, you have the makings of an unforgettable trip.
Fortunately, similar to ski resorts, you are never too far from one.
2, World Class Ski Resorts
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What we love most about skiing in Japan is
that you are never too far from a slope, whether you are in Tokyo or Kyoto, you
can be guaranteed easy access to the big resorts. You can expect top quality
snow (powder at its best) with facilities and service (many English speaking)
that cannot be beaten. Japan’s mountains receive the best snow fall in the
world while temperatures average at between -5 to -10 degrees centigrade.
Compare this to Europe and US, consider this warm.
3, Seasonal Winter Cuisine
For any food lover out there, Japan is heaven
with Winter arguably the best time of year to visit. A trip to the local fish
markets, buzzing with activity, is the perfect chance to sample the best
seafood and sushi in the world. From oysters in Hiroshima to giant crabs and
BBQ lamb in Hokkaido, reading menus in Japan is always a treat. Meet the lively
locals at your nearest ‘Izakaya’ (Japanese style pub). Accompanied with warm
‘sake’ (rice wine), sample hearty wholesome ‘Oden’ (slow cooked simmered
vegetables, eggs, tofu, boiled in seasoned broth) and ‘Nabe’(stew cooked and
shared with family and friends at a table) which both come out in force over
the winter months in the home or outside.
4, Wildlife and Nature
Fourth on our list for Winter highlights is
getting out of the cities and resort towns to meet the wild snow monkeys in
Nagano or the red crowned cranes in Hokkaido. Although you can access this all
year round, it is not until the harsh Winter weather approaches that you will
find an abundant amount of monkeys bathing in the outdoor onsen, with snow
capped trees and rocks in the background .If you chose Hokkaido as your Winter
destination then we highly recommend venturing to the untouched marshes in
Eastern Hokkaido, home to the symbolic red crowned cranes.
5, Sapporo Snow
Festival ( Yuki Matsuri )
If you can manage to
get to Japan in February then a trip to the Snow Festival located in Sapporo,
Hokkaido is a must. Advance booking is essential as this mush anticipated event
gets booked out months beforehand. Besides enjoying the array of painstakingly
sculptured snow creations during the day, the festival stays alive in the evenings with magnificent illumination,
concerts, food stalls, ice bars and much more to expect.
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