Japan is gorgeous in winter offering a range of wonderful activities fromenjoying some of the of the world’s finest ski slopes to participating in ageold cultural traditions. Host to two Winter Olympic games, Japan providesskiers the chance to experience some of the world’s best snow. Whether on theslopes of Shiga Kogen or Hakuba in Nagano (which are easily accessible by trainfrom Tokyo), or in the mountains of Niseko on the northernmost island ofHokkaido, Japan is a skier’s paradise.
Holidays and festivals are an integral part of Japanese culture and winterushers in New Years, one of the most important holidays on the Japanesecalendar, along with the Sapporo Snow Festival, a personal favorite of mine. Nomatter where you are in Japan, New Years is a unique opportunity to witness andpartake in a centuries old tradition as well-wishers, many dressed in beautifulkimono, gather at their local temple or shrine to ring out the old year andwelcome in the new. Replete with seichi ryori or special seasonaldelicacies found only during the holiday, New Years is truly a special andquaint time of year to visit Japan.
From the subdued elegance of the New Year holiday, it is but a month to theextravagant Sapporo Snow Festival to be held from February 6 through February12, 2012. I have been to the Sapporo Snow Festival several times with my familyand we are continually thrilled by seeing the dozens of meticulously carved andlarger than life snow and ice sculptures. As one strolls among the giganticsnow sculptures, it is great fun for all ages to sample to the variety of localfood and drinks sold by one of the many street vendors.
Winter also brings an opportunity to see nature in a way that can only befound in Japan, the Snow Monkeys. In the mountains of Nagano lies JigokudaniOnsen where a group of macaque monkeys have discovered the pleasure of an onsenor warm outdoor bath. From their mountain perches, the monkeys descend eachmorning to enjoy a day soaking in a warm wonderful bath. Witnessing this eventis both exciting and a photographer’s dream.
Flying off to the Island of Kyushu and experiencing pottery making under theguidance of a master craftsman in the cool crisp mountain air is the ultimateartistic experience. After spending the day creating a piece of work that youwill cherish, relax at an exquisite Japanese inn where you will enjoy thefinest Japanese hospitality. Some of our favorite inns in Kyushu are to befound in the upscale resort town of Yufuin and in the mountains of Kirishimanear Kagoshima.
Let JapanQuest Journeys introduce you to Japan’s winter wonders andexperience the very finest that Japan has to offer during this beautiful andexciting time of the year.
By Philip Rosenfeld
Yokoso!JAPAN Travel Blog by The Visit Japan Campaign Supporters