issue 4 │ 2021 │ FREE

Stamps Featuring Beautiful Japanese Scenes
Hoshino Resorts – Hokkaido Powder Belt | ANA – All Nippon Airways
Otaru | Shiga Kogen | Madarao | Aizu | Echigo Yuzawa | Gifu

Double Daily Direct Flights
Sydney to Tokyo &Daily Direct Flight from

Perth to Tokyo

with smooth connection to

Ski fields
in Japanwww.anaskyweb.com
5 Star
AirlineWorld’s Best
Airport Service

Best Business Class
Onboard Catering

1800 081 765

Due to COVID-19 the direct flights operating five services weekly from Sydney to Tokyo. (As of 1 March 2021)
Please check the latest flight information through website.

9
issue 4 │ 2021 │ FREEEDITORIALEDITOR IN CHIEF
Kazuya Baba

42

22

EDITOR & TRANSLATOR
Ida Van
DESIGNART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
Kosaku Makino
DESIGNER
Junko Wakimura
ADVERTISINGSYDNEY SALES MANAGER
Naoto Ijichi
SYDNEY SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Midori Endo

4

Prologue

6

Snippets of Japan’s Wonders

9

20

22

55

Stamps featuring beautiful Japanese scenes

The Ultimate Paradisefor Skiers at Hoshino Resorts

Enjoy the best powder snow in Japanat Hoshino Resorts Tomamu andOMO7 Asahikawa
16

NICHIGO PRESS PUBLICATIONS

34

Otaru — Hokkaido

Set up base in this port city near Sapporo
for travels to historical snow resorts

All Nippon Airline

Recognised as a Five-Star airline
for eight years running

Shiga Kogen

Japan’s largest ski resort near
the beloved snow monkeys

38
42

55

Madarao

The greatest side country havenin Japan with family-friendly options

Aizu

A region full of beautiful hidden treasures

Echigo Yuzawa

Take a Quick 80-minute Trip on the Shinkansenfrom Tokyo to a Snow Wonderland

Gifu

Exploring a new destination steeped in history

PUBLISHER
Kazuya Baba
EDITORIAL npeditor@nichigo.com.au
DESIGN npart1@nichigo.com.au
ADVERTISING npsales@nichigo.com.au
jSnow is published by
NICHIGO PRESS Media Group PTY. LTD.
Suite 89 26-32 Pirrama Road Pyrmont NSW 2009
General Enquiries
Email: npsyd@nichigo.com.au
Websites: j-style.com.au / nichigopress.jp /www.nichigo.com.au
DISCLAIMER: While we take every care in ensuring that material publishedin jsnow is accurate, data and information may change after the date of
publication, 1 March 2021. Nichigo Press can not take responsibility for thecontent of advertisements and contributions from external persons or entities.
No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent fromthe copyright holders. Nichigo Press Media Group requires as part of its terms
and conditions of contract that the content of advertisements do not infringe
the rights of any third party and do not breach any provision of the Trade
Practices Act 1974 (Cth) or the Fair Trading Act 1987 (NSW) or similar legislation
enacted in other states of Australia (or other jurisdictions). Nichigo Presscannot be held responsible for advertisements that breach these conditions.

jSnow issue 4 │ 3

4 │ jSnow issue 4

WELCOMEJAPAN– A Haven of the World’s
Best Powder Snow
Captivating snowy mountains yet to be discoveredby ski fans around the world
Major ski resorts in Japan, such as Niseko
in Hokkaido, and Hakuba in Nagano, haveseen hordes of skiers and snowboarders fromoverseas flock to them for many years now.
Throughout the years, we wrote about snow
and winters in Japan in our publication, jStyle,a magazine created to introduce Australianreaders to the wonders of Japanese culture andvarious travel destinations in the country. As
time went by, we were granted more and more
opportunities to write about snow-related
content, leading to increased coverage andeventuated in it becoming a staple feature.
As the content continued to increase, wecreated jSnow in 2017 as a sister publication to
jStyle featuring all things related to snow. Thisissue is the fourth one to date.
From the early beginnings of jSnow we haveconsistently gone to lengths to ensure that
we get information by personally visiting thelocations ourselves. While many publicationsin this time and age create their content bycopying and pasting from various sources,
we do not. As the editor-in-chief of thispublication, I personally visit, photograph,
research, and write almost all of the uniquecontent found in these pages.
I dare say that my love for all things skirelated could easily rival that of the loyal
readers of jSnow and I have the history to prove
it. While I currently live in Sydney, Australia,

I was born in Japan, and enjoyed skiing
the slopes of Japan ever since I was a child.
Following my graduation from university, I
helped to create magazines about skiing andsurfing at a publisher for sports content.
It is also a given that after moving to Australia,
I have visited Perisher, Thredbo, Mount Buller
and other major ski areas, whilst also making
a number of trips over to ski resorts in New
Zealand. I have visited many ski resorts in the
United States and Europe in the past as well.
All of these different areas have their uniquecharms to endear them to their visitors, but asa self-professed ski maniac, there is an alluring
depth in Japanese ski areas that resonates withinme, especially after experiencing what the world
has to offer. I feel as though the sheer amountof snow and the quality of it simply cannot bereadily found in other places on earth.
With my views on snow in mind, I havevisited snow slopes all across Japan in my timeand I continue to seek out new and unique ski
areas to this very day. The ski slopes open to
the general public alone make up over 500 of
the many ski resorts in the snow wonderlandof Japan. The number of areas known totourists travelling to Japan for ski sports does
not compare to the sheer amount in operation.
There is still much to be discovered.
We here at jSnow not only pride on ourselves
visiting the locales, but we have made sure tofocus on introducing our readers to new snowy
wonders ever since our inception. Our goal has
always been to introduce our readers to new
discoveries and continue to invoke a sense of
awe with all of our content.
In this issue, the Gifu area will most likely
be the most unfamiliar to our readers. It is a
destination that is yet to be discovered by mostAustralians as a prime spot for snow sports.
Gifu is also known around the world as a
tourist destination, so we will be introducing
both of these fascinating aspects to our readersin this edition.
In addition to introducing all new areas,
we will also be shedding some light on places
already visited by our readers by sharing new
information to keep your eyes glued to these
fascinating pages.
Unfortunately, while the 2020/21 snow
season in Japan has ended and the effects of
COVID-19 around the world are still lingering,
we can take hope in the fact that the pandemic
will not last forever. We want to act as yourtrusty guide for when you visit Japanese ski
resorts in the future that awaits us all and wehope you enjoy this issue of jSnow.
I sincerely hope that this publication
will help to further enrich your skiing andsnowboarding lives!
Publisher & Editor-in-chief: Kazuya Baba
jSnow issue 4 │ 5

Foil finishing to depict
snow and crystals.
These sparkling“Winter Greeting”
stamps will add somecolour to your winterletters. (Design by
Yasuko Yamada)* The stamp images are for illustration purposes only. The actual products may vary.
* The size of the stamps vary in ratio and size to the actual product.

6 │ jSnow issue 4

SNIPPETS
OF
JAPAN’S
WONDERSA collection released tocoincide with International
Letter Writing Week. Bothstamps feature ukiyo-e
paintings by the Edo-period
painter, Katsushika Hokusai.
Top: Thirty-six Views of Mount
Fuji - Mount Fuji from themountains of Totomi, bottom:
Canary and Peony. (Design by:
Akira Tamaki)

Stamps Featuring
Beautiful
Japanese Scenes
Winter Collection set for release
As a popular locale amongst tourists from around the worldin recent years, Japan has become a staple of must-go
destinations for budding international travellers.

O

ne of Japan’s biggest drawcards
is its changing scenery across its
distinctive four seasons throughout
the year. Visitors are constantly
drawn back to the same place in the same
region because they are captivated by thestark scenic transformations brought about
by the different seasons. The stunning winterwonderland descending upon the mountains

becomes a beautiful cherry-blossom pinkin the spring, before the luscious greens ofsummer are replaced by the blazing red andyellow hues of autumn.
Tourists are treated to vastly different views
depending on the time of the year they visit.
Japan Post continues to release manystamps featuring scenic shots of the four
seasons of Japan to this day. It also actively

splashes unique aspects of Japanese culture
into their stamp collections and regularly
releases stamps covering a range of different
topics to capture the hearts of avid stamp
collectors.
A collection of winter-themed stamps by
the stamp-designer, Yasuko Yamada, has beenslotted in for release in November 2020.
“The quintessentially winter elements are

jSnow issue 4 │ 7

This series features Japanesecustoms and culture as its themewith Japan’s national sport, sumo
wrestling, the subject of this year.
(Designed by: Junko Kaibuchi)

The “Oishii Nippon”(tasty Japan) series,
with a focus on
Japanese cuisine,
has directed its
spotlight to thefoods of popular
ski destinationand capital cityof Hokkaido Sapporo. Top-left:
Sapporo ramen
and jingisukan or“Genghis Khan” (agrilled mutton orlamb and vegetabledish). (Design by:
Ayumi Yoshikawa)

portrayed in the drawings with foil finishing
to depict the snow and crystals. These
glimmering stamps will add some colour toyour winter letters.” (from the official Japan
Post press release)
All of the stamps have been designed tothe minutest detail and are overflowing withtypically Japanese peculiarities. Japan Post’s
extensive history ensures that its vast ideals
have been crafted into these stamps that havebeen created to their high standards of quality.
As jSnow is a publication that focuses onbringing Japan’s winter scene to its readers, wewill start your journey into Japan Post’s many
famous stamp collections by giving you the
8 │ jSnow issue 4

HOW TO BUY STAMPS
Stamps can be purchased online via
the below Buyee website. Drop byyour nearest post office when you visit
Japan to see the stamps in person.
(Check out the Japan Post website forthe latest updates when purchasing
stamps as airmail to Australia has
been temporarily suspended as of theprinting of this issue.)
Shop online: shop.buyee.jp/jp-post* Please take note as stock may be exhausted.

key to the doorway in the form of the winterthemed collection. This feature will walk you
through the different themes covered in thesestamps whilst also treating you to the different
cultural scenes found in them.
All of the featured stamps can be purchased
online and in store. Perhaps now is the perfectopportunity to experience Japan’s beautiful
four seasons or different cultural aspects ofthe country through the many stamps printed
by Japan Post. Be sure to stop by a local post
office and experience the joy of picking out
stamps to send postcards off to your family
and friends when the borders open for yournext trip to Japan.

The Ultimate Paradise for
Skiers at Hoshino Resorts
Enjoy the best powder snow in Japanat Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU and OMO7 Asahikawa

jSnow issue 4 │ 9

A belt of powder snow stretching acrosscentral Hokkaido from north to south

The “Hokkaido Powder Belt” refers to an areaof central Hokkaido, stretching from northto south, that has been gaining popularity inrecent years for producing some of the best
powder snow to be had in Japan. Hoshino
Resorts, a renowned hotel and resort operator
in Japan, has been leading the effort tospread the word about the wonders of central
Hokkaido with a particular focus on the
Powder Belt.
Asahidake, amongst a range of other ski
resorts in the area, springs to mind whenreferring to parts of the Powder Belt popularamongst hardcore ski-fans and places
10 │ jSnow issue 4

worshipped as off-piste havens. Within thisprominent belt of powder snow is the Hoshino
Resorts-operated OMO7 Asahikawa locatednear Asahikawa Airport. Asahikawa, situated in
the northern region of the Powder Belt, is thesecond largest city in Hokkaido and Hoshino
Resorts has set up an establishment here to takeadvantage of the perfect location to send guests
off to the surrounding ski fields.
Over on the southern portion of the Powder
Belt is Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Tomamu
features tree runs and other off-piste courses,
permitted for experts only, that offer theultimate powder snow experience amongst
hardcore skiers and snowboarders, whilst also
gaining popularity amongst families and casual
snow sports enthusiasts for featuring equally

as fulfilling courses. This feature article willplace spotlights on both areas to show off
their various charms as well as offering handy
information about their surrounds.
An independent luxury resort— Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

Tomamu is an independent ski resort run by
Hoshino Resorts, a renowned Japanese hotel
and resort operator. This massive resort in
Hokkaido offers one of the best luxurious stays
in all of Japan and features: two hotels on its
expansive grounds; over 25 restaurants, cafés,and bars; Chapel on the Water, one of threechapels designed by the Japanese architect
Tadao Ando; the largest indoor wave pool inOver on the southern portionof the Powder Belt is Hoshino
Resorts TOMAMU.

Japan—Mina-Mina Beach; the open-air publicbath Kirin no Yu and three other spa treatment
facilities; and a range of other facilities.
Two accommodation facilities can be foundon the grounds. Tomamu the Tower caters toa range of needs, such as families with children,whilst RISONARE Tomamu is a five-star hotelwith a whirlpool bath with a view and private
saunas in all of its suite rooms that boast over
100 square metres of space each. Guests staying
at either of the hotels have access to facilities
across both of them, as well as the ability to skiin and ski out.
Guests of independent ski resorts tend to
generally enjoy their stays within the resort
grounds, and Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
has constructed an addition to enhance theresort experience. In 2017, Hotalu Street was
built to take advantage of the mountain’s
slope and features nine different places to eat,drink, and shop. The shops and restaurants on
this street are connected by an approximately
160-metre-long wooden deck. It goes without
saying that the restaurants are plentiful
and can be visited at night, but what makes
this street stand out is that its location on
the ski field makes it possible for skiers andsnowboarders to visit this little town on their
shred down the mountain.
Hotalu Street is a five-minute walk fromboth the Tower and RISONARE Tomamu,
and enhances stays at Tomamu greatly for theability to visit briefly during a ski, or for more
jSnow issue 4 │ 11

leisurely jaunts after skiing or snowboarding
sessions. Some establishments on the street dochange over time, however, there are always
popular Hokkaido institutions to be foundthere, making it a focal point for Japanese
gourmands as well. This street allows guests
to enjoy the ultimate resort stay whilst also
experiencing the latest trending restaurants,
making it a great attraction in Tomamu.
The Ice Village is a night-time sight to see
and enjoy during a stay at Tomamu. This
village is only available during winter andfeatures: the Ice Chapel, where weddings can beheld; the Ice Hotel with beds, sofas, and otheritems made out of ice; as well as an ice slippery
dip, ice skating rink, an ice bar, shops, and avariety of other icy establishments. Guests arealso treated to fireworks displays from 7:30 PM
every night.
It’s easy to get swept away by thesewonderful facilities, but one of the maindrawcards of Tomamu is how accommodating
it is as a ski resort. The resort touts itself as“the most family-friendly ski resort in Japan”,
and rightfully so. It features many courses thatfamilies with children can enjoy stress-free,such as those amongst the trees that are suitablefor children. For those who opt not to ski or
snowboard, there is the It is called as UNKAI
Terrace in spring, summer and autumn.
The Same place in winter, called Terrace of
Frost Trees. just off the gondola chair lift stop,
which is an observation deck where visitors cangaze upon the trees glittering with white lightfrom the frost and the magnificent view of thesnowy mountains, as well as other facilities to get
the most out of winter in the great outdoors.
Hardcore skiers will be particularly pleased
to have access to off-piste areas, designed foradvanced skiers and snowboarders, as they
are open for those who dare to step foot in

12 │ jSnow issue 4

them. These off-course areas are generally
outside of the jurisdiction of the ski resort,however, by pre-registering at the Powder Area
Registration Desk and receiving an arm band,
unlimited access is permitted at no extra cost.
The expanse of these open areas means there
is a high chance of being able to experience theultimate, untouched powder snow the next day
following a night’s worth of snowfall.
Making the trip over to other ski slopes isanother fun option whilst staying in Hoshino
Resorts TOMAMU. Staying at Tomamu
allows access to a range of ski fields that would
otherwise be difficult to venture into if basedin the northern vicinity of the Powder Belt.
Twenty kilometres to the east is Sahoro Resort,which is known for its excellent quality snow
and tendency to have clear skies. The popular
Furano is also within convenient reach to visit
as well. Tomamu is a highly-recommended ski
resort to set up base for a new trip to conquer theski slopes of Hokkaido.

Shred the slopes and then hit the town
during a stay at OMO7 Asahikawa

OMO7 Asahikawa is leading the way
in showing off all the joys of a ski trip
based in the city of Asahikawa.

Asahikawa, situated approximately
30-minutes away from Asahikawa Airport,
is the second largest city in Hokkaido andknown for boasting an excellent location
as the gateway to the Powder Belt. It is in
this fine city that Hoshino Resorts operates
OMO7 Asahikawa, a unique hotel thatprovides a variety of services in an effort topromote Asahikawa as a city of skiing.
While there are many advantages to stayingin Asahikawa, one of the biggest is that the
products and services here are not priced
exorbitantly as they would be for resort-goers
since it is a city where locals go about their daily
lives. Ski resorts, with their growing number ofoverseas guests, fall into the habit of offering“tourist prices”, whereas a large city filled withlocals has prices that are local-friendly.
Staying in a city also comes with the added
perk of all there is to be enjoyed after a skiing
session, especially in the entertainment districtof Asahikawa featuring over 1,000 dining andshopping establishments.
jSnow issue 4 │ 13

OMO7 Asahikawa is leading the way inshowing off all the joys of a ski trip based in thecity of Asahikawa. The city is surrounded by anumber of ski fields, from large ski resorts, tolocal ones with amazing open sidecountry areas
such as Kamui Ski Links, and the world-famous
backcountry paradise of Asahidake. Whatmakes these ski slopes all the more appealing isthat guests at OMO7 Asahikawa have access tofree transport to and from them. Asahidake ispopular amongst hardcore skiers, but tourists
can also take the ropeway up to get close to thearea where the volcanic smoke rises.
Back at OMO7 Asahikawa, skiers andsnowboarders can converse amongst themselvesin the lounge, or drop by the WAX BAR forsome gear maintenance and choose from one of
30 different types of snow wax to suit various
types of snow textures and temperatures. The
WAX BAR is free to use for all guests.
14 │ jSnow issue 4

For a unique service offered by OMO7
Asahikawa, look no further than OMO
Rangers. OMO Rangers refers to a service
where members of staff with vast knowledge
about the city act as guides, on their area ofspecialty, for guests at the hotel. There are arange of tours, such as: trips around the city totaste the different, famous ramens; an izakaya(Japanese pub) crawl with fellow skiers andsnowboarders in the hotel’s surrounds; ora day spent learning about the culture of
Asahikawa. Tap into the knowledge bank of
the OMO Rangers to learn about everything
Asahikawa has to offer.
Examples of the different places theRangers may take guests include: a trip to afabric-maker to explore the city’s crafty side;a visit to a cheese-maker to try out some of
the city’s famous products; or dropping by
the gallery of Hiroshi Abe, a famous local
author of picture books. Guests can delve

OM07
ASAHIKAWAASAHIYAMA ZOOKAMUIASAHIKAWAAIRPORTSAPPOROASAHIDAKEFURANONEW CHITOSE AIRPORTSAHOROTOMAMUOBIHIROAIRPORT

deep into the wonders of Asahikawa that
only locals know about.
Hiroshi Abe has written and drawn over 130
books featuring animals and originally worked
for 25 years as a zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo,
which is known as one of the best zoos in Japan.
Guests should definitely hang up their ski boots
for a day during a stay here to visit Asahiyama
Zoo. This zoo has visitors coming back time
and time again to see the lively and active
animals, not often found at other zoos, due tothe unique habitats Asahiyama has created tosuit them. A stay at OMO7 Asahikawa is sureto enhance any trip to the city.

HOSHINO RESORTS TOMAMU
Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura,
Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido
Tel: +81-167-58-1111
Web: snowtomamu.jp/winter/en

HOSHINO RESORTS OMO7ASAHIKAWA

9 Rokujo, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido
Tel: +81-166-24-2111
Web: omo-hotels.com/asahikawa/en

jSnow issue 4 │ 15

16 │ jSnow issue 4

OTARU– Hokkaido

S

ituated 30 – 40 minutes by train
from Sapporo, the largest city inthe snow paradise of Hokkaido,
lies the historically-rich port cityof Otaru. As a port city, Otaru has
acted as a historical gateway to international
cultures, leading to the cultivation of its
mysterious, yet intriguing, allure throughthe menagerie of Japanese and international
cultures found within. The atmosphere of thecity has a wonderfully retro feel to it, which
has started to draw in international tourists
in recent years. There are many ski resorts inthe city’s surrounds accessible to those whochoose to set up base in Otaru. A trip to visit
various ski resorts whilst spending your days inthis atmospheric town is sure to be a treat toseasoned travellers alike.

Hokkaido OTARUWhile there are many ski resorts in close
vicinity of Otaru, the resort that should top
your list of places to go is one that is locatedpractically behind Otaru station—Otaru
Tenguyama Ski Resort. It is well loved as alocal ski resort and has fostered a fair numberof local-grown professional skiers. It may bea small ski resort, but it boasts a surprisinglydifficult ski course that will convince all
as to how the snow-savvy children in thearea have earned their ski chops. Kiroro,
Asarigawaonsen, and other major ski resorts
may be in close quarters, but a trip to Otaru
Tenguyama just can’t be beat during your stayin the area.
Moving onto sightseeing in the area, themost famous sight of them all has to be
Otaru Canal. The sight of the stonework

jSnow issue 4 │ 17

OTARU Hokkaido

warehouses, built almost a century ago, lining
the canal is breathtakingly nostalgic. Its
wondrous night views hark back to days goneby when the area once prospered with trade.
Be sure to pay a visit to Otaru Canal bothduring the day and night to experience both of
the beautiful sights.
The cityscape of Otaru still features anumber of historical buildings, such as the
Bank of Japan’s Otaru branch. A fun way
to enjoy your stay in Otaru would be tovisit the different historical buildings, andold railways in the city in between trips to18 │ jSnow issue 4

surrounding ski resorts.
Otaru is also well known as a city ofhandicrafts. Famous chocolatiers, glasswork
stores, music-box stores, and other suchdelights and crafts can be found here.
Dropping by each of these specialty storesis sure to make for hours of fun. Spend yourdays off experiencing the hip, retro-Japaneseculture in the town, whilst visiting nearby ski
resorts to get your snow-fix during your stayin Otaru.
A stay in Otaru is sure to be filled with fun
for travellers from all walks of life.

The cityscapeof Otaru stillfeatures a numberof historicalbuildings, suchas the Bank ofJapan’s Otaru
branch.

Orgel Doh“Otaru Orgel Doh” is the largest music box

The heavenly sounds of Otaru

specialty store in Japan. In the classical building,
we display and sell 3,400 types for a total of
25,000 items.
The Museum Hall No.2 is an antique museumin which free performances on an Aeolian
Pipe Organ are given six time a day.
It would make a great memory of yourtrip to Hokkaido, Otaru!

Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall

4-1, Sumiyoshi-cho, Otaru
TEL : +81-134-22-1108[Opening Hours] 9:00a.m.-6p.m.
The day before a national holiday, Friday, Saturday:
9:00a.m.-7:00p.m.
(Only in Summer)

Otaru Music Box Museum Hall No. 2 Antique Museum

Music box & Handicrafts Studio You-Kobo

Furano Orgel Doh

Hakodate Orgel Doh

6-13, Sakaimachi, Otaru

Higashirokugou3, Furano

1-1-5, Irifune, Otaru

BAY Hakodate No.2 Hall, 11-5, Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate

https://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_index.html

CONTINUING TO PROVIDETHE BEST SERVICE EVEN DURING
THE COVID-19 CRISISRECOGNISEDAS A FIVE-STAR AIRLINE FOR
EIGHT YEARS RUNNING
Fly All Nippon Airways forthe ultimate journey in the skies

While there are still restrictions on travel by
air due to COVID-19, consider taking a flightwith All Nippon Airways (ANA) when you
decide to head to the snowy mountains ofJapan once the borders open. ANA is the only
Japanese airline to have achieved the exclusive
5-star status for 8 consecutive years by the
UK-based airline service research company,
SKYTRAX. ANA offers detailed Japanesehospitality that has earned the airline praise
and fans from around the world.
Facets of Japan can be found all acrossthe services ANA offers, from the in-flightentertainment, to the in-flight meals, giving
your trip to Japan the best start you could haveby immersing you in Japanese culture from themoment you step onboard. The airline is also
well known for painting its aircraft in designs
such as notable characters from the popular
movie franchise, Star Wars. These themed
aircraft also feature matching interior designs
and lighting to build on the movie theme
and bring joy to fans of the series and regularpassengers alike.
Unfortunately, as a result of the current
COVID-19 pandemic, passengers are unable
to experience the full benefits of the excellent
service provided by ANA. However, despite
the strict adherence to rules of wearing masks,
sterilising, and maintaining social distancing
across all locations such as at check-in counters,
lounges, and on the plane, the airline strives to do
everything possible to ensure all of these efforts
are carried out in a smooth and natural manner.
Please find below a link with more information
regarding ANA’s coronavirus initiatives:■ A New Standard for Air Travel

Web: www.ana.co.jp/en/jp/topics/coronavirustravel-information/

20 │ jSnow issue 4

DEPART AT NIGHT TO CONQUER JAPAN’S
SNOWY MOUNTAINS THE NEXT MORNING

One of the reasons ANA is a popular choice forflights to Japan is its offering of time-efficient
travel. Travellers with their eye on skiing inJapan are particularly pleased with the option
to depart Australia at night and arrive in Tokyo(Haneda Airport) the next morning. Skiers
can find themselves atop a snowy mountainin popular ski destinations such as Hokkaido,
Nagano, or Niigata by noon, at the latest,
regardless of their mode of transport fromHaneda Airport due to the early-morning
arrival time and the ease of transfers.
Prior to the onset of COVID-19, ANA
offered two flights a day on the Sydney – Tokyo(Haneda) route, as well as opening up the Perth– Tokyo (Narita) route starting September
2019. While restrictions have reduced theSydney – Tokyo route to five flights a week,
it was possible to reach Chitose Airport in
Sapporo, the entry point to the popular ski areaof Niseko, by 8:30 AM the next morning upontaking the night flight from Sydney, according
to the previous timetable. An 8:15 AM arrival
at Asahikawa Airport, the entry point to theCentral Hokkaido area that has been gaining
popularity of late, was also feasible. The ability
to get a good night’s rest on the plane to arrive
at a ski resort by the next morning is only madepossible with the small time difference between
Japan and Australia, and by taking advantage ofthe services offered by ANA.
Everyone is waiting in anticipation for thisservice to resume as soon as possible once theinternational borders reopen.

With ANA, passengers flying in Economy
Class can check in two pieces of baggage
weighing up to 23 kilograms each. Of thesetwo pieces, one can be switched over to a pieceof ski gear measuring up to 292 centimetresin the total linear dimensions. Business classpassengers also receive two pieces of baggage up
to 32 kilograms each. The luxury of checking ina large piece of ski gear at no extra cost is a hugeadvantage of flying with ANA.
FULLY-FLAT SEATS IN BUSINESS CLASSANA also has a well-established reputationfor offering superior in-flight facilities. At
even Economy Class level, adjustable footrests and USB ports can be found to makethe flying experience more comfortable andconvenient. Moving up to Premium Economy
brings even wider seats and larger LCD
monitors to maximise the joys of the in-flightentertainment featuring movies and games.
A perk of flying on Premium Economy Classand above is access to ANA’s lounge, featuring
their renowned service and food options, aswell as priority check-in.
Business Class offers a spacious seatinglayout where all seats have aisle access and canalso lie fully flat for the ultimate journey in theskies. Having a laid-back night in the nearprivate space of your seat will set you up to hit
the ski resorts the next day at full throttle.

Memanbetsu
Asahikawa
Sapporo(Chitose)

CHECK-IN YOUR GEAR AT NO EXTRA COST

Unlike casual snow-sports enthusiasts who
have no problem with renting gear at theirdestinations, hardcore skiers and snowboarders
prefer to bring along their own gear, even when
they fly overseas. Such travellers will, no doubt,
be happy to hear that ANA offers checking inof ski gear at no extra cost.

ObihiroHakodate
Odate Noshiro
Akita
ShonaiToyamaKomatsu

TOKYO (Haneda)

TOKYO (Narita)
SYDNEYPERTH

jSnow issue 4 │ 21

Japan’s largest
ski resort near
the beloved
snow monkeys– Shiga Kogen

22 │ jSnow issue 4

Nagano SHIGANHAVE THE ULTIMATERESORT EXPERIENCEAT OKUSHIGA

agano prefecture boasts a myriadof popular ski resorts, such as
Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen. It
also happens to be home to thelargest ski resort in all of Japan
with over 50 gondola lifts—Shiga Kogen. Thisski resort is not only the biggest, but is also
located at the highest altitude of all Japanese
ski resorts with lift access. Shiga Kogen has theunique characteristic of having most of its ski
areas located deep within the mountains at over
1,500-metres in altitude. Often, when snow
conditions are less than desirable at other ski
resorts in the same prefecture, Shiga Kogen canhave amazing snow to shred up. The potential
for the best powder snow, coupled with theamount of time it will take to conquer all of

the expansive areas means it would be wise toconsider an extended stay here to experience
everything the resort has to offer.
Shiga Kogen’s location deep within thesnow-rich mountains means that there are
no towns close to the resort, however, there
are many unique accommodation facilities in
the area to make up for this. One of the mostrenowned areas in Shiga Kogen that offers theultimate resort experience is Okushiga, which isfound deep within the region.
Due to its location deep within Shiga Kogen,and the necessity to traverse many other courses
to reach it from the centre of the region, many
visitors never make their way to Okushiga
when they visit on short trips to the region.
When compared to central Shiga Kogen, where
jSnow issue 4 │ 23

Grand Phenix

Grand Phenix

large-scale ski resorts are concentrated andplentiful, Okushiga offers a far more relaxed
experience, allowing visitors to bat away thecrowds of the other areas and cruise around thisquieter one. Okushiga also has a cult-following
as it offers the best long-run courses in the area.
The chances of you going to sleep on a snowy
night and waking up to top-class powder snow
the next morning are also quite high.
There are a variety of drawcards to thecourses found here. From courses featuringslopes as sheer as 30 degrees to challenge
expert snow-sport enthusiasts, to gentle longcourses for beginners and kids to enjoy, there’s
something to keep everyone entertained. The
areas just off the chair lifts offer fun powdersnow courses following snowfall, and a Japaneseski magazine has also visited the area to takephotos for a special feature on powder-run
techniques for this very reason. Okushiga canbe separated into two areas, one that has agondola to take you straight up to the top for
those who want to shred run after run, and theother featuring a medium slope for those whowant to enjoy a high-speed shred down.
The neighbouring Yakebitai area, connected
at the mountain’s peak, also features a variety of

24 │ jSnow issue 4

courses with two gondola lifts servicing them.
Setting up base in Okushiga Kogen whilst also
visiting Yakebitai is already a full day’s worth of
fun in itself. It is very much possible to move on
to other areas from there, but the sheer size ofthe area means you would have to draw up anorganised schedule to ensure that you make itback in time. There are shuttle buses constantly
in operation in Shiga Kogen, so that back-up
option is always there if your plans go awry.
There is also the Shiga International Ski
School in Okushiga offering skiing andsnowboarding lessons for kids and adults,taught by international instructors, so you canrest at ease if snow sports are not your forte
While the ski runs are highly appealing intheir own rights, the biggest, unique drawcardsof this area are the two hotels at the bottom of
the slope offering ski-in ski-out facilities.
One of the hotels is known as the finest
resort hotel in the area—Hotel Grand Phenix
Okushiga. This long-renowned, hotel ofnobility is loved by famous guests such as theJapanese royal family, and is also frequented
by the world-renowned conductor, Seiji
Ozawa. This prestigious guest list exemplifies
the exceedingly spectacular accommodation

Nagano SHIGA

Okushiga
also has acult-following
as it offers
the best
long-runcourses in
the area.

Grand Phenix

Grand Phenix

jSnow issue 4 │ 25

Okushiga Kogen Hotel

Okushiga Kogen Hotel

26 │ jSnow issue 4

Nagano SHIGA

experience this establishment offers. The guest
rooms have been made with comfort in mind
and feature wood in abundance to create acalming atmosphere, whilst the convenienceof ski-visitors has also been considered with all
rooms featuring walk-in closets. Guests here
don’t have to worry about where to put their
ski gear when they arrive for the ski season.
Inside the hotel are three restaurants sourcing
prized ingredients from all over Japan, suchas the gourmet trove of Shinshu, as well as allover the world. These restaurants offer Italian,Japanese, and Chinese cuisine to tantalise
your tastebuds. The lounge bar is also popularamongst guests who enjoy gathering aroundthe large fireplace to chat the night away. Thereis nothing quite as luxurious as having a drink
by the fire and soaking up the air of opulence
after a skiing session. With an indoor heatedswimming pool, and an open-air hot spring
for a private soaking, Hotel Grand Phenix
Okushiga offers a variety of facilities for all
guests to enjoy their stays.
The second hotel is the Okushiga Kogen
Hotel. This hotel is directly operated by
Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort, and featuresa variety of lavish facilities such as spacious
rooms, an open-air hot spring to gaze upon
the great outdoors, and even its own lounge
bar with a fireplace, making it rival the Grand
Phenix in its own right. Guests can choose
from three different restaurants serving French
cuisine, Japanese cuisine, or teppanyaki (where
the chef cooks in front of patrons seated at the
hot-plate counter).
Both of these hotels are popular for
capturing the atmosphere of a European ski
resort, whilst also offering the quintessentiallyJapanese custom of comprehensive hospitality.
Many guests visit either of the hotels to sit backand relax at their respective lounges oozing
elegance and enjoy the fireplaces ablaze. As arule of thumb, for those who are after a quiet

experience to bask in their time of luxury—
choose the Grand Phenix; for those looking
for a casual lounge experience whilst listening
to some music—head to the Okushiga Kogen
Hotel. While the Grand Phenix allows guests
in their lounge to enjoy their time in peaceand quiet without interruptions, the Okushiga
Kogen Hotel organises for pianists to play intheir lounge area. Both hotels offer different
experiences to cater to different guests.
As the two hotels are within walking
distance of each other, guests can enjoy theofferings at the restaurants and lounges of
either hotel during their stay. For the ultimate
experience in Shiga Kogen, make plans to set up
base at Okushiga and take full advantage of thearea’s numerous charms.
Okushiga Kogen HoteljSnow issue 4 │ 27

30 │ jSnow issue 4

Nagano SHIGAA NEW GATEWAYTO SHIGAO

ne piece of trending news tocome out of Shiga Kogen is
the long-awaited completionof the gateway to Shiga, theYama-no-eki resort gondola
chair lift. Shiga Kogen acts as the base formany visitors staying in the various major
hotels dotted amongst the expansive resorts
in the areas occupying it. While each of theseareas are filled with their own unique charms,
it would be near on impossible to visit all of
the courses available when planning a shortstay in just one of the areas, until now. The
2020/21 ski season saw the much-anticipatedcompletion of the Yama-no-eki resort gondola
chair lift. Yama-no-eki had originally served asa hub with shops, restaurants, and a bus stop,
however, a downside of it was that it lacked
easy access to a vital mainstay of the region—
the ski slopes. The completion of the gondola
chair lift now provides direct access fromhere to the central area of Shiga Kogen. Thislocation may now very well act as the basestation Shiga never had and provide a gateway
to various areas in the region.
Yama-no-eki serves as an excellent gateway
to the ski fields. Here you can find a restaurant,
souvenir shop, convenience store, and an

Villa Alpen Shigakogen
We are a small family- run rustic lodge where you can really feel at home.
>Capacity of 85p, clean and safety, accessible rooms also available.
>Best location ski-in and ski-out. 15 seconds to ski lift.
>Rental skis in the lodge.

The closest
ski area tothe snowmonkey park

Kids
friendly

TEL: 81+269-34-2731
Email:info@villa-alpen.com
www.villa-alpen.com/index_e.htm

Cafe, Bar
andFireplace
8593VILL

jSnow issue 4 │ 31

The Giant Area is an extremely
steep course that can challengeeven adept skiers andsnowboarders.

information centre, as well as free parking for
approximately 500 cars, a ticket counter, snow
gear rental, lockers, and changing rooms.
The gondola chair lift provides direct accessfrom Yama-no-eki to the Giant Area, whichis the main area connecting 15 ski slopes
for smooth and easy movement between
them. The Giant Area is an extremely steep
course that can challenge even adept skiers
and snowboarders, and is known as the mostdifficult slope in all of Shiga Kogen. Taking
a single chair lift from the Giant Area canbring you to the Higashitateyama area, whichboasts the longest run in the entire resort
featuring gentle to steep inclines, moguls, and32 │ jSnow issue 4

variety of other slopes to challenge you on
your journey down. Travelling via this area or
the Nishitateyama area, which is home to theWorld Cup course, makes for smooth access tothe central area with runs such as the Ichinose
Family slope or the Takamagahara Mammoth
course. This central area has a well-balanced
layout with the steeper courses, for moreadvanced skiers and snowboarders, in the upper
region, and comparatively more relaxed courses
towards the bottom. On the other side of themountain, opposite the central area, is a hidden
treasure known as the Terakoya course, whichis said to have the best powder snow in all of
Shiga Kogen.
Over in Ichinose in the central area is the
Ichinose Diamond Snowcan rental shopwhere there is a foreign exchange cash machine
accepting 12 different currencies. Make sure
you take note of this location to save you ina pinch, as there are some cases where credit
cards cannot be used and you need to have cashon hand.
Back at Yama-no-eki, on the opposite area tothe central ski hub, are a number of smaller, yetvery much charming courses such as Maruike,
which is known as the “Mogul Training
Grounds” for its bumpy slopes, Hasuike,Nagano SHIGA

and Sun Valley. While there a number ofaccommodation facilities in this area vying for
top place in the popularity stakes, Villa Alpen,
in particular, sees many Australian guests
frequent it. The owner of this establishment
is Hideo Okazawa, a former pro-skier who isendearingly known as “Cap” amongst returning
guests. While the facilities at Villa Alpen may
be dated, the hotel continues to expand its fanbase by providing a cosy bar with a fireplace,early check-in and late check-out options,and other careful considerations to ensurethat guests have comfortable and worthwhile
stays there. One such example of these

New Pulse Gondola
opening
winter 2020

considerations is that the hotel features fullyaccessible rooms, to keep it up-to-date with thechanging times, despite its age. Villa Alpen isalso accredited by the National Tax Agency,
allowing foreign ambassadors, public officials,
and other such staff to stay without being
subjected to the 10% consumption tax.
Heading down the Shiga Kogen mountainleads to a popular tourist attraction—the snow

Shiga Kogen
Yamano -ekimonkeys. Travelling from other ski fields in
Nagano prefecture would take a whole day to
see the snow monkeys, but a trip from Shiga
Kogen is barely a trek at all. Located 40 minutes
from Shiga Kogen is the hot-spring area of
Yudanaka Shibu Onsen, with its atmospherictownscape. Shiga Kogen can be accessed via
bus from this hot spring town, providing theoption of perhaps staying a few nights here.

ar

Snow Sports Ge
New Gatewayin Shiga Kogen

TAL

SHOP & REN

HASUIKE

GIANT

www.shigakogen.co.jp7149 Shiga Kogen, Hirano, Yamanouchi City, NAGANO, 381-0401*Many fat skis and wide variety of gears!
*Boots up to US Size 15!
*Over-glasses goggles!

SHIGA KOGEN

Skis, Snowboard, Wear & Accessories

Shop & High-quality Rental

snowcan.com
8264SIGA

jSnow issue 4 │ 33

The greatest side country
haven in Japan withfamily-friendly options– MADARAO
34 │ jSnow issue 4

Madarao Kogen has been gaining
in popularity in recent years as

one of the more edgy ski resorts

in Nagano prefecture. Its biggest

drawcard is the fact that it boasts
the most sidecountry and treerun courses on offer in all ofJapan, and they just so happen to
be accessible by ski lifts.

Nagano MADARAOM

any ski resorts in Japanprohibit entry to areas off
specified courses. There arealso a number of resorts thatallow guests to head into
sidecountry areas “at one’s own risk” as there
is a high risk of being stranded and there is no
way to patrol these areas. When it comes to
Madarao, however, these sidecountry courses
are actively opened to visitors to shred.
While there are many ski resorts thatcannot tend to their off-piste areas due togovernment restrictions, such as regulations
surrounding national parks, Madarao is not
subjected to any of these. In fact, the operatorsof Madarao Kogen have taken the stance ofpushing the ski resort as a place that welcomes
all lovers of powder snow and tree runs.
The resort goes to various lengths to ensurethat guests can enjoy these off-piste areas:from reducing the risk of danger by thinning
the trees to make it easier to ski, to placing
equipment for snow-sport lovers to use.
All of the courses can be accessed via

ski lifts, however, what makes Madarao so
appealing is the ability to hike up throughbackcountry areas on a regular day to see
breathtaking views.
Madarao is broadly split into two mainareas. The Tangram Ski Circus Resort offersa family-friendly, unique appeal in addition
to the side featuring the plentiful sidecountry
courses. Whether you’re looking for a family
experience or a hardcore skiing trip, one ofMadarao’s biggest allures is its depth andversatility to cater to all guests.

jSnow issue 4 │ 35

MADARAO Nagano

Another attention-grabber is the area’s
great location. Setting up base in Madarao
would be a great way to efficiently visit theother popular ski areas in Nagano prefecture.
This is because Madarao is situated right inthe middle of popular ski resorts and tourist
destinations, making it a 40-minute trip tovisit attractions such as Nozawa, Myoko,
and the snow monkeys. In the surrounds ofMadarao Kogen Ski Resort (which facilitates
ski-in, ski-out trips) are a number of newrestaurants and bars within walking distance,
making a stay there even more fun-filled.

36 │ jSnow issue 4

From a visit to Madarao whilst staying in
popular destinations such as Nozawa or
Myoko, to discovering a new area burstingwith charm by staying in Madarao itself, be
sure to jot this location down on your list ofplaces to visit.

Setting up basein Madarao would
be a great way toefficiently visit theother popular ski
areas in Nagano
prefecture.

Madarao.jp
info@madarao.jp@madaraoski@the-madarao

5 reasons why you should visit

Madarao Mountain Resort
1

2

Easy access - 1 hour and 50 minutes from
Tokyo by Shinkansen and 20 minutes
from the Shinkansen station by bus or car.

3

MADARAOIIYAMA
KANAZAWATOKYO･1 hour and 20 minutes by
Shinkansen from Kanazawa･1 hour and 50 minutes by
Shinkansen from Tokyo

8402MADRTop quality powder snow and gladeskiing runs.

Close to neighbouring ski slopes (40minutes to both Nozawa Onsen andMyoko Kogen). Madarao is a greatplace to set up base and take day trips tosurrounding resorts.

4

Enjoy the ease of the Ski In Ski Out
access at the main hotels - Madarao
Kogen Hotel, Monaile Madarao andHotel Tangram.

5

Walk and taste foods around the village

MadaPow!
JAPAN

Experience powder tree riding

PHOTO GALLERY

A region full ofbeautiful hidden
treasures – AIZUWe have been sent through some amazing
pictures by KEI, a local guide who knows all the ins
and outs of the Aizu region. While the number ofvisitors to this region from Australia has continued
to increase, with the help of jSnow’s coverage of
it in every issue since the publication’s inception,
it still maintains its charm as a place full of many
little-known hidden treasures when compared tomajor areas, such as Hokkaido and Nagano.

38 │ jSnow issue 4

Fukushima AIZU
A wintery world of black
and white.
The geographicallyblessed Aizu region
shows off a side different
to Hokkaido and Nagano
during the snow season.
The mountains drapedin crisp air constantly
welcome in fresh snow.

The view of the frozen lake as seen fromthe peak of the mountain at Nekoma.
As can be discerned by its two months
enclosed in ice from January to March,
the temperatures found in this area bringabout amazing snow.
Photo: Jeremy Black/MINT TOURS
Location: NEKOMA

Photo: FREERUN MAGAZINE
Location: NEKOMAT

he Aizu region is situatedapproximately three hours awayfrom Tokyo, making it easily
accessible, whilst also offering
powder snow to rival even that of
Hokkaido due its inland climate creating theideal conditions for it. Throw in the appeal of
the ever-spacious and never-crowded ski slopes
and you really have no excuse not to drop by
for a visit.
A total of 22 variety-packed ski resorts makeup the vast region. One great piece of trending
news to come out of last year was the creationof easy access between Alts Bandai, the area’s
largest ski resort, and Nekoma, which is said

to offer the highest-quality snow in the area.
While the two ski resorts are situated on
opposing sides of the same mountain and sharethe same peak, there was no direct route for thegeneral public to freely travel between themin the past. A new route has been establishedto facilitate the safe and convenient passage
between the two slopes.
Passage from one of the ski resorts to theother originally required a trip by car taking
over 30 minutes, making this long-awaited
news a welcome addition for fans of Aizu all
around. Continue along your Aizu journey byenjoying the following photos capturing thebeauty of the region.
jSnow issue 4 │ 39

AIZU Fukushima

KEI

Experiencing the serene atmosphere on a hikethrough the primeval Japanese beech forest.
Picking up the pace on the hike up as excitement
brews over the amazing slope that awaits.

Worked for Hoshino
Resorts Alts Bandai/
Nekoma Ski Resort
for 12 years from2005 with a focus inmarketing. Movedonto Sherpa Co., Ltd.
as of May 2017 where
he currently works as aconsultant in the fieldof snow and surfing.
He spends half of hisyear either snowboard
or surfing.

Web: zao-spa.or.jp/
english/index.html

Photo: Jeremy Black/MINT TOURS
Location: MINOWA

Powder snow brings its own tribulations.
Sweat covers the body while trudging
through waist-deep snow.
Visibility is impeded by fogged-up goggles.
Yet, all of this is forgotten knowing the joythat awaits beyond the trek.
Photo: Jeremy Black/MINT TOURS
Location: ALTS

Sharp eyes on the prize with soft
snow down below.
Nothing compares to the sheer elationof carving out an amazing turn.
Photo: Teemu Heljo/MINT TOURS
Location: NEKOMA

40 │ jSnow issue 4

co Tok
e
d
n
a
r
G
i
a
d
Ur a b a n

y u Ho t e l

Ho s hA luxury hotel adjacent to the Grandeco Snow Resort.
Guestroom makeovers completed in November 2019 tocreate a peaceful atmosphere. Restaurant selections
include the ever-popular teppanyaki, Japanese cuisine, andFrench cuisine. Enjoy your hotel stay with an active day out
before settling in at night for a delectable feast.

http://www.grandeco.com

no
eS

om
Rec

e

nd
me

a

ns
tio

for

the

th
bes

ote

ls

en

I
A
ND

w

A
B
W
･
U
Z
I
A
om
elc

h
to t

eso
R
o
n
i

v
Hea

he
in t

are

rt

dais
n
a
B
s

www.bandaisan.co.jp/en/a.

A c t i v e Re s

L o d ge

The first woman to successfully reach the summit of Mount
Everest, the late Junko Tabei. She was the former owner of the
Numajiri Kogen Lodge, a place loved by many.

or t s Ur a b an dai

A hot spring resort hotel where you cansoak up the great outdoors of the Bandai
Asahi National Park. Enjoy the snowy hotspring scenery from the open-air outdoor bathbuilt with stones from the Mount Bandai eruption.

Web: https://www.numajiri-lodge.com/

There is Lake Hibara behind our lobby. This is
the only place in Japan that you can see
the lobby with its luxurious chandeliers
and lavishly used marble.

http://www.lakeresort.jp

Ur a b a n

dai L akt el

Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan
Onsen Hotel is connected to the
Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai ski resort directly which isone of the largest ski resorts of northeast Japan with29 courses and famous for its new parks.

https://www.daiwaresort.jp/urabandai

Kogen
Nu m a j i r i

an

n Ho
Ons e

e Re s ort42 │ jSnow issue 4

NIIGATA ECHIGO YUZAWA

Take a Quick
80-minute
Trip on the
Shinkansen from
Tokyo to a Snow
Wonderland
A journey to discover
new marvels of Echigo Yuzawa
Words and photography: Kazuya Baba

jSnow issue 4 │ 43

“Upon leaving the long tunnel on the prefecturalborder there was a country of snow.”
Snow Country, by Nobel Prize winning
author, Yasunari Kawabata, begins withthis famous line. This article will introduce
you to the land of snow featured in this very
book—Echigo Yuzawa. There is a long tunnel
connecting Tokyo to this region and, as
described in the above quote, emerging fromthis tunnel will greet you with an other-worldly
view of snow as far as the eye can see.
One of the reasons why the scenery appears
to seemingly change in an instant can be put
down to the area’s closeness to the city. The
short distance juxtaposed with the starkly
different surrounds leads to this experience.
The advance of technology has also possibly
helped to aid this sensation. Echigo Yuzawa
is one of Japan’s most prominent areas ofabundant snow, yet it can now be reached ina short 1 hour and 20 minutes via shinkansen(bullet train) from Tokyo, the gateway toJapan. I have visited this location many times
to write about it for jSnow, however, this time I
will use the slew of information I have gathered
to introduce some ski resorts, aspects of culture,and new activities that have not yet been
covered to date.
I have been fortunate enough to be offeredgenerous opportunities in order to spread theword about the area’s wonders to Australian

I highly recommend
a stay at Sudo
House if you want toexperience local lifein the area during yourstay in Gala Yuzawa.
44 │ jSnow issue 4

snow fans across the country. As such, I’dlike to preface this article with my intention
to include promotional information about
the accommodation and other services I havebeen provided, at no cost, in order to show mygratitude for their kindness.
A SKI RESORT CONNECTED DIRECTLYTO A SHINKANSEN STATION

There are many ski resorts in the surrounds of
Echigo Yuzawa, however, the most convenientof them all would have to be the only resort in
the world that has its own station connectedto the shinkansen line—Gala Yuzawa Snow
Resort. Articles focusing on Gala often spruik
the convenience of being able to take daytrips
here without any gear on hand due to theability to rent everything you’d need right fromthe facilities connected to the station. As forme, I think it’s important to focus on the factthat it has been recently been linked to Yuzawa
Kogen Ski Resort and Ishiuchimaruyama Ski
Area, and acts as the gateway to this massiveinterconnected area featuring a total of 48
courses for guests to shred up.
Purchasing a combined lift pass allows
you access across the three areas, making
for seamless travel back and forth between
them, but the sheer size of the areas is almost
overwhelming. Many visitors take daytrips
directly on the shinkansen to visit Gala on its
own, however, attempting to conquer all threemountains in one day is simply impossible. If
you have your eye on taking on all the courses
on offer, pencil yourself in for an extended trip.
On my trip this time around, I was given
the opportunity to set up base at Sudo House(https://www.facebook.com/Sudo-HouseYuzawa-Japan-474419406396406/), an Airbnb
located two-minutes away from the base of
Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort and owned by anAustralian. The owner of Sudo House absolutely
loves Yuzawa and she provides traveller
accommodation in a typical Japanese home forvisitors to experience residential life in a snow
region of Japan. I highly recommend a stay at

Sudo House if you want to experience local lifein the area during your stay in Gala Yuzawa.
Nearby is Takahan, which is famous for being
the Japanese inn Yasunari Kawabata stayed
in as he wrote Snow Country. Following theestablishment’s upgrade into a hotel, the famous
author’s room has been preserved separately.
The hotel also offers hot springs drawn directlyfrom the source and other onsen baths for guests
to drop by on a daytrip, enjoy a relaxing soak in
the hot springs and experience the passion thatdrove Kawabata to write his novel.
A STATE-OF-THE-ART COMBO SKI LIFT

In this issue of jSnow, I’d like to shift myspotlight over to Ishiuchimaruyama Ski
Area. This resort, steeped in history, began
operations in 1949 and boasts the biggest ski
slope in the region. Its long history means
it avoids national forest logging restrictions
and is absolutely massive. The beautiful,expansive slope can be gazed upon from themountain’s peak, and it has a unique layout tocater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Ishiuchimaruyama saw a complete overhaul
over the 2019 season. A new base station was
set up at the base of the mountain for ticket
sales and other services, as well as a stand where
you can drop by and taste various different sake
(Japanese rice wine).
This overhaul also saw the debut of theSunrise Express—a state-of-the-art combo ski
lift which connects the middle of the course
directly to the base. The hybrid ski lift operates
ten-person gondola cabins and six-person chair
lifts on a single line. The gondolas are fittedwith luxurious leather seats and windows allaround the entire carriage, and the lifts haveseat heaters built into them. These lifts allow
even beginners to travel up to the middle of theslope in comfort and with peace of mind.
Ishiuchimaruyama has a history of farmers
running restaurants on the slope where they
serve meals using home-grown vegetables
and rice. This custom has led to a number ofprivately-run restaurants operating on the

NIIGATA ECHIGO YUZAWA

jSnow issue 4 │ 45

slope; all of them providing top-quality food.
The vastly improved access to these areas on
the slopes is sure to bring a smile to faces ofeveryone dropping by to visit the restaurants.
CHOOSING TO STAY
AT THE BASE OF ISHIUCHIMARUYAMA

The most obvious choice when choosing
a place to stay in the Yuzawa area would
be to find a spot in the hot-spring town
surrounds of Echigo Yuzawa where a variety ofaccommodation establishments, restaurants,
and shops can be found. However, with therecent introduction of night-time operating
hours for snow-enthusiasts to shred the coursesof Ishiuchimaruyama after dark, the amount ofaccommodation establishments has increasedaround the area. There was originally a healthy
selection of places to stay in the area, but the
number of Airbnb locations and other such
facilities has increased substantially to meet thegrowing demands of skiers and snowboarders
from overseas. A particularly popularestablishment is Ishimaru House (http://
ishimaruhouse.com/), a two-storey, detachedhouse available for rental. This house features
four bedrooms allowing up to ten guests tostay, and is a quick three-minute walk from theski area. It is also conveniently located close torestaurants and a supermarket as well. This very
clean and comfortable home is also rather costeffective, especially when staying at capacity,
coming in at just over 30,000 yen per night for
the entire house.
If you happen to be a fan of Japanese cuisine,
you’ll be happy to hear that you can also cookand enjoy rice grown by the family of theperson who owns the house. This area is known
to produce some of the best rice in Japan, andthe proof is in the rice itself. The rice is fluffy,
chewy, and definitely deserves to be tasted.
I would also recommend a stay at the
newly-built Yuki no Shizuku (http://yukinoshizuku.jp/), which can be found at the baseof Ishiuchimaruyama Ski Area in the ski-in,
ski-out location. The modern-Japanese concept
46 │ jSnow issue 4of this hotel perfectly combines the nostalgic
air of Japan with a refined, modern atmosphereand places heavy focus on privacy with only ten
spacious rooms on the premises. Breakfast anddinners here are also a treat to feast on all the
local produce lovingly cooked into delicious
meals. Head on over to experience it yourself
when you’re in the area.
ENDLESS FUN TO BE HAD AROUNDTHE SKI SLOPES

I have covered Naeba Kagura many times
in jSnow as a popular area when staying in
Yuzawa. It’s a popular location to enjoy thevast sidecountry trails, however, it’s also fairly
well-known amongst many international
hardcore skiers and snowboarders. This is why
I will be taking this opportunity to focus on
independent ski resorts and fun activities in
the area that I have not introduced to devout
readers of jSnow before.
First up is Maiko Snow Resort. This snow
resort can be reached via a free shuttle bus ridefrom Echigo-Yuzawa station or a one-minutedrive from the Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC exit on the
motorway. The ease of access makes it a family
ski resort that sees many visitors from Tokyo
drop by on daytrips.
The term “family ski resort” might lead
hardcore skiers and snowboarders to believethat it lacks any real challenge, but that’s not
the case. Non-compacted snow areas andtree-run courses can be accessed from the topof the slope, offering top-class powder snow for
those who seek it out. International skiers andsnowboarders are yet to discover the soaring
potential of this ski resort, making it a hidden
gem just waiting to be uncovered.
One of the reasons this ski resort is touted
as being “family-friendly” stems from its
comprehensive school for children. Programs
at this ski school are created for children
with the concept of “Snow Education” orplaying and learning in the snow, under
the supervision of former Japanese ski
demonstrator, Miki Nakazawa. There is

NIIGATA ECHIGO YUZAWA
also a child care centre for parents to hit theslopes with peace of mind knowing that theirchildren are enjoying themselves under thewatchful eye of professionals.
A quick three-minute drive from Yuzawa
IC, or a seven-minute trip by shuttle bus from
Echigo-Yuzawa station is another conveniently
located ski area—Kandatsu Snow Resort. The
resort underwent a name-change together
with a rebranding, and the renovation of thebuilding at the base of the slope over the 2020
season. This change saw the establishmentof a café, a state-of-the-art rental shop, anda complete overhaul of its interior to createa more refined, urban atmosphere. A happy
attraction at this establishment is its hot spring
facilities. There are also newly-created courses
and tree-run trails, as well as an expansion to
the snow park. Kandatsu Snow Resort is a newarea that is sure to garner attention.
A VARIETY OF SNOW ACTIVITIESYuzawa is a prominent region in Japan where
snow is essentially a way of life. An area full ofsnow naturally brings with it a range of snow
activities outside of skiing and snowboarding.
These activities form part of the culture ofsnowy regions and experiencing them is part of
the fun of visiting Yuzawa.
A stay at NASPA Ski Garden (http://
naspanewotani.com/), a Western-styled luxury
hotel with ski-in, ski-out facilities offering a
private ski-slope experience, will give you theopportunity to join in on a night buggy tour.
Take a thrilling ride to the top of the mountainwith up to four other people on this new-toJapan snow buggy and see the beautiful nighttime views with this popular activity. Head overto the hotel’s official website or contact NASPA
New Otani directly for more information.
Snow Country Tourism (http://snowcountry-tourism.jp), a tourism association set
up to promote the snow culture in this area,
also offers a variety of events and activities.
Snowshoe tours in the great outdoors are
one of the many fun experiences available.
jSnow issue 4 │ 47

48 │ jSnow issue 4

NIIGATA ECHIGO YUZAWA
Thirty-minutes away from Echigo Yuzawa
is the nature-rich snowy mountain of the
Daigenta area. Enjoy a relaxed snowshoe-walkthrough the snowfield with an experienced
guide leading the way. During the tour, theguide will offer insight on and show you sights
only found on snowy mountains of Japan,such as “yukimaroge”, which are balls of snow
formed by rolling down the mountain, and“kumadana” or “bear shelves” found atop trees.
Be sure to check out one of these tours during
your downtime on a sunny day.
DEEP THOUGHTS ON
SNOW-COUNTRY CULTURE

Approximately ten minutes by car fromthe Ishiuchi Interchange, or 25 minutes
from Echigo-Yuzawa station is Ueda no
Sato (http://uedanosato.com/pg428.html),
located in the heart of where the best ricein Japan is grown and where Uonuma
Koshihikari rice is produced. Ueda no Sato isa facility where you can experience the rural
culture to be found in Uonuma.
Drop by the restaurant here to feast on
the rural cuisine made using delicious local
vegetables and rice, or try your hand at making
soba noodles. You can also have a “kamakura”
experience where you eat and spend time in

Yuzawa has beenlong-known asa tourist destination
filled with visitors
enjoying the
hot springs.
a hut built out of snow. Kamakura is an old
Japanese New Year’s custom in snowy regions
where altars are placed inside of huts made ofsnow. These huts are lit up and are offered to thegods. The term “kamakura” refers to the actual
snow structures themselves. If you’re after somequintessential experiences found only in snowy
regions of Japan, step out of your snow resortand drop by a facility like Ueda no Sato.
Sake continues to gain popularity inAustralia, and Niigata just happens to be a
prominent producer of the alcoholic beverageand is the home of the famous brand—
Hakkaisan. The Hakkaisan Brewery not only
produces sake, but also runs Uonuma no Sato.

This establishment was created to allow
visitors to experience the “warmth andnostalgia of the snow country” through thelifestyle and cultural experiences to be had
there. Cafés, restaurants, dessert shops, andother places to soothe the mind can be foundwithin the grounds of this facility.
You can also have a look at the natural snow
refrigeration room. These are commonplace
amongst those who live in these snowy areas.
Snow rooms are natural refrigerators made ofsnow and a variety of sake is stored in the one
here. Sake is left to age for up to five years inthe storehouse made by gathering 1,000 tonnesof snow. This ageing process is said to produce
a smoother flavour. On your tour of the snowroom, you can also sample and purchase somesake or mirin produced by the brewer. While
Uonuma no Sato is located a station beyond
Echigo Yuzawa on the shinkansen, the extra
trip is well worth it to learn all about theinteresting snow country culture here.
Niigata prefecture is well-known as aJapanese wonderland of snow, and Yuzawa
has been long-known as a tourist destination
filled with visitors enjoying the hot springs. On
your next trip here, pack away your skis for awhile and turn your attention to the fascinatingsnow culture fostered here over the centuries to
uncover a new side of Japan.

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jSnow issue 4 │ 49

CLOSING PHOTO GALLERY

Exploring a newdestination steepedin history – GIFU
Photography: Kazuya Baba

Shirakawa-go
Takayama

GIFU

Gujo Hachiman
NagoyaThe view from
Meiho Ski
Resort, just
30-minutes
away from Gujo
Hachiman.

50 │ jSnow issue 4

We here are jSnow introduce our readers
to new snow destinations in every issue
we publish. This time around, we’ll beshining a light on a place largely unfamiliar
to our fan base—Gifu. Readers will most
likely associate regions we have covered,such as Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata,as renowned snow destinations in Japan.
However, residents of Osaka, Kyoto,
Nagoya, and other areas of westernJapan are likely to have deep connections
with Gifu when it comes to snow. Gifu issituated next to Nagano prefecture ina deep inland mountainous area. While
its location makes for excellent snow, it
remains fairly unknown to international
visitors due to the lack of outward
marketing as the place to go for snow. This
makes it a hidden gem just waiting to be
uncovered.
I will be telling you all about the wonders ofGifu through this closing feature alongside
the collection of photos I took on myvisit there during the 2020 season. The
photos were taken while I was based inthree locations: Gujo Hachiman, which is amere stone’s throw away from Nagoya (thethird largest city in Japan after Tokyo andOsaka); Hida Takayama, which is a popular
tourist destination where old townscapesof Japan can be seen; and the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go.

GIFU

A waterside town
at the base of amountainHome of thefamous Gujo Odori

Gujo Hachiman
Gujo Hachiman Castle
looks beautiful in snowy
winters as well.

A historical Japanese
townscape filled with old
and wonderful charms.

jSnow issue 4 │ 51

Stunning water channels
are found all over the place.
Koi can also be spottedswimming in them.

Gujo Hachiman

A view of the whole town canbe seen from the castle.

Gujo is a riverside town
known for its pure andbeautiful water.

52 │ jSnow issue 4

GIFU
The retro-feel of the redroofed izakaya (Japanese pub)wonderfully oozes with history.
Trying your hand at making food samples
is another joy of visiting Gujo. Tempura
prawns, lettuce, and other food samples
can be made here.

Gujo is known for its Gujo Odori, a muchloved dance with over 400 years ofhistory. The custom of dancing on end
throughout the town can be seen from
July to September.

There is a project underway in Gujo where traditional
Japanese dolls, displayed during the Girls’ Festival, known
as “hina ningyo” are “brought to life”. These dolls can befound around town getting up to all sorts of activities.

Gifu is the home of Hida
Beef (Hida-gyu), a famousbrand of wagyu.

Kobokobo—local beer brewed
using the town’s pristine water.

jSnow issue 4 │ 53

Meiho Ski Resort
is a famous Gifu
ski slope. Its manysnow machinesguarantee plentiful
snow at all times.

Gujo Hachiman

Powder snow can be enjoyedon the tree-runs here following
a night of snowfall.

54 │ jSnow issue 4

Ryu Resort and Spa (http://ryuresort.
jp/lg_en/) is a luxury resort partway
between the Gujo area and Takayama.
Drop on by if you’re looking for aplush stay in Gifu.

Takasu-Dynaland Ski Resort
is the largest ski resort inwestern Japan and boasts acolorful station on its slope.

GIFU
Takayama Jinya is the only surviving
government headquarters from the Edo
period. Head over in the morning to stroll
through the markets held at the plaza infront of the gate there every day.

Endless hours canbe spent simply
strolling aroundthe old streetsand visiting theshops here.

Hida Takayama
Streets filledwith Edo-period
history and culture;
mountains burstingwith snow activities
jSnow issue 4 │ 55

One of the big three morning markets inJapan—Miyagawa Morning Market. Well
worth rising early for a visit.

Hida Takayama
In the centre of Takayama city are twobronze statues: Tenaga (long arms) andAshinaga (long legs). This one here is
Ashinaga. The statues are of characters
in Japanese folk tales.

Takayama is also famous for its ramen
and “Takayama-style” ramen is known
across Japan. This particular ramen isfrom Mametengu, a long-establishedpopular ramen restaurant. This is a
must-visit restaurant for ramen lovers.

56 │ jSnow issue 4

GIFU

Honokidaira Ski Resort
is located approximately
40-minutes away from
Takayama. This undiscovered
gem offers the best powder
snow experience in all of Gifu
owing to its high altitude.

For those looking toenjoy some sightseeingor activities in Hida
Takayama, drop by
to visit Satoyama
Experience (http://
satoyama-experience.
com/), a service welltrusted by overseas
visitors. This picture
was taken during asnowshoe tour.

jSnow issue 4 │ 57

GIFU
The night-view of Shirakawa-go
from the observation deck.

Shirakawa-go
Thatchedroof houses: atypical building
technique insnowy regions
Beautiful winterwonderlandsin this World
Heritage Site
The sight of thatched-roof houses isquintessential to snowy rural areas of Japan.
This area is now popular amongst visitorsfrom overseas following its inscription as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

58 │ jSnow issue 4

Scarecrows, modelledon humans, have beenused since ancient times
to keep birds away fromfarms and fields.