6 REASONS YOU NEED TO VISIT JAPAN IN THE WINTER
Japan is one of those countries were you can have a completely different experience depending on the season you visit. In the spring you have the beautiful cherry blossoms, summer has the warm sun and lush green landscapes, the colours in autumn are like no other ... but what about winter?
We are here to convince you that winter is one of the most magical times of the year to visit Japan!
1. You Can Enjoy all the Snow Sports
Japan's landscape is covered in mountains and each year they receive an abundance of snow. This makes Japan the perfect place for those that love snow sports! If you are a skier, snowboarder, advanced or beginner... Japan will have the perfect ski resort for you.
We love hitting up areas that have a more authentic, local vibe - with one of our favourite spots being Kannabe. In this area there are a bunch of slopes with amazing scenic runs where a lot of the locals come to enjoy the winter sports.
Three ski resorts in the area we recommend you check out are:
Up Kannabe: The perfect ski resort for beginners with nearly 80% of the park’s terrain being wide and with a gentle incline.
Oku-Kannabe: This resort is located about a 10 minute drive from Up Kannabe Ski Resort and has slopes for beginners up to advanced. If you are looking for a challenge this resort has a 3.1km long course that features a 35 degree slope.
Manba: This resort is perfect for families as it has a spacious family slope and a moderate incline, ideal for families with children and first-timers.
You can find a bunch of information on these 3 ski resorts and more in the Kannabe area. Explore further!
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
2. You Can Have A BBQ Dinner inside a Snow Dome
This is hands down the most unique dinner experience we have ever had! Traditionally in Japan, the Kamakura (aka snow domes with a cave dug into them) have been used during the winter months for celebrations. In Kannabe, and many other areas in Japan, they have started to build these snow domes large enough to seat a group of people to enjoy a BBQ dinner inside!
It was such a unique experience cooking our own meal on little bbq's inside a room made of ice - something you can not miss when visiting Japan during the winter! You can find these snow dome dinners across Japan, but the one we experienced was at the Tajima Kogen Botanic Gardens.
3. You Can Go Snowshoeing through the Back Country
Snowshoeing is an amazing way to explore Japan's great outdoors. One of our favourite mornings during our winter getaway to Japan was when we were running through the thick snow and taking in the absolutely breathtaking scenery. It may look tricky at first, but after a few minutes you easily get the hang of it... and even if you fall, you are surrounded by soft snow to protect you!
Read more: Snowshoeing Adventure in Japan
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
4. It's The Perfect Time To Enjoy an Outdoor Onsen
Japan is home to a countless amount of natural hot springs, and if you ask us these are best experienced in the winter. Wherever you may be visiting, if you google 'onsen' we are sure there will be at least one that will pop up in your area. We suggest looking for one that is outdoors, so you can take in the fresh, chilly air as you enjoy soaking in the hot waters.
During our travels in Japan spent the night at YUMENOI Hot Spring Hotel where they had the option to book in your very own private onsen which we can't recommend enough!
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
5. Take in the Beautiful Snowy Scenery
Japan is so magical during the winter months, and the scenery alone should convince you to come. We recommend heading up to the top of a mountain and simply take in the spectacular views. Whenever we stay at a ski resort here in Japan we always look out for the ski lift taking people to the highest peak in the park.
6. Eat as much ramen & Udon noodles to keep you warm
One of our most asked questions is which country do we think has the best food, and Japan is one of our favourites. If you were looking for an excuse to eat ramen and noodles for breakfast, lunch & dinner than heading to Japan in the winter is perfect for you. After a day on the slopes, there is nothing better than a steaming hot bowl of udon noodles!
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!
Thanks to Kansai Tourism for inviting Flying The Nest to Japan and sponsoring this trip, as always all opinions are our own.