Just came across this excellent article by of Local Freshies who is fresh off a shred trip to Japan and came back with tons of valuable tips and insights for any skier or snowboarder planning a trip to slay Japow. Arigatō gozaimasu Local Freshies!
This season we had the amazing opportunity to go skiing in Japan. It was everything I could’ve imagined and more. While we’ve skied in remote parts of Canada and the United States, this was a whole different level of adventure. We made A LOT of mistakes and got some great tips from our guides at Japan Ski Tours. To help future adventures, here’s ten things to know ahead of skiing in Japan to make it an even more fun trip.
SEA EFFECT IS REAL: 
A fleeting glimpse of the Sea Of Japan in between snow bands – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
After years of American ski resorts over reporting and over hyping storms, my expectations for a place nicknamed “JAPOW” were set low. Seriously, how could a place get THAT much consistent snowfall? Answer: Sea effect. It was glorious. Similar to lake effect snow, one moment it’s absolutely bluebird, and the next, it’s nuking where you can’t see your hand. Out of the ten days we were there, it only stopped snowing for one day and the rest had some kind of snowfall.
SLOW YER SUSHI ROLL:
Dancers doing the Oni Kenbai which only is done in the Iwate Prefecture in Japan and has been awarded the rare distinction as a UNESCO heritage dance – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
In North America, powder panic is real. The thirst for getting first tracks and beating others to it has personally created a very toxic experience. Japan’s ski scene doesn’t feel that way. Rather, the lift lines are non-existent, and the snow is deep. Don’t just focus on the skiing either. Immerse yourself in the culture. Spend a day checking out unique things like an ancient Onsen where a Shogun bathed or explore an actual Samurai village in Kakunodate.
BOOKEND YOUR TRIP WITH A FEW EXTRA DAYS:
The ancient Sensō-ji temple near Nakamise Street in the Tokyo neighborhood of Asakusa – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Taxis are INCREDIBLY expensive getting to / from either Narita or Haneda (easily $200 one-way) airports to downtown Tokyo. While the Tokyo metro is cheap (we paid $4 one-way) to get to the destination, it’s a BIG pain. Our train stop had over FOUR flights of stairs without a (locatable) elevator. Meet Takuhaibin – more commonly known as “Takkyubin” or Ta-Q-Bin. If you give yourself three days (certain places two days) before AND after your ski trip, you can forward your gear directly to the 1st ski destination from your airport (about $20 each way). With the $400 or more you save on cab fare, you can then explore Tokyo and the surrounding countryside.
DIP INTO THE ONSEN EXPERIENCE AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE:
People including a famous Shogun have been bathing at the Tsurunoyu Onsen since the 1600’s – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
In a country the size of California, there are more than 25,000 hot springs with over 3,000 of them accessed via traditional inns or resorts. The word “Onsen” means hot springs in Japanese, but it’s MUCH more than that. It’s been an integral part of Japanese culture for thousands of years and something everyone should try. The one asterisk that it took me a bit to get over – you have to be fully naked. The reason being is that the spring waters are so pure they don’t want laundry detergent or any of your dirt in it. I’ll let you in on a secret – I’ve got bad memories of high school gym class and showers. It took me most of the trip to peel away those stigmas, but I was glad I did. It isn’t weird and no one even notices or cares. In fact, it was even more peaceful. There is etiquette to follow so use this guide to help direct you on how to do it properly.
JAPANESE CUISINE ISN’T JUST SUSHI:
Everyone awaiting their meats at a Yakiniku restaurant called Fabio in Japan – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
For how much sushi has invaded American culture, you would think the only thing Japanese eat is sushi. It’s far from the truth. Traditional Japanese is focused on what’s in season and each part of the country specializes in certain foods. For example, in the Akita region you’ll want to try the smoked daikon. Iwate is a dairy region so they’re known for their thick yogurt. If you get a chance, hit up a Yakiniku restaurant. Meat lovers will enjoy the opportunity to cook bite-sized meats and vegetables over an open grill. This is just a small blip in the wide array of foods to try.
WHAT THEY CALL WAGYU BEEF IN AMERICA IS A LIE:
Speaking of cuisine… I’ve had Wagyu in the United States, and it tasted ok but nothing special. At a Yakiniku restaurant, a plate of raw Wagyu beef was brought to us. After a quick sear on each side, I took a bite. It was unlike ANY beef I’ve ever had before. It was as if the meat was a piece of butter that melted on your tongue and so flavorful too! They may call it Wagyu Beef stateside, but it isn’t anything like the version you enjoy in Japan.
GRAB A POCKET WI-FI:
This postal box at Nakira Airport is literally right at the security gate – Photo by: Jaime Pirozzi – Local Freshies®
Japan is a country that’s always leading in technology. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they would have a solution for Wi-Fi. Not just good, but AWESOME. As the name suggests, the pocket Wi-Fi is a small puck that you throw in your pocket giving you access to HQ Wi-Fi anywhere you’re at in the country. You can keep your phone in airplane mode and stay connected to friends/family, social networks, and even get some work done if need be. We used Sakura Mobile, and it worked perfectly.
DON’T POO POO QUICKIE MARTS:
When you have a hunger for munchies, we’ve all made that quick hit to a 7-11. It isn’t good, but it does the job. In Japan, their quickie marts are at a whole different level. Scrumptious steamed pork buns, onigiri (rice triangles/balls), multi-flavored Kit Kats, and an assortment of delicacies you wouldn’t expect. Don’t knock it before you try it.
GET INSURANCE:
No matter how cautious you are, things happen. Regular insurance won’t cover evacuation to your home country if you need to go home for surgery. In addition, we brought backcountry gear, resort equipment, and an enormous amount of photo equipment. We used World Nomads Insurance for two people going on a 10-day trip covering trip travel issues, medical expenses, and $3K coverage each in gear, and it cost us both less than three hundred bucks.
NARITA AIRPORT – FOOD BEFORE SECURITY:
You’re glowing from the face shots you got. All luggage is stuffed to the brim with souvenirs and gifts. You quickly rush through security and notice there is only a handful of restaurants. DO NOT go through security until you’ve had dinner. Nearly all the best food is BEFORE security in terminal 2.
We did our trip through Japan Ski Tours and couldn’t be happier with their service. If you do book a trip through them, be sure to let them know Local Freshies® sent ya.
LOCAL FRESHIES TRIP EXPERIENCE ON FILM:
If you’re still on the fence here’s a short film showcasing our experience in Japan’s Tohoku region.
Visit Local Freshies® for your one stop shop on the ‘local scoop’ in mountain towns throughout North American and beyond HERE.
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This article was originally published by Unofficialnetworks.com. Read the original article here.
