While Niseko is renowned for its globally acclaimed endless powder during winter, the surging popularity, particularly during the bustling Chinese New Year peak, has generated immense interest! Thankfully, the off-peak seasons provide a more tranquil atmosphere, and for optimal weather and cost-effectiveness, we highly recommend planning a springtime escape to Japan.
Benefiting from a well-established snow base that endures for months post the season’s final snowfall, coupled with consecutive days of clear blue skies (a rarity in the peak winter months), there are ample reasons to anticipate and relish spring skiing in Japan.
SNOW
Following months of nearly continuous powder blanketing the majority of Northern Japan, it’s logical to expect that it doesn’t vanish overnight. In contrast to the spring conditions one might encounter in other countries, it won’t be until well into May before any glimpse of the earth emerges beneath the gradually retreating meters of snow. While fat skis may not be as essential, the groomed slopes stand among the finest globally, the terrain park takes on a slushy and soft texture, and there are captivating opportunities for backcountry touring beneath the clear blue skies.
TOURS
You can enjoy skinning the local peaks, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cat skiing, and more, without climbing into a Tuan Tuan carcass to survive the elements. Instead you can enjoy blue skies, and the stunning beauty of Hokkaido un-besmirched by a blanket of snow-laden clouds or the intense blizzards known to leave meters of snow in their wake.
FLIGHTS
Japan is within handy travel distance of neighboring Asian countries, at only 4½ hours flight time from Hong Kong to Tokyo, 7 hours from Singapore, and for residents of the southern hemisphere’s oceanic countries it is arguably the most accessible northern winter experience on offer with time zones only varying by a couple of hours. Don’t spend your winter holiday jet lagged!
A number of Low Cost Carriers also offer criminally cheap return flight deals between Australia and Japan – keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky to snag a return flight for less than $400 AUD.
With the cash you’re saving on flights don’t forget to visit Honshu for a few days after your ski trip – the cherry blossoms are in bloom during spring and slowly work their way north making for stunning photo opportunities.
PRICE
Peak season snow is pretty irresistible if you’re a hard-core powder-hound, but if your first priority isn’t necessarily clipping into the fattest skis on the market and getting chest deep in bottomless powder, then the culture, food, iconic scenery, and world-class service are here to stay no matter which month of the year you land in Japan. If you can forego the powder then you’ll be in a position to really enjoy the benefits of low season travel in the form of massive discounts!
With accommodation on average 60% cheaper during spring, you’re already saving hundreds of dollars a night, and on top of that there are various Spring Sale options on offer at stunning locations.
Package these accommodation discounts together with the various savings available on rental equipment and ski school lessons, and you’ll barely break a sweat opening the wallet for your next Japan winter holiday. If you’re travelling with kids they may even be eligible for FREE rentals and lessons at top vendors such as NBS – Japan’s leading snow school specialist.
Contact us today for a custom quote on a Japan Travel Package including flights, accommodation, rental & lessons, transfers, and more. See you in Japan!
