The Japanese Tourism Organization shares some top tips for agents putting together a ski holiday to Japan.
Clients can take trains to reach the resorts from Tokyo and forward ski gear directly from the airport to the resort using Yamato Transport Ski TA-Q-BIN service or, better still, rent equipment locally, it says.
Visitors are urged to book accommodation six-12 months prior, particularly for family rooms, apartments and ski-in/ski-out accommodation. In addition, it urges agents to bundle lift tickets for additional benefits, so look for packages that include equipment hire, ski lessons, shuttle buses or onsen access, as these can offer excellent value.
It’s best to book client’s lessons early, especially in peak season with many resorts offering English-speaking instructors, private family lessons, and ski schools for children aged from three. Clients can also take advantage of the wide variety of snow experiences such as snow shoeing through ancient forests, snowmobiling, sledding parks and winter festivals and making the most of the onsen culture.
Late Dec is the time to go for festivals, Jan for reliable powder snow and quieter times, Feb for peak conditions and Mar for mild weather, longer daylight hours and value. Most of all, the JNTO says don’t underestimate the weather with the region under some of Japan’s deepest and driest powder snow and temperatures regularly below -10C in Jan and Feb, so ensure to take or hire the right clothing, the NTO exhorts.
