Enjoy Japow by skiing and snowboarding [also explains the attractions and tips for travel planning]

What is "japow"?

"Japow" is a coined word that refers to powder snow in Japan, and is generally interpreted as an abbreviation of "Japan Powder" or "Japan + Powder Snow." The term "powder snow" here refers to uncompacted fresh snow, and the light and soft quality of the snow is a characteristic of "japow."

Japow is so appealing that skiers and snowboarders around the world say, "You have to ski Japow at least once in your life!" It is considered the ultimate skiing experience for winter sports fans.

About places where you can enjoy japow

Hokkaido and Nagano prefectures are known as areas where you can experience "japow".

On the Sea of ​​Japan side of Hokkaido, warm air flows even in winter due to the influence of warm currents, which mixes with cold winds from Siberia to form rain clouds. When these clouds hit the mountains, they produce abundant snow. Especially in the Tomamu, Niseko, and Furano areas, these conditions create an ideal environment for powder snow to accumulate.

Nagano Prefecture, on the other hand, is surrounded by mountains over 1,000 meters above sea level, and even the plains in the north are covered in snow.

The Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba areas located in the northern part of the country, as well as the Shiga Kogen area at high altitude, are the perfect areas to enjoy ``japow'' and are visited by many people from Japan and abroad.

In winter, the SNS hashtag “#japow” appears.

As winter approaches, the hashtag #japow has become popular on social media among foreign tourists visiting Hokkaido's snow resorts.

What's interesting is that the hashtag "#japow" doesn't just refer to powder snow skiing in Japan, but also refers to Japanese culture, food and drink, and the appeal of summer mountain resorts.

"Japow" does not simply mean skiing or snowboarding on powder snow, but it is also a keyword that symbolizes the appeal of Japan's winter and mountain tourism throughout the four seasons.

Why overseas winter sports fans aim for JAPOW

Japan's ski resorts are popular as destinations that people dream of skiing at least once, but there are three main reasons why overseas winter sports fans choose to visit Japan to experience ``Japow.''

If you read what I am about to introduce, you will understand the deep appeal of Japan's winter and winter sports culture.

Good snow quality

The combination of abundant snowfall, stable low temperatures, and high altitude produces light, dry, powdery snow. After an American travel magazine introduced Hokkaido by calling it "Absolute Powder," Japan's snow quality began to attract international attention.

On the other hand, the average annual snowfall at ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture can reach 8 to 10 meters. Especially in winter resorts like Hakuba, which are located at high altitudes, there is a possibility that you may encounter heavy snowfall exceeding 12 meters.

Being in an area with heavy snowfall where people live

Japan is an inhabited region with some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, but because it falls at low altitudes over a wide range of areas, including forests, there is so much snow that you can even ski in the forests.

Another great thing about Japan is that fresh snow constantly falls, so you can always enjoy skiing on fresh snow. Because such weather and geographical conditions are rare worldwide, many overseas ski and snowboard fans can easily enjoy ``japow'' without having to spend a lot of energy traveling.

Word-of-mouth effects from overseas winter sports fans living abroad

In fact, word-of-mouth from overseas winter sports fans who stay in Hokkaido and Nagano prefectures for long periods of time has also contributed greatly.

I am.

In Niseko in particular, the number of long-term foreign residents, mainly Australians, is increasing. Their thrilling powder snow experience spread the word of mouth, leading to the creation of new vacation homes and summer activities. A similar phenomenon is also observed in Nagano Prefecture.

In addition, with the development of SNS such as YouTube, the charms of not only Hokkaido but also Nagano Prefecture are being introduced using the hashtag "japow", and word of mouth seems to be getting even more exciting.

Perhaps in response to this, more and more foreign ski media crews are coming to Japan to introduce the charms of Hokkaido and Nagano prefectures to the world.

This phenomenon is not the result of government initiatives or large-scale investments, but rather the pure excitement and sharing power of people who have actually stayed there for a long time.

My first japow! Recommended ways to enjoy at the ski resort

"Japow" snow has a smooth texture that has less moisture and does not harden, giving it a completely different feeling when sliding.

To enjoy "Japow" at a ski resort, we recommend the following methods.

Let's take a closer look.

Enjoy a tree run

"Tree Run" is an uncompacted snow area that takes advantage of the natural topography and can be experienced in two locations: the area under the jurisdiction of the ski resort, and the "self-responsibility area" where you can enter the mountain by submitting a "climbing notification" or "climbing notification". It is a fun way to ski on a forest course or in a forest.

The Tree Run area is protected from wind and sunlight, allowing snow to gather deeper and stay between the trees, allowing skiers and snowboarders to experience powder snow while enjoying natural views of trees, terrain, rocks, and more. Slide while skillfully avoiding them.

enjoy free ride

"Freeride" is a style that makes the most of the natural mountain terrain and enjoys downhill while rolling up fresh, uncompacted snow. The appeal of "freeride" lies in the fluffy texture of powder snow. It gives a floating feeling as if you are floating on a cloud, it is easy to increase speed, and the feeling of sliding is very exhilarating. The style of skiing downhill while kicking up fresh snow cannot be experienced on a compacted snow slope.

Enjoy snow activities

"Japow" can be enjoyed not only for skiing and snowboarding, but also for snow activities.

For example, if you ride a snowmobile across powder snow, you will experience a different thrill and fun than riding on a compacted snow slope.

Another way to enjoy Japow is to wear snowshoes and walk on the snow.

It is a great opportunity to enjoy Japan's winter even more, as you can feel closer to nature in the rich snowy landscape.

Travel planning tips to enjoy japow

Here, we will introduce how to make a concrete plan to enjoy "Japow" and some tips to make the most of your stay.

If you're aiming for Japow, plan your trip in January or February.

If you want to make the most of Japow, plan your trip to Japan between January and February.

It is said that this is the time when the conditions for powder snow are met, as cold air from the Arctic Circle reaches the skies above the Japanese archipelago.

However, weather conditions vary across the country from year to year, so we recommend checking the ski resort's weather forecast before planning your trip.

Check ski resort area regulations

Especially when enjoying tree runs and free rides, it is essential to check the area regulations of the ski resort.

In particular, courses suitable for tree runs and freerides, such as forest courses and uncompacted snow courses, are often aimed at advanced riders.

Additionally, Japan's ski resorts have many regulations such as ``self-responsible areas'' and ``no-go areas.'' For example, in the Hakuba area of ​​Nagano Prefecture, the tops of poles are marked in yellow and black to indicate the boundaries of ski resorts, and closed areas are marked in yellow.

Each ski resort has different regulations and safety measures, so be sure to check each ski resort's official website for the latest information before your visit.

Check ski resorts and surrounding facilities

By checking the following ski resorts and surrounding facilities in advance, you will be able to plan a comfortable trip that suits your situation and group composition.

[Examples of ski resorts and surrounding facilities that you should check in advance]

Particularly in Japan, taking a hot spring bath after snow activities is a common way to enjoy yourself. Searching to see if you can enjoy a day trip to a hot spring near a ski resort will be a wonderful memory of your time in Japan.

Check access to the ski resort

You can experience "japow" mainly in Hokkaido and Nagano prefectures. If you are considering coming to Japan for "Japow", consider the means of transportation before choosing where to go.

To get to Hokkaido from overseas, you basically take a domestic flight via an international airport such as Tokyo or Osaka. (Some countries/regions have direct flights to Sapporo Airport)

On the other hand, Nagano Prefecture is generally accessed by Shinkansen or bus from the Tokyo metropolitan area, but there are also express bus services that go directly to the ski resorts from Haneda and Narita Airports.

Also check out the winter traditions

In addition to enjoying "Japow" by skiing or snowboarding, we also recommend experiencing Japan's winter traditions.

[Japan's winter charm]

For example, in Shiga Kogen, there is Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is famous for its ``snow monkeys'' bathing in hot springs.

Also, in Iiyama City, which is located near Nozawa Onsen, Togari Onsen, and Madarao Plateau, you can enjoy Japanese culture, such as experiencing ``Kamakura'' made from snow.

Especially in winter in Nagano Prefecture, hot pot dishes are the perfect way to warm up your body from the inside out after a long day.

Remember that there will be crowds

If you anticipate the crowds at ski resorts and plan ahead, you won't be disappointed when you're there.

Popular ski resorts such as Hakuba and Niseko, which are crowded with skiers and snowboarders from both Japan and abroad, are expected to be crowded on days when snow is expected.

Also, it will be easier to plan your trip if you understand that the long lift lines at ski resorts in Japan can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

prepare warm clothes

In particular, if you are heading to the "Japow" area from a warm region such as the Southern Hemisphere or Southeast Asia, be sure to take sufficient measures to protect yourself from the cold.

First of all, a warm winter jacket is a must. Also, it will not be a problem if you prepare the following accessories.

Some ski resorts also sell accessories.

If you want to easily enjoy Japow, we recommend ski resorts that can be reached by direct bus “Snow Liner”

For those who want to enjoy a trip to the Japow area without spending much effort on transportation, we recommend taking the Snow Liner, an express bus that goes directly to the ski resort.

If you use the Snow Liner from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, you can go directly to the bus stops around each ski resort, mainly in Nagano Prefecture.

If you take a direct bus, you won't have to carry your luggage around the station or around town, so you can conserve energy for use on the slopes.

If you are interested in "Snow Liner", please check the official website for details.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner

Let's go with "Snow Liner"! Ski resort area in Nagano Prefecture where you can enjoy japow

Here we will introduce ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture that you can go to on the "Snow Liner" and enjoy "Japow". If you want to plan a trip to enjoy "Japow", please use this as a reference.

Hakuba area

The Hakuba area, located in the Northern Japan Alps, is a popular area that has been awarded as the steepest big mountain ski resort in Japan.

The Hakuba area, which is also known as one of the venues for the Nagano Olympics, is dotted with ski resorts that make up the Hakuba Valley.

In particular, the powder snow that falls at "Tsugaike Mountain Resort" is called "TSUGA POW", and at "Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort" and "Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort" you can enjoy 100% natural snow, each ski resort has its own unique snow. You can enjoy the quality.

Togari/Madarao area

The Togari/Madarao area located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture is one of the prefecture's heaviest snow areas, boasting an abundant amount of snow and 100% natural snow. In the eastern and western mountains that sandwich the Chikuma River, there are courses suitable for skiers and snowboarders of various levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

In addition, the Togari/Madarao area is known as one of Japan's leading winter resorts, where you can experience not only ski resorts but also Japanese culture, food, and activities.

Shiga Highlands/Kita Shiga area

The Shiga Kogen/Kita Shiga area is home to Japan's largest and highest ski resorts. The mountains that line the prefectural border between Nagano and Gunma are home to many independent ski resorts.

If you use the common season pass "NAGANO6Powder Dream Pass", you can ski in the following areas.

[NAGANO 6 Powder Dream Pass]

Yudanaka Onsen, located in the Shiga Kogen/Kita Shiga area, is known as a quaint hot spring town.

You can also see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs in the Shiga Kogen and Kitashiga areas.

Experience “japow” this winter! Plan a fun trip

In this article, we introduced the appeal of Japan's unique powder snow, "japow," and tips on how to plan a trip to enjoy it to the fullest.

Japan has become known around the world for its high-quality snow, and many snow sports fans are so excited and excited that they say things like ``I want to ski in Japan someday'' and ``I'll go every year!''.

In order to have the best "Japow" experience in the snowy mountains of Japan, please use the information we have introduced as a reference when planning your trip!