Winter Sports in Japan: Activities to Try and Games to Watch

• Table of Contents
• Enjoy the best quality snow! Experience winter sports in Japan
• Experience the excitement and thrill of winter sports in Japan
• Check out these tickets if you want to experience winter sports in Japan

Winter in Japan is a season when you can enjoy both the fun of moving your body in the snowy scenery and the excitement of watching a sporting event at a venue. When deciding how to spend your time on a trip, it's easier to plan your trip if you first decide whether you want to experience it yourself or enjoy watching.

In this article, we will introduce winter activities you can experience in Japan and fun winter sports to watch in person.

Enjoy the best quality snow! Experience winter sports in Japan

The appeal of winter in Japan is that you can experience the world-renowned high-quality powder snow known as "JAPOW." Many facilities offer a wide range of rental equipment, making it easy to get started even if you don't have everything you need. Here, we'll introduce you to a variety of winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling, drift ice walking, ice skating, dog sledding, and smelt fishing.

Skiing

Skiing is a classic winter sport where you strap skis to your feet and slide down the snowy slopes. Japan has many slopes with excellent snow quality, allowing you to experience the floating sensation and exhilarating speed that only powder snow can provide. Even if you're a beginner, you can feel at ease by joining a ski school where you can learn how to stop and turn step by step.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a winter sport where you fasten both feet to a board and slide down the slope by shifting your weight. Japan's high-quality powder snow makes it easy for the edges to grip the snow, allowing you to enjoy a sense of unity and floating in your turns. Many ski resorts rent boards, boots, and clothing, so you can start snowboarding empty-handed.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a winter activity where you wear special walking equipment that prevents you from sinking into the snow and enjoy walking through snowy fields and forests . Also known as the Western version of kanjiki, they make it easier to walk steadily even in deep snow. In Japan, there are many guided tours, so even beginners can participate after learning how to walk and safety precautions. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing does not require any sliding skills, making it easy for people who are not good at sports to try.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a winter sport in which you glide across ice using shoes with blades, and there are many ways to enjoy it, from the expressive power of figure skating to the exhilaration of speed skating. The appeal of ice skating is that there are indoor rinks all over Japan, so you can easily try it without having to go to a snowy mountain. In some areas, outdoor rinks are set up in the winter, allowing you to skate while enjoying the scenery.

Drift Ice Walking

Drift ice walks are a winter activity where you experience walking on drift ice that has come ashore along the coast of Okhotsk in Hokkaido with a guide. Around Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula , the sea surface is covered in white, creating a view that makes you feel as if you are walking on land. Drift ice is carried from Kitagata waters by seasonal winds and ocean currents, so the time and extent of its arrival on shore varies from year to year.

Discover More Winter Sports to Try in Japan

Experience the excitement and thrill of winter sports in Japan

The appeal of winter sports lies in the sounds and speed that can only be experienced at the venue. Here we introduce winter sports that can be watched in Japan.

Curling

Curling is a sport that is sometimes called "chess on ice," in which players place stones and compete for points. The flow of the game can change with just one throw, so the more you understand how it works, the more interesting it becomes to watch.

Tickets in Japan sells tickets to the curling tournament in Karuizawa, Japan.

▼Click here for detailed ticket information

Karuizawa Ice Park （Curling)

1154-1 Hotchi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0113

This year-round curling hall, one of Japan's largest, hosts major domestic and international competitions. It offers beginner-friendly trial classes, so even those with no experience can have fun. The curling hall also features a "Fureai Hall" where you can take a break and eat and drink, as well as a conference room for meetings.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a sport in which players compete on the ice with sticks to grab the puck and score points by putting it in the opponent's goal. The appeal of the game lies in the sense of speed with which the offense and defense switch over in an instant, and the rapid succession of passes and shots. The sharp sound of the puck seen through the glass, the succession of saves in front of the goal, and the scramble for points along the fence are even more exciting when you're in the stadium.

Speed Skating

Speed ​​skating is a winter sport in which skaters compete for time and finishing position over a 400m rink. Top skaters are said to be able to reach speeds of around 60km/h in moments, and the highlights at the venue are their explosive acceleration at the start and their ability to maintain a steady lean on the curves to prevent slowing down. The sharp sound of the blades scraping the ice and the increasing sense of tension as the laps and rankings are updated on the display board are also appealing. The sprint in the final straight, where skaters step up a gear, is an impressive sight, and naturally elicits applause.

Explore More Winter Sports to Watch in Japan

Check out these tickets if you want to experience winter sports in Japan

A winter trip to Japan is not just about enjoying the food and sightseeing, but also about watching winter sports. Winter competitions, such as curling and ice sports, offer a unique sense of excitement and excitement that you can only experience on-site.

Take advantage of the winter sports tickets for all over Japan on sale at Tickets in Japan and enjoy new experiences that fit into your itinerary. You 'll be sure to experience the charm of winter in Japan even more deeply.

Get Winter Sports Tickets on Tickets in Japan