Japan’s three main ski regions – Hokkaido, Nagano & Niigata, and Tohoku-which are home to the vast majority of the country’s 600 ski resorts, will be well represented with local tourism boards, resorts, accommodation properties and travel companies showcasing their snow travel products.
Exhibitors from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and home to Japan’s powder capital, Niseko, include Hokkaido Tourism Organization, Central Hokkaido Ski Promotion Council, Furano Ski Resort, Hilton Niseko Village, Niseko Hanazono Resort, Rusutsu Resort, Kiroro Associates and Hoshino Resort Tomamu.
“On behalf of the businesses in Hokkaido, we would like to thank Australian travellers for their continued patronage. Many of the ski resorts in Hokkaido offer attractive discounts as well as promotions for kids, such as free lift passes. The quantity and quality of the light and dry snow we receive each season certainly won’t disappoint you, so visit us in Hokkaido for an unforgettable winter experience!”, said Michiko Nakamori from Hokkaido Tourism Organization.
The Nagano & Niigata region, nestled in the Japan Alps and home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys, will showcase the resorts of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Myoko and Nozawa Onsen. Madarao Mountain Resort will be present as well.
“Only 300km away from Tokyo, Nagano is a rooftop of Japan, with magnificent ski resorts offering a variety of runs among mountains over 3,000m high. Please come and enjoy various experiences in Nagano, including skiing in the abundant natural and powder snow; get acquainted with Japanese culture and traditions in historic towns, and be greeted by Snow Monkeys, the only wild monkeys in the world that bathe in hot springs”, a representative from Classic Resorts JAPAN (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko) commented.
With mountain ranges running from north to south and heavy snowfall in winter, Tohoku, located in the northern Honshu (Japan’s main island), offers picturesque resorts and great snow conditions. The resorts of Zao Onsen, APPI, Hakkoda and Inawashiro, along with the Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization will be featured at the expo.
Kanji Saito from Tohoku Tourism Organization extended a warm welcome to Australians saying: “Whether you are after some quality time with the family and want to explore the family friendly APPI; want to ski through the ice monsters (frost-covered trees) in Zao; are after an adrenaline rush by skiing through untouched powder snow in the forests of Hakkoda or want to unwind enjoying the spectacular panoramic lake views of Inawashiro, the ski resorts in Tohoku can accommodate your winter fantasies. Please come to Tohoku!”.
While consistent quality powder snow falls and the variety of ski runs are at the top of the list of reasons to visit Japan’s snowfields, attractions like natural hot springs, snow and ice festivals, snow monkeys and local cultural experiences (including the cuisine and sake) are also major draw cards for Australian visitors. Recently, the weak yen makes Japan an attractive and cost effective travel destination for Australians, where they can get the most for their dollar.
“The 2012/2013 ski season saw nearly perfect ski conditions with quality powder snow and an increased demand for skiing in Japan by Australians. January 2013 alone saw a total of 31,700 Australian tourists visit the country, which is the highest number on record. We have high hopes for next ski season. Those interested in Japan should drop by and speak to us at the Japan booth at the Snow Travel Expos in Sydney (booth #17) and Melbourne (booth #71)”, said Hiroshi Kuwamoto, JNTO Executive Director.
Following the Snow Travel Expos, JNTO will host a Japan Snow & Adventure Seminar in Melbourne (May 20th) and Sydney (May 27th) for outbound travel agents and media. There will be presentations from the Japanese representatives* on skiing in Japan and other adventures and activities which can be enjoyed by families and travellers throughout the seasons.
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