Japan has been growing in popularity with skiers and snowboarders over the last few seasons. If you are thinking of heading for the snow in the land of the rising sun as an alternative destination during the Covid-19 pandemic, here is some of the latest news from the Hokkaido region:
PHOTO: JNTO
In response to Covid-19, a ‘New Hokkaido Style’ campaign is bring introduced that includes protective screens at desks, sanitation of high-touch areas, provision of hand sanitiser, floor stickers for social distancing, daily health checks for employees and temperature and travel history checks for guests.
Rusutsu resort in Hokkaido is operating reduced capacity on its airport transfer buses and gondolas are being disinfected between each ride. Kiroro resort has introduced digital menus in its restaurants, as well as implementing a strict guided seating process led by restaurant staff members.
Nozawa Onsen unveils new gondola system, Nagano
The Nozawa Onsen ski resort spans across three main areas covering 730 acres. This season a new gondola will replace the existing system, reducing travel time from 16 minutes to just eight minutes. The ski resort in Nagano has its own local micro brewery producing beer from the fresh onsen water. This resort has a fully preserved traditional town centre which is extremely rare within ski areas, meaning visitors can enjoy the unique Japanese culture both on and off the slopes.
Nest rebrands as Miru Collection, Niseko
Niseko based hotel Nest, has rebranded as Miru Niseko, part of the Miru Collection group. Miru Niseko is located an eight minute drive from Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village Ski Resort. Miru Niseko is made up of hotel rooms, apartments and lodges. Hangetsukohan Natural Park and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area are within a 15-minute drive from the property.
PHOTO: JNTO
The Spirit of the Mountain welcomes visitors back to Niseko
The Niseko ski area has launched ‘The Spirit of the Mountain’ campaign to showcase the region and reinvigorate tourism. A video about the campaign shows Niseko throughout the seasons, and why it is the perfect place to escape to during the winter season.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Niseko Village
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Niseko Village opens in December 2020 and claims it will bring an unparalleled level of luxury to Japanese skiing. Guests can ski-in ski-out from the hotel which is close to the Village Express.
Escape the ski crowds and head to the lesser-known Gifu Prefecture
While not as famous as Nagano or Hokkaido, Gifu has a variety of ski resorts catering to all tastes and levels. Gifu hosts 35 resorts in total with 187km of slopes scattered primarily around the Gujo, Takayama and Hida areas. Takayama City and Gujo City, with their mountainous terrain, are known for their powdery snow. The Hirugano Highlands Ski Resort in Gujo City, offers numerous activities such as snow rafting and sledding. Gujo also has many ski resorts with great facilities for overseas visitors.
Enjoy natural, magically fine powder snow in the Togakushi Ski Area, Three Star Road
The Togakushi City ski area is in the mountainous Kamiminochi District. This is the perfect place from which to explore the Three Star Road route in Japan. Visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The slopes will satisfy skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts, and there is plenty to do for those who don’t ski.
Soyumura Village 229 Ski Land snow festa, Hachinohe, Japan
Soyumura 229 Ski Land is the southernmost ski resort in Aomori Prefecture located in Tako-cho, north Japan. The 229 Ski Land Snow Festa is an event that can be enjoyed by children and adults. Family activities include hunting for treasures in the snow, making snow lanterns, taking part in dual-ski/snowboard races and more. The resort showcases a spectacular fireworks display in the evening. For more information on the festa CLICK HERE
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Categories: Holiday News & Special Offers, Japan