Where, exactly? "Well, considering the constant
cold air mass blowing from Siberia and China, and the incredibly rugged
terrain, you can guess at the very wide range of conditions available."
In other words, you can expect fun and thrills on mountain slopes
all over Japan. But to get you started, here are just three great
destinations for the winter visitor.
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HAKUBA (Nagano)  
Hakuba is one of the most popular snow resort complexes in the nation.
A young crowd, great snow even in early spring, and easy access
from Tokyo.
NISEKO (Hokkaido)
Uncrowded slopes, an incredible view of a perfectly shaped volcano
from all points, and super long runs. For Bill Sullivan, this is
"Hokkaido Heaven."
SHIGA KOGEN (Nagano)
Not too far from Tokyo. Anyone, from expert to beginner, will find
fun and challenging terrain with easy access between.
APPI KOGEN (Iwate)
One of the most modern of resort areas. The snow is incredible,
and it's less crowded than some areas with easy reach of a big city.
For full details about every aspect of Japan's snow resorts and
how best to enjoy them, visit Snow
Japan.
Even if you've never been to the mountains before, Japan's ski resorts
offer the visitor a tremendous assortment of entertaining activities,
ranging from snowmobile "banana" rides to inner tube chutes,
ice fishing to heated wave pools. And maybe the very best way to
finish an active day is to relax in an open-air hot spring bath,
admiring the winter scenery. Read on at Outdoor
Japan
For a totally different take on winter, Sapporo hosts the unique
Snow Festival, when the city is transformed into a fantasy land
of snow and ice sculptures. By the time that comes around in February,
maybe you will already have enjoyed your hatsu-suberi....
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