PlanetSKI Sees the Sites in Japan

2nd February 2025

Last modified on February 7th, 2025

We’re taking a break from the powder and seeing some sights. Temples, castles and local markets.

It has been a fabulous few days in the Hakuba Valley visiting the resorts on Hakuba 47, Happo One and Iwatake:

PlanetSKI is skiing in Japan

Hakuba Valley, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Next up it’s a couple more resorts in the Hakuba Valley, likely Cortina and Kashimayari.

But we’re in Japan for more than the skiing and the deep powder.

Much more.

We have already visited the town of Matsumoto.

PlanetSKI arrives in Japan

PlanetSKI in Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Now we’re doing a day trip from the Hakuba Valley to the town of Kanazawa and the nearby Natadera Temple.

We’re marking the trip with a PlanetSKI photo gallery:

Kanazawa Castle

Some see Kanazawa as a rival to Kyoto with its temples, museums and a host of cultural offerings.

The main draw is the castle.

Kanawaza Castle & Grounds. Image © PlanetSKI

Kanazawa Castle & Grounds. Image © PlanetSKI

Kanazawa Market

A visit to the market is a must with sushi on the menu.

Kanazawa Market. Image © PlanetSKI

Natadera Temple

Then there is the Natadera Temple that was built by the great monk Taicho nearly 1,300 years ago.

He believed in the intrinsic harmony between humans and nature.

Natadera Temple. Image © PlanetSKI

“Japan is revered for its incredibly consistent deep, dry powder and has been a powder chasers’ destination for years, however, travelling to Japan is not just about waist deep turns, there is so much more to explore in this unique destination,” said Andy Knights from the UK ski company Ski Safari that is a specialist on skiing in Japan and has offered us invaluable advice and help with our trip.

“It goes without saying you’ll likely score the best powder turns ever, but you can also experience racing across the country on the bullet trains, plus indulge the traditions found in Kyoto and Kanazawa.

“Explore thousand-year-old temples and shrines paying homage to the history and culture that exists, whilst also enjoying the phenomenal cuisine widely on offer.

“Travelling in late March also provides the opportunity to experience cherry blossom season, the Philosophers path in Kyoto comes alive in a sea of pink.”

I can only agree whole-heartedly with Andy and his view of the other aspects of a ski trip to Japan.

It was a long day away from the mountains, but so worth the effort.

Japan is the most fascinating and beautiful of countries.

On return to the Hakuba Valley the powder awaited.

We’ll be deep in it again shortly.

Not least because the PlanetSKI Team is conducting a series of gear and equipment reviews.

Where better location than the powder resorts of Japan.

Everything from clothing, ski boots and touring gear, through to numerous accessories.

Look out for those reviews later in the winter.

Visiting Japan

A handful of UK operators offer ski holidays to Japan.

One is Ski Safari that has perhaps the most experience of the country with tailored packages built on the company’s extensive knowledge and experience.

It offers the following six resorts:

Niseko – Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort, the quality and quantity of snow here is unparalleled – for powder, it doesn’t get much better than a Niseko ski holiday

Hakuba – Hakuba ski holidays are blessed with alpine-like terrain and huge variety. Hakuba is a great place to use as a base for exploring multiple resorts on one lift pass.

Rusutsa – A quirky, powder-filled paradise, Rusutsu ski holidays are great on their own or as part of a longer trip in Hokkaido.

Nozawa Onsen – Japan’s oldest ski resort, Nozawa Onsen ski holidays are as famous for onsens as they are for skiing – perfect for a ski trip with added culture.

Kiroro – Relatively under-the-radar, Kiroro ski holidays feature deep powder, quiet slopes and fantastic tree runs off-piste.

Furano -Choose a Furano ski holiday for a traditional resort in an idyllic setting and top notch piste skiing. A good value option, Furano is a thriving town in its own right.

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