PlanetSKI Hits Tokyo – Day One

10th February 2025 | James Cove, Tokyo, Japan.

Last modified on February 12th, 2025

There is no place like it anywhere in the world, and in our opinion no ski trip to Japan should miss one of the world’s greatest cities.

Tokyo has a population of over 14m in the main city itself.

The Greater Tokyo area, which includes the city and six neighbouring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41m people living in it.

The city is quite simply a full-on assault on one’s senses.

From the frantic and urgent pace in some areas, to the utter clam and tranquility in others.

Often, they are just a stone’s throw away.

It is a maelstrome of contradictions – describing it is one thing, but experiencing it for yourself is quite another.

The skyscrapers and their views will blow you away.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Then just around the corner are the parks and the temples, that supply an altogether different experience.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

You need a rough itinerary and an open mind seeing Tokyo, and then you will simply be bombarded by sights and sounds.

Going with the flow is what it’s all about.

We are covering our visit to Tokyo as a PlanetSKI photo gallery with a few videos thrown in for good measure.

Not crammed with words, but loaded with pictures.

Here are a selection of images from PlanetSKI’s three days in Tokyo as we move from the powder of the Hakuba Valley on the main island of Honchu, to the slopes of the north island of Hokkaido.

PlanetSKI continues its Japanese adventures

The Hakuba Valley, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

So, welcome to Tokyo…

Day One

It is the architecture that first hits you .

You may have seen it in the movies, but seeing it with you own eyes is different.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

We are staying in the Shibuya district.

Home to a few zebra crossings.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Using the metro was, er, a daunting challenge as there are 13 lines operated by two different companies.

It transports 6.7 million people per day.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Though on our first attempt it wasn’t taking us anywhere, as we had no idea how to purchase a ticket.

A man came straight up to us and offered help.

Thank you Tokyo stranger.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Next we found ourselves baffled by which line to take.

A station worked resplendent in a smart uniform more resembling an admiral of the fleet, with brass buttons and a peak cap, escorted us from the wrong line to the right one.

He then waited with us until out train arrived.

After the metro experience and a couple of hours soaking up a city on steroids we needed a rest.

Just a short walk away from the shopping districts of Harajuku we were in was the Yoyogi Park, with its peace and tranquility.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

It is home to the largest and most-famous Shinto shrine – Meiji-jingu.

Several wooden torii mark the entrance.

This one is created from 1,500 year old Taiwan cypress tree and is 12m high.

It marks the boundary between the mundane world and the sacred one.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

And in the park I had my first, and certainly not my last, surreal Tokyo experience.

A college student walked up to me and wanted to ask me a few questions for a video project she was working on.

Naturally I obliged.

And then time for a spot of lunch.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Before heading back to the madness with a wander round the area and some more window shopping.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Behind one window a man was having coffee with some pigs.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

People were queuing up to shop.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

As darkness fell it was time to visit a couple of bars.

Still the streets were packed.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

And dinner in a restaurant where we were pretty much the only westerners.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

And woe betide you if you have a food allergy.

Someone was keen on Chamonix.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKITokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

I asked him if he had been to the French ski area, he said ‘no’ but would like to go.

We ended out day as we started – in Shibuya.

We tackled the the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, with as many as 3,000 people crossing at a time every two minutes.

On the way home was gazed up at the architecture in the Shibuya district.

Tokyo, what a city!

We had survived Day One.

Day Two to follow….

If you want a more practical guide to Tokyo then Andy Knights from Ski Safari is the man to ask as he has spent much time there and advises on Tokyo itineraries:

“From my time in Tokyo, I’ve got a few personal recommendations to help you get the most out of a visit.

First up, a trip to the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa is a must.

I visited at night, and the shrine lit up under the evening sky was truly magical.

Plus, we enjoyed the quieter atmosphere, with fewer crowds around.

If you’re a fan of homeware, close by is Kappabashi Street which is a must-see, where you’ll find authentic, handmade ceramics and Japanese knife shops.

For a bit of natural beauty, I highly recommend the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine offer stunning scenery along with a dose of authentic Japanese culture.

For a bit more excitement, head to the bustling heart of Shibuya and experience the iconic crossing.

While the area is full of fantastic restaurants, I suggest venturing off the beaten path and finding a cozy, independent ramen bar for a bowl of fresh, delicious ramen.

And don’t miss the chance to catch a sunset from one of the city’s observation decks.

The panoramic views over Tokyo are absolutely breathtaking, and there are plenty of ticketed or free viewing decks to choose from.”

Regular readers will know we are in Japan for a month or so.

We are primarily here for the skiing:

But much else besides:

“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.”

Visiting Japan

A handful of specialist 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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