Tips and Tricks for planning and enjoying your winter time in Japan.
A trip to Japan is a lifelong dream for many Americans, at least it was for these Rippers. Our almost three-week trip was a big deal for us, and just barely long enough to start to understand a culture so different from ours.
We had a secret weapon for planning that unfortunately, not everyone has access to. Our friend and fellow Ripper, Don Roll, is a veteran of Japow trips, and planned the entire adventure, with the help of our guide, Markus, and his partner’s company, Parom Camps. We can’t recommend them more highly.
A few tips shared by others helped our trip be successful and stress free from start to finish. We are pleased to pass them along.
The flight to Japan was, for us, over ten hours, so consider bringing one of those neck pillows to assist you in catching some shut eye. Do everything you can to wrangle an upgrade. Legroom is crucial. And use luggage carts in the airport. They’re free (unlike in the US).
Upon arrival, it is easy to store or ship luggage (especially heavy ski equipment) at the airport. Black Cat ships everywhere in Japan, and Haneda airport has reasonably priced storage rooms in each terminal. Once you lighten your load, the Tokyo subway will easily take you into town. Google maps provides step-by-step instructions, including walking directions to the appropriate station, for any destination. Download the Suica App and load it with ten dollars worth of yen. Swipe it at the turnstile and again at your exit. Yen refills are quick and easy. The subway is clean, not too crowded, and stops are announced in both Japanese and English. And quiet! Almost no one talks on the train!
Convenience stores stock both packaged and freshly made food to go. Surprisingly, 7-Eleven stores are ubiquitous, and all make tasty food in-store. If only they would adopt that model here in the States! Sadly everything is wrapped in plastic, but the contents are yummy and fairly priced. The Suica App works there, as do credit cards and cash. Be prepared to carry both bills and coins throughout your trip. The Japanese are hooked on vending machines which carry both hot and cold beverages (including beer) and lots of treats. Most ramen shops and cafeterias will insist that you choose and pay for your order in a vending machine that takes small bills and coins. You are then issued a ticket to present to the server and your meal is cooked to order and delivered or announced as ready with your number.
Sumo is the national sport of Japan. Be sure to check out local tournaments and check the television listings. The protocol is full of pomp and rituals. The athletes are enormous.
The Japanese are also enamored with baseball. Their star player, Shohei Otani, is seen on signs everywhere. The Dodgers and Cubs are preparing to stage a star-studded showdown to start the season on March 18, 2025 in the MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series. What a way to start the season!
Staying fit the Japanese way includes daily calisthenics. It is inspiring to see groups of high school students warming up before skiing (which is part of their school curriculum). This routine is embraced by a wide swath of the population through a quick routine shared daily on the radio. It is normal for workers to pause and stretch along with the rest of the country three times a day. It is fun and worth a try with the Japan Society’s cute video.
Staying clean is another Japanese obsession. Local onsens are plentiful and each boasts of the mineral qualities of their water. Entrance fees are reasonable but be prepared to bathe in the nude after a thorough scrub. Soaps, shampoos, and lotions are all provided, but towels must be rented. Sexes are generally kept separate and it is not unusual to see multiple generations soaking together. Keep an eye out for milk in the vending machines in the onsens, as it is often the way the Japanese top off the experience. And Hokkaido milk is otherworldly.
The Japanese language is beautiful but tricky. Duo Lingo can get you started, but Google Translate will prove to be your best friend once there. It is a remarkable tool and totally free. The Japanese do speak English but can be shy about using it. Young people learn it in school so can be pressed to open up when encouraged.
Our trip was based in Hokkaido, which is known as the bread basket of Japan. The food is both beautiful and delicious. Be sure to eat some ice cream served in a cookie cone. Fresh fish is plentiful, as are potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a delicious lunch on the go! Many Japanese homes do not have an oven, so beautiful baked products can be purchased everywhere.
A few last tips for skiers: Japanese lift tickets are not expensive, so it is not necessary to have an Ikon or Epic Pass. Be sure to visit some of the smaller areas which are often connected to an onsen. You can sometimes purchase a ticket for a half day with entrance to the onsen included. The smaller areas are full of school children and Japanese military practicing on telemark skis. The side country is plentiful with beautifully spaced trees but be mindful that hiking out is often necessary. Hiring a guide is a wise choice when you want to give tree skiing a try. Last, but not least, be prepared to ski on volcanoes, which are often peeking through cloud cover and sometimes steaming, truly magical and well worth the long journey!
Keep moving, stay safe, have fun.
Great tips, Larry! Thanks for sharing!