Our Head of Delivery, Ben Woodbridge, was invited by the Japan National Tourism Office to experience Japan and more specifically Hokkaido. Find out more about this unforgettable experience below.
As a passionate skier, I’ve always dreamt of visiting Japan. The stories of JAPOW – deep, fluffy powder, backcountry adventures, and tree skiing – have always fuelled my wanderlust. So, when the opportunity to explore the Island of Hokkaido came up, I couldn’t wait to dive in and experience it for myself.
Hokkaido has always been a bucket list destination for me, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. But what I discovered was that Japan, and Hokkaido in particular, has so much more to offer than just epic skiing. From the unique culture to breathtaking landscapes, this trip turned out to be an unforgettable adventure that goes far beyond just the thrill of the powder.
On this trip, I was fortunate enough to have a full itinerary arranged for me. From seamless transportation to an expert local guide, everything was taken care of, allowing me to focus on what really mattered—experiencing it all.
Having a local guide not only provided insider knowledge but also helped me navigate the area effortlessly, ensuring I didn’t miss any of the hidden gems Hokkaido has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned adventurer, a well-curated trip like this makes all the difference.
The Journey: Long-Haul Made Easy
As someone who isn’t too familiar with long-haul flights, I have to admit, I was a bit anxious about the 14-hour trek from the UK to Japan. In all honesty, it’s not something I was particularly excited about. But to my surprise, the journey turned out to be much easier than I expected.
A couple of good films, well-timed in-flight meals, a bit of sleep, and before I knew it, we were landing in Tokyo (Haneda). The long flight didn’t feel nearly as daunting as I thought it would, and honestly, the time flew by (pun intended).
Once we touched down in Tokyo, navigating the entry formalities was a breeze. Before we knew it, our amazing guide for the week, “Chika san,” was waiting for us in arrivals. From there, it was smooth sailing all the way—no stress, no hassle. We checked in for our domestic flight, and in no time, we were headed to Hokkaido, with our first stop being the city of Sapporo.
Day 1 – The City of Sapporo
After arriving in Hokkaido, we spent our first night in the vibrant city of Sapporo. If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, I highly recommend making time for one of Japan’s bustling cities, even if you’re ultimately headed to Hokkaido for skiing.
This stop was a true eye-opener. Sapporo gave me the chance to immerse myself in the local culture and experience the rhythm of daily life. From the busy streets to the local landmarks, there’s so much to explore. We chose to visit Orodi Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city as well as the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower – a symbol of the city’s history.
But one of the most fascinating parts of Sapporo was walking through the underground passageways – a labyrinth of shops, cafes, and nightlife that pulse with energy, all tucked beneath the busy streets above. It was like discovering a hidden world right beneath your feet!
Day 2 – Niseko with a splash of Whiskey
After a much-needed, restful night at the beautiful Sapporo Stream Hotel, we were off to our next adventure – skiing in Niseko! But first, we made a slight detour to the Nikka Whiskey Factory in Yoichi Town, a charming fishing port on the Sea of Japan. This stop was a fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into the history behind Japan’s iconic whiskey brand. I was captivated by the story of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka, who was inspired while studying in Scotland before returning to Japan to create his own distillery. Learning about the intricate process behind their whiskey was a real treat, and of course, no visit would be complete without sampling a couple of their finest bottles. I may have even picked up a souvenir bottle at the gift shop! By lunchtime, we were finally heading up our first chairlift of the trip, heading toward the world-renowned slopes of Niseko. Despite being late in the season and later in the day, there was still plenty of snow to satisfy us, and we found plenty of fun both on and off the pistes. The views of Mount Yotei that you can see from the slopes were absolutely breathtaking – a stunning sight that alone makes the trip worth it.
We only had a couple of hours to ski in Niseko, but it was easy to see why it’s a bucket-list destination for so many. Thanks to the cold Siberian winds that blow over the relatively warm Sea of Japan before hitting the mountains the snow here is legendary. Whether you’re into backcountry, tree skiing, or simply enjoying the groomed pistes, Niseko offers something for everyone. Even if you’re not an extreme skier, the variety of slopes and the scenic views make Niseko a one-of-a-kind destination that you won’t find in the Alps.
Day 3 – Being a tourist
On our third day in Hokkaido we spent the day on the road, with our final location being the ski resort of Furano. On route we visited Asahikawa where we experienced further Japanese culture in the form of a Ramen noodle lunch at Asahikawa Ramen village restaurant. A staple in Japan, there were plenty of Ramen options to choose from to satisfy our taste buds. After lunch, we made our way to Daisetsu National Park, home to the stunning Ginga and Ryusei Frozen Waterfalls. The sight of these waterfalls frozen in time was nothing short of magical, making it an ideal stop for some truly Instagram-worthy photos. Of course, no adventure is complete without capturing a few memories, so we all brought out our selfie sticks to get that perfect shot. After a quick comfort break, which our tour guide affectionately referred to as a “happy place stop”, we were back on the road and soon tucked up in bed in our Furano hotel ready for the next day’s activities. And what a day it was going to be.
Day 4 – JAPOW hits in Furano
Waking up in Furano and looking out of the window I felt like a small child again waking up on Christmas morning. It had been snowing heavily for most of the evening before and had continued through the night. To top off my excitement, the clouds had now cleared to reveal the bright blue sky above whilst retaining the cool temperatures which would keep the snow fresh for the day. We didn’t hang around, grabbed our ski gear and raced to get on the first chair lift. That first few hours skiing in Furano was everything I had ever imagined and more (and this wasn’t even during the high season for snow). There were snow pillows, light fluffy powder, tree skiing and every turn was like floating on a cloud. It was without doubt one of the best mornings I have spent on skis. Furano isn’t the biggest resort but with snow like that, it didn’t matter. I think being a smaller resort and less well known worked to its advantage. I could have gone up and down the same chairlift all day long each time with a huge grin on my face knowing that from the top I could find a new line of untouched powder to ski.
After a thrilling day on the slopes, we decided to take a short detour to Biei town to visit the Sumio Goto Museum of Art. Now, I’ll be honest – art isn’t usually my thing. But even I couldn’t help but be amazed by the skill and dedication that went into Sumio Goto’s stunning works. The sheer beauty of his large-scale paintings and landscapes was nothing short of impressive. The museum entry also included a short video, giving insight into Goto’s life and the journey behind his art. To top it off, there were knowledgeable art enthusiasts on hand to offer deeper explanations about the paintings, making the visit even more enriching. Definitely a must-see, and I will admit, it is even impressive for those who don’t consider themselves art aficionados!
Day 5 – Cruising Around Tomamu
Our final day on the slopes took us on a day trip to Tomamu, a ski destination that’s perfect for those just starting their snow adventure. With an abundance of cruisy green runs, it’s an ideal spot to practice and refine your skills. Whilst not the largest ski area, Tomamu has a lot to offer. The challenging black slopes provide a bit of a thrill, but the best part is how they seamlessly connect with the winding greens and blues, making it super easy to stay close to your ski buddies, even if you take different routes.
Being in Hokkaido, you can always count on fresh snow, and when the conditions are right, Tomamu offers an incredible range of backcountry and tree skiing. For any powder hounds, it can still be an enjoyable playground to satisfy your cravings for deep, untouched snow.
Tomamu as a ski area also boasts some great attractions for families and adults alike. I was astonished to find a wave pool that would be common in a waterpark, something you would never expect to find in a ski resort. This would offer hours of evening fun for families or even during the day if you fancied a day away from the slopes. One of the most notable attractions however was the Tomamu Ice village. We were fortunate enough to experience this in the evening and try out various iglus which included an ice bar, an Ice Slide, Ice Skating and even an Ice post office where you can send post cards back home.
The Food: A Culinary Adventure in Japan
One of the things that piqued my curiosity most about Japan was its food. I’d heard rave reviews about the incredible flavours and culinary experiences, but there were also whispers of some quirky, adventurous dishes—especially from the more remote areas in Hokkaido. Needless to say I couldn’t wait to dive into the local cuisine and sample as much as possible during my trip. From well-known favourites to unexpected surprises, Japan’s food scene promised to be a highlight of my journey!
We were lucky enough to experience a wide variety of dining settings during our trip, from hotel fine dining to expansive buffets, efficient mountain eateries, and tucked-away local gems. What really stood out to me was how, no matter where we dined, there was always an option to try regional specialties, while still offering familiar choices that would please even the most cautious of western palates.
However, if you’re keen on venturing off the beaten path and exploring some of those hidden local spots, a word of advice: having a local guide is an absolute game-changer. While the food at these spots can be mouthwatering, deciphering the menu and ensuring you’re ordering exactly what you intended can be a challenge. A guide made all the difference, ensuring we didn’t miss out on any culinary delights!
Back home in the UK, I’d rarely choose to dine at a buffet restaurant, but in some of the resort hotels, I found myself really enjoying the experience. The buffets there were a cut above the usual, often featuring fresh sushi counters and chef stations where you could order dishes prepared right before your eyes, tailored to your tastes.
One of the most unique dining experiences came from the quirky mountain eateries in Tomamu. These “window shop” restaurants, offering take-out options from various stalls, caught my attention. I opted for a comforting bowl of Curry Udon noodles that day, but there was such a diverse range of choices at the different stalls that everyone could find something to suit their cravings. It was a fun and interactive way to enjoy local food while soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
My favourite dining experience of the week however was on our first night in Sapporo where we dined at a small local restaurant called “Umi Zora No Haru”. This was hidden below the streets of the buzzy Sapporo and would never have been found without the knowledge of our guide. The moment we stepped inside, we were transported into an authentic slice of Japanese culture. The restaurant featured cosy, private dining rooms, creating a welcoming and intimate atmosphere that made the experience feel uniquely special. The menu was a delightful reflection of local cuisine, offering a range of dishes that catered to both the adventurous and those with a more conservative palate. A small word of advice for my fellow tall travellers: if you’re over 6ft, be prepared to do a little leg-squeezing! The tables seemed to be designed for those of a slightly shorter stature, and I often found myself navigating the tight space under the table. Despite this, the experience was well worth it, and I highly recommend this spot to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the authentic flavours and culture of Japan.
Day 6 – Tokyo
Our final day in Japan began with a morning flight from the small and easy-to-navigate airport in Obihiro, taking us back to Tokyo. Since my flight back to the UK wasn’t until 1am the next morning, we were lucky enough to have another local guide join us for the day to explore the bustling capital of Japan.
Tokyo couldn’t have been more different from the calm and quiet island of Hokkaido that I had just experienced. The sheer number of people going about their daily routines—each in a chaotic yet strangely organized manner—was mesmerizing. We had a chance to visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, as well as the famous Shibuya Crossing. The day wouldn’t have been complete without taking in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck at Tokyo Tower.
One of the most striking contrasts of the day came when our guide took us to Team Lab Azabudai Hills, a modern art exhibition that was a world away from the traditional art we had encountered in Hokkaido. The immersive digital art displays were a thrilling experience and really showcased the creative and cutting-edge side of Tokyo.
As the evening approached, our guide took us to Ninja Tokyo, a fun and quirky restaurant experience that added a playful touch to our trip. While it may not have been traditional, the experience was certainly unique and entertaining. Picture this: being led through magical waterfalls, greeted by ninja staff, and served delicious Wagyu beef by chefs and waiters dressed as ninjas. It was an unforgettable experience, particularly for anyone traveling with children. We never would’ve found this without our guide’s insight.
After a delightful dinner, we headed back to the airport, where I savoured one final whiskey in the lounge before boarding my flight back to the UK, reflecting on an incredible journey.
The Verdict
Whilst I wasn’t sure what to expect from my trip to Japan, I came away having had the most wonderful experience. As a skiing fanatic, I would definitely go back to ski given the opportunity but given the time it takes to get there, one would be silly not to experience some of the other wonders Japan has to offer whilst there. If I were to design my next trip to Japan, I would love to treat it like a ski safari. I would probably spend a day in Sapporo upon arriving to explore, have some nice food and get a good night’s rest in one of the many luxury hotels and spas to recover from the flight. From there I would pick 2 or 3 of Hokkaido’s ski destinations to visit spending 2 or 3 days in each (depending on how much time you can allow yourself off work). I would definitely visit some of the highlights I mentioned earlier again on the transfer between resorts. Ending the trip in Tokyo would always give you something to look forward to once the skiing is over before the flight home. There were so many more things I did not get chance to try but would love to get the chance to go back to experience. I only really touched the surface of Hokkaido but Japan has many other Islands of which to explore. Hopefully one day I will get the opportunity to go back and discover more of this amazing country.
Learn more and book your own Japan ski experience by calling 0208 246 5300 or visit www.powderbyrne.com.