Japan has become one of the best skiing destinations on the planet and the reputation keeps on growing year after year. If you are from a country that doesn’t usually have snow during the winter months then you really need to be somewhere to enjoy a white christmas.
Japan is stunning over the christmas period and the winter weather is something your whole family will enjoy. We were lucky enough to spend the festive period there last year in Myoko Kogen – it was one holiday no one in the family will ever forget. So here’s why I think a white christmas in Japan should be on your bucket list.
The Snow
If the country is one of the best skiing destinations in the world then it comes as so no surprise that the snow in Japan is special and definitely worth the trip. The landscape there has various terrain to take advantage of; there’s alpine skiing with never ending runs and lots of challenging slopes too, the fluffy powder is is perfect for those that seek the thrill of off piste skiing. Most of the resorts annually report over 15 meters of snow each season, the powder here is what brings in adventure skiers from all parts of the world.
Do your research before you head off because there are so many resorts to choose from for any type of group you’re traveling with. If you want the ultimate christmas snowball fight after opening your presents then Japan should be top of your list.
The Festivities
Japan is not a country that celebrates christmas like its western counterparts, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel festive during the holiday period. There are plenty of decorations and reminders of christmas throughout the resorts. The highlight definitely has to be New Year’s Eve, every resort will put on a stunning fireworks today to welcome in the New Year.
You might not be seeing any christmas parades going on in your resorts, in the bigger, more westernised resorts Santa Claus will pay the kids a visit and you may even spot a reindeer or two. He usually comes out the day before christmas to take pics with the young kids while the parents enjoy some mulled wine.
The Food
One of the best traditions of christmas is when we all get together, cook more food than we need, enough wine to last a year and lots of chocolate. It goes without saying that if you don’t plan ahead you probably won’t be enjoying the type of feast you’re used to – that being said, Japanese food is some of the best in the world and always good to eat. There are hotels which will put on a christmas buffet, look out for some western pubs which are always a good bet to get a meal with all the trimmings.
Have you been to Japan for christmas or do you have another special place for the perfect white christmas? Please do share with me and all the readers, everyone looks picking up new tips and hearing some heart warming christmas tales. Just pop your thoughts in the comment section below this post – thanks for sharing!
