Access- Getting To Japan





OK, so we’ve convinced you that Japan powder skiing is a bucketlist adventure. Now let’s discuss how to get there for your Japow vacation:

Getting to Japan is quite simple from North America as most major airlines have flights to Tokyo’s two main airports; Haneda and Narita. Some flights connect in Hong Kong, but it is pretty easy to book direct flights from Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington DC and New York. Check Google Flights for good options.

Getting to Hakuba’s Ski Resorts





Hakuba, home to 9 Nagano ski resorts is located in the north Japanese Alps. Getting there involves a flight to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita airports), and a bus, or combination of train and bus to arrive in the Hakuba Valley. Expect travel times of 5-7 hours to get from Tokyo to your accommodation in Hakuba, depending on weather and road conditions.

You have options ranging from shared and private ground transfers, car rentals and trains.

Reliable taxi and transfer companies to Hakuba are Chuo Taxi and Nagano Snow Shuttle.

Getting to Hokkaido’s Ski Resorts





Leaning towards skiing in Hokkaido? Upon arrival to Tokyo, to get to most Hokkaido ski resorts it is best to book a domestic flight to Sapporo-Chitose airport (CTS airport code). Your international flight may offer a connection with ANA. Or book a separate ticket. Low cost Japanese airlines offer good fares; Jetstar, Peach and Vanilla airlines, but watch the strict baggage allowance restrictions or you will be paying extra fees.

Travel tip: If you want to skip flying into Tokyo, there are international flights direct into CTS. Check out Hawaiian Airlines direct from Hawaii. Other options are international connections via Hong Kong on Air China straight into CTS.

From Chitose getting to your choice of Hokkaido ski areas is not too challenging. Companies like Resort Liner offer coach bus services direct to most ski areas including Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, Kiroro, Kokusai, Tomamu, and more.

Depending on where you are snowboarding or skiing, ground transfer times can vary from 1.5-3 hours and of course can be influenced by Hokkaido’s famous winter weather. (AKA heavy snowfall)

Driving in Japan





Rental cars with all-wheel drive and snow tires are available to rent from the airport. Winter driving kits are pretty standard when renting in Hokkaido, but in Tokyo you will want to double check what you are renting.

If you go with renting a car you need an international drivers license. Oh, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road with the drivers seat on the right side of the vehicle.

Note: Everyone loves the Toyota 4×4 10 seater vans. In fact you probably will dream up ways to ship one home, but you will need a D-Stamp in your international drivers license to rent and drive one here in Japan.