30 Days Out: Getting Your Japan Ski Trip Sorted (Before the Christmas Chaos Hits)
Right, so you've booked Japan for ski season - you're just weeks away from Japanese powder, and honestly, the timing couldn't be better.
The Japanese snow gods have been absolutely firing over the past week, delivering some seriously impressive early-season dumps across Honshu and Hokkaido. Locals are already grinning from ear to ear after scoring first tracks of the season.
The long-range forecast? Even better. The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for above-normal snowfall across many of Japan's legendary snow regions, with La Niña expected to roll in just in time for December.
Now, before the festive season fully kicks in and you're pulled into all the mayhem that comes with it, let's make sure you've got everything sorted for what promises to be an epic snow adventure.
Getting the Essentials Sorted
Travel Insurance (Do This First, Seriously)
If you haven't already considered your insurance needs, make this your top priority.
Any policy should specifically cover winter sports and skiing/snowboarding activities. Also think about whether you need cover for equipment, medical emergencies, and lost baggage. We work with Covermore and Go Insurance who provide snow travel cover to Australians.
Passports & Documentation
Take five minutes to double-check you know where your passport is and that it's valid for the entire time you intend to be in Japan. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people discover their passport expired six months ago when they're packing the night before departure.
Also gather your travel insurance policy details, booking confirmations, and a copy of your itinerary as backup. It's one less thing to worry about when you're packing at the last minute in full Christmas stress mode.
International Driver's Permits
Whether you're planning on hiring a car or not, it's worth getting an International Driver's Permit (IDP) just in case.
Here's why: if you're planning any go-kart adventures in Tokyo or Osaka, you'll need your driver's licence and an IDP - this is non-negotiable, and the Japanese are incredibly strict about it. We've heard of people turned away at the counter, so don't skip this one.
Finalising the Remaining Details
Restaurant Reservations (Book Now or Miss Out)
Now's the time to lock in any restaurant bookings you're keen on. We're expecting a big season this year with record numbers heading to Japan's ski fields, and restaurants in Hakuba and Niseko are already getting booked out over peak periods.
While some restaurants take walk-ins and there are food trucks available (which are actually fantastic), we strongly recommend securing your bookings ahead of time for the places you're really keen on.
Your accommodation should be able to help with recommendations and securing tables.
Rental Gear (Pre-Book to Skip the Queues)
If you're planning to rent equipment in Japan, we'd strongly recommend pre-booking now. Japan's rental gear is excellent quality - often better than what you'd get back home - and booking ahead means you can specify your requirements like wider boots, longer skis, or splitboards. Not to mention skipping the queues on your first morning when you just want to get on the mountain.
Worth noting: Rhythm Japan is currently offering 10% off all rentals and lessons when you book in advance, which is a nice saving if you're heading to Hakuba, Niseko, or Furano.
They also offer pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, which saves you from carrying skis/ snowboards and boots through snow.
Guides and Lessons
English-speaking guides and instructors are in high demand and book out early. Like, really early. The best ones are often fully booked by October for peak season.
If you're keen to work on your technique or venture into the backcountry and haven't already booked, you best get your skates on. Same goes for babysitters and other services - everything English-speaking gets snapped up quickly.
Transfers & Transportation (High Demand This Season)
Transfers and taxis are going to be in high demand again this season.
If you're thinking about booking a transfer to and from the ski fields and haven't done so yet, we strongly recommend that you do. Similarly, bus tickets to the major ski resorts will be heavily booked, so if you're planning on using buses, book sooner rather than later.
Train Tickets (JR East Opens 30 Days Out)
Shinkansen tickets for JR East go on sale 30 days ahead of the travel date. We recommend booking your tickets ahead of time and ensuring you book reserved seating - one less thing to worry about when you arrive, and you're guaranteed a seat during busy periods.
Don't forget to book luggage space on routes to Kyoto and Osaka as well. Or even better, ship your bags ahead of you with Japan's incredibly affordable and efficient luggage shipping service (takkyubin). It costs about ¥2,000-¥3,000 per bag and means you're not wrestling massive suitcases onto crowded trains. Trust us, this is an absolute game-changer.
City Activities & Experiences
If you're spending time in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka and have specific activities in mind - sumo tournaments, cultural experiences, special restaurant bookings - look into booking these now. Many popular experiences sell out well in advance, particularly during peak season.
Sumo tickets sell out in record time, and the really high end sushi spots in Tokyo can book out 4-6 weeks ahead.
Airline Seat Allocations
Depending on your class of airfare and status with your airline, you may be able to make your seat selections now. No one likes being stuck in a middle seat for a long-haul flight to Japan - get in early if you can. Even if it costs a bit extra, your back will thank you.
Health & Medical Essentials (This Bit's Important)
If you have any prescriptions that need filling or contact lenses you'll need, take care of these now so you have them ready when packing.
Medications in Japan (Read This Carefully)
Here's something that catches people out: painkillers like ibuprofen can be hard to find in Japan or come in different formulations that are much weaker than what we're used to. Honestly, Japanese over-the-counter pain relief is not going to help when you are used to your local formulations. Add proper painkillers to your shopping list.
We also recommend bringing cold and flu medication - just avoid anything containing pseudoephedrine as it's illegal in Japan and can cause you serious problems at customs.
And here's the kicker: many common drugs that are available in Australia are straight-up illegal in Japan. We're talking many ADHD medications, certain painkillers, and even Vicks Inhalers. Yes, really.
You can apply in advance for dispensation for certain drugs, and now is the time to be doing this as it takes 2 to 4 weeks. Check the Japan Customs website or contact the Japanese embassy if you're unsure about any medication you take regularly.
Other Toiletries
Japanese sanitary product ranges are somewhat limited compared to what you're used to at home, so best to bring your own if you have specific preferences.
And while we're on the topic of toiletries - Japanese deodorant is formulated differently and, let's be honest, isn't very effective for most Westerners. We recommend packing your preferred brand - your fellow lift riders will thank you!
Equipment Check & Packing Considerations
While you still have time before the festive season gets hectic, it's worth doing a proper check of your snow equipment. Make sure everything's there and in good condition - you don't want to arrive on the mountain to discover your gloves are torn or your goggles are scratched.
Important Sizing Note
It's not always possible to buy replacement items in Japan, particularly if you're on the larger end of sizing. Women's shoe sizes, for example, don't typically extend much beyond US size 6. So if you were hoping to pick up après boots or replacement ski boots in Tokyo, you may be disappointed.
This is also true of larger or taller clothing sizes, underwear, and gloves. If you're taller than about 180cm, have larger feet, or wear bigger sizes, we strongly recommend bringing everything you need from home. Japanese sizing runs quite small across the board, and trying to find your size in a Japanese snow town is an exercise in frustration.
Worth Packing from Home
A few items that are either unavailable or quite different in Japan:
Muesli or energy bars (Japanese ones are good but…different)
Vegemite for your morning toast (for the Aussies)
Ceylon tea - Japan has incredible green tea everywhere, but if you enjoy a proper cuppa in the morning, bring your own
Berocca or vitamin supplements (not readily available)
Sunscreen - many Japanese sunscreens contain skin-lightening properties, so you may prefer your usual brand
Prescription medications in their original packaging
Familiar cold and flu medication (no pseudoephedrine!)
Contact lenses or prescription glasses (exact prescriptions are time consuming to get)
A Few Final Reminders
Layer, Layer, Layer
Japan's snow regions can be incredibly cold, particularly in January and February. Hokkaido, especially can be brutal - we're talking -15°C on the mountain, and that's before wind chill. Good quality thermals, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell are essential.
Don't underestimate how cold it gets. We've seen plenty of Aussies absolutely shocked by how cold a Hokkaido morning feels. Proper layering makes all the difference between an enjoyable day and a miserable one where you're hiding in the lodge after two runs.
Try to Get (a Little) Snow-Fit
If you haven't already, now's the time to get yourself snow-ready. Even just a few weeks of preparation - squats, lunges, and some cardio - will make a noticeable difference to how much you enjoy your time on the mountain.
The fitter you are, the more runs you'll manage and the better you'll feel. Plus, you'll recover faster and actually enjoy that onsen at the end of the day rather than just collapsing into it.
You're Nearly There
Taking care of all these details before you head off is the best way to ensure you arrive at your destination stress-free and ready to enjoy the amazing trip you've booked.
Wishing you peace, love and powder days!
The Snow Concierge ❄️
Disclaimer:
This communication is not financial advice. The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Before purchasing travel insurance, it is recommended that you carefully review the policy documents to understand the specific terms and conditions and that the cover is right for your circumstances.
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