Australians seeking the perfect ski or snowboard escape can ditch the long flights and time zone woes. Japan offers incredible powder snow, diverse resorts for all levels, and short flights making it the ultimate snow destination from Down Under.

Japan's 2023/2024 ski season wraps! ❄️ Experience epic powder days like our team's adventure in Appi & plan your dream Japan ski trip with our early bird specials. Get a sneak peek at next season – contact The Snow Concierge today!

Last year there was great excitement when it was announced that Alts Bandai and neighbouring Nekoma Snow Park & Resort would finally be connected by an 810m lift from the 2023-24 season onwards. After hearing this news, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to check out a resort that’s been on the radar for a while. We duly booked a week at the Hoshino Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, the 4-star hotel situated within the resort complex.

So, what did we think?

A few highlights from The Snow Concierge’s month on the ground in Japan.

It’s not quite summer yet in Australia, which means it’s still autumn in Japan but that hasn’t stopped snow from falling!

From the moment you arrive in Nozawa Onsen and wander the snow-covered streets, you will see what the hype is about. The village, with its narrow lanes and traditional wooden buildings, feels like a page from a history book. But this magical setting is only the backdrop to what is to come.

The Snow Concierge was one of the first international visitors to realise Hakuba’s huge potential while working for a US television network during the Nagano Winter Olympic games, and it has been a fast favourite ever since. 

If you’re thinking about your first ski trip to Japan, then you’ve probably heard a lot about the amazing snow that Niseko is world famous for. Everyone (and we mean everyone!) has had a friend, family member or work colleague visit Niseko and no doubt heard rave reviews.

The obvious question is whether it is possible for a single resort to live up to the hype that surrounds Niseko. Well, we’re here it to break it down and share what you need to know if you are planning to visit the powder paradise of the North for the first time.

Want to experience a Japan snow holiday but want to ease in to the cultural side slowly? Or perhaps you don’t want to have to make too many decisions while on holiday? A great option here is a no-fuss, all-inclusive experience.

Most visitors to Japan’s ski fields tend to head to the better-known resorts of Niseko, Rusutsu, Hakuba Valley, Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, and for good reason as they are incredibly tourist friendly destinations with great accommodation and dining options and excellent ski infrastructure. But there are another 495 or so amazing resorts to discover for those hoping to have those runs all to themselves and who are prepared to venture a bit further afield.

You’ve probably heard about the amazing culture, the delicious food, and the incredible sights which are reason enough to visit Japan. When you add in the abundance and quality of the snow, amazing infrastructure, and excellent and varied accommodation options, Japan really stacks up as a great option for your next ski vacation.

Ok, we might be a teensy bit biased, but we think there’s no such thing as a ‘bad time’ to visit Japan…that said, if you’re after some of that incredible powder that Japan is famous for, then there are definitely times when the winter months are more likely to deliver optimal conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of what we love about the five most popular resorts on the Japanese mainland of Honshu

Hakuba is perfect for families, with heaps of skiable terrain and no end of things to keep you occupied on rest days.

If you’re looking for the perfect winter getaway, it’s hard to go past Japan. It’s an awesome opportunity to experience a country steeped in culture, while also enjoying some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the world. It’s a fantastic destination for a snow holiday - whether you’re a first timer or an experienced pro.