Going on my first trip to Japan next month, and couldn’t be more thrilled it’s finally happening! While it might sound crazy, going to be spending the majority of time skiing, but still wanted to check in with you all and see if our plans make sense!
Days 1-2: Land in NRT Friday, February 17 in the evening. Picked up by some friends in Chiba City and stay with them until Sunday. Might try and surf around Tsurigasaki beach at some point if waves are working. Any suggestions for things to do around Chiba?
Day 3: Activate 7-day JR pass and train to Nagano. From there take the highway bus to Hakuba, where we have a hostel booked from the 19th until the 25th. Have large ski/board bags, is trying to bring that on a train stupid? Will have them shipped via Yamato, as it sounds like they send your stuff right to your accommodations.
Days 4-8: Ski wherever has the most powder, probably Happo One or Cortina? Have touring gear with us so will try and get into the backcountry if possible. Want to get out on the town, so any great local spots would be amazing to hear about! Was thinking of seeing the monkeys at Jigokudani, would that be fun or a super long way to go for a tourist trap?
Days 9-10: Travel to Sapporo, somehow.. Currently thinking of taking an evening train to Tokyo then an overnighter to Hokkaido. Overall less expensive than training to an airport and flying if we get JR passes, plus no hassle with security and boarding a plane.. But is it crazy thinking we’ll sleep on a regular cabin train? And again the ski bag issue.. When we make it to Sapporo, was thinking of seeing the Nikka distillery in Yoichi. Anyone been before? Any other must sees in the area?
Meeting up with more friends Sunday night to head to our Airbnb just East of Lake Toya.
Days 11-15: Board at Rusutsu, possibly summit Mount Yotei, conditions permitting. Any less touristy places to go boarding in the area would be awesome to hear about! Will have a rental van so we can drive to any cool places in the area (hot springs, bars, hikes, etc.) Again, would love to hear about your favourite spots!
Days 16-18: Fly down to Tokyo, since we only want to do the long train ride one way, and spend Friday night to Monday afternoon exploring the city. Staying in Shibuya City, would love to get some amazing meals, maybe see a sumo match, maybe buy a Santoku or some art for my place. Definitely go to karaoke. Head home Monday evening!
Sorry for the long post, but would be amazing if anyone has any thoughts on this, as it’s still somewhat flexible!