Japan Reopening: Embark on these Experiences
After more than two years of near-total isolation, Japan has reopened its borders to overseas visitors and reintroduced visa-free entry. Japan has many exciting and beautiful experiences to enjoy; so, what better time to highlight a few of our favorites than now.
With the winter season approaching and skiing at the top of everyone’s list, we have highlighted 3 of the top Ski Resort’s Japan has to offer this season.
Rusutsu is known for its unbeatable powder skiing for both beginners and experts. The amazing quality of the powder is what draws many skiers to the mountain each year. Rusutu has some of the deepest snow one is likely to experience with the slopes being much less crowded than nearby Niseko. What makes Rusutsu such a top-tier ski resort is its versatility, with a nice balance of trails to suit all abilities. A place to live in luxury during your Japanese ski vacation that offers lavish thermal hot spring baths as well!
Niseko is the most popular Japanese ski resort for international visitors with trails to suit all abilities. Niseko offers a great village with a vibrant nightlife too. This resort is easy to get to with plenty of transport options at the base areas. Favored by international travelers due to the fact that English is widely spoken. Niseko is one of the snowiest ski resorts in Japan, with an awesome variety of terrain and access to amazing backcountry!
Hakuba 47 & Gory is a great family-friendly resort including indoor and outdoor play areas for children. Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu are interconnected at the summit and are both accessible with one lift pass. Hakuba 47 is known for its winter sports park that offers a half-pipe for professionals and various jumps. Meanwhile, Goryu is more beginner friendly and has the largest night skiing area out of all the resorts at Hakuba. Both parts of the resort will give you an authentic Japanese ski town experience without it being difficult to navigate by English speaking visitors.
Additionally, Japan has great sites throughout the entire country such as Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Himeji Castle.
Mount Fuji is a volcano in Japan, being the highest one in the country. It is the icon of the country because of its perfect shape and the symmetrical form. A lot of paintings and poems have celebrated the mountain because of its beauty. With the snow-capped view, Mount Fuji is beautiful – and somewhat artistic. A must see when visiting the country!
Fushimi Inari Taisha has a beautiful hiking trail. Climbing, hiking and walking have become very popular in Japan in recent years. Fushimi Inari's famous red torii gates are one of Japan's most photographed spots.
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well-preserved, complex castle grounds. The castle is both a national treasure and a world heritage site.
Lastly, Tokyo is one of the most attractive cities in the world offering a ton of sightseeing attractions including historic monuments, unique museums, skyscrapers, and cultural experiences. We have highlighted a few of our favorites below in case you find yourself planning a trip to this popular destination.
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Skytree Town in the Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan and was the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. A large shopping complex with an aquarium is located at its base.
Tsukji Market
A visit to Tsukiji Outer Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants. The restaurants are typically open from 5:00 AM to around noon or early afternoon. Because most of the fish served and sold at Tsukiji Outer Market is delivered directly from Toyosu Market, this is one of the best places in Tokyo to enjoy fresh seafood.
Tokyo Disney
Tokyo Disney Resort is a themed resort offering more than can be enjoyed in just a day. Here you'll find two Disney theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – as well as four Disney hotels, several Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the shopping and dining complex Ikspiari, and a convenient monorail line around the Resort. Enjoy the Parks and stay for the shopping, dining, and more at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Senso-ji
Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto, but Senso-ji isn’t the capital city’s most popular just by default. The atmosphere alone here is one for the bucket list. Senso-ji, the temple itself, is at the end of the shopping street, while a recently renovated five-story pagoda stands to the left -ranking as the second tallest pagoda in Japan.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is one of the most amusing parks in Tokyo. Its 134 acres sprawl right in Shibuya, a short skip from Harajuku, and bustle with picnics and performers. The northern side is lush, with clean walkways along expansive, grassy lawns where locals and tourists spread under the shade of Japanese Zelkova trees and gather around a large pond.
Contributor — Abigail Leonard