Coming to Japan should not just be about the
Skiing. There is so much more to this wonderful
country. We reckon you should get ski part of your
vacation out the way first, and then spend a bit of
time getting to know Japan.
There are endless options, but you'll find that
Japan is a country you keep coming back to, so you
do not need to do too much at once.
We are able to assist you in making your travel
arrangements, and have more in depth knowledge of
Japan than you local travel agent. We operate one of
the larges websites for visitors to Japan at
www.japanhotel.net . There are over 2,000
hotels, inns, hot springs, and temple accommodations
online, and we are adding new properties constantly.
If you are not sure what to do, then send us an
email or use the contact form on this site. From the
latest high tech innovations, to traditional hot
springs Ryokan, from scenic beauty off the beaten
track, to mountain top temple stays, we can help you
out.
Some of the more popular options are as follows
(but this is just the tip of the iceberg):
KANSAI AREA
Easiest access from Hakuba:
- Train to Matsumoto
- Limited Express train to Nagoya
- Shinkansen
Bullet train to Kyoto or Shin Osaka
KYOTO
Japan's most visited site with millions coming in
every year. Temples, Shrines, Pagodas, Castles,
Palaces... Kyoto has it all.
All
sorts of accommodation options from budget
backpackers to some of the most exclusive Ryokan in
Japan.
Dec -
Feb is off season, so not too many crowds. Cherry
blossoms bloom for mid-March and the crowds are
huge. Still is is an unforgettable sight.
We
recommend a minimum stay of 4-5 nights to really get
a handle what Kyoto has to offer, and even then
you'll have to come back to see the rest.
NARA
Nara
can be done as a day trip from Kyoto, but it is
really better to overnight here as the sights of
Nara do take 2 days to see in full.
Attractions include Todaiji, the massive Buddha,
enclosed in the largest wooden building in the
world, Nara Koen Park where the deer roam free,
Kasuga Daisha Shrine, plus a number of temples
shrines and pagodas.
OSAKA
One
of the power bases for the ruling class for
centuries, Osaka is now a modern city, with some of
the best shopping you'll find in Japan. A day at
Universal Studios is a must, as is a stroll down
Shinsaibashi Suji Shopping Arcade.
Good
for 2-3 days of fun.
KOYA SAN
An
overnight at a Buddhist temple is a uniquely
Japanese experience. Pray and meditate with the
monks, eat shojin ryori meals, and generally relax
and reflect on life.
You
don't have to be Buddhist to stay, just be willing
to open your horizons. you'll come away relaxed and
refreshed.
It
takes about 2 hours to get to Koya san from Osaka,
and overnighting is part of the experience.
CHUGOKU AREA
HIROSHIMA
Most
people would by pass Hiroshima if it wasn't for the
fact the the US dropped the A Bomb here on August
6th 1945. Whatever your feelings are about this, a
trip to the Peace Park and Museum is a must for
visitors to Japan.
OTHER AREAS
The
Japan sea coast is a great trip for a few days, but
perhaps better left to 2nd or 3rd timers. Historic
city of Hagi is nice, as are the towns of Tsuwano
and Izumo.
KYUSHU AREA
Kyushu is a lot of fun and you can wither do the
full loop (Fukuoka - Oita - Miyazaki - Kagoshima -
Kumamoto - Nagasaki - Fukuoka) or a half loop by
cutting across the Aso plateau from Oita to
Kumamoto.
Plan
on at least a week for Kyushu as there are lots of
interesting side trips (Sand Baths at Ibusuki,
Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki, Yufuin Hot Spring in
Oita etc)