Some parts of the "ski Japan" experience are very different from what people might be used to at other resorts in other countries.

On the slopes, a feature of resorts here in Japan that may take some getting used to is the constant bombardment of J-Pop (or sometimes 80's rock & pop) coming from speakers all over the mountain - even from the top. Ever wanted to get away from the latest "Kinki Kids" song or Wham's "Last Christmas"? Unfortunately this isn't the place to do that!  (One more reason to head into the backcountry perhaps!)  Some people don’t mind the music, as it is generally light and energetic, however others consider it nothing more than irritating noise that detracts from the experience. Try and think of it as part of the uniqueness of skiing and snowboarding in Japan.

Off the slopes, onsen (natural hot springs) are popular and should be a part of any ski day. Onsen are a feature of most ski resort towns in Japan, and apparent in the naming of many famous ski towns including places such as Nozawa Onsen and Yamagata Zao Onsen, along with countless others. Onsen are a way of life for many Japanese people, who like nothing better to take away the stresses of everyday life by soaking in a hot steaming bath at the end of a day - something which many foreign residents and visitors to Japan grow to love. Even better than just taking an onsen is the magic experience of refreshing the tired and aching body in a picturesque snow-surrounded rotenburo (outdoor onsen) with a small towel on your head, sipping on a glass of beer or a cup of warmed sake, and looking up at the bright night sky after a hard day pounding the slopes. Taking in the unique feeling of the onsen while on a ski trip is a must for people visiting Japan.

For some Japanese, the skiing or boarding weekend trip is not just about riding the snow - it's also about eating, drinking, having fun with friends or family and the singing karaoke part.... all part of the package, and interesting to watch and take part in.

Having said that, many overseas visitors may be disappointed in the relative lack of apres-ski scene that they are used to in other countries.  While this is gradually changing, especially with resort areas that are popular with foreigners, apres-ski is generally not a part of the experience as much as it is elsewhere.  If you are looking for apres-ski, stick to the most popular and lively resorts. 

Most Japanese people don’t have very long or frequent holidays, so when they do get away they try and pack as much into it as possible. It is often easy to communicate with Japanese people enjoying themselves at a resort - in a hotel, lift, gondola or restaurant, and can be part of the fun of the ski Japan experience. Often, Japanese people are keen to try out the English they have learned and will invite you to join them. Just don't be shocked seeing people drinking multiple cans of beer at 11am and then going straight back out onto the slopes!  (Just watch out for them when you go back on the slopes, probably best to avoid them!)

One of many people’s favorite things about visiting Japan is the food. If you are on a ski holiday it is no different.   Before, during and after spending time on the hill, you can explore the area to find interesting little restaurants and cafés. In a lot of ski areas they have regional specialties such as soba (buckwheat noodles), tempura, udon (ride noodles), oyaki (filled steamed rice cakes) and more. Standard ski resort fare on the mountain is curry and rice, ramen, soba and of course Asahi or Sapporo draft.

The SnowJapanForums (www.snowjapanforums.com) are a great place to find out more information about the ski japan experience.  If you have a question and post it on there, more often than not people will respond.  Click here to go there and join in the fun.