wisepearl

Thanks all for the info, I was just reading a stack of info on the main snowjapan site, and Hakuba/Nagano really looked appealing. My mum has mentioned she'd be interested in trying cross country skiing My bro and I will hit the slopes My dad is not that interested in skiing, so he could explore the castles, etc. Plus it appears there's many onsen in the area which should be good. Not to mention a huge variety of cabins/lodges, so I'm thinking I'll be in Nagano with my family for new years eve! We might stay 3 nights. Now I've just got to figure out transport etc

Thanks for the info! My only concern about 'wait and see' is then managing to find accommodation for a family of four in that crazy week between christmas and new years! They are flying into Kansai, and no access to a car - so public transport all the way! They are here for nearly 3 weeks, so taking the better part of a day is OK if its worthwhile, ie making it to Nagano should be ok. Would appreciate all the info, suggestions and ideas I can get from anyone!!

I like the below onsen in Kyoto - Kurama Arahiyama train station - foot onsen! keep your clothes on and just soak your feet after a long day walking and sightseeing

Originally Posted By: kokodoko I am thinking about taking both skis and snowboard to japan. I just rang jetstar and they said that it was ok to have both. If they are over 20kg I will just have to pay the extra baggage charges. (about $12-15 per kg) Is it possible some how to query the price that may be charged in Japan for your return flight home for the excess baggage? I don't know if its necessarily the same price. My friend recently flew back to Oz on Garuda and here in Japan they wanted to charge him AU$240 for being 5 kilos over. so would hate you to get stung by that leav

Hi all, Looking for some advice please... I'm a newbie to Japan, based in Osaka. My family are heading over for Christmas/New Years and we want to go skiing.　 I know end-dec is still fairly early into the ski season, and I am not at all familiar with skiing in Japan. None of us are very experienced or long-term skiing, so we're not after the ultimate in slopes! But was hoping someone could give me advice on: Japan Alps (Takayama?) Hyogo Prefecture Hiroshima Prefecture The fam will all have JR Rail Pass but I'll be coughing up for my tickets. Would prefer to avoid