10 things to pack for a Japan ski holiday
With epic powder, a beautiful culture and incredible cuisine, there’s a lot to look forward to when planning a holiday in Japan. Here’s our ultimate packing guide to make sure you’re prepared for everything, both on and off the slopes.
If you can’t find some of these products in your sunny home town or you want to pack light, then never fear because we have also included some Japanese retailers who stock these products so you can buy (or rent) when you arrive.
Cash
While the major cities in Japan may have plenty of ATMs and credit card machines, those in ski resorts can be few and far between, and some may only accept Japanese credit cards. Make sure you bring enough yen with you to comfortably get you through a few days on the mountain. Luckily, if you’re on a budget, the convenience stores stock plenty of delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options that won’t break the bank! Make sure you also bring a coin purse along, as you’ll likely end up with plenty of coins from splashing all that cash.
Good layers (and great socks!)
This one may sound obvious, but the cold in Japan can be brutal – especially in Niseko, where seasonal winds breeze over from Siberia and bring a whole lot of snowfall with them. Invest in the best base thermals you can afford, along with puffer vests and jackets for layering up underneath your waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a beanie, mitts, gloves, face masks and neck warmers as well as some great quality ski socks to keep those toes warm.
Boot Solutions and Rhythm in Niseko and Hakuba have a wide range of ski specific socks and thermals to keep you toasty during your holiday.
Goggles with interchangeable lenses
The weather on the mountain can change quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck in a blizzard with goggles that are better suited to a bluebird day. Make sure to pack goggles with a low-light lens, as you’ll see plenty of snowfall on the slopes of Japan. Dragon has produced the Luma lens which is specific to Japan and comes in 5 different colours. It can be purchased at Rhythm Niseko and Hakuba.
This skier is wearing Dragon goggles with a Luma lens, as well as an Oyuki beanie and face mask. The Oyuki range of gloves, thermals and beanies are also available from Rhythm or can be purchased directly from their online store.
Après boots
You’ll need something to wear when walking around town to grab dinner or an après drink, and Converse won’t cut it if the snow is knee-deep. In Japan, boots that you can slip on and slip off are especially popular, as you’ll find yourself having to remove them in plenty of restaurants, ryokans and other locations.
Boot Solutions in Niseko and Hakuba also have a great range if you are having trouble finding them at home – from practical to fancy!
Go Pro
Because how else will you capture all those epic shots of you in the bottomless Japan pow (unless, of course, you hire one of our photographers to join you for a day on the mountain)?
The only problem with using a Go Pro in Japan is the amount of white noise ;). This photo was taken on one of our cat ski tours.
Toiletries and medications
If you’re worried about having access to pain relief medication, anti-histamines or anti-inflammatories while in Japan, make sure you pack your own preferred brand. Medication may be tough to get once on the mountain, and probably not what you’re used to at home!
A power adaptor
You’ll need a way to charge all that technology to post the Instagram photos that’ll make all your friends at home jealous. Don’t forget to bring along a powder adaptor that’ll suit the Japanese plugs, which are two-pronged, the same as North American plugs.
A portable charger for your phone
Smartphones and cold weather aren’t friends, and phones can die very quickly when on the mountain, which isn’t ideal if you’ve been separated from your crew. Packing a portable charger in your pocket or your backpack is the best way to avoid that potential disaster.
You will need your phone charged and ready if you want to get those insta-worthy shots… Or you could always just let your phone go flat, relax and hire us to do all the hard work instead!
Japanese language apps
Japanese people have the most respectful culture in the world, and knowing a little bit of the Japanese language will go a long way. Download an app to learn some Japanese phrases before you go, such as greetings (ohayōgozaimasu, kon’nichiwa, konbanwa) thank you (arigatōgozaimasu) and excuse me (sumimasen) at a bare minimum. Google translate also has a handy feature where you can hover over Japanese words and they will come up in English, which is particularly useful in transit or at the supermarket. Make sure to download the offline version for when you don’t have internet access.
Powder skis or snowboard
It may be last but it’s certainly not least. With over 14 metres of snowfall falling in Niseko each season, you’ll need the gear to handle it. If you are on the market for a new powder board the Burton Store has you covered. For skiers, or those who want to rent Rhythm is once again our no.1 recommended retailer with the best range of powder gear! In Niseko they also have a specific backcountry store called Rhythm Summit which has a range of splitboards and touring skis for rent or purchase.
If you’re planning to go through the gates into the backcountry and side country terrain, you’ll also need avalanche gear, including a shovel, probe and beacon are essential. Avalanche equipment can be hired when booking in for a tour with us and our experienced backcountry guides.
The Burton Store Niseko has you covered for powder boards!
Click here to read more about the tours we offer around Niseko and surrounding areas. We currently have 20% off tours (use booking code JAPOW20) and 10% off cat skiing (use code CATSKI10) until the 31st August 2019