Japan-bound Aussie skiers and snowboarders continue to visit in droves with Australia now the number one international long-haul source market for the popular ski region, Nagano. In the first five months of 2024 alone, Aussie travel to Nagano rose more than 90 per cent compared to last year.
Overall, Aussies accounted for 100,630 overnight stays in the ski region, a massive jump from 52,700 in January to May 2023.
Nagano is around 250km northwest of Tokyo and has some of Japan’s best winter resorts with a variety of experiences on offer for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The best time to visit is typically from late December to early March with January and February the peak months for its deepest powdery snow.
The ski season can extend into April at higher elevations with heli-sking options also available during March and April.
At the base of the Northern Japan Alps, the highly rated Hakuba Valley offers adventure activities beyond skiing and snowboarding, such as snowshoeing, ice climbing and snowmobiling.
For non-snow bunnies, the region is also famous for its traditional hot springs and other cultural highlights, including Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle and Jigokudani Monkey Park with its bathing snow monkeys.
Nagano hosts several special events during winter, including The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival.
In mid-February, Iiyama City features snow sculptures along with spectacular fireworks and Hakuba Happo-One hosts several fireworks displays, lighting up the snowcapped mountains throughout the ski season.
Nagano Tourism Organization’s Australian representative Helen Wong said increased Australian visitation to the ski region in 2024 revealed staggering growth.
“[It was] quite an impressive jump and shows how treasured this region of Japan is to Australians seeking a Northern Hemisphere winter break,” she said.
For more info, head to go-nagano.net
