wattention malaysia vol.15

Ski experiencein

prepare

funyourself

Here are the hottest resorts for

the coolest ski trips this winter!

Do not worry about purchasing ski equipment as you can rent everything from the resort. Once you have everything you need, it is downhill from here!

for real

2

1

Definitely

renting these !

レンタル

できます！

5

3

JAPAN SPECIAL_SKI_VOL29.indd 1 12/3/2015 8:59:14 PM

| WAttention Malaysia4

japanスキーが

好きなら、

日本へ

行こう！

Japan is a popular spot with ski enthusiasts thanks to the photogenic scenery, welcoming locals and gorgeous snow. Even if you are a newbie to the sport, skiing here is a smooth experience as there are friendly courses for beginners, English instructors (available at most of the following resorts), and best of all, the feather-light powder snow that breaks your fall with a benign “poof” instead of a “thud”. Japan is the perfect place to enjoy winter to its fullest, plus you can reward your efforts after with a heavenly dip in a steaming hot outdoor onsen while watching the dancing snow.

listCheck

Ski Gloves Ski Coat Ski Pole Backpack for camera, personal items Helmet Ski Pants Ski Boots Skis or Snowboard

Other than a need for speed, it would also be good to have these for the course:

6

Important重要！

47


WAttention Malaysia | 5

English instructor: Advanced booking recommendedNumber of courses: 25 Highlights: Just over an hour away by train from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, this resort comes with an open air hot bath facing the lush forests of Tomamu. Give ice skating a go as well at the Ice Village and enjoy its various ice sculptures. Address: Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yuufutsu-gun Access: Take the shuttle bus from Tomamu Station. Web: snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/

Hoshino Resort

Tomamu 星野リゾートトマム



English instructor: Advanced booking recommendedNumber of courses: 23 Highlights: Known for its gorgeous rural landscapes and clear blue skies in the winter, you will not find a more picturesque skiing backdrop than the Furano Valley. After skiing, grab a drink at a snow dome ice bar. Address: Nakagoryo, Furano-shi Access: Take a taxi from JR Furano Station or the direct shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/furano/index.html

places to visit

3Hokkaido

around

New Chitose airport

Furano Ski ResortNiseko Ski Resort

Hoshino Resort TOMAMU

スキーするなら北海道！

English instructor: Advanced booking recommendedNumber of courses: 60 Highlights: Pick up an All-Mountain Pass for access to all four resorts on Mt. Niseko Annupuri. With a total of 48km of groomed slopes and a course as long as 5.6km, this 4-in-1 spot is great for longer stays. Address: Niseko Annupuri: Aza Niseko 485, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun Access: Take the Niseko United Shuttle Bus to all four resorts from Kutchan Station. Web: niseko.ne.jp/en/

Niseko United ニセコ　ユナイテッド

Furano Ski Resort 富良野スキー場

ski resortsMust-go

さっぽろ雪まつり

Sapporo Snow Festival

Marvel at the massive ice

sculptures that line Sapporo’s Odori Park at

Japan’s largest snow festival from

Feb 5-11.

石狩鍋

Ishikari NabeNo Hokkaido winter is complete without this hearty hot-pot dish, a combination of succulent salmon from the Ishikari River with the island’s famed miso broth.

流氷

Drift Ice ViewingHop on a sightseeing boat for a dynamic view of this natural phenomenon of huge ice chunks that cover the Okhotsk Sea.

Steaming

Hot food !!

美味しい

Breathtaking sight迫力満点



AuthenticplacesSTAYto

From traditional tatami mat rooms with futons to luxurious hotels with king size beds, there are many ways to rejuvenate yourself after a long day out on the slopes.

The leisurely and perhaps most typical way to spend the night, these come with full amenities, private bathrooms, and sometimes even onsens.

These stylish European style guesthouses offer a more personal touch, with Western-style meals and basic amenities provided.

{ hotel/resorts } { pension }

Nigata Prefecture 新潟県English instructor: YesNumber of courses: 17 Highlights: With a decent amount of courses, Gala Yuzawa is the ideal ski resort for skiers and snowboarders of any level, and is also conveniently connected to the Shinkansen Station. Have a hot bath at hot spring SPA Gala No Yu afterwards to get the most out of this all-in-one ski facility. Address: Yuzawa 1039-2, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun Access: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to GALA Yuzawa Station from Tokyo Station. Web: galaresort.jp/winter/english/

Nagano Prefecture, 長野県

Powder Snow: ★★★★★ English Instructor: Booking needed Level: All ages

Highlights: This is the Kyoto koyo spot. The vast expanse of crimson maples in the valley below the Tsutenbashi bridge (aptly nicknamed the “Tsuten Koyo”) is so breathtaking that one can easily lose track of time at Kyoto’s oldest and largest temple. Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, change to the Nara Line and get off at Tofukuji Station. WEB: niseko.ne.jp/en/index.html

Within hours3たったの 3時間の旅で白銀の別世界～

新潟

群馬

山形

岩手

Club Med Hokkaido

Gunma Prefecture 群馬県English instructor: Advanced booking recommended Number of courses: 9 Highlights: If ski and spa is your ideal combination, Manza is your most convenient choice. At a 1,800 m altitude, enjoy fresh powdered snow and choose from ten relaxing onsens—the highest in Japan—at the Prince Hotel, located right on the slopes. Address: Manza Onsen, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun Access: Take the Seibu Kogen Bus to Manza ski area from Karuizawa Station. Guests of the Manza Prince Hotel or Manza Kogen Hotel can also take a free shuttle bus through advanced booking. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/manzaonsen

Manza Onsen Ski Resort 万座温泉スキー場

Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort ＧＡＬＡ湯沢スキー場



The best option for big groups of friends as you can bunk together in the same room for a low price.

Immerse yourself in nature in these cozy wooden accommodations, usually located in the mountains and by ski resorts.

Experience Japanese culture to the fullest in these family-run bed and breakfasts, which include tatami mat rooms, and traditional Japanese meals.

{ hostel }{ lodge } { minshuku }

Iwate Prefecture 岩手県English instructor: Advanced booking recommendedNumber of Courses: 13 Highlights: Experienced skiers will love the challenging slopes here at Mt. Iwate, home to the FIS ski and snowboard world cup multiple times. If you’re feeling brave, glide down its longest course, which is a good 4.5km long! Address: Takakura Onsen, Shizukuishi-machi, Iwate-gun Access: A 20-min. taxi ride from Shizukuishi Station, or take the free shuttle bus to Prince Hotel Shizukuishi through advanced booking. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/shizukuishi

Yamagata Prefecture 山形県English instructor: Private lessons only (advanced booking needed) Number of courses: 12 courses Highlights: Soak in one of Japan’s most famous onsens after a full day of skiing amongst the awe-inspiring juhyo (樹氷 ice-frosted trees) here. From December to February, the unique weather conditions create these natural wonders—often called “ice monsters”—particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Address: Zao Onsen 708-1, Yamagata-shi Access: A 40-min. bus ride to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal from Yamagata Station. Web: zao-spa.or.jp/english

CentralJapanfrom

東京から電車やバスで楽々行ける！

新潟

群馬

山形

岩手

Shizukuishi Ski Resort 雫石スキー場

Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort 蔵王温泉スキー場

©Osaka Guesthouse KOMA



Yamanashi Prefecture 山梨県English instructor: Private lessons only (advanced booking needed)Number of courses: 7 Highlights: Fujiten Snow Resort makes for a great ground to learn the basics of skiing, and has child-friendly courses as well. You can also enjoy a day of skiing with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop. Address: Fujisan 8545-1, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun Access: Take a taxi from Kawaguchiko Station to Fujiten Snow Resort. Web: fujiten.net/pc/ ( Japanese)

Fujiten Snow Resort ふじてんスノーリゾート



Nagano Prefecture 長野県English instructor: YesNumber of courses: 10 Highlights: How about skiing in the chic town of Karuizawa? After skiing, you can shop at an outlet mall or enjoy the hot springs in the area. This is the ultimate integrated winter resort near Tokyo. Address: Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun Access: A 10-min walk or 1-min by taxi from Karuizawa Station. Free shuttle bus is also available. Web: princehotels.com/en/ski/karuizawa/index.html

Ski

ski

near

places to visitaround

東京から日帰りスキートリップ

Tokyo

Narita Airport

Haneda Airport

Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa

Fujiten Resort

Snowtown Yeti

resortsShizuoka Prefecture 静岡県English Instructor: NoNumber of Courses: 5 Highlights: Located on the southern foothills near Mt. Fuji, Snowtown Yeti starts its skiing season from October, perfect for those who can’t wait to ski. This resort is mostly for beginners, and night-skiing is available for those who find the winter daytime too short. Address: Fujiwara 2428, Suyama-aza, Susono-shi Access: Take the Yeti Bus from Gotemba Station to Snowtown Yeti. Web: www.yeti-resort.com/en

スノータウンイエティ

Snowtown Yeti

おでん

OdenJapan’s traditional

winter comfort dish is made of fish

cakes, boiled eggs and vegetables,

simmered in a soy sauce dashi

broth. Available at street stalls or at any

convenience store.

温泉

OnsenPerhaps this is the only Japanese winter pastime more popular than skiing. Dipping in an outdoor hot spring is particularly delightful when surrounded by snow.

イルミネーション

IlluminationTokyo Midtown, Shiodome, and Nakameguro are just a few of the places to watch the city light up with snowy wonder.

Dazzling View

キラキラ☆

Relaxing~きもちいい～

Prince Grand Resort Karuizawa

軽井沢プリンスホテルスキー場



Take in the natural breathtaking views of the Tochigi Prefecture on the Tobu Line as it heads to Nikko.

View From Train 日本の車窓から

Constructed alongside the Aizukinugawa Line of the Yagan Railway in 1983, the bridge was built between the Yunishigawa Onsen Station and Nakamiyori Onsen Station on top of the Tone River which runs its course to the man-made Lake Ikari. It is 240 meters long and stands 20 meters above the lake's surface.

湯西川橋梁

1 Yunishigawa Bridge

One of the most famous hot spring areas in the northern Kanto region, the station offers you a free foot bath for you to rest, relax and refresh your feet by the mascot’s statue at the station’s front square, making it the perfect place to start or end your trip.

鬼怒川温泉駅　

2 Kinugawa Onsen Station

Nikko is filled with interesting adventures from exciting theme parks and soothing hot springs to culturally rich heritage sites.

観光　Sightseeing

This cosy small hot spring town serves a unique traditional fire-pit and baked foods cuisine called Heike Ochudo Ryōri (平家の落人料理).

3 Yunishigawa Onsen湯西川温泉　

Nikko City Tochigi Prefure

TRAIN TRAVEL in Nikko

Head deeper into the mountains of northern-central Japan and discover the wonders Nikko has to offer on the scenic Tobu Line. A famous tourist spot since the Edo era, Nikko has flourished since the construction of the railway in 1929.

For more info, visit nikko-travel.jp/english/guide/

Tobu Special Spacia 東武東急スペーシア

日本、鉄道の旅日光編

TRAIN TRAVEL vol 29.indd 1 12/3/2015 9:13:44 PM


The resting place of the late Tokugawa Ieyasu, you can find over 15 national treasures and Important Cultural Properties (重要文化財, jūyō bunkazai) against the serene backdrop of the Nikko National Park forest.

toshogu.jp/english/index.html

4 UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine

日光東照宮

Getting on Nikko Train LinesFrom Asakusa Station• Tobu Skytree Line, Tobu Nikko Line > Tobu Nikko Station• 2hr 10 mins

From Tobu Nikko Station• Tobu Nikko Line > Shimo Imaichi Station (transfer) > Tobu Kinugawa Line Yagan Railway > Yunishigawa Onsen Station• 56 mins

Tobu Railway Special Passes• 2 DAY NIKKO PASS• All NIKKO PASS• KINUGAWA THEME PARK PASS

More info: www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/

Enjoy sleigh rides or duck into a kamakura (かまくら, snow house) for a cosy barbeque during the day. Come for the outdoor hot springs that line the river but stay for the “Winter Illumination” where the igloo-like snow houses are lit up, creating a fantasy-inspired night scenery.

Date: 23 Jan – 6 Mar ‘16 Venue: Yunishigawa Onsen

3 Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival 湯西川温泉かまくらまつり

This architectural museum is divided into six zones and has 102 famous buildings from around the world in 1/25 scale, including the Tokyo Skytree and the New York World Trade Center.

tobuws.co.jp/en

Discover Edo Period Japan (1603-1868) in this cultural theme park populated by samurai, ninja, geisha and other townsfolk. The village is packed with shows, restaurants and fun experiences for all. Plus why not be a ninja for a day!

edowonderland.net/en/

5 Tobu world Square - Kinugawa 6 Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura東武ワールドスクウェア　江戸ワンダーランド日光江戸村　

This snow activity for all-ages is a great way to explore Nikko’s winter landscape. Take a day to hike around the different hot springs and villages, make snowmen or just slide down the snowy slopes!

nikko-travel.jp/english/experience/

Snow Shoeスノーシュー　

Nikko City Tochigi Prefure

Shimo-Imaichi stn.

Yunishigawa Onsen stn.

Tobu-Nikko stn.

Kinugawa Onsen stn.

1

568

9⓾4

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Discover delicious food and snowy festivals hidden deeper in Tochigi’s mountainous regions that last from December to March. Events イベント　

Ekiben (駅弁, railway boxed meals) are bentos sold exclusively on trains and at train stations and are rich in local flavour.

Train Bento 駅弁　

Delight in the fresh sweet-sour flavours of freshly picked strawberries when you head down to Nikko Strawberry Park for an afternoon of all-you-can-pick-and-eat tochiotome (Tochigi Prefecture speciality strawberries).

Date: Mid Dec - late Jun Venue: Nikko Strawberry Park and more

9 Strawberry Picking

Admire the yukiakari (雪灯里, snow lights), made with over 1,000 lights in a snow wall, winter fireworks and ice sculptures at this annual snow festival.

Date: 24 Jan – 31 Mar ‘16 Venue: Okunikko Yumoto-Onsen

8 Yukiakari at Okunikko Yumoto-Onsen Snow Festival

奥日光湯元温泉まつり

Celebrate all things soba at this annual soba festival. Stores from around the nation will be coming together to set up stalls and showcase their best flavours to promote soba and soba culture.

Date: 21 - 23 Nov ‘15 Venue: Nikko Daiya River Park Camp Venue and Information Area and more

⓾ Nikko Soba Festival日光そばまつり　

苺狩り　

This large portioned bento focuses on Nikko’s signauture yuba and contains namafu which flavours and colours depending on the season.

880yen (tax incl.)

Yubachirashi Bentoゆばちらし弁当

This bento is made of Nikko’s specialities including yuba (湯葉, tofu skin), Nikko wagyu beef and other local seasonal ingredients.1,030 yen (tax incl.)

Otsumami Bentoおつまみ弁当

Nikko Masu SushiThis ekiben Grand Prix prize winner is a local speciality made from cherry salmon and Nikko koshihikari (越光, short-grain rice). 1,300yen (tax incl.)

日光鱒寿し



AD_JTB_NIKKO_vol29.pdf 1 9/10/2015 5:04:56 PM

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