Akihiko Takaba
By Melinda Joe
The only Asian country to have hosted the winter Olympics (in 1972 and 1998), Japan offers plenty of opportunities for fans of winter sports. Thanks to Japan's unique geography and climactic conditions, it enjoys first-rate powder and a skiing season that lasts from December until April. The skiing and snowboarding in Central Honshu is second only to Hokkaido. Here are four spots that are close to both Tokyo and each other.
Photo Caption: Ski-jumping at the Naeba Ski Resort in Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Japan
Made famous as the site of the men's and women's downhill races at the 1998 Winter Olympics, this ski resort in northwestern Nagano boasts some of the most amazing panoramic views of the Hakuba mountain range. Some of the highest snowfall and the longest vertical pitches in Japan make Happo-one particularly popular for seasoned powder hounds. The 13 courses range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, with both smooth and bump runs (night skiing courses are also open until 9pm later in the season). There's a kids' park for aspiring snow demons, as well as several restaurants and cafes where snow bunnies can keep warm.
For a mid-run break, the stylish Virgin Cafe Hakuba (tel. 0261/72-7573; entrees from ¥800), located 1,680m (5,500 ft.) up the mountain (immediately at the top of the Alpen Quad Lift), is one of the best choices for lunch or a warming cup of cappuccino.
Details: 5734-1 Happo Hokujo, Hakuba-mura (Happo Information Center); tel. 0261/72-3066; ; www.hakuba-happo.or.jp/en. Ticket prices and times of operation vary, so check in advance.
Photo Caption: The ski lift at the Happo-one ski resort in northwestern Nagano, Japan.
The venue for cross-country events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, this difficult 6km (3.7-mile) course is recommended for advanced skiers. Less experienced skiers can try the two other courses for free.
Details: 3003 Kamishiro, Hakuba-mura; tel. 0261/72- 5000 (Hakuba Village Office). ¥200. Winter Tues-Sun 9:30am-4pm; summer Tues-Sun 9am-5pm.
Photo Caption: Skiing in Hakuba, Japan.
This scenic resort, perched high on a plateau, is great for families. Roughly half of the slopes are for beginners, and if you're not up for skiing or snowboarding, you can rent an inflatable snow tube and toboggan down the hills. The Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, which features the largest gondola car in the world, will whisk you to a spectacular viewing platform 1,000m (3,280 ft.) above the ground. Once you come down from the mountain, relax in one of the
town's numerous hot springs.
Details:490 Yuzawa, Yuzawamachi; tel. 0257/784-3326; ; www.yuzawakogen.com. Ticket prices and times of operation vary, so check in advance.
Photo Caption: Snowboarding in Yuzawa, Japan.
The only Asian country to have hosted the winter Olympics (in 1972 and 1998), Japan offers plenty of opportunities for fans of winter sports. Thanks to Japan's unique geography and climactic conditions, it enjoys first-rate powder and a skiing season that lasts from December until April. The skiing and snowboarding in Central Honshu is second only to Hokkaido. Here are four spots that are close to both Tokyo and each other.
Photo Caption: Ski-jumping at the Naeba Ski Resort in Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Japan
For a mid-run break, the stylish Virgin Cafe Hakuba (tel. 0261/72-7573; entrees from ¥800), located 1,680m (5,500 ft.) up the mountain (immediately at the top of the Alpen Quad Lift), is one of the best choices for lunch or a warming cup of cappuccino.
Details: 5734-1 Happo Hokujo, Hakuba-mura (Happo Information Center); tel. 0261/72-3066; ; www.hakuba-happo.or.jp/en. Ticket prices and times of operation vary, so check in advance.
Photo Caption: The ski lift at the Happo-one ski resort in northwestern Nagano, Japan.
Details: 3003 Kamishiro, Hakuba-mura; tel. 0261/72- 5000 (Hakuba Village Office). ¥200. Winter Tues-Sun 9:30am-4pm; summer Tues-Sun 9am-5pm.
Photo Caption: Skiing in Hakuba, Japan.
Details:490 Yuzawa, Yuzawamachi; tel. 0257/784-3326; ; www.yuzawakogen.com. Ticket prices and times of operation vary, so check in advance.
Photo Caption: Snowboarding in Yuzawa, Japan.