Tokyo - Gateway to your winter vacation
Coming to Japan for your winter getaway? Why not make the most of your trip and experience the country's famous capital city, Tokyo, before you head off on your snow adventure. Whether you are staying overnight in an airport hotel before flying to Sapporo, Hokkaido or you’re visiting one of the ski resorts near Tokyo or other Honshu ski resorts, it’s definitely worthwhile to do a stop-over in the culturally rich and vibrant metropolis.
Ski Destinations Near Tokyo
Hakuba Valley
The Hakuba Valley, in the northern Japanese Alps of Honshu, is one of the greatest areas to ski in Japan. Most of the events of 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics took place there. Tsugaike, Goryu and Happo One of the Hakuba Valley are regarded as the best snow holiday resorts for beginners and intermediate skiing and snowboarding. Hakuba Valley can easily be accessed from Tokyo via a 90 minute bullet train. Shuttle bus services are also available between all 11 resorts in the area.
Niseko
Niseko ski resort is located in the southern Hokkaido and is well-known for having the best snow for skiing holidays in the world. Some of the best slackcountry in Japan can be found there, where off-piste and sidecountry riding is permitted. The slopes are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The Hirafu area is particularly popular with foreign skiers in Japan, as the adjacent Hirafu village has a lot of Western-style accommodations where English is widely spoken. It is one of the most family-friendly ski locations in Japan with babysitting services, ski schools and clubs for kids. Visitors can also enjoy the colorful nightlife, shopping and many delicious restaurants in the village. Niseko can be easily accessed from Tokyo via the bullet train or a 1.5-hour flight from Tokyo to Sapporo.
Yuzawa
Yuzawa is located in Niigata Prefecture and is the perfect day trip skiing destination from Tokyo. There are 12 ski resorts, all easily accessible within 2 hours from Tokyo via the Joetsu Shinkansen Echigo-Yuzawa station or Gala-Yuzawa station. The resorts are very welcoming to English speakers and ideal for beginners and intermediate riders. The ski resorts also run their own onsen centers which are popular among visitors. Travelers can experience both skiing and the rich Japanese culture in the Yuzawa town.
Winter in Tokyo
Plum Blossoms
Plum Blossoms are well-known for their pleasant fragrance that fills the Tokyo air from early February to mid-March. During this period, you can see plum trees everywhere in the city, many parks, shrines and temples in Tokyo have been regarded as the top plum blossom viewing spots since the Edo era. Hanegi Park and Kameido Tenjin Shrine are two of the most popular spots offering a breathtaking view of Plum Blossoms.
Stay at The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
The Strings is conveniently located in Shinagawa, one of Tokyo’s leading business districts. An internal walkway leads directly from the property to Shinagawa Railway Station, a major transport hub that connects Tokyo and other popular winter vacation destinations around Japan, such as Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata. The station also provides direct rail access to both Narita and Haneda airports.
Not only is the location easy to access, but it provides you with opportunities to experience many of Japan’s most renowned treasures. Dining in the area ranges from authentic to elaborate, shopping destinations abound, and local arts and culture are on full display. Let The Strings be the host that enhances your Tokyo stay.