Best Snowboarding Places In Japan

By Kylee Pan

The Japanese have taken up snowboarding at such breakneck pace that it could soon overtake skiing in popularity. At all times of the year, you can see large scores of people thronging the ski resorts to pursue their hobby. With more than 600 resorts in Japan, it is hard not to notice the sport's incredible fan base.

Its popularity is not just restricted to the locals. Many tourists from every part of the world have made the effort to travel far and wide to Japan's ski resorts just to snowboard. The experience of doing so in a foreign country and having a taste of its culture makes it even more exciting.

Snowboard is now more popular with the Japanese than skiing. This winter sport can be enjoyed by both the young and old, while the cool factor guarantees a sizable following with the younger generation. It might be more difficult to master than skiing, but the thrill is also in overcoming the challenge.

Tokyo and Hokkaido are two of the most popular snowboarding destinations within Japan. They have some of the biggest and most beautiful resorts found in the East Asian country. There are hundreds more across the large island, but snowboarders of every skill level will be satisfied with what they get from the ski resorts found in these two areas.

Iwappara Ski Resort is just an hour and a half's train ride from Tokyo and is one of the busiest ski resorts in the country. Thousands make the trip each day to indulge in their hobby. Iwappara offers everything a snowboarder would need for a day trip, but it lacks the more sophisticated terrains and pipes that experienced snowboarders prefer.

Hokkaido is a favorite tourist attraction and an even more popular snowboarding destination. It houses the Rusutsu Ski Resort which is still regarded as the biggest area for skiers in the country. However, snowboarders will have to contend with the other visitors who are also there for other activities such as golf and the amusement parks.

Perhaps the most frequented ski resort in Japan would be that of Niseko Resort in Hokkaido. It might not have the size compared to Rusutsu, but the resort has grown year on year. The powder quality in Niseko is considered to be one of the best in the world by snowboarders, who value this particular feature in any snowboarding locale they go to.

Iwappara, Rusutsu and Niseko ski resorts are all worth visiting if you intend to visit Japan for a snowboarding vacation. There are many others that you can include in your itinerary but the three are must visits for any fan worth his or her salt. You will not leave the country feeling shortchanged after the experience.

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