Not Just Skiing and Hot Springs: 7 Popular Ways to Travel in Japan This Winter

Club Med experienced double-digit growth in winter ski vacation bookings in 2017. Their all-inclusive packages cover every aspect of your holiday—from flights and airport transfers to the resort, accommodation, and a full range of food, drinks, activities, and entertainment—saving you the hassle of planning. (Photo provided by Club Med)

Taiwanese travelers are enthusiastic about visiting Japan. In addition to hot springs, gourmet food, and snow viewing, skiing has become a rising trend in recent years, leading to a two-fold increase in winter ski vacation bookings. This has also attracted all-inclusive Japanese resorts to target the Taiwan market. So, what other winter-exclusive experiences does Japan offer? To make the most of your winter trip, these activities are a must-do on your itinerary.

EasyCard recently conducted an online survey titled “What Would You Most Like to Do in Japan This Winter?” The poll ranked the top 7 winter experiences in Japan, with “skiing experience” taking the top spot. Japan is home to nearly 600 ski resorts, offering abundant snowfall, soft powder, and well-developed facilities and graded slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, Japan is definitely a top choice for skiing.

According to a “Winter Travel Survey” conducted by Club Med’s premium all-inclusive holidays among 1,100 Taiwanese travelers aged 25 to 49, over 60% expressed the strongest interest in snow tourism. Among them, 95% chose Japan as their preferred destination, followed by Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, and the United States.

With strong growth in Asia’s travel market, another all-inclusive ski resort will open in Hokkaido, Japan this December, becoming the fourth such resort in Asia. It will feature up to 29 ski runs spanning 22 kilometers across a vast area of over 145 hectares. A full-day ski pass allows free access to the slopes and complimentary use of lifts and chairlifts, giving beginners and enthusiasts alike the freedom to enjoy skiing to the fullest.

The ultra-healing penguin walk is the second most popular winter experience among netizens. (Photo provided by EasyCard)

From now until October 31, upload your skiing or snow-playing photos on the Club Med Ski Trial page. The top 20 participants with the most votes will have the chance to win a free five-day, four-night all-inclusive ski and accommodation package at Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido—winner plus one guest. (Photo provided by Club Med)

Aside from skiing, the third most popular winter experience is the “snow monsters and ice trees.” The world-famous Zao Snow Monsters in Japan’s Tohoku region are a magical winter spectacle where snow-covered trees resemble a snowy monster wonderland. The fourth most popular experience is viewing drift ice, typically only seen in polar regions, which can be observed up close in Hokkaido via an icebreaker cruise—a thrilling experience loved by many travelers.

In addition, Japan’s various regional “winter festivals” with unique characteristics, such as Sapporo Snow Festival featuring massive ice sculptures, the Aomori Snow Lantern Festival in Northeastern Japan, and the Zao Snow Monsters Festival, add dazzling beauty to the silver-white landscapes, making them highly desirable and ranking fifth.

Ranking sixth in popularity is “snow hot springs,” where you can soak in warm baths while admiring breathtaking snowy scenery. The contrast between cold and hot creates a uniquely memorable experience. Famous snow hot spring destinations include the Nyuto Onsen in Tohoku, Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, and Manza Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. Ice fishing on frozen lakes not only brings the thrill of catching fish but also the joy of enjoying freshly fried fish caught by your own hands—making it the seventh most popular winter activity.