Japan is open again, and many of us are enjoying the excitement and buzz of planning a long-awaited visit to the Land of The Rising Sun. If you’ve got a trip to Japan in your sights, your adventure will no doubt begin in the country’s capital and key gateway city of Tokyo, which is both glistening and modern, and ancient and quaint in equal measures.

Before the pandemic, Japan was one of the fastest-growing destinations for international visitors, receiving almost 32 million arrivals in 2019 including over half-a-million (621,800) Australians – a rise of 12.6% on 2018 figures. With the country’s unique sights, cities, and rural landscapes high on the agenda for travellers around the world, it’s perhaps not surprising that Japan is also a longstanding pioneer in the concept of sustainable tourism.

Japanese cities are a world of their own – urban labyrinths where you could get lost for days exploring their eclectic sights and sounds. But while the cities are dense and brimming with activity, Japan also has a vast unspoilt countryside waiting to be discovered.

When travellers think of a winter trip to Japan, images of icy mountain peaks and cosy ramen houses always come to mind. And if you are a ski or snowboard enthusiast, endless slopes covered in top quality snow will be high on your winter wish list. Read on to discover the reasons why you should choose Japan as your next winter getaway.

Japan is well known among Australians for its cold climes and snowy mountainous landscapes, making it a top destination for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding or even basking in the warm waters of a hot outdoor onsen. But did you know Japan is also home to an idyllic tropical island paradise only a short flight south of Tokyo?