Guide to Japan snowkiting holidays

Japan is gaining something of a reputation for its skiing, with hundreds of ski resorts attracting locals and tourists alike each winter. With three-quarters of the country covered with mountains, there is plenty of opportunity to get out on the white stuff. Snowkiting is a much newer sport in Japan, but it is starting to gather interest. If you’d like to go on a Japan snowkiting trip, here’s what you need to know.

Many Japanese ski resorts are tiny, with just one or two lifts. For snowkiting, head to the larger resorts, where you’ll find more space and better infrastructure. Niseko is Japan’s largest resort, and is snowkiter friendly. It has plenty of easily accessible off-piste that is perfect for snowkiters. Some Japanese ski resorts restrict access to off-piste areas, but Niseko is not one of them. For an extra treat, try a dip in one of the natural hot water pools in the resort – the water reaches an impressive 40 degrees!

If you want to snowkite in iconic surroundings, try Mount Fuji. This beautiful volcano and the area around it are covered with snow in winter. There are just a couple of small ski resorts: the area is wide open for snowkiters, with a good range of slopes and flats to ride.

Japan’s frozen lakes are snowkiting favourites. Lake Suwa, in the Nagano region, is a popular choice. The lake freezes reliably each year, and is easy to reach, with the city of Suwa built right up on its shore.

A Japan snowkiting trip is a chance to explore Japan’s wide open snow-covered spaces. With reliable snow, plenty of ski resorts and lakes, Japan offers snowkiters plenty of options.