Sophie Tanaka

Guides by Sophie Tanaka

• English Ski Lessons in Japan: Which Resorts Offer Them?Find which Japan ski resorts offer English ski and snowboard lessons, including Niseko United, Hakuba Valley, Furano, Myoko Kogen, Rusutsu, Nozawa, Appi, Zao, Tomamu and more.
• Japan Ski Resorts with Less CrowdsA practical guide to Japan ski resorts with fewer crowds, from easy quiet picks to higher-effort powder missions with better snow, space and breathing room.
• Winter Car Hire & Driving in JapanA practical guide to renting a car and driving in winter Japan. What snow tires actually are, when chains are worth getting, typical family hire costs, and a simple winter driving playbook for ski towns.
• Hakuba Valley Ski GuidePlan a Hakuba trip with confidence. Compare the Hakuba Valley resorts, choose the best base area, learn when to go, how to get there, and whether the valley pass is worth it.
• Tokyo Long Weekend Powder Escape LoopExtend your Tokyo weekend into a powder-filled long-weekend loop through Gunma and Niigata. Ski Karuizawa, Tenjindaira, Kagura, and Myoko, soak in riverside onsens, and chase storms with minimal travel time.
• Nagano Alps + Hokuriku Loop: Scenic Alpine Ski Road TripA scenic late-season ski road trip through the Japan Alps. Ski Hakuba, cross the Tateyama Alpine Route, unwind in Toyama, then finish in Shiga Kogen, Myoko, or Nozawa.
• Japan Ski Nightlife & Après GuideIs there good nightlife in Japan’s ski resorts? This guide breaks down the best Japan ski towns for après, bars and izakaya – from Niseko and Hakuba to Nozawa, Myoko and city bases like Sapporo and Asahikawa – plus what “après ski” actually looks like in Japan.
• Japan Ski Trip Packing List: What to PackHeading to Japan for a ski trip? This packing list covers everything you need for Japow – from layers and gear to onsen essentials, tech, and budget hacks (including second-hand gear buys) – plus what you can safely rent instead of lugging from home.
• How to Plan Your First Japan Ski Trip (Step-by-Step)Planning your first Japan ski trip? Follow this step-by-step guide to choose when to go, where to ski, what to book, what it costs, and what to pack.
• Izakaya 101: How to Eat & Drink in Japan’s Snow TownsOrder like a local after a powder day. What to say, what to order, and the izakaya etiquette that keeps dinner smooth, plus drink pairings, regional tips, and a simple after-ski playbook.
• Japan Ski Resort Food & Drink Guide: What to Eat in Japanese Ski TownsEat well in Japanese ski towns: katsu curry, miso ramen, soup curry, jingisukan, konbini snacks and hot-can drinks, plus when to book dinner in busy weeks.