PlanetSKI in Tokyo – Day Three

thirteenth February 2025

PlanetSKI ends its 3-day keep in Tokyo as we transfer between the primary ski areas of Japan. There isn’t a metropolis on earth fairly like Tokyo. Interval. NEW

Our Tokyo travels proceed and after the complete on Day One and Day Two we determined to gradual issues down a bit as we ready to move north to the ski fields on the north island of Hokkaido.

Some strolling round one of many market areas was on the playing cards.

We travelled by metro, which we had lastly begun to grasp.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

We headed to Shimo-Kitazawa, an space stuffed with classic garments retailers the place it felt extra like San Francisco within the Nineteen Sixties than Tokyo in 2025.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

The rack of audio system inside this store pumping out 60s psychedelic music would have accomplished the Grateful Lifeless proud.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

One simply appeared round and will solely be in a single place.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

Subsequent we headed for the Senso-Ji space and caught a sight of yesterday’s spotlight, the Tokyo Sky Tree.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

The realm had a market, and what an entrance – the Kaminari-mon.

The lantern weighs in at 670kgs and on both facet are Fujin, the god of wind, and Raijin, the god of thunder.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

The market past was touristy, however regardless of.

Vacationers have been coming right here for hundreds of years.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

Whereas on the far finish an actual deal with: Senso Ji itself.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

And should you move via the Nakamise-mon road head to this bar – Hello Situation.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

Six folks match inside is snug, and any extra is a squash.

We made some new associates

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

After which, but once more, it was again to Shibuya and the crossing we had change into so accustomed to from the station to our lodging.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

This time the town’s petrol heads had been in the home.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

Driving in Tokyo is feasible, however not for the faint-hearted.

Plenty of extraordinary expressways make driving out and in comparatively simple.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

Attending to the Haneda airport from the guts of the centre is a mere 30-minutes.

It was time to say goodbye to Tokyo, and what a drive out it was as reminiscences of the previous three days got here flooding again as we departed this most great of cities.

Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI

Our subsequent mode of transport is about to take us to the north island of Hokkaido.

In order for you some sensible recommendation to Tokyo then Andy Knights from Ski Safari is the person to ask as he has spent a lot time there and advises on Tokyo itineraries:

“From my time in Tokyo, I’ve acquired just a few private suggestions that will help you get probably the most out of a go to.

First up, a visit to the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa is a should.

I visited at evening, and the shrine lit up below the night sky was actually magical.

Plus, we loved the quieter ambiance, with fewer crowds round.

For those who’re a fan of homeware, shut by is Kappabashi Road which is a must-see, the place you’ll discover genuine, handmade ceramics and Japanese knife retailers.

For a little bit of pure magnificence, I extremely suggest the Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard.

It’s a peaceable and picturesque spot, excellent for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine provide gorgeous surroundings together with a dose of genuine Japanese tradition.

For a bit extra pleasure, head to the bustling coronary heart of Shibuya and expertise the long-lasting crossing.

Whereas the world is stuffed with incredible eating places, I counsel venturing off the crushed path and discovering a comfy, unbiased ramen bar for a bowl of recent, scrumptious ramen.

And don’t miss the possibility to catch a sundown from one of many metropolis’s remark decks.

The panoramic views over Tokyo are completely breathtaking, and there are many ticketed or free viewing decks to select from.”

Common readers will know PlanetSKI is in Japan for a month or so.

We’re primarily right here for the snowboarding:

However a lot else moreover:

Andy Knights additionally recommends taking in different non-skiing actions on a visit to Japan should you can.

“Japan is revered for its extremely constant deep, dry powder and has been a powder chasers’ vacation spot for years, nonetheless, travelling to Japan isn’t just about waist deep turns, there may be a lot extra to discover on this distinctive vacation spot,” stated Andy Knights from Ski Safari that may be a specialist on snowboarding in Japan and has provided us invaluable recommendation and assist with our journey.

“It goes with out saying you’ll possible rating the very best powder turns ever, however you may as well expertise racing throughout the nation on the bullet trains, plus indulge the traditions present in Kyoto and Kanazawa.

“Discover thousand-year-old temples and shrines paying homage to the historical past and tradition that exists, while additionally having fun with the exceptional delicacies extensively on provide.

“Travelling in late March additionally gives the chance to expertise cherry blossom season, the Philosophers path in Kyoto comes alive in a sea of pink.”

Visiting Japan

A handful of specialist UK operators provide ski holidays to Japan.

Ski Safari has maybe probably the most expertise of the nation with tailor-made packages constructed on the corporate’s intensive information and expertise.

It gives the next six ski resorts:

Niseko – Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort, the standard and amount of snow right here is unparalleled – for powder, it doesn’t get a lot better than a Niseko ski vacation

Hakuba – Hakuba ski holidays are blessed with alpine-like terrain and big selection. Hakuba is a good place to make use of as a base for exploring a number of resorts on one carry move.

Rusutsa – A unusual, powder-filled paradise, Rusutsu ski holidays are nice on their very own or as a part of an extended journey in Hokkaido.

Nozawa Onsen – Japan’s oldest ski resort, Nozawa Onsen ski holidays are as well-known for onsens as they’re for snowboarding – excellent for a ski journey with added tradition.

Kiroro – Comparatively under-the-radar, Kiroro ski holidays characteristic deep powder, quiet slopes and incredible tree runs off-piste.

Furano -Select a Furano ski vacation for a conventional resort in an idyllic setting and prime notch piste snowboarding. A superb worth possibility, Furano is a thriving city in its personal proper.

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