Winter Sports in Japan

Winter Sports in Japan

Japan, an island country in East Asia, is located in the Pacific Ocean. The "Land of the Rising Sun" offer its tourists many exciting places to visit. Besides the festivals, cuisines, museums, temples, castles, hot springs and shrines, the Winter Sports in Japan are quite popular. Japan is the first Asian country to host the Winter Olympics (1972). It has also played as host to both the First and Second Winter Asian Games (1986 and 1990). To these, of course, the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano can also be added.

Japan has a wonderful climate. Especially the winters are governed by the coldest air mass in the world, the Siberian air mass. The frequent approach of cold fronts from the Asian mainland causes Japan to experience much lower temperatures than European regions at the same latitude. The Siberian air mass picks up moisture from the Sea of Japan which results in heavy snowfall.

Four fifths of Japan's land area is composed of mountains. This is another reason for the popularity of winter sports in Japan. Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata are the top choices for serious snow enthusiasts. Niseko, in Hokkaido, regularly tops the list for ski destinations with its endless powder and lively après fun. Depending on the region and prevailing weather conditions, it is usually possible to ski from December through the beginning of April.

Skiing in Japan

Skiing in Japan is the most popular among the winter sports in Japan. It is a chance to wander the cobblestone streets of Nozawa Onsen sipping sake and dropping in on the many free hot springs. Carving turns among the “Snow Monsters”, enjoying late spring and summer skiing on Moon Mountain or making turns in the shadow of Mt. Fuji- skiing in Japan can be a fun in the winter season.

Other Winter Sports in Japan

Besides skiing, there are some other exciting winter sports in Japan that include:

Ice skating -Sport in which individuals, mixed couples, or groups perform spins, jumps, and other moves on ice.

Sledding -Sports that use sleds going down ice tracks or pulled by something.

Team sports -Sports that involve teams played on ice.

Recreational sports -Some sports are competed (or simply enjoyed) on a more casual basis, often by children.

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