1. Japan is cheap!

A one-day ski pass at the large resorts will cost around JPY4,000 - less than USD40 or AUD50

Rental is incredibly cheap also. For ski or snowboard rental plus boots, you can expect to pay around 4,000. To include wear, this increases to about JPY6,500.

A hearty on-piste lunch will cost JPY1,500 max, and apres-ski beers are around JPY500.

2. The best resort infrastructure in the world

Japan's ski resorts are full of ropeways, gondolas and speedy chairlifts – not a tow rope or t-bar in sight!

In particular, our base area of Yuzawa contains lift infrastructure that is the envy of the world.

Yuzawa Kogen resort boasts the largest ropeway in the world, with the gondola holding 166 people.

Also, you can ride on the longest gondola in the world - 5.5km, between Tashiro and Naeba resorts - as shown on the photo to the right.

3. Kind and friendly people

Japanese people have a strong reputation for politeness, and a kind and friendly attitude towards foreign tourists.

On the ski slopes also, consideration for others takes precedence when boarding and riding.

In the evening you can expect to be welcomed by Japanese diners curious to meet foreigners, and keen to practice English (whatever the skill level!)

4. Culture

After a day of great skiing, you can bathe in natural mineral water hot-springs, eat authentic Japanese food, and perhaps finish the evening by viewing a 'yuki matsuri' snow festival, where locals carry a 'mikoshi' shrine around the town, invigorated with generous tastings of local sake.

There are plenty of western facilities for those who prefer home comforts, but for those looking for something different, Japan has a lot to offer.