Travel Tips

What does a shredder want for Christmas? The answer likely goes something like “open borders, flights to Japow and some serious big snow equipment”.

Read below to see what our staff members are hoping to see under their christmas tree!

SEASON EQPT FORMA SNOWBOARD

I am really excited about this brand new company created by freeskiing legend Eric Pollard and snowboard lord Austin Sweetin. The Nexus is said to be reasonably stiff, stable, agile, and is designed to float in fresh pow. I imagine that this board will be perfect for first lifts when the pow is fresh, and once it’s tracked out it will be stable enough to carve the groomers and the rest of the mountain. I can’t wait to get on one! – Matt

SUUNTO SPARTAN SMARTWATCH

It’s great for ski touring, and I’m not going to lie, I love statistics! The stats keep me motivated to do more throughout winter, and also the navigation features will help me keep track of my adventures – Hannah

GOPRO HERO 9

From what I’ve heard the in came..

It goes without saying the COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works for the 2020/2021 season, so it’s time to break down the good and bad of the upcoming winter.

Travel Status for International Tourists

Things are not looking good for those currently outside of Japans borders, as at this stage there is no indication that they will be letting non-Japanese travelers in. There are special exceptions for business travelers, students and long-term foreign residents, however it is unclear when they will begin to allow tourists in again. The silver lining? Those who are already here are anticipating minimal crowds, plenty of pow to go round and once in a lifetime deals on accommodation.

COVID-19 Restrictions and Social Distancing

Japan has a reputation for hygiene and it is no surprise that most people are wearing masks in public as a preventative measure. Social distancing guidelines are in place across many prefectures and judging by the low transmission rates, these guidelines seem t..

For people both young and old, bathing in an integral part of Japanese culture. In pre-war times, many Japanese houses didn’t have bathrooms; instead people bathed together in public bath houses known as sento. Of course, the obsession with bathing isn’t just cultural–it’s geographic. Due to its positioning above several tectonic plates, Japan has a very active geological landscape, with thousands of hot springs, or onsen, dotted across the country. For visitors to Japan, having a dip in a hot spring or public bath provides an opportunity for an authentic local experience, not to mention real insight into Japanese culture and daily life.
The Differences between Japanese Public Baths, Deluxe Public Baths, and Hot Springs
Public baths, or sento, are bathhouses comprising a washroom and either one or several baths of varying temperatures.
Aside from regular public baths, there are also “deluxe public baths” or “health spas.” These have restaurants and resting areas in them. Some of thes..