After living in Japan, England, China, Japan (again) and latterly Singapore for 16 years (our children born in the last three countries), we decided to live the dream (with Wakana finally putting her skills from Tante Marie in the UK into effect.) Although we have skied extensively in America and Europe, our preference was Japan. There are some 500+ ski resorts in Japan with perhaps the most famous for foreigners being Niseko and Hakuba (which we also enjoyed in the years before the development boom). Zao is one of the largest resort in Honshu, has a long ski season but also year round activities with the attraction of being relatively close to Tokyo. With 70 years between us of skiing in Japan, we usually found ourselves back in Zao if for ski trips for more than a few days and we know what it is like in bringing over a family for Christmas, half-term or the Easter holidays. Following stays outside of the ski season, however, we actually perhaps now prefer heretically the non-ski season! Note: if you are after Apres-ski nights on the town, this is not the place for you as more oriented to families and relaxing. In our case, in the lounge or the music room (where you are welcome to play board games, watch TV/DVD, Karaokes or perhaps a jam session or two) or in the garden in the non-ski season (see our website for garden activities).
