Packing for a trip to ski in Nozawa Onsen, Japan can be a little different – especially if you’re used to warm weather holidays! Here are a few must-pack items, plus a few you can leave behind.
Warm pants and Jumpers
This is self-explanatory! It’s winter and it snows, so bring warm clothes! You’ll be glad you did – especially walking back after dinner. Chilly!
Waterproof Jacket
There’s nothing worse than getting wet in the cold – don’t’ let it happen to you! Sure, snow will just stick to your jacket to start with, but then it will melt and you don’t want it getting in there with you.
Waterproof Shoes
Waterproof shoes are a big one you’ll want in Nozawa Onsen! Snow in the shoes invariably leads to very cold toes, so it’s a good idea to bring the appropriate footwear.
Many of the roads in Nozawa are heated to keep them snow-free with minimum effort. Most of the time you’ll just be walking on concrete, but if there’s a heavy snow fall the road can’t melt the snow fast enough and it can get quite slushy. Not a problem if you’ve got waterproof shoes, but no fun at all if you’re in sneakers!
Waterproof hiking shoes are brilliant if you already own them, but if not a cheap pair of gumboots are the way to go. You can buy gumboots in the town, if you have Japanese-sized feet, but if your feet are on the longer side, you might want to consider buying a pair before you leave.
Leave the Ski Gear at Home
There’s really no need to bring any ski gear with you, unless you already own it and really want to. You can rent the ski gear you need from us once you get here, plus it saves on suitcase space for souvenirs!
Pack well, stay warm and have fun!