Still tossing up if you should bring your nicest swimwear and leather jackets for your first trip to Niseko? (Proboably not, you’re going to the snow!)
Still, it’s all too common for people to pack their best, most dazzling fits, even if they aren’t the most snow practical.
So for all of you out there unsure of what to pack, we’re here to help. Having been in Japan for 20 years now, we know all the essential items to bring with you for your first ever dose of Japow–and the items you can leave behind for maximum convenience on your trip.
So if you’re unsure what you’ll need while in town, here’s our picks of the absolutely essential goodies to bring with you:
The Essentials
No ifs or buts, these are the items you absolutely must, must, MUST pack for your first trip to Japow!
Your Passport
For those who have never travelled internationally before, you will need your passport to enter or exit Japan.
Base Layers
Ever been inside a house that’s got a frame but no insulation? It’s bloody freezing! The same applies to your body. But, when you’re layering thick, cotton items like hooded sweatshirts under your jacket, it’s pretty easy to overheat. Layering with base layers like thermals helps you keep warm without risking overheating!
Gloves/Mitts
Non-negotiable, a good pair of gloves is a MUST! Whether you’re out on the slopes, pumping a few après or clearing snow off your rental car, your hands will be out in the open a whole lot. Keep ‘em warm, keep ‘em dry and your spirits will stay high.
GoPro
‘Bro, I swear it was literally a 180 degree gradient, deep pow and heaps of sidehits. I boosted off one and did an accidental 720, but still stomped it.’
Yeah, right, bro…
Make sure your friends believe your crazy Japow stories by bringing a GoPro or handheld digital camera along to capture all the best memories are captured!
Sunnies
Drinking après without sunnies adds a whole new meaning to ‘getting blind’ – you can’t see anything! As you may expect, snow is reflective – reeeeeaaaaallllyyyy reflective. So if you’re out and about enjoying the town, make sure you’re rocking sunnies and a healthy layer of sunscreen!
Face Mask
On the flip side to a set of sunnies, a face mask is also an essential inclusion for all shredders out there. And no, we don’t just say that because we think it’s cool to dress like British rappers.
Japan’s ski resorts are known for one thing, endless snowfall. So when you’re slashing turns in knee-deep pow or sitting on a chairlift in a heavy dump, you’ll be stoked that your face is covered up.
Goggles
Was this one ever really a question? When you’re flying down a run at high speeds with fresh snow hitting your face, you won’t be able to see without a set of goggles on your face. Sure, that may be good for riders who really live by the huck and pray mentality, but for the rest of us, we want to be able to see where we’re going.
Lift Pass
If you’ve purchased an Epic Pass throughout the Australian season make sure you pack it as you will receive 5 consecutive days riding at all resorts within the Hakuba Valley. For those visiting Niseko, you will receive five consecutive days at Rusutsu, one of the area’s best kept secrets located half an hour from the Niseko United resorts.
What To Leave Behind
- Ski Jacket/Pants
- Helmet
- Skis and Poles/Snowboard
- Ski/Board Boots
‘Wait, did you just say to leave our skis behind? We’re literally going on a skiing holiday…’
Ahhh you’ve clearly never lugged a 30kg ski bag through the narrow carriages of a Tokyo train. If you have, we’re sorry – we know mentioning that ordeal may trigger some PTSD.
It’s that bad.
The same applies for your ski outerwear, après boots and other bulky items that take up 60% of your suitcase – save the hassle! Don’t spend extra money on oversized baggage add-on’s, pre-book from our huge range of premium rental gear instead! We guarantee you’ll be stoked with the gear you get fitted with if you do decide to leave your usuals at home!
All this seem like too much hassle? Take the easy option with a Rhythm Trips package. Everything you need in one package, what’s not to love? Oh, and did we mention all Trips packages booked for this March also receive 20% off all Rhythm inclusions?
