Just another world from Ploy's view
I’d spent years hearing about Ishiuchi Maruyama, a snowboarding crown jewel in Niigata. This past winter, I finally chased the hype. My visit came the first week of January—past the holiday rush, but not in time for a major powder dump. Yet, to my delight, the trip was a revelation. The groomed snow was fast and …
For snow enthusiasts, February in Japan has one mission: finding the perfect powder. Having traversed slopes across this winter-wonderland nation, I can confidently say that Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture exists in a category of its own. It’s a place where world-class snowboarding blends with ethereal natural phenomena, creating not just a vacation, …
I went to Zao for the world-class snowboarding, but I left raving about my hotel. I visited in the heart of winter, from February 18th to 20th, 2025, and the landscape was a perfect, pristine winter wonderland. My stay at Oohira Hotel’s 善七乃湯 (Zenshichinoyu) in Zao Onsen was so much more than just a place …
Finding accommodation near ski slopes can be incredibly challenging, especially during the peak winter season. With this in mind, I made sure to start my search months in advance when planning a snowboarding trip to Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Area in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, last winter. That’s how I discovered Chenda International Hotel, the place …
Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, Japan, is known as a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The city is home to several ski resorts, including Bankei, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa, Sapporo Teine, Sapporo Kokusai, and Takino Snow World, where visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. For those who want to save money …
Shirakawa-go, without a doubt, stands as a captivating destination with its traditional Japanese charm. Countless articles, pictures, and online tales attest to the greatness of this village, capturing the hearts of people worldwide. Although numerous guides exist for this UNESCO World Heritage Site, our focus lies on providing comprehensive insights into visiting Shirakawa-go during a …
After finally mastering my snowboarding skills in early February this year, I embarked on a mission to explore as many ski areas in Korea as possible before the snow began to melt away. However, I soon realized that the ski season in Korea after January couldn’t provide the optimal snow conditions for an exhilarating experience. …
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has a history that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Unlike mainland Japan, Hokkaido was shaped by the Jomon culture, known for its hunting and fishing traditions, and later by the Ainu culture, which embraced a deep connection with nature. Before the Wajin (mainland Japanese) settled here, the …
Thanks to limited-stop Hayabusa, Hokkaido Shinkansen, our trip from Japan’s northeast province to northernmost island was extremely interesting. The service from Sendai station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station takes roughly three hours including penetrating through undersea Seikan Tunnel. This underground passage connects Aomori prefecture on the main land of Honshu with the island of Hokkaido. The plan …
The post-holiday slump is real. After the confetti settles and the New Year’s toasts are done, that first week of January always leaves me itching for an adventure. This year, my search for a unique winter escape led me deep into the snow-laden mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, to a place that promises equal parts enchantment …