The fastest rising sport in Japan can be considered to be snowboarding. Take a trip to any ski resort in the country and you will be amazed by the huge crowds that are there for a taste of the thrills the sport provides. When one remembers that there are close to 600 resorts, it becomes mind-boggling to realize just how popular snowboarding is with the Japanese.

Locals are not the only ones who have fallen in love with the sport. Foreign tourists have also traveled to Japan to experience its ski resorts and snowboarding there. They enjoy mixing the fun of experiencing a different culture than their own with an exciting sport, while meeting like-minded individuals from other parts of the world.

Snowboard is now more popular with the Japanese than skiing. This winter sport can be enjoyed by both the young and old, while the cool factor guarantees a sizable following with the younger generation. It might be more difficult to master than skiing, but the thrill is also in overcoming the challenge.

Tokyo and Hokkaido are two of the most popular snowboarding destinations within Japan. They have some of the biggest and most beautiful resorts found in the East Asian country. There are hundreds more across the large island, but snowboarders of every skill level will be satisfied with what they get from the ski resorts found in these two areas.

Tokyo houses the Iwappara Ski Resort, which you can get to via the Shinkansen train within one and a half hours. Iwappara has perhaps the most number of snowboarder visitors in Japan, mainly due to its easy accessibility from the capital. Many working Tokyo-lites make a day trip to the resort for their weekly snowboarding fix.

Hokkaido is a favorite tourist attraction and an even more popular snowboarding destination. It houses the Rusutsu Ski Resort which is still regarded as the biggest area for skiers in the country. However, snowboarders will have to contend with the other visitors who are also there for other activities such as golf and the amusement parks.

Hokkaido’s Niseko Ski Resort is another popular destination for all snowboarders. It has enjoyed tremendous success every year and many fans have voted it as their favorite boarding hotspot to go in Japan. This is mainly due to the top quality snow powder that the area has, making snowboarding a true pleasure.

Iwappara, Rusutsu and Niseko ski resorts are all worth visiting if you intend to visit Japan for a snowboarding vacation. There are many others that you can include in your itinerary but the three are must visits for any fan worth his or her salt. You will not leave the country feeling shortchanged after the experience.

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