Japan is a great place to experience the snow, and Snow Country usually gets its fair share. Skiing and snowboarding are popular in winter but there are lots of people coming over who just want to experience the snow, throw some snowballs, build a snowman, go sledging, and play around in the white stuff.
If you are looking for some ways to spend a bit of time in the snow Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Area has some fun options for you. Easy to pick up and enjoyable for all ages, these activities offer thrills and the sensation of speed.
Airboarding
Think body boarding on snow. You lie on the inflatable board, hold onto the handles and use your body weight and the edges under the board to turn and stop.
Snowbiking
This a bit like a snowboard with a handle. It is easy to balance on, and should be a familiar sensation for those who know how to ride a bicycle.
The ski resort offers two choices for both airboarding and snowbiking – you can take a short lesson to learn the basics and then head off to practice on your own (3,000 yen), or you can rent the equipment only and hit the slopes (1,000 yen).
There is definitely lots of fun to be had out on the slopes at Matsunoyama Ski Area this winter, and if you are over there you can soak your tired muscles in the onsen at the end of the day.