Your first 48 hours in Japan are make-or-break.
Get the basics right and the whole trip feels smoother, warmer, cheaper, and way less stressful.
Good news? Japan is built for snowboarders — you just need to know the shortcuts.
Here’s how to roll like a returning local, not a first-timer wandering Niseko with frozen pockets and no sunscreen.
1. 7-Eleven / Lawson / Family Mart = Your Lifeline
Forget the servo food back home — Japanese convenience stores are elite.
You’ll find:
• Onigiri (tuna mayo = undefeated)
• Fresh croissants + steamed buns
• Pre-made ramen, katsu curry, udon + microwave meals
• Instant heat patches & toe warmers
• Gloves, socks, beanies & emergency layers
• Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm
• Boss Coffee (cold can = rocket fuel)
• ATM for foreign cards (7-Eleven is best)
You could survive for weeks off 7-Eleven alone — no judgement.
Many have microwaves so you can heat meals right there.
2. Grab Cash Early — Japan Still Runs on It
Cards are improving, but rural areas and smaller restaurants still go cash-first.
Pro tip:
Withdraw at 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM after landing.
They have the lowest fail rate for international cards.
1000 yen notes disappear fast — stock up.
3. Buy Hand Warmers in Bulk — Not One at a Time
You’ll burn through them. Everyone does.
10-packs are cheaper.
Hot tip: Stick one to your phone inside your pocket to stop cold shutdowns.
4. Get Your Hotel to Dry Your Gear Overnight
Japanese accommodation often has drying rooms or heated cabinets — use them.
Dry boots = fast board = happy knees.
If your place doesn’t have one, hack it:
• Boot dryers (USB ones work great)
• Remove liners at night
• Paper or newspaper inside boots pulls moisture amazingly well
5. Onsens Restore Legs Better Than Any Beer (But You Earn the Beer After)
After 8,000 vertical metres, nothing fixes you like a hot mineral bath.
Onsen etiquette:
• Shower before entering
• No swimwear
• Tattoos may require private or tattoo-friendly locations
• Don’t be loud — it’s zen time
Post-onsen beer = mandatory tradition.
6. Convenience Store Bento > Mountain Cafeteria Food
Resort cafeteria lunch + drink: ¥1500–1900
7-Eleven onigiri + fried chicken + Pocari Sweat: ¥650
Pocket the savings → spend on wax, ramen or second lift session.
7. Night Skiing Is the Hidden Treasure
The crowds disappear, the snow resets, and the vibe is unreal.
If visibility drops — don't bail.
Tree runs guide depth perception like headlights through a storm.
8. Don’t Stop Under Trees (Tree Wells Are Real)
Powder piles around trunks like sand around a dune.
Falls here can trap riders — avoid downtime, avoid danger.
Stick to glades with visibility between trunks.
9. Always Carry These in Your Jacket:
• Spare goggle lens
• Multi-tool + wax rub bar
• 2 x Hand warmers
• Snacks (Pocky + peanuts = fuel)
• Small towel for onsen missions
• Phone powerbank
• Lift map (not everywhere has signal)
Every item here has saved someone’s day.
10. Ride Your First Day Easy — Your Legs Aren’t Ready Yet
Japan snow rewards effort — but you don’t want day-one cramp ending day-six dreams.
Warm up runs > hero runs.
Speed comes naturally once you’ve found your float.
