Japan
Japan's Ski Rope Rules: Out-of-Bounds and Tree Wells
Japan's ski rope rules: Niseko's 11 gates, Kiroro's off-piste areas, and Rusutsu's boundary system, and what crossing a rope actually costs you.
Area Guide
Start here: complete where-to-stay guides for every area we cover.
Japan
When Do Hokkaido Ski Resorts Open? 2026-27 Dates Compared
When do Hokkaido ski resorts open for 2026-27? Posted opening dates for Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano, Tomamu and Sapporo, resort by resort.
Furano
Where to Stay in Furano: Kitanomine, Town Centre or Prince
Where to stay in Furano for skiing: ski-in at Shin Furano Prince, walk to the Kitanomine gondola, or base in town near restaurants and the JR station.
Niseko
Niseko Where to Stay: Hirafu, Village, Annupuri or Hanazono
Niseko where to stay: how Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Hanazono differ on walk-to-lift distance, evening dining, and family-size rooms.
Ryogoku
Where to Stay for Sumo Tournament in Tokyo (January Basho)
Reserved seat or same-day queue changes the answer for the January Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Where to sleep for each type of visitor.
Hakone
Hakone Ekiden Road Closures Staying in Hakone January 2 3
The Hakone Ekiden closes Route 1 for hours on Jan 2-3. Where to stay if you want to watch it from your hotel, and where to stay if you want to avoid it.
Kobe
Kobe Luminarie 2027 Dates: It Moved to Late January
Kobe Luminarie is no longer a December event. The 32nd edition is confirmed for Jan 29-Feb 7, 2027, with the same paid-area pricing as 2026.
Kyoto
Where to Stay for Kyoto Marathon 2027: the Finish Side
Kyoto Marathon 2027 starts in Nishikyogoku and finishes at Heian-jingu. Here is why the finish side wins, road closures, and the real entry timeline.
Tokyo
Do Trains Run All Night on New Year's Eve in Japan?
Tokyo Metro runs zero overnight trains on Dec 31. Which JR, Keio, Keisei, Keihan and Kintetsu lines actually run all night, and where to sleep near them.
Tokyo
Where to Stay in Tokyo for New Years Eve: 3 Midnights
Zojoji, Senso-ji, or Shibuya: Tokyo's New Year's Eve splits into three separate midnights. Pick the countdown first, then the hotel within walking distance.
Japan
Is Japan Closed Over New Year? What Shuts Dec 29-Jan 3
Is Japan closed over New Year? Offices shut Dec 29-Jan 3, banks Dec 31-Jan 3 - but trains, hotels and stores keep running. What's open, day by day.
Kinosaki
Is Kinosaki Onsen Tattoo Friendly? All Public Baths, No Cover-Up
Kinosaki's seven public baths all accept tattoos, no cover-up needed — but your ryokan's own bath is a separate call. Which is which, and what's open now.