Caroline and I decided we would go on a holiday after a busy year in the office. After some discussion, we chose to head to Japan to experience the incredible culture and infamous deep powder days. You all now that feeling of a kid about to open a present?
That's what we were feeling as we made landfall in Japan! All ahead of us...KAVU DAYS!
We chose to spend three nights in Tokyo and seven nights in Hakuba. After the Olympics in Nagano in the 90's, there are bullet trains galore from Tokyo Station to Nagano. Flying across the landscape at over 130 mph on rails is a magical experience.
We met up with Yoshiki Kuremoto, who is one of Japan's top paraglider pilots and a great human being! He took us out for a rocking New Year's in Hakuba and full value days of skiing powder. One major feet in traveling is:
to never take oneself too seriously!
We excel at this.
We met a traveler from Aspen, Katelyn Timroth, who was journeying through Japan for a month of skiing adventures. Yoshiki brought us to see the Japanese sea and visit a local Onsen.
Yoshiki also brought us to visit a Budhist temple so we could take in some true local culture. The drill was to put a few coins in the box, ring the bell, then say a prayer. Thanks to Yoshiki we managed to successfully complete the process.
The trees and snow quality are all time. Check out these pics!
Nuff said!
In a town called Yamanouchi there are hot baths everywhere. The town is built around Onsens, which are Japanese hot springs and the bathing facilities with inns frequently situated around them. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of Onsens scattered throughout all of its major islands.
There is also an area where snow monkeys chill all day long and bath in hot springs as the locals give them lunch, so they don't have to search for food during the day.
Before you enter there is a strict no bag policy. This guys didn't listen and was lucky to not effect the locals too much.
Shop until you drop! We finished the trip in Tokyo where we hit the town, enjoying museums, food, night life and shopping.
Tokyo is a vastly dense city with amazing cross walks that make for photo heaven!
Bar Nana is a local haunt of KAVU owner, Barry Barr, when he is visiting Tokyo and A and F Corporation.
The food, the night life, the amazingly polite and helpful locals, and the all time skiing conditions made for a rocking experience and a memorable adventure! Rock this new year! Team Yabai reporting.
Instagram
Nick's FB
© 2026 KAVU