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Tom Is Spending His Winter As A Snowboard Instructor In Japan.
A winter of snowboarding tree runs, vending machines, tiny cars, KitKat, ramen, snow monkeys, shrines and Onsen's. He is nestled in a charming and ambient ski village in the Japanese Alps.
Day In The Life Of A Snowboard Instructor In Japan
Daily life for me is waking early and having my morning percolator coffee. On my stroll to work I slap some yennies in the vending machine and cash out my morning coffee number two. The commute involves walking past shrines, waterfalls, and traditional Onsen's. It's spectacular.
If it’s a powder day, I hit the tree runs with the snowboard gang. Lessons run from 10-12.30pm, then we meet for Katsu Curry and miso soup. There is complimentary green tea up the mountain and it’s a good way to warm up the hands. Afternoon lessons finish at 3.30pm. Depending on what day of the week it is, I do yoga, jujutsu, Japanese lessons or go to the bouldering gym. This is always followed by a rejuvenating soak in an onsen. In my ski village there are 13 free Onsen's dotted around the village as well as free foot-baths. It’s the perfect way to put a bow on the day. A day with the perfect mixture of peacefulness and exhilaration.
Watch Tom's Video Of His Winter In Japan
Why Choose Japan For A Winter Ski Season?
Japan has got everything. It’s wonderfully unique. In my ski town we have had many cultural festivals and traditions such as a Fire Festival and Janken tournaments (paper scissors rock festival). You can play retro Mario kart in the pubs, and listen to the town song at night or go visit snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
There’s amazing hiking, you can dive in the south in the tropical islands of Okinawa, scale mountains near Fuji, and surf along their Kyushu coast. In Aoshima you can surf a perfect right hander and then hang out on an island of cats. Japan has it all.
Why Do I Snowboard And Instruct Snowboarding?
It’s a sport that connects with nature. I ride a Korua Japanese shape powder board and it allows me to mimic my surfing turns on snow. Snowboarding Japan is like surfing a mountain of whipped cream. With instructing, I get to experience this incredible feeling every day.
