Northeastern Japan's Niigata Prefecture is well known as a skiing destination. Niigata is also the background of Kawabata Yasunari's 1968 Nobel award-winning novel Snow Country. Lotte Arai Resort, the top premium mountain resort in Asia, is composed of four hotel buildings with 257 rooms, four lifts, one gondola, 11 slopes, 10 off-piste areas, a hot spring, swimming pool, banquet hall, covering 3.3 million m2. It takes two hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train and two hours from Niigata airport by car. The resort is located 8 km away from the Shinkansen's Joetsu Myoko station, and shuttle buses are running to further improve accessibility.
Mt. Okenashi, the home of Lotte Arai Resort, boasts heavy snowfalls and powder snow, which is light and does not clump. It is possible to see the ocean on a nice day, which is a special experience not to be enjoyed at other ski resorts. The resort is equipped with 1.57 million m2 of ski runs, the area is 5.2 km long, has 951 m of varying altitudes, 11 slopes, and 10 off-piste areas properly distributed for beginning, intermediate and advanced skiers. From a sledding slope for children to an advanced course which begins at 1,280 m above sea level, visitors can take advantage of a variety of facilities. The long ski season which is open from December to May of the next year, is also a big hit. Customized Ski lessons are provided by former members of the Australian national ski team.
Niigata is called a place of the Three Whites, meaning snow, rice and sake, making it the perfect destination for an epicurean tour. There are various kinds of restaurants in the resort: local Japanese restaurants provide the essence of Niigata cuisine, the food court serves ramen and curry made with pork aged in snow, Hoshizora Winery offers a taste of more than 40 kinds of seasonal wine specially selected from all over Japan, the cafe pours drip coffee hand-made from coffee beans stored in snow, an Italian restaurant, bakery, and bar.
Travel in Japan is not complete without visiting a hot spring. After skiing, you can visit the fantastic hot spring that draws water from 1,750 m underground. Containing metasilicic acid, which is known to be good for keeping the skin moisturized, Lotte Arai Resort's hot spring is perfect for maintaining beauty and health. In addition, the outdoor hot spring allows you to relax by enjoying the scenery of the snow. You will be able to experience the zenith of true wellness with the swimming pool and sauna that are available throughout the year, the spa and massage amenities, and the fitness club with the latest facilities.
There are various activities that visitors can enjoy at the resort: The longest zip tour in Asia (1,501 m) will enable you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons while feeling freedom as if you are flying in the sky. There is also the longest tubing course in Japan (192 m), bouldering (artificial rock climbing), Fun Wall, professional trampoline, etc. which can be used throughout the year.
In addition, the gondola is ready for those who prefer a more easy-going tour. After arriving at the station located 1,000 m above sea level, it is possible to enjoy a leisurely time at the observatory, restaurant, VIP lounge, etc.
For those who would like to enjoy these facilities, Lotte Arai Resort presents special promotional package deals through March 31. Ski Package offers accommodation in a Superior room, choice of Japanese or Western style breakfast for two, one-day economy lift pass for two, and access to the hot spring. The package starts at JPY 38,519 for a superior room and there is an additional charge of JPY 2,000 yen on weekend stays. The price is subject to an 8% VAT, and further package information is available at www.lottehotel.com/arai/ .
Lotte Hotel is currently operating 27 hotels and resorts and is a global leading hotel, being composed of all levels from lifestyle hotel L7 to luxury hotel Signiel. Signiel Seoul has been selected as the No. 1 new luxury hotel in Asia by Global Traveler Magazine. Lotte Hotel was ranked No. 1 in several service awards and will keep making efforts to achieve its vision to be among Asia's Top 3 Brand Hotels.
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