Kujyu Forest Park Skiing Ground (Oita)
If you have dreams of escaping into nature and getting away from the hustle of the city, even during the bleakest days of winter, then the Kujyu Forest Park located in the Oita Prefecture is definitely worth considering. Especially if you are a bit of a ski bunny.
Skiing in Japan, for an Australian like me, is very very affordable. A ticket for the chairlift will cost you less than 6000 yen for a full day of skiing - it's even cheaper than going to Disneyland!
The Kujyu Forest Park is the largest skiing ground in Kyushu, boasting slopes that run for over two kilometres. There are three different courses from beginner to advanced to suit your personal level and also recreational areas for children and families to enjoy the snow and do a spot of sledding as well.
This area is one of the few skiing grounds in Kyushu and even though it is small in comparison to the ski resorts of Hokkaido, I think there is something invigorating about spending time in the mountains here. One of the things I love about being surrounded by the beautiful snow covered slopes is that the experience is always paired with little moments of joy - like sitting with a hot cup of coffee, looking out into the wintery wonderland or soaking your body in the rejuvenating waters of a hot onsen after a long day of skiing. These little add-ons complete the experience.
