Exploring Japan: A Journey Through Its Prefectures and Your Club Resorts

There’s never been a better time to explore Japan than now! As of March 2024, the Australian dollar is thriving against the Japanese Yen, with an impressive exchange rate of 97 Japanese Yen to the Aussie dollar. This favourable exchange rate translates to significant savings for travellers, with the cost of food and drinks coming in at less than half of what you’d typically spend in Australia or New Zealand.

Additionally, hitting the slopes in Japan is a budget-friendly adventure, with ski lift day passes priced around $55 AUD or NZD. Compare this to the hefty $250 to $300 you’d shell out for similar passes in Australia or New Zealand, and it’s clear that Japan offers exceptional value for snow enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of your travel budget and experience the wonders of Japan firsthand!

But it’s not just about the savings. Japan welcomes visitors with open arms. The people are friendly, and the food is delicious! From savoury ramen to delicate sushi, your taste buds are in for a treat.

From the serene hot springs of Shizuoka Prefecture to the adrenaline-pumping ski slopes of Nagano, Japan offers something for every traveller. Join us on a journey as we explore the diverse prefectures and your club resorts that make Japan a must-visit destination.

Shizuoka Prefecture

Located on the Izu Peninsula (one of only nine designated UNESCO Global Geoparks), Shizuoka Prefecture is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Only one-hour from Tokyo, Atami has long been a popular seaside resort town with plenty of hot springs in addition to museums and other cultural sites. Just two-hours from Tokyo, Izu-Kogen is nestled in a stunningly beautiful coastal area between Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in idyllic vistas, natural outdoor hot springs, beaches, and spectacular sea cliffs.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Atami

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Sagami Bay in the vibrant coastal city of Atami, you will find Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Atami. This charming retreat invites you to unwind amidst its tranquil ambiance. The range of amenities include an onsite lounge, children’s room, and games room. Some apartments have Western-style bedding, others are traditional Japanese style, and three have a Western style bathroom.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Izu-Kogen

Just minutes from the beach, this resort offers a children’s room, barbecue area, sauna, games room, onsite lounge and restaurant offering breakfast and dinner. Apartments are one or two-bedroom, and most have Japanese style bedding, while four have a Western style bathroom.ite 

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Izu-Kogen Annex

Features a children’s room, onsite lounge, games room and onsite restaurant offering breakfast and dinner. Half
of the apartments have Western-style beds. Note: this resort has traditional shared bathroom facilities.

Kanagawa Prefecture

Home to the charming town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the serene Lake Ashinoko. Explore the historic Hakone Shrine, stroll along the Old Tokaido Road, and take a relaxing dip in the local onsens.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Hakone Gora

Positioned in the heart of the Fujihakone-izu National Park, this resort includes a children’s room and gift shop. Most apartments have Japanese-style bedding and two have a Western-style bathroom. 

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Hakone-Miyagino

Features a tennis court, children’s room, barbecue area, onsite lounge, gift shop and a restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. The variety of apartment types can accommodate up to eight people. Half of the apartments have Western-style bedding. This resort has traditional Japanese bathroom facilities. 

Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamanashi Prefecture is synonymous with Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re hiking the trails of Mount Fuji or enjoying the views from Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Kawaguchiko

This resort has a children’s playground, barbecue area and sauna. Five apartments have Western-style beds, and all have a Western style bathroom.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Yamanakako

Features a restaurant open for breakfast and dinner, barbecue area, children’s playground, and free bike rentals. The resort offers one and two-bedroom apartments, all with Western-style bathrooms and beds.

Nagano Prefecture

Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures on the ski slopes, tranquil relaxation in natural hot springs, a chance to see the cherry blossoms, or immersive cultural explorations amidst ancient temples and samurai-era towns, Nagano provides a wonderful base to experience the best of Japan.

Stay: Club Wyndham Chikumakan Nagano

Your newest club resort, Club Wyndham Chikumakan Nagano is a traditional Ryokan style property available to Club Wyndham South Pacific members offering a mix of Western and traditional Japanese styles rooms, and onsite dining featuring Shinshu specialties. It also features multiple indoor and outdoor onsen (naturally spring fed hot springs).

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Tateshina

Situated in picturesque forest, this spacious property features a tennis court (closed in winter), children’s room, barbecue area, sauna and a restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Most apartments have Western-style bedding; however, most do not have a Western-style bathroom.

Gunma Prefecture

Experience the healing waters of Kusatsu’s renowned onsens and explore the volcanic wonders of Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane. In winter, hit the slopes at Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort for an unforgettable skiing experience.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Kusatsu

This resort features indoor heated pool, tennis court, gym, sauna and the option of breakfast and dinner served in your apartment. No rooms have Western-style bedding, but all have a Western-style bathroom.

Niigata Prefecture

Niigata Prefecture is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with ski resorts like Mount Naeba and Echigo-Yuzawa attracting millions of visitors each year. After a day on the slopes, unwind in one of the region’s many onsens. With 22 runs and 12 lifts, Naeba’s expansive ski area beckons adventurers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned intermediates. Renowned for its well-groomed pistes, the resort caters to families with its abundance of kid-friendly slopes.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Naeba

Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Naeba is an ideal hub for exploration. Accommodation options include rooms for between four and seven occupants. Each room features a modern Western-style bathroom, and a traditional Japanese shower. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and tradition as you prepare to embark on your Naeba adventure.

Fukushima Prefecture

Embark on a journey of discovery in Fukushima, where rich cultural heritage blends with scenic wonders. Urabandai’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant colours make it a photographer’s paradise year-round. Explore the Goshikinuma (Five-Coloured Lakes) and hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts during the winter months.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Lake Resort

Club Wyndham Sundance Lake Resort offers sensational views, and overlooks Lake Hibara and the Bandai Asahi National Park. The resort offers a host of features, including a gift shop, sauna, games room and children’s room. It has two bars, and three restaurants, a buffet restaurant Hibara open for breakfast and dinner, a Japanese restaurant Waraku open for lunch and dinner, and French restaurant, Maple, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All rooms have Western-style beds and ensuites.

Hokkaido Prefecture

With its bountiful powder snow, Japan’s northernmost island is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering exhilarating skiing and snowboarding. Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is the ideal base with its famous beer and its iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing colossal ice sculptures. As winter fades into spring, from late April to May the cherry blossoms bloom, showering the landscape in pink and white petals.

Stay: Wyndham Garden Sapporo Odori

 Wyndham Garden Sapporo is an Associate resort available to Club Wyndham South Pacific owners conveniently located in the city centre. It has a bar and restaurant on site and friendly, multilingual staff.

Tochigi Prefecture

Nasu’s hot springs, picturesque hiking trails, snow fields and delicious local cuisine make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and don’t miss the chance to sample the region’s famous cheeses and craft beers!

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Nasu

This year-round destination beckons with a host of attractions. Here, you’ll find some of the best hot springs in Japan. In winter, embrace the thrill of skiing or snowboarding across snow-covered slopes, while summer invites leisurely strolls along enchanting hiking trails. Spring unveils a spectacle of nature’s artistry, as cherry blossoms and azaleas blanket the landscape in colour.

Chiba Prefecture

Discover the laid-back coastal charm of Chiba Prefecture, home to pristine beaches and world-class surfing spots. Whether taking beach walks in Katsuura or exploring the historic streets of Ichinomiya, Chiba offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Onjuku

With a prime location right on the beach at Ajiro Bay, Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Onjuku boasts a children’s playground, barbecue area and room service for breakfast or dinner. Most apartments have Western-style bedding, and all have a Western-style bathroom.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Katsuura East

Offers an outdoor pool (available in summer), a tennis court, conference facilities, sauna, and onsite restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner, as well as lunch during summer school holidays, New Year and Golden Week (first week of May). All rooms have Western-style bedding and bathroom.

Stay: Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Awa Kamogawa

This resort boasts a swimming pool, children’s pool, day spa, sauna, and games room. The resort’s Sky Lounge is open every evening and afternoons on weekends, while Gunjo Restaurant and Hamaji are great dinner options next door, along with night-time bar Shirahae. All rooms have Western-style

bedding and bathrooms. 

Getting Around

Japan is impressively well connected by train. The Japan Rail Pass represents the ideal way to explore Japan and enjoy all this fascinating country has to offer. The most popular pass for train transport in Japan entitles you to unlimited travel across the JR rail network (including almost all of the high-speed Shinkansen trains) and is valid nationwide. If you are looking for great value for money, convenience and flexibility as a traveller in Japan, you can’t go past the Japan Rail Pass. Contact the Travel Club for details and pricing.

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