1. CHOOSE TRAVEL WISELY

Although some UK tour operators offer ski holidays to Japan, we organised our trip ourselves. While never a budget option, indirect flight costs to Tokyo are lower – I changed in Helsinki. Deals for international travellers include the Japan Rail Pass ( japanrailpass.net), bought in advance. It gives unlimited travel with most rail companies for seven, 14 or 21 days, from ¥29,110 (around £210). average, ¥400 (£2.90) buys bottomless hot chocolate, ¥800 (£5.80) a beer or sake and ¥1,000 (£7.20) or so a truly delicious meal. Splashing out on tempura and sashimi menus in Hakuba cost us ¥3,000 or more – £22 or so.