If at any point this winter you thought to yourself: “Is everyone skiing in Japan right now?” you might have been half-right. With a record low exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen, more flight options across the Pacific than ever, and serious social media bragging rights, it did feel like half the population went to Japan to ski.

With plenty of North Americans making the trek over, we decided to crowdsource both on social media and with Outside Inc. employees to see what the biggest surprise was about skiing the legendary “JAPOW”. Turns out, there are a lot of Australians, and we’re all deprived of Japanese convenience stores.

And as one Instagram comment wisely put it: “the biggest surprise for me was I seemed to be the only person from the Pacific Northwest who didn’t go this season.” We hear you. So, if you’re looking to plan your epic trip next year, here’s what to know.

The 6 biggest surprises about skiing in Japan.

(Responses have been edited for clarity.)

1. Getting around is easy.

Getting around is easy, but getting snow off your car? That’s a different story. (Photo: Courtesy: Trevor May)

“I was surprised by how easy it was to ship skis around while traveling. We used Yamato Transport, and I had both touring and powder skis, and I didn’t want to travel around with them. Yamato Transport was so reliable, I was blown away.” —Drew Stoll, Outside Employee.

“Well worth renting a vehicle to get out of the easily accessible touristy Niseko area. You can get to smaller resorts, stay at cheaper Japanese family-style accommodations, and visit more onsens in the mountains. Compared to mountain roads in Canada, the roads on Hokkaido are great.” —Trevor May, Outside Employee.

“100% rent a vehicle.” —Devin Lehman, Outside Employee

“I was surprised mostly by the combination of how great everything was – snow/terrain, getting around, culture.” —Rachel Laux, Outside Employee

2. The food is pretty damn good.

Japan is known for its convenience store culture, and buying warm soup on the go is an easy way to please a skier. (Photo Courtesy: Jamie Aranoff).

“7-11 food is great. Japan thrives on prepared meals due to its work hours and commute culture. It’s VERY common to pick up a pre-made meal or pre-made ingredients at the grocery store, 7-11, or on the bottom floor of every major department store. You’ll find all of these at every train station.” —Andrew Crow, Outside Employee

“A surprise was the lack of breakfast culture and options. But the food at 7-11 is much better than North America, we ended up eating breakfast there a bunch.”—Trevor May

“Obviously the snow is amazing, and the food was incredible. I loved how these mountain communities match their cuisine to living in harsh winter conditions, with soup curries, ramen, and dan dan noodles all being staples. 7-11 for breakfast and lunch and then amazing dinners every night.” —Drew Stoll

“The amazing traditional noodles did not surprise me, but the next level dairy: cheese, ice cream, milk, chocolate, and fondue that rivals Switzerland… that was a surprise!” —@Loriupnorth via Threads

“There are vending machines with hot soup.” —@Mjswimmerdesigns via Instagram

3. Everyone is … Australian?

“I was pretty surprised by the Western culture influence in Niseko. Compared to other ski towns I visited, the local community seemed largely Australian.” —Drew Stoll

“It’s 95 percent Aussies.” —@Chris140 via Instagram

“All the Australians.” —@A.brannlund via Instagram

“Everyone was Australian.” —@Rileyvaara via Instagram

“The number of Australians.” —@J_Parm via Instagram

4. The snow is well worth the trip.

Flying 15+ hours across the world is well worth the trip for skiers. (Photo: Photo Courtesy: Trevor May)

“I was surprised by how much snow they actually get.” —Tony Wilhelms, Outside Employee

“The snow is incredible to ski, but there’s also a level of danger with that much snow coming down. Bring your backcountry gear even in the resorts (beacon, shovel, and probe) and be very selective about any guides you hire. Japan has a much more informal approach to snow safety, and we learned a guiding service got a group into an avalanche while we were there.” —Kelsey Barnes, Outside Employee

“So much snow.” —@Cartrferrantino via Instagram

“The snow just speaks for itself.” —Ivan_Msnkv via Facebook

“The amount of snow we get in Japan makes the powder days so unique, it’s like gliding through clouds, but it’s actually snow.” —@Oginikolic097 via Instagram

“What surprised me was how truly cold it was. I’ve never worn so many layers riding (down pants, down jacket underneath shell) and I was still cold. When I go back, I’m bringing a North Face Himalayan suit.”  —Kelsey Barnes

5. Don’t expect high-speed chairlifts.

Japan is known for its “pizza box” lift—a one-person chair. (Photo: Courtesy of Adam Trenkamp)

“The lifts are old and classic lifts” —Rivesjac via IG

“Chairlifts are slow and old, although it does provide a classic old-school feel.”—@Oginikolic097 via Instagram

“I’ve never been bowed to as I get off a chairlift.” —@Theworldpursuit via Instagram

6. Leave your walkie-talkie at home.

“Don’t bring a walkie-talkie to a Japanese resort. It’s banned and they’ll actually fine you.” —@Scotty_in_vanxouver via IG