When snow falls and the chill winds blow, skiers are happy but others are inclined to stay home. To lure people away from their warm hearths, the tourism industry offers special winter prices and attractions. This is an excellent time to explore areas of Japan that are on your travel list.
Kyushu and Kyoto are particulary good winter destinations -- Kyushu for its wealth of hot springs and relatively mild climate, and Kyoto because this is the only season when the best temples and gardens can be enjoyed with a bit of tranquillity. As an added enticement, certain Kyoto buildings and gardens not normally open to the general public admit visitors during the winter.
JR Kyushu will let you have the run of the entire island for two days for 12,000 yen. This new ticket, called "Challenge Kyushu Free Kippu," allows the holder to get on and off limited express trains freely. (Unreserved seats only; children pay half.)