ONE WEEK in FURANO, HOKKAIDO

Skiing in Japan is a well trodden path these days and for good reason. It's brilliant. The rhythm of excellent powder, uncrowded groomed runs, challenging back country for those who want to search, then evenings of onsen, sushi and saki all adds up to the perfect ski trip.

The Japanese love children. So travelling with our 16 month old Max in Japan was an absolute dream. There is accessibility on all the metro's, people were helpful, polite and even lots of fun to ask directions from.

Where: The New Prince Resort - Furano, Hokkaido

Why: Skiing with family and friends

Furano The New Prince Resort - a winter paradise

ONE DAY in TOKYO - seven samurai top tips

1. Harajuku - check out all the side streets.

2. Yoyogi Park is at the top of Harajuku and is nice for a stroll.

3. Fav shops are UniQlo and Muji for good affordable basics.

4. We loved the Tokyo Toy Museum.

It's in a disused school down a side street. You'll know you are going to the right place as other Japanese mum's and bub's will be there, making the same pilgrimage.

http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/spot/40343.html

Http://www.goodtoy.org

They have interactive displays of the most terrific educational toys that have won awards. They they have two specially designed play rooms for 0-2's and then a 2-4's. We really liked it as a treat for Max, to have a run around and play with other kids one morning after so much pram time for site seeing.

5. Go to a cat cafe. If Cats aren't your thing, you can go to an iguana one or a dog one or a... You get my point!

6. For ATM's go to 7-11.

Also, you can buy nice fruit and yoghurt and snacks for the day there too. But the food levels underneath large department stores also have the best fresh foods and takeaway sushi etc

For Nappies, you need a Drug Store. Not every supermarket or chemist has them. We mostly found pull ups style for 9 to 13kg but I have to say- they were very effective and super soft. I wish I could get them here. You really don't need to travel with your whole week's worth, as they are able to be found quite easily.

7. Airport in Sydney @ The lonely planet store, purchase their pocket Japanese language book. It's really useful especially for food and trying to talk about things you might need. We had apps on our phone but they weren't always useful. Lots of menu's with pictures and English menus are in many places.