Before we commence our Snow Machine experience, we wanted to reiterate some very important information to ensure your safety and welfare, while also upholding the utmost respect for the local people and their homes, which we are visiting. As travellers to Japan, and to Hakuba, we have a responsibility to be respectful when visiting. No one expects you to completely understand the nuances of the culture, but they do expect you to do just a little bit of research and think and act responsibly. By doing this you can have a positive impact on tourism and ensure that Snow Machine can continue to be invited back to this beautiful part of the world!

Firstly, please remember we are in a foreign country. We expect you to act in a manner that respects Japan and Hakuba’s incredible people, culture, and environment. The people of the Hakuba Valley take incredible pride in their home, and the surrounding fields are their livelihood. Treating both with respect and care is a must.

We hope to continue to be invited back to this incredible place, so let’s all play our part in making sure they welcome us with open arms for years to come.

Here are some key things to remember and implement throughout your time at Snow Machine;

RESPECT & BEHAVIOUR

Respect Japanese customs, traditions, culture, and local wisdom. Japan, and Hakuba are filled with sacred sites, temples, shrines, and cemeteries. Act and dress appropriately when visiting these beautiful places, and don’t get in the way of locals paying their respect. Japanese people are among the friendliest in the world, and are often in for a chat, also to improve their English. Please behave politely in public places, and when interacting with locals and authorities. 

Even though for most English isn’t their first language, please be kind, and courteous, and do not use offensive language or act aggressively. Unruly behaviour can result in imprisonment and deportation. Don’t risk it.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour and harassment of any kind. If your mates are being disrespectful, aggressive, or behaving in a disorderly manner, pull them up on it. Let’s look after each other and keep Snow Machine safe, inclusive, and respectful. Those who fail to comply, will, at our discretion, have wristbands cut off, be ejected from the event, and not refunded.

HOT TIP: read back through all our posts- you’ll find plenty of information and tips!

ENVIRONMENT

Japanese streets are squeaky clean. Let’s keep them that way. Do not litter in public – rubbish bins might be hard to find, that doesn’t mean you can leave your rubbish anywhere. Most convenient (konbini) stores will have recycling bins inside, or just take it home to dispose of properly. 

When walking around and exploring Hakuba, or when walking home from a night out, stick to the pathways! Do NOT walk through rice fields as a “shortcut” as snow can be meters deep… Also, be careful of “Gajin Traps” –  aka one-meter deep street gutters or onsen rivers usually covered by a thin layer of snow… If you fall in one of those, you’re gonna have a bad time…

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES & ALCOHOL

Did you know, the legal drinking age in Japan is 20yrs old. Foreigners who push their limits in Japan and get caught can find themselves in jail or deported with no opportunity to return, EVER! This is the last thing you want to experience in Japan! While you can enter our festival at 18+, you are legally not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in Japan if you are under 20. Be responsible, and don’t risk deportation! 

Thinking of driving in Japan? Japan has a very strict, no alcohol-while-driving policy. Even 1 drink can get you in immense trouble. Not only do you risk ending up in jail, but it can also result in a total ban from Japan, meaning you’ll never be able to come back to this incredible country!

Japan’s drug laws are also incredibly strict. Not only do police have the power to detain people for up to 23 days without outside contact whilst they investigate you, but the use or possession of small amounts of drugs may result in a prison sentence of between 1-10 years and fines of up to 5,000,000 yen. So don’t risk it!

Please, don’t make silly decisions that would prevent you from enjoying the festival!

Security will be conducting bag searches on arrival at the main arena. Anyone found in possession of illegal substances will have their wristband cut off immediately. 

Let’s all make sure we have an amazing Japan experience, and look after each other, even if you don’t know the person.
In the end, we’re all friends looking to have the best time in this stunning country…

Respect the locals, respect the culture, and the love you’ll receive in return, will be priceless!

Love, Team Snow Machine