Exploring Japan: From Hakuba's Legendary Snow to the Buzz of Tokyo
Meet Denya & Steve
Denya Dean and Steve Keir V are avid travellers with a story as serendipitous as their adventures. Their paths first crossed in 2019 at Strand Hatters in Sydney, where Steve was working behind the counter and sold Denya her first Akubra — a Traveller. A fitting choice, and perhaps a hint of what was to come.
Years later, fate brought them back together, they met for breakfast, and from that moment on, their journey really began. Since then, the pair have been exploring the world side by side, most recently swapping the Australian summer for Japan’s peak ski season.
About Their Adventure
What inspired your trip to Japan?
We were chasing snow. As avid skiers and snowboarders, we'd missed the Australian season and started looking abroad. That search led us to Hakuba, and by pure luck, we booked in for one of the best snow seasons the Japanese Alps had seen in over a decade. Powdery, dry, and world-class, it completely exceeded our expectations.
But our trip wasn’t just about the mountains. We spent just as much time soaking in the energy of Tokyo. From neon-lit alleyways to the quiet corners of shrines, the city is a feast for the senses. The contrast between Hakuba’s stillness and Tokyo’s fast pace made the whole experience unforgettable.
What travel gear made the cut for Japan?
Packing for Japan in winter is no easy feat, especially when your travel partner is 6’7” and one pair of jeans fills half a suitcase. Thankfully, our airline included 25kg of extra checked baggage for sports gear, which meant all our ski equipment made it onboard.
When it comes to essentials, Steve sticks to a simple formula: a solid pair of jeans, worn-in boots, and a good hat. He wears his Akubra right onto the plane — no need for fancy packing tricks. I’m a bit shorter, so mine ended up stashed safely in the overhead locker. We’re not big on fashion, we just dress to stay warm and comfortable.
How did your Akubra hats hold up in the snow?
Better than we could’ve imagined. The snow in Japan is dry and powdery, very different from the wet conditions we get back home in Australia. Our Akubras kept the snow off our faces without getting soaked. If it built up, we’d just give them a quick shake and carry on. Whether we were walking the snowy backstreets of Hakuba or navigating Shibuya Crossing, the hats held up perfectly.
Do you see your hats as practical gear, or more of a style piece?
Both, 100%. A good hat should look good and work hard. I brought a brand-new Coolabah, and Steve wore his old faithful Woomera. They gave us protection from the elements but also felt like an extension of our personal style.
People often ask if travelling with a hat is a hassle. For us, it’s not. Once you find the right one, it becomes part of your everyday kit. And over time, every dent and scratch just adds to the story. Some folks keep their Akubra pristine, but we wear ours in — not out.
Where in the world have you felt most connected to the land?
That answer is different for both of us.
For me (Denya), it’s the Northern Territory. Places like Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and the Tiwi Islands. I’ve spent a lot of time up there, and there’s something truly powerful about the connection between the land, the people, and the stories they carry.
Steve’s connection runs deep in Western NSW. After uni, he headed to Bourke to work on a sheep station. What started as a Jackaroo job turned into a full-time role managing the property. That experience gave him a firsthand appreciation for life on the land and the challenges our farmers face every day.
What's next on your travel list?
Like most Aussies with a love of the outdoors, we’re constantly dreaming of packing up and doing the big lap around Australia. Until then, we’re sticking to smaller escapes. Next up: a trip to Tropical North Queensland with the dogs and the boat, chasing sunshine and reef fishing adventures. After Japan’s chill, we’re ready to warm up again!
ADVENTURE
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