From February 24 to 28, 2025, the Swiss Club Tokyo once again gathered for its much-anticipated Ski Week in the breathtaking slopes of Shiga Kogen. Staying true to tradition, we made ourselves at home in the charming Hotel Alpenburg, a place that has hosted us for over a decade and continues to provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience—right next to the ski lifts of the Giant area.
With around 20 participants joining the adventure, our group saw some variations in arrival and departure dates, but Monday and Tuesday were the golden days when everyone was on-site, ready to carve up the slopes together. And what a treat Tuesday turned out to be—a perfect bluebird day! The sun shone down on pristine snow, making for glorious skiing conditions and even better après-ski camaraderie.
The latter part of the week did not disappoint either. Thursday and Friday brought plenty of sunshine, giving us more chances to soak in the spectacular alpine views while enjoying fantastic runs. The mountains truly smiled upon us this year, and the mix of skiing, laughter, and great company made for yet another unforgettable Swiss Club ski retreat.
Whether zipping down the slopes, sharing stories over hearty meals, or simply reveling in the joy of winter sports, this year’s Ski Week proved once again why it remains one of the club’s most cherished traditions. Until next time—see you on the slopes in 2026!
Save the date! We have already made a tentative reservation for the last week of February 2026 (Monday, Feb. 23 -27).
Can you believe we’re already in the second month of 2025? Time flies, and before we get too far into the year, I wanted to share some important updates about our club.
A Change in Leadership
After nearly five wonderful years as President of the Swiss Club Tokyo, I’ve decided that the time has come to pass the torch. With my 70th birthday approaching in June, I feel it’s the perfect moment to step aside and make room for fresh energy and new ideas.
I’m pleased to announce that Massimo Biondi has stepped forward as a candidate to take on the role of President. Many of you already know him, especially if you’ve attended our Stammtisch gatherings. Even without an official board position, he has actively contributed to our club life with initiatives like the Urban Walk Experience and the Stammtisch Südkurve, a gathering for our Kanagawa-based members. The final decision on the next President will be made at our Annual General Meeting in mid-June, where the election will take place.
In the meantime, I’ll let Massimo introduce himself:
Grüezi, I’m Massimo Biondi. Many of you may know me from Swiss Club Tokyo events over the years. For those I haven’t met yet—here’s a quick introduction!
As my greeting suggests, I’m from the German-speaking part of Switzerland—Zürich, to be precise. I grew up in the heart of the city, surrounded by banks (some of which no longer exist) and a beloved confectionery shop. Before settling in Tokyo, I also spent time living in Amsterdam and New York, though Zürich remains home, where I regularly visit family and friends. My career began as a programmer (now called a software engineer), and while job titles have changed, my passion for technology remains. When I’m not buried in code, I love exploring Tokyo on foot, diving into its history, architecture, and design. And if you glance at my wrist, you might notice another passion—one that runs in my family.
There’s more to my story, and I’d love to share—just ask!
Motivation The Swiss Club Tokyo has become an important link to my roots. When Peter announced his departure as president, I felt it was important to continue the great work he and his predecessors have done.
So, I’m stepping forward to offer my time and dedication as the next president. My goal is to strengthen the club as a vibrant community, welcoming all members. I genuinely care about this community and want to help it grow. With your support, I hope to build on our strong foundation and make the Swiss Club Tokyo a lively and engaging home for all.
We’ve got an exciting lineup of events to look forward to:
Cherry Blossom Get-Together – Early April (still tentative, but fingers crossed!) Family Picnic – May Annual General Meeting – Mid-June Swiss National Day Celebration – Sunday, July 27 at YCAC Yokohama Year-End Party – November (exact date to be confirmed) Outdoor Christmas Party with Samichlaus – First weekend of December at the Swiss Residence
And of course, our monthly Stammtisch will continue on the last Monday of each month at the usual location, with the occasional Stammtisch Südkurve in Yokohama.
I might also bring back some hiking outings around Kamakura, so stay tuned for more details!
A Historic First: Online Voting for the Council of the Swiss Abroad
Last but not least, I’d like to draw your attention to the upcoming election of a new delegate to the Council of the Swiss Abroad. For the first time, Swiss citizens living in Japan will be able to vote for their delegate online—a project initiated by the Organization of the Swiss Abroad.
Please keep an eye out for further details, including candidate introductions and voting procedures. We will keep you informed through the Embassy of Switzerland (to reach all Swiss registered in Japan), as well as via our newsletter and this website.
Meet Sigrid Houberdon, a fellow Swiss who has called the breathtaking island of Yakushima home for 15 years. Famous for its ancient cedar forests, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true natural wonder. Sigrid is passionate about sharing Yakushima’s charm and offers tailored experiences to help you explore its unique beauty.
But let Sigrid introduce herself and explain how she can help you discover everything Yakushima has to offer:
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Yakushima Nature!
My name is Sigrid Houberdon, and for over 10 years, I’ve been guiding explorers through the stunning landscapes of Yakushima. Together with a team of three expert guides—myself, a French guide fluent in English and French, and a local Japanese guide fluent in English and Japanese—we offer you the chance to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Island in a way that perfectly matches your interests and abilities.
Yakushima is a magical place, with 70% of its land designated as a protected park. With hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking the challenge of climbing to the highest peaks, wandering through ancient cedar forests, or strolling through lush tropical landscapes, we tailor each experience to make it unforgettable. But we’re more than just mountain guides. In addition to our signature hiking and multi-day trekking excursions, we invite you to explore Yakushima’s rich history, culture, and gastronomy. Join us for unique experiences, like a workshop to craft your own chopsticks from thousand-year-old cedars, or a guided tour to meet local artisans and sample traditional specialties.
For those seeking adventure beyond the mountains, we also collaborate with expert ocean guides for diving and river guides for kayaking trips, giving you the chance to explore Yakushima from every angle.
At Yakushima Nature, we take the time to understand your needs and tailor your experience, making sure your discovery of this island is a truly unique and personal journey. Whether you’re here for the landscapes, the culture, or the adventure, Yakushima offers a wealth of natural beauty and wonders—and we’re here to show you all of it in complete safety and with deep respect for the island.
Last Friday, we hosted another unforgettable Year-End Party in collaboration with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. Guests embraced the “red and white” theme, with many dazzling creative costumes for the contest.
The evening featured outstanding food and incredible entertainment by the one-of-a-kind sister duo, Charan Po Rantan. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the room was filled with laughter and happy faces all around.
The Embassy of Switzerland is currently seeking a full-time Chef for the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence. This role involves managing the kitchen independently and organizing larger banquets with temporary staff support. The position offers fair conditions and sufficient time off, providing a unique opportunity to work in a prestigious setting.
Let’s get ready for “RED & WHITE” – the 2024 edition of our traditional Year End Party!
This dazzling event – co-hosted by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan and the Swiss Club Tokyo – will take place on Friday, 29. November 2024 at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet and mingle with (fellow) Swiss people and friends of Switzerland in a glamorous and fun atmosphere with great food, musical entertainment and the chance to win some fabulous prizes!
For details and registration, please open the link below, select the “register here” button and follow instructions.
Time Frame: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, 2025
Much earlier than in previous years, we would like to announce our traditional ski week at Shiga Kogen, scheduled for the last week in February 2025. This is to give you a head start when making plans for the coming winter holidays!
So, how about joining the Swiss Club Ski Week at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort in February 2025?
The Shiga Kogen area – boasting over 50 lifts – is one of the biggest ski resorts in Japan, and due to the high elevation, snow conditions are pretty good throughout most of the season.
Our accommodation, the charming chalet-style Hotel Alpenburg, which is located right at the bottom of the slopes, not only offers great food and a cozy lounge with a fireplace, but also a hot spring bath.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy Japan’s winter wonderland together with a happy bunch of like-minded compatriots and friends of Switzerland!
Location: Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture, Hotel Alpenburg
You can select any number of days between February 24 and 28, and – depending on vacancy – it is also possible to extend your stay over the weekends before or after that time frame.
Pricing for half-board per night/person (subject to change) :
Adults: JPY 13,500 (day before holiday: JPY 15,200) Children up to 12 (adult menu): JPY 12,000 (day before holiday: JPY 12,900) Children up to 12 (child menu) JPY 11,000 (day before holiday: JPY 11,900) Toddlers: JPY 7,500 (day before holiday: JPY 7,500) Surcharge for single occupation of room: + JPY 3,500
(All prices shown include service & consumption tax)
Additional Onsen-tax: JPY 150 per day/person ————————————————————————————————————
A limited number of rooms has already been booked and will be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis.
For registration, please fill out the attached application form and send it to swiss.club.tokyo@gmail.com not later than 9. February 2025!
Roughly 150 people joined us on Sunday, July 28 to celebrate the Swiss National Day at the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club. It was a pleasant and joyful affair, highlighted by some Swiss treats like authentic Swiss Sausages and the ever popular Raclette. Not to forget the touch of Swiss Folklore, provided by our faithful Japanese friends of the Tamagawa Alphorn Club.
The General Meeting is a members-only event, but anybody interested in joining the Swiss Club Tokyo, you can do so on this occasion. If that is the case, please fill out the attached application form and send it not later than June 4, 2024.
Cherry Blossom Get-Together – Early April (still tentative, but fingers crossed!)
Family Picnic – May
Annual General Meeting – Mid-June
Swiss National Day Celebration – Sunday, July 27 at YCAC Yokohama
Year-End Party – November (exact date to be confirmed)
Outdoor Christmas Party with Samichlaus – First weekend of December at the Swiss Residence
