Karuizawa in the winter time is a quintessential Japanese holiday. The Apex team was fortunate enough to enjoy all that Karuizawa has to offer during our annual company trip on November 30. We boarded the charter bus at 8:30 AM outside our office in Ebisu and drove straight to the mountain for some snowboarding and skiing. Many people were eager to hit the slopes for the first time this season, but for others, it was an opportunity to shop until you drop at the Prince Shopping Plaza outlet malls.
"I had a great time skiing with my coworkers. I was really surprised by how talented some of them were."
As the sun went down, we all headed back to our cabins to relax for a bit and get ready for dinner. Each cabin was equipped with four bedrooms and a large communal area that was perfect for socializing.
"I thought location-wise this was a super creative idea. Staying in a cabin in the woods with coworkers was such a unique and cool experience."
Dinner was held inside a beautiful banquet hall at the Prince Hotel. Course after course continued to be served, but there were no signs of slowing down after working up large appetites on the mountain and at the outlet mall.
"I look forward to the company trip every year because I get to spend time with people I normally don't work with. I believe that bonds created outside of work carry over into the office and help improve working relations."
Of course, no Apex company trip would be complete without karaoke. There were some special performances by teams, and an unforgettable Pineapple Pen rendition by one of the employee's children.
