The secret is out. Japan is now one of the world’s premier destinations for anyone looking for first-class snow. Japanese skiiers have known it forever, but now more and more foreigners are starting to discover that a ski holiday in Japan comes with fantastic powder runs and superb hospitality. Japan has hundreds of ski slopes and resorts to choose from, but the best of the best can be lumped into two main regions.
Your first choice for skiing in Japan is Hokkaido, in the north. Temperatures are lower here, and elevations are generally lower too, but the quality and sheer volume of snow dumped each year is hard to beat. The best resorts are fairly spread out in Hokkaido and all of them are best accessed by flying into new Chitose Airport (or Asahikawa airport if heading to Furano), and then using shuttle buses to get to the resort areas. The two most famous areas in Hokkaido are Niseko and Furano. There are also a number of other resorts that are located a fair distance away from any town centers, and are therefore fully self-contained. These include Tomamu, Kiroro, Rusutsu, and and also Sapporo Teine, which is actually just 20km from the center of Sapporo city, so perfect for day-trippers staying in Sapporo.
The second region, which is equally epic in terms of snow quality, is along the Nagano/Niigata border and the Niigata/Gunma border. These slopes are located about 3-4 hours northwest of Tokyo, and are best accessed by train from central Tokyo. Ski areas here can be divided into three large areas. Hakuba, located in the Northern Japan Alps and famous for being the home of the 1998 winter Olympics, is made up of some 9 different mountain resorts. Hakuba is best accessed by using the Azusa Express train from Shinjuku station (Tokyo). The second area is along the Nagano/Niigata border. Famous slopes on the Niigata side include Myoko-kogen and Arai. And famous slopes on the Nagano side include Shiga-kogen, and Nowaza Onsen. These slopes are best accessed from Tokyo by using the Nagano shinkansen. And the third area is along the border between Gunma and Niigata. Famous resorts here include Echigo-Yuzawa, Gala-Yuzawa, Naeba, Kagura, and Tanigawa-dake (the closest to Tokyo of all these). This area is best reached by using the Niigata shinkansen.
These resorts offer a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, making them ideal for both recreational and advanced skiers. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, many ski resorts in Japan offer a wide variety of other winter activities, as well as activities for kids, ample hot springs, and après-ski events. The country is also known for its unique cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and hospitable people, making Japan a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Accessing by train from Tokyo…

Hakuba
Hakuba is a ski resort located in the northern Japanese Alps, in the north of Nagano prefecture. It has become a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world due to its diverse ski terrain and high-quality ski facilities, first catching the world’s attention when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998.
Hakuba actually consists of nine different mountains and ski areas (Happo One, Goryu, Hakuba 47, Tsugaike, Iwatake, Cortina, Sanosaka, Hakuba Norikura, and Kashimayari). With so many resorts to choose from, this huge ski area will keep you entertained for weeks. The ski areas range from the beginner-friendly Goryu and Hakuba 47 to the more challenging Tsugaike and Cortina, offering something for everyone. Hakuba is also known for its long ski season, which usually runs from late November to early May, making it a great option for travelers who want to hit the slopes in the early or late winter months.
Hakuba has it all, with not only great skiing, but also hot springs for soaking in after a great day of skiing, and there is also a vibrant après-ski scene, with many dining and entertainment options, including traditional Japanese bars, pubs, and restaurants. Visitors to Hakuba can stay in one of the many ski-in ski-out accommodations available, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Many of these properties offer ski rental and ski school services (plenty of English speaking options here), making it convenient for visitors to enjoy the slopes without having to worry about equipment or instruction. Overall, Hakuba is a highly recommended ski destination for those looking for a diverse ski experience in Japan, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier.
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is a traditional hot spring village and ski resort located in northern Nagano prefecture. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in Japan and has a rich history and cultural heritage, making it a unique and highly recommended ski destination when visiting Japan from abroad. The popularity of Nozawa Onsen is growing rapidly, as more and more visitors are choosing a more unique Japanese experience than the more well-known Hakuba and Niseko resorts. Nozawa offers a range of ski slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with a focus on intermediate terrain. The resort is known for its abundant snowfall and dry powder, which can reach up to 11 meters per season.
As the name implies, Nozawa Onsen is famous for its hot springs. The hot springs in Nozawa Onsen have a history dating back over 1,300 years and are highly valued for their therapeutic properties. There are 13 public hot springs in the village, as well as many private onsen, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese hot spring culture. Visitors can also experience the unique culture and history of the area by visiting the local shrines, temples, and museums, or by participating in traditional events and festivals. There are also many dining and entertainment options, including traditional Japanese restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great destination for those who want to experience both the thrill of skiing and authentic Japanese culture.
Shiga-kogen
Shiga-kogen is a ski resort located in northern Nagano prefecture, and is actually not only the largest ski resort in Japan, but also in the whole of Asia. Shiga-kogen is a collection of 21 interconnected ski areas and 85 ski runs, which are serviced by more than 50 chairlifts and gondala. It claims a second title, as it is also Japan’s highest ski area, with all ski fields situated between 1350 and 2300 meters above sea level. Shiga Kogen is known for its long ski season, and for its abundant snowfall and dry powder, which can reach up to 11 meters per season. It is also nestled between several mountain ranges, meaning it is less windy than other ski areas.
The all-mountain pass will give you access to the whole of Shiga-kogen’s 600 hectares, although you will be hard pressed to see just a fraction of that. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Shiga Kogen offers a range of other winter activities, including two special areas for kids; Shiga-Kogen Maruike Snow Activity Park & the Shiga-kogen Yakebitaiyama Family Snow Park. Shiga-kogen also has quite a few ski schools for kids, and instruction is available in English.
A trip to Shiga-kogen of course wouldn’t be complete without a side trip to see the snow monkeys. Likely on the way up to Shiga-onsen, you passed through Yamanouchi town in the valley, and the two historic onsen villages of Yudanaka and Shiba onsen located on the road up to the ski area. Not far from these two onsen villages, you will find the turnoff for Jigokudani Yaen Koen (or Jigokudani Monkey Park in English). Here you will find hundreds of Japanese snow monkeys, whiling away the winter by bathing in the natural hot springs. When you need a break from all the skiing, we recommend spending a few hours at the monkey park; it really can be fun to see these little critters relaxing in the baths with snow accumulating on their tiny heads, which stick out above the waterline. You may have seen the photos!
Overall, Shiga-kogen is a highly recommended ski destination for those looking for a diverse ski experience in Japan. The size and variety of ski areas make it a great option for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and the long ski season and abundant snow make it a reliable and enjoyable ski destination. Additionally, the rich cultural heritage and traditional hot springs, plus the added bonus of the snow monkeys, make it a unique and memorable ski holiday experience.
Myoko-kogen and Arai
Myoko Kogen is a ski resort located just on the Niigata side of the Nagano/Niigata border. Myoko-kogen is one of Japan’s older resorts and there are several ski options to choose from around the main mountain of Myoko-san, which lies off in the distance from each of Myoko’s ski resorts. Akakura Onsen is one of the most popular places to stay if skiing at Myoko. As its name implies, there are plenty of hot spring options here. Seki onsen is also right next door. Both of these villages have lifts up to the slopes.
Two other options for great skiing are located a few kilometers further to the south; Ikenotaira and Sekinohara. Both of these are accessible by local bus and can be reached in just 20-30 minutes from Akekura. You may wish to stay the night at one of these places instead of Akekura. There are hundreds of Japanese-style accommodation options available wherever you choose to stay.
Not far from Myoko-kogen, is the lesser-known ski resort town of Arai. Lotte Arai Ski Resort is located just about 20km north of the Myoko-kogen area, and those who have skiied here will speak highly of its large open ski runs, and magnificent views. Because of its unique location, just 25km from the Sea of Japan, it offers some truly unique and special views of the ocean. If you are in going to stay in Myoko-kogen, and have a few days there, we recommend setting aside one day to ride the slopes of Arai. You won’t regret it!
Echigo-Yuzawa & Gala-Yuzawa
Echigo-Yuzawa and Gala-Yuzawa are both stations on the Niigata Joetsu shinkansen. That make these ski resorts extremely convenient to reach (90 minutes from Tokyo station), but it also means that they are somewhat overly-commercial (especially Gala-Yuzawa). You can literally hop off the bullet train here, and be at the ski rental shop in minutes, getting ready to hit the slopes. If you have just one day available to sample Japan’s snow, then this is likely your best choice. We recommend avoiding weekends and holidays if possible.
Overall, Yuzawa is a highly recommended ski destination for those looking for a ski experience with convenient access from Tokyo. The long ski season, diverse ski terrain, and traditional hot springs make it a reliable and enjoyable ski destination, while the proximity to Tokyo and direct train access make it a convenient and accessible ski destination.
Kagura (including Tashiro & Mitsumata) & Naeba
Instead of skiing right at the slopes next to Echigo-Yuzawa station, we recommend making the extra trip from there to some of Japan’s best ski areas. Take advantage of Yuzawa’s easy access from Tokyo, but if you have the time, take a local bus from here south along route 17, where you will find a snowy winter wonderland of skiing options available, which are not only superior to Echigo-Yuzawa, but are also far more interesting and less crowded. Its a win-win, if you have the time.
First on the list of options are Mitsumata, Tashiro and Kagura. These three resorts are essentially all part of the same mountain resort, with each having its own lift service up to the top. All three areas meet at the top, meaning you can ski from one and experience all three resorts. This is a huge area, and mountain passes can be purchased for just one mountain, two mountains, or for all three. Your choice.
A little further south along route 17 is the famous ski resort of Naeba. Naeba is not far from Kagura, and is essentially part of the same mountain range. Naeba is not only known for its fantastic slopes, but also for its lively après-ski scene, with bars, pubs, and restaurants catering to skiers and snowboarders looking for a fun evening after a day on the slopes. The resort is also known for its diverse ski terrain, which includes wide cruisers, challenging steeps, and off-piste areas, providing skiers and snowboarders with a range of ski experiences.
Overall, Naeba & Kagura (including Tashiro & Mitsumata) are a highly recommended ski destination for those looking for a diverse ski experience with a lively après-ski scene. The long ski season, diverse ski terrain, and traditional hot springs make it a reliable and enjoyable ski destination, while the bars, pubs, and restaurants make it a memorable and fun ski experience. The proximity to the town of Yuzawa and its convenient train access from Tokyo make it a popular and accessible ski destination for travelers from both within Japan and from around the world.
Flying to Hokkaido…

Niseko
Niseko is a ski resort located on the northern island of Hokkaido. It has become one of the most popular ski destinations in the world due to its unique combination of abundant dry powder snow, diverse ski terrain, and modern ski facilities. Niseko is known for its incredible snowfall, which can reach up to 15 meters per season. The resort has four ski areas: Annupuri, Higashiyama, Grand Hirafu (Niseko Village located here), and Hanazono. These slopes offer a wide range of options, from gentle cruisers to challenging steeps, making it an ideal destination for all skill levels.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Niseko offers a range of other winter activities, such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and onsen (hot spring) soaking. And Niseko is one of the rare ski resorts in Japan that has managed to turn itself into a multi-season outdoor adventure locale. Niseko now offers a wide range of summer activities from abseiling, to white water rafting , to horse riding and bicycle races. There are many dining and shopping options in central Hirafu, as well as a vibrant après-ski scene, making it a great destination for those who want to experience both the thrill of skiing and also party like its 1999!
Visitors to Niseko can stay in one of the many ski-in ski-out accommodations available, ranging from not-so-budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Niseko has definitely becoming one of the more pricey (if not the priciest) resorts in Japan. If staying at Niseko, you can be assured of a world-class ski holiday experience. Everything you could wish for is available here, and you won’t have any trouble if you don’t speak a word of Japanese. This may be a good thing, or not such a good thing. It depends what you are looking for. Overall, Niseko is a unique and highly recommended ski destination for those looking for an unforgettable winter sports experience.
Furano
Furano is a ski resort located in central Hokkaido, known for its diverse ski terrain, light and dry powder snow, and long ski season. The resort offers a mix of beginner to advanced slopes, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Being located just 4km from the center of Furano town, means you will have all the facilities of town while also having quick and easy access to the slopes. There are many dining and entertainment options in town and at the slopes, including traditional Japanese bars, pubs, and restaurants.
With snow quality that rivals Niseko, but without the international atmosphere, Furano offers a more relaxing and more authentic Japanese ski holiday experience. Access is easy, especially if you are flying from Tokyo, as there are lots of daily flights into Asahikawa Aiport, which is less than a one hour bus ride from Furano. Niseko on the other hand requires a 2-3hr bus ride from New Chitose Airport.
Furano ski area is actually split into two separate areas. The first is the slightly higher Furano Zone at 1200 meters, and the second is the slightly lower Kitanomine Zone at 950 meters. Combined, there are over 25km of ski runs, 24 ski courses, and 10 lifts, one of which is the fastest in Japan. Temperatures get pretty low here in the middle of winter, so make sure to rug up. Being a long way from the ocean also means that the powder here is crisp and dry, so if you like your powder runs, this may be the spot for you.
Overall, Furano is a highly recommended ski destination for those looking for a unique and challenging ski experience in Japan. The light and dry powder snow, diverse ski terrain, and long ski season make it a quality ski destination. Additionally, the close proximity of the slopes to downtown Furano town, means that you can experience traditional hot springs and Hokkaido’s cultural heritage, making a trip here a truly memorable and authentic Japan ski experience.
Sapporo Teine
Located just a few kilometers from downtown Sapporo (a large city of over a million inhabitants), and with ocean views off to the north, Sapporo Teine is a pretty unique skiing experience. If you are staying in Sapporo for a few days in the winter months, a quick bus ride will have you up at the slopes in just 40 minutes, with everything there that you need in the way of rental skies, snowboards and gear.
Back in 1972, Sapporo was the site of the Winter Olympics and Sapporo Teine was where the alpine skiing, bobsleigh and luge events were held. There are still some relics from the past, like the old base used for the Olympic Cauldron, still standing in the lower Olympia zone.
There are two main areas to Sapporo Teine: Lower Olympia which is really for beginners and intermediate skiers. Even the lifts here are slow and relaxed. If you are looking for some more exciting slopes, try the Highland area, which is serviced by the high-speed ‘Summit Express’ quad chairlift. In 1972, this is where the slalom and giant slalom events took place.
There are no accommodation options at Teine, because of its close proximity to all the hotels of central Sapporo. Although not the largest or fanciest of Japan’s ski resorts, it does get points for its history, access to central Sapporo, as well as for the fact that it shares in common with all other Hokkaido ski resorts, a large amount of crisp dry powder, dumped for about 5-6 months of the year.
Other resorts in Hokkaido (Rusutsu, Tomamu, Kororo)
Hokkaido is also famous for a number of unique ski resorts that are run as stand-alone resorts, and are miles away from any towns. These include Rusutsu, Tomamu and Kororo.
Each of these resorts are superb. Tomamu has a high-end Hoshino Resort, meaning you will be staying in style. All facilities are provided for guests at the hotel. Rusutsu is similar. There is one large resort here, where you will be staying. Ski in and out and there are multiple restaurants, shops and even a pool within the hotel complex. Last on our list is Kororo. This is another similar resort; this time located about 1 hour by bus from Sapporo. If you prefer to have everything provided for you within the resort, then any of these three would be perfect for you.
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