The best ski resorts in Japan
Hakodayama Ski Resort
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Where to go for skiing in Japan?
In Japan, almost 70% of which is mountainous, you can enjoy winter sports in some of the world's best ski resorts. Not everyone knows it, but Japan is a veritable paradise for skiers.
Japan, a skiing and snowboarding paradise
Japan is one of the world's snowiest countries, with snowfalls of up to several meters in winter. This abundance turns the archipelago into a veritable paradise for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Japanese powder, particularly light and dry, is reputed to be one of the best in the world, offering exceptionally smooth descents. It's not just the quality of the snow that's so appealing, but also the unique experience that Japan offers: after a day on the slopes, there's nothing like relaxing in an open-air onsen, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.
Where to ski in Japan? The best regions
Three major regions stand out for skiing in Japan. Hokkaidō, in the north, offers ultra-light powder thanks to its cold, dry climate, attracting snow enthusiasts from all over the world. Tōhoku, less frequented, seduces with its spectacular scenery and unspoilt resorts. Finally, the resorts of Honshū, closer to Tokyo and better served, offer high-quality snow, larger areas and modern infrastructures, ideal for all levels.
Here's a selection of the archipelago's best ski resorts!
1. Niseko (Hokkaido)
Niseko is famous for its exceptional powder snow, with an average snowfall of 15 m per year, making it a popular destination for skiers from all over the world. The outstanding quality of the powder snow and its exceptional snowfall (15 m of snow per year) have enabled the Niseko United ski area to win the favor of Japanese and international skiers for many, many years.
- Altitude: 255 m to 1,188 m
- Skiable area: 50.8 km (31 lifts)
- Daily rate: 14,500 yen
- Season: Late November - Early May
- Access: From Tokyo to Sapporo, it's about 1.5 hours by plane or 8 hours by train with a Shinkansen, then an express train to Sapporo. From Sapporo, take the "Niseko Liner" express train to Kutchan (115 min), then a bus that takes you directly to the resort.
Niseko Resort
©Unsplash
2. Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)
Nestled in the mountains of Nagano, Nozawa Onsen is a true village resort, offering access to several ski areas in an authentic, traditional setting. Renowned for its exceptional snow cover, it offers light, abundant powder, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Nozawa Onsen also stands out for its unique atmosphere: between its picturesque streets, free public onsen and winter festivals, it combines sport with immersion in Japanese culture. With a wide range of slopes to suit all levels and a friendly atmosphere, Nozawa is the ideal destination for a complete skiing experience.
- Altitude: 565 m to 1,650 m
- Ski area: 50 km (21 lifts)
- Daily rate: 6,800 yen
- Season: Late November - early May
- Access: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Iiyama (1h40), then a bus to Nozawa Onsen (20 min).
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3. Hakuba (Nagano)
Located in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is one of Japan's largest ski resorts, welcoming skiers of all abilities. It was one of the hosts of the 1998 Winter Olympics. The enormous ski area and variety of slopes attract experienced skiers and beginners alike.
- Altitude: 540 m to 2,067 m
- Ski area: 200 km (135 lifts)
- Daily rate: 9,700 yen
- Season: Late November - early May
- Access: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagano (1h30), then a local bus or train to Hakuba (1h).
4. Ichigo Yuzawa (Chubu)
Situated in Niigata prefecture, Ichigo Yuzawa is a veritable ski resort complex, grouping together several renowned areas such as Naeba, Kagura and Gala Yuzawa. With direct access from Tokyo by shinkansen in just 1h15, it's one of the most convenient ski destinations for a winter getaway. As well as excellent snow cover, the region is renowned for its traditional onsen, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find pistes to suit all levels in a superb mountain setting.
- Altitude: 300 m to 1,845 m
- Ski area: Over 100 km of runs spread over several resorts
- Daily rate: Approx. 6,500 to 9,000 yen
- Season: Early December - late April
- Access: From Tokyo, take the shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa (1h15), then a bus or shuttle to the resorts.
Chairlifts at Naeba ski resort
©Wlee74, wikimedia
5. Zao Onsen (Tohoku)
Zao Onsen is an ideal resort for combining skiing and relaxation, thanks to its famous hot springs (onsen) and magnificent scenery, including trees covered in powdery snow, known as "snow monsters". It's also renowned for its warm, authentic atmosphere.
- Altitude: 600 m to 1,661 m
- Ski area: 25 km (14 lifts)
- Daily rate: 4,500 yen
- Season: December 1 - end of March
- Access: From Tokyo, take a Shinkansen to Yamagata (3h), then a local bus or shuttle to the resort (40 min)
Ski slope on Mount Zao
©Shutterstock
6. Rusutsu (Hokkaido)
Less crowded than Niseko, Rusutsu offers a more tranquil experience, with activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snow rafting....
Every year, the Rusutsu resort ranks among the best in the archipelago. Slopes for all levels receive 12-14 m of excellent powder every year.
- Altitude: 400 m to 994 m
- Ski area: 42 km (18 lifts)
- Daily rate: 5,900 yen
- Season: early December - late March
- Access: Buses run daily between JR Sapporo station and the resort, costing €17.80.
Rusutsu ski resort, Hokkaido
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7. Furano (Hokkaido)
Furano is renowned for its excellent snow cover(9 meters per year) and the 32 km ski area is divided into two zones: the Kitanomine zone and the Furano zone, both accessible from Furano town by shuttle bus.
- Altitude: 245 m to 1,074 m
- Ski area: 32 km (9 lifts)
- Daily rate: 7,500 yen
- Season: early December - early May
- Access: Tokyo to Sapporo is about 1h30 by plane or 8 hours by shinkansen train. Take a train to Takikawa, then another to Furano, and finally a shuttle to the resort.
Skiing on powder snow in Furano
©Shutterstock
8. Appi Kogen (Iwate)
Located in Iwate prefecture, Appi Kogen is a premium resort with long, well-groomed runs suitable for all levels. The resort also benefits from high-quality snowmaking thanks to its dry, powdery snow, nicknamed"aspirin snow". With its modern infrastructure, night skiing options and numerous on-site accommodations, it's perfect for a comfortable stay.
- Altitude: 640 m to 1,304 m
- Ski area: 45.1 km (21 lifts)
- Daily rate: 6,200 yen
- Season: Late November - early May
- Access: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Morioka (2h10), then a bus or shuttle to Appi Kogen (50 min).
skiing on the wide slopes of Appi Konen
©Shutterstock
9. Sahoro (Hokkaido)
Sahoro is ideal for beginners, with a long, gentle slope and ski lessons in English, making it a very popular resort with international visitors.
- Altitude: 410 m to 1,030 m
- Ski area: 25 km (8 lifts)
- Daily rate: 8,000 yen
- Season: Early December - mid-April
- Access: From Sapporo, take a train to Shintoku (2h10), then a shuttle to the resort.
More confidential resorts for a unique experience!
If you're looking to avoid the crowds and discover more original, intimate resorts, Japan is full of little nuggets.
- At Rokkō Snow Park, near Kobe, you'll find a resort on a human scale, perfect for a snowy getaway without leaving Kansai.
- Further south, on the island of Kyūshū, Gokase Highland is Japan's southernmost resort, offering a unique setting with views of the surrounding volcanoes.
- Finally, for an unusual experience, Okutadami Maruyama, nestled in Niigata Prefecture, is a secret resort accessible only in winter and renowned for its exceptional snow quality.
These resorts offer an original alternative to the major ski resorts, allowing you to experience skiing in a different, more exclusive and authentic way.
