10 Best Ski Resorts in Japan
As an island country, Japan takes advantage of the Siberian storms meeting the Sea of Japan and the mountainous terrain on the land to make most areas of the country great skiing destinations, with some of the best ski resorts in the world. With their spectacular snowscapes, flawless powder snow, and well-appreciated amenities near or within ski areas, ski resorts in Japan draw people from all over the world. If you're a feverish skier who hunts for excellent ski resorts around the world, Japan is definitely not to be missed. Today we will look at the top 10 ski resorts in Japan. Whether you're a first-timer or an expert, it's interesting to explore more great ski resorts.
Hokkaido
Niseko - Full Equipped
Niseko Resort, situated on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan, is a highly sought-after skiing destination renowned for its exceptionally consistent powder snow and diverse trails that cater to skiers of all abilities. Niseko's four mountaintop ski resorts are the famous Grand Hirafu, Hanazono with new equipment, Niseko Village best for family visitors, and the classic Annupuri. Western tourists are particularly drawn to Niseko due to the prevalence of English-speaking staff and instructors. Beginners are provided with ski lessons and guides. The resort prides itself on in having more than 30 lifts and readily accessible slopes. You can experience some thrilling snow activities, like off-piste skiing and helicopter tours. At the same time, the spectacular views of Mt. Yotei will spice your adventures with intrigue. You can also enjoy a range of high-quality hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars, which create a lively and dynamic nightlife in the resort that is not to be missed.
Approximate Opening: From December 2, 2023 to April 7, 2024
Rusutsu - From Novice to Veteran
Rusutsu Resort is a fantastic option for a delightful holiday in Hokkaido. It is conveniently accessible from New Chitose Airport and Niseko by public transport or a private taxi. With substantial annual snowfall, Rusutsu is renowned for its fresh and deep snow, an excellent alternative to Niseko for those wishing to avoid crowds. The resort boasts immaculate ski terrain, untouched slopes, and tree-lined trails. The terrain trails are able to meet the needs of all levels of skiers (30% for beginners, 40% for intermediate, and 30% for experts). The resort also sets up ski and snowboard courses for beginners and intermediate skiers, which is enjoyable for both adults and children and childcare is also available for younger children. In-and-out resort offers a wide range of hotel accommodation, from luxury hotels to medium-sized houses and cottages to low-cost but comfortable pensions. Traditional Japanese cuisine, Italian and Chinese cooking, and other regional foods are available at the accommodations.
Approximate Opening: From December 2, 2023 to May 6, 2024
Hakuba - Friendly Trails for Beginners
Situated in the center of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is known for its steep terrain of 11 mountains and fresh, snow-covered trails, drawing international attention as the host city of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Happo One, the main village in the area, is a prominently popular skiing destination. If you get to the resort early, you can catch a wonderful sunrise from the white mountaintop. Hakuba is home to nine quite large ski resorts, with continuous, substantial powder becoming a magnet for snow lovers. The whole resort has a total of 52 km of runs, and its snow trails are beginner-friendly 11 meters wide. After a day's skiing, Hakuba Village also offers a whole variety of resting activities, including shopping malls, world-class restaurants, and familiar family-run lodges. The village is pleasantly empty on weekdays, during which perhaps you can occupy a fresh track alone.
Approximate Opening: From December 10, 2023 to March 31, 2024
Nozawa Onsen - Ski & Spa
Nozawa Onsen, as the name suggests, is a historic hot spring town in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, but it is also a natural resort for skiing. It has a large terrain area covered with bottomless powder, as well as a variety of groomed slopes for all levels of skiers. Hotels, traditional Japanese ryokans, guesthouses, and more are mostly available in Nozawa, and most importantly, there are more than 13 public hot spring bathhouses, all of which are available for free usage. Most accommodations are local near lift points and leisure facilities, within walking distance, or by shuttle bus from the town and village. In addition to skiing, playing at the amusement park or karaoke hall is another good option.
Approximate Opening: From December 13 2022 to May 7 2023
Shiga Kogen - Unspoiled Home of Snow Monkey
Shiga Kogen is the most widespread ski area in Nagano, also a widely popular ski resort for both locals and tourists. Shiga Kogen is composed of 18 different-sized and interconnected skis areas at altitudes ranging from 1,340m to 2,307m. The cold weather and high altitude provide the resort with high-quality powder that can be stored for a long time, providing a never-ending terrain and a total of 83 kilometers of tree runs to explore. The resort offers beginner-friendly groomed slopes, powder bowls, and challenging trails for experts. With just one ticket, you can reach the sky on the resort's 50 lifts. The highlight of your trip to Shiga Kogen is exploring Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to see lovely monkeys bathing in hot springs. There are also features ski equipment rental shops, a ski school, onsens, and diversely styled accommodations.
Approximate Opening: From December 23, 2023 to March 18, 2024
Sapporo Teine - Specialist Racing Tracks
Sapporo Teine is a legendary ski resort in Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, and a frequent host of the winter Asian game with famously steep trails and slopes suitable for both intermediate and expert skiers. Despite its small size, it gradually attracts a growing number of visitors due to its snow quality and skier-friendly run layout of slopes, and it only takes 40 minutes to drive from the resort to Sapporo's downtown. Although the steep trails may discourage beginners, there are numerous winter events in the surrounding area. Head up to the top at an elevation of 1023 meters, the summit of Mt. Teineyama offers views of Ishikari Bay, the Mashike Mountains, and Sapporo City, or simply relax in the resort's comfortable crowd-free setting.
Approximate Opening: Weekends from mid-November 2023 to May 5, 2024
Furano - High-Quality Snowfield
Furano is at the heart of Hokkaido Island and is one of the most recognized ski resorts in Japan. Furano is blessed with periodic cold weather with stunningly dry and light snow due to the Siberian storm joining the Sea of Japan. The resort's central location in Hokkaido also gives it higher-quality powder than Niseko. The snow is about 3 meters deep, which, plus the variety of terrain and trails for all abilities, has made it a breathtaking paradise for domestic visitors and even foreign visitors. The ski area of Furano consists of two ski zones: the Kitanomine zone and the Furano zone. Not only close to the city, each with a variety of hotels and onsens, as well as amenities such as restaurants, supermarkets, and bars. Most hotels are characterized by traditional Japanese tranquility and charm that capture the attention of international visitors. Furano is also a good place to experience Japanese culture, such as by tasting traditional Japanese delicacies and participating in Furano winter events.
Approximate Opening:
Kitanomine zone: From December 2, 2023 to May 6, 2024
Furano zone: From December 2 2023 to April 7 2024
Kiroro - Easy to Master Skiing Skills
Kiroro is another modern Japanese ski resort that you should not miss. It is proud of its well-arranged lift system that allows visitors to easily access skiing spots and nearby accommodations. With 21 courses in total, the resort offers all manner of ski lessons for all skiers, featuring Super Kid lessons for children aged 3 - 12 years. Skiers in private lessons even can enjoy English-speaking instructors. Kiroro Station, located within the resort, has a ski rental shop where you can select appropriate ski equipment and clothing. Extremely well-equipped hotels like Yu Kiroro, the most extravagant ski-in and ski-out condos in the heart of the resort, or Tribute Portfolio Hotel are great accommodations to stay in that have beautiful powder snow right at your doorstep to admire. Other interesting activities and events include snowmobiling, snow rafting, snowshoeing, playing in the Winter Kids Park, and watching the Otaru Snow Light Show in February, among others. The art-like lockers at Kiroro become an unexpectedly fascinating part of visiting Kiroro Resort, which is a noteworthy feature of Kiroro.
Approximate Opening: From December 1, 2023 to May 6, 2024
Tomamu - Happy Family Tour with Club Med
Tomanu has a world-famous picturesque nature among ski resorts in Japan. Perched in central Hokkaido, Tomanu is blessed with superbly silky powder, second to none. With a huge range of snow terrain, the resort can cater to almost everyone's needs, especially family visitors. Tomanu has established several snow academies that offer ski lessons to different levels of skiers. If you are not content with easy-to-complete terrain, there is a powder ski area only available for experts. Other activities at the resort include ice skating, banana boating, water skiing, as well as snowboarding while families can take part in the snow kart competition and enjoy a breathtaking snow kart ride from the top of the Unkai gondola. The resort also prepares a Gao Nursery and a snow playground where you can spend time playing with your children. Baby care services are also available. The Tower and Risonare Tomamu are popular options for accommodation at Tomanu. The interlinked hotels and surrounding facilities enable you to reach restaurants and shops without needing to take a detour outside.
Approximate Opening: From December 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024
Myoko Kogen - Nightlife & Local Lifestyle
Myoko Kogen, officially known as Myoko Kogen Ski Resort, is a winter tourist hotspot in Niigata Japan. It is an array of ski resorts made up mainly of Suginohara, Seki Onsen, and Myoko Akakura Onsen. If you're dithering over which resort to visit, Myoko Kogen's excellent resorts and surrounding nightlife amid a traditional atmosphere will propel you to determine your skiing and snowboarding options. The area receives a lot of snow, an average of 14 meters per year, and boasts 32 different courses, grouped according to the abilities of different skiers, including Japan's longest run of 8.5 kilometers. Budget accommodations such as Funky Monkey Lodge, restaurants, and other hotel amenities are well equipped, where you can join in vibrant nightclubs and parties, immersed in the traditional local lifestyle after daytime skiing fatigue on the slopes.
Approximate Opening: From mid-December 2023 until early April 2024
Japan is home to a number of world-famous ski resorts, each of which is a skier's paradise. Each of Japan's ski resorts features breathtaking scenery, a variety of skiing and snowboarding sports, and first-rate facilities. The pristine and fresh snow is another fascinating attraction for powder seekers. Every ski resort mentioned above is full of fun and traditional Japanese charm. It is worthwhile to visit one of them on your winter vacation. It should be noted that the exact operating date of each resort is subject to local snow conditions. More information about ski events and festivals is accessible on the Odynovo website. If you plan a trip to any one of the Japanese ski resorts, contact us. Odynovo will create a customized itinerary based on your preferences. If you travel with us, you'll have a wonderful time enjoying a wide range of local activities.
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