Tokyo, like the rest of Japan, draws a lot of tourists during spring when the cherry blossoms bring color to the city. However, it also has plenty to offer during winter. While not as blanketed as Hokkaido, skiing is a very popular winter activity and there are many ski resorts close to the city. The mountains of Gunma and Niigata in particular feature many well-kept slopes and powder runs. Kawaba Ski Resort in Gunma has plenty of on-piste and off-piste slopes, while Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort in Niigata offer a larger area with more courses. There’s also the semi-indoor Sayama Ski Area in Saitama which uses artificial snow and is a fantastic place for beginners to learn.
Thinking of staying in one? Continue reading and take your pick from these top ski resorts near Tokyo, Japan, if you want to experience winter fun in the area.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Ski Resort | Skill Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Season Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, Nagano | Beginner 58%, Intermediate 21%, Advanced 21% | 9 | November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 |
| Maiko Snow Resort, Niigata | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20% | 10 | December 20, 2024 - March 30, 2025 |
| GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, Niigata | Beginner 35%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 20% | 11 | December 13, 2024 - May 6, 2025 |
| Naeba Ski Resort | Beginner 42%, intermediate 25%, advanced 33% | 12 | December 14, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
| Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort | Beginner 40%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 30% | 9 | December 21, 2024 - March 30, 2025 |
| Kagura Snow Resorts, Niigata | Beginner 37%, intermediate 44%, advanced 19% | 18 | December 16, 2024 to May 6, 2025 |
| Fujiten Snow Resort, Yamanashi | Beginner 40%, intermediate 45%, advanced 15% | 4 | Mid-December, 2024 - Early April, 2025 |
| Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Tochigi | Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30% | 6 | November 29, 2024 - April 20, 2025 |
| Kawaba Ski Resort, Gunma | Beginner 20%, intermediate 50%, advanced 30% | 6 | December 7, 2024 - Mid-April, 2025 |
1. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, Nagano
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 1h23m via Tokyo Station Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Season opening date: November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
- Nearest airport: Tokyo International Airport (HND) (2)
- Suitable for: Beginner 60%, intermediate 20%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 9 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
Bright and comfy guest suite in Karuizawahigashi (from USD 269)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 4-minute drive to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
- Nearest lift: Not specified
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
This guest suite will easily accommodate your needs for a ski trip in Karuizawa. The nearest resort is Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, just a quick 4-minute drive across town. Guests can prepare their meals in the kitchenette, or eat out at the various nearby dining options. The rental is perfect if you’re planning to make an extended booking to enjoy the snow-covered slopes. Not only is there an on-site laundry with a washer and dryer, but guests will also have access to a workspace and a terrace area.
Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
55.19 km (34.3 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts were very helpful and kindthe hosts were great and the extra effort provided made our stay memorablethe host provided a bike which was very helpful for getting aroundLocation:
great location for going to places around karuizawa and kyu-karuizawaRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
very stylish place with various thoughtful touches in terms of amenities and facilities
2. Maiko Snow Resort, Niigata
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 2h20m via Tokyo Station Jouetsu Shinkansen
- Season opening date: December 20, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest airport: Niigata Airport (KIJ) (1h49m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 40%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 10 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Maiko Snow Resort
Ishiuchi Ski Center (from USD 137)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Ishiuchi Maruyama)
- Nearest lift: 7-minute walk to Ishiuchi No. 2 Express; 14-minute drive to Makino Snow Area
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: Yes
This establishment is situated halfway down the slopes of Ishiuchi and provides easy access to ski-in ski-out action as well as nearby lifts. Makino Snow Area, another popular ski resort is also just 14 minutes away. Ski equipment rentals are offered here, so you don’t have to bring your own gear. Adults can wash up and warm themselves at the public bath, which is open 24/7.
There’s an indoor playground area where kids can play even during winter and strollers can also be requested if needed. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant has child-friendly meal options on its menu.
Ishiuchi Ski Center
Address: Ishiuchi 2321
28.16 km (17.5 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest Area
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3. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, Niigata
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 1h41m via Tokyo Station Jouetsu Shinkansen
- Season opening date: December 13, 2024 - May 6, 2025
- Nearest airport: Niigata Airport (KIJ) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 35%, intermediate 45%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 11 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Hotel New Fukudaya (from USD 113)
Fantastic value and quality dinner, free hot drinks, and nearby supermarket for food
Affordable rates, cheap ski equipment rentals, and complimentary tea and coffee
Next to Ishiuchi ski lift, close to free ski shuttle bus, and stunning views
Clean shared bathrooms, free laundry, and massage chair in the lobby
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort)
- Nearest lift: 1-min walk to Ishiuchi Sunrise Express lift; 5-minute drive to GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort Gondola
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: Yes
This hotel offers guests ski-to-door access to Ishiuchi, making it easy for you to hit the slopes and get some rest once you’re done zipping down the mountain. The ski lift is within walking distance from the property, as is the free ski shuttle bus. Another convenient ski resort to check out is GALA Yuzawa, just 5 minutes from the hotel.
The establishment rents out ski and snowboard equipment so you can have fun even if you don’t have your own gear. Discounted ski passes are also sold here. Once you’re done skiing, you can stash your gear in the designated storage and meet other guests at the shared lounge. There’s an on-site restaurant and a vending machine for drinks if you need to replenish your energy.
Yuzawa Hotel New Fukudaya-ski in ski out
Address: Ishiuchi1637
27.87 km (17.4 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest Area
4. Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 2h30m via Tokyo Station Jouetsu Shinkansen
- Season opening date: December 14, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest airport: Niigata Airport (KIJ) (2h25m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 42%, intermediate 25%, advanced 33%
- Lift details: 12 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Naeba Ski Resort
Naeba Prince Hotel (from USD 172)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Naeba Ski Resort)
- Nearest lift: 2-minute walk to No.5 High-speed Lift
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
This establishment puts you right beside a large ski resort and is close to three lifts. The hotel itself offers various services to help you make the most out of your winter holiday. For instance, discounted ski tickets are offered here. Furthermore, skiing lessons are available for those who are new to skiing.
There are various restaurants and shops on the property if you get hungry after your adventures. Guests traveling with kids will appreciate the children’s playground. When the mood strikes, guests can unwind with a soothing soak in the hotel’s onsen.
Naeba Prince Hotel
Address: Mikuni 202
16.6 km (10.4 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest Area
5. Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, Niigata
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 2h30m via Tokyo Station Jouetsu Shinkansen
- Season opening date: December 21, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest airport: Niigata Airport (KIJ) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 30%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 9 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Pet-friendly villa at the foot of the mountain (from USD 329)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort)
- Nearest lift: 4-minute drive to No. 1 High-speed Lift
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Bring your whole family, including your pets, on a memorable ski trip to Nakazato. This snow-covered villa is a fully equipped home with plenty of sleeping spaces and separate bathrooms for men and women. Smoking is also allowed, giving habitual smokers a nice space to unwind.
The closest lift is the No. 1 High-speed Lift, just 4 minutes away by car or 14 minutes on foot. It’s conveniently next to Nakazato Ski School, and newbies can take the chance to learn how to ski or snowboard.
Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan
19.26 km (12.0 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaAccommodates: 16
6. Kagura Snow Resorts, Niigata
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 1h15m via Tokyo Station Jouetsu Shinkansen, then 33-minute bus transfer to Tashiro Ropeway Station
- Season opening date: November 23, 2024 to May 18, 2025
- Nearest airport: Niigata Airport (KIJ) (2h15m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 37%, intermediate 44%, advanced 19%
- Lift details: 18 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Kagura Snow Resorts
Ryokan room in a mountain village (from USD 196)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Kagura Snow Resorts)
- Nearest lift: 8-minute walk to Kagura Ski Resort Tashiro Station
- Onsen: Yes, but separate facility from the inn
- Ski storage: No
Treat yourself to the wonders of Japanese hospitality with a stay at Little Echigo Ryokan. This room configuration is perfect for a medium-sized family or group. The sleeping area is a Japanese-style tatami room that can accommodate 5 futons. For meals, the inn has a shared kitchen, as well as a cafe with breakfast and dinner services. Other shared spaces include the bath, laundry, and lounge.
Sitting prettily in a mountain village, the ryokan is a fantastic spot for mountain activities, especially skiing. The closest lift is Kagura Ski Resort Tashiro Station, which will take travelers to Kagura Ski Resort’s Tashiro Area.
Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan
19.08 km (11.9 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaAccommodates: 5
7. Fujiten Snow Resort, Yamanashi
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 2h50m via Tokyo Station Limited Express to Otsuki Sation Fujikiyo Line to Kawaguchiko Station; Official shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Fujiten Snow Resort
- Season opening date: Mid-December, 2024 - Early April, 2025
- Nearest airport: Tokyo International Airport (HND) (2h13m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 40%, intermediate 45%, advanced 15%
- Lift details: 4 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Fujiten Snow Resort
Cozy log cabin nestled in the forests of Mt. Fuji (from USD 965)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 9-minute drive to Fujiten Snow Resort
- Nearest lift: Not specified
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Escape to the peaceful woodlands of Narusawa, situated on the northern slopes of Mt. Fuji. An excellent retreat any time of the year, guests can especially look forward to beautiful snow-topped greens during winter. Maximize that winter visit by heading to Fujiten Snow Resort, just 9 minutes away. The resort has lessons and rentals available, so you won’t need to worry about car space lugging skis and snowboards.
The home is fully equipped and is a wonderful choice for extended stays. It’s also pet-friendly so you bring your fur babies as well. It comes with a laundry, kitchen, and Wi-Fi so you’ll only need to stock up on supplies every now and then.
Narusawa, Yamanashi, Japan
147.97 km (92.0 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaAccommodates: 4
8. Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Tochigi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 1h8m via Tokyo Station Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasushiobara Station, then 1-hour shuttle bus to Hunter Mountain Shiobara
- Season opening date: November 29, 2024 - April 20, 2025
- Nearest airport: Narita International Airport (NRT) (3h14m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 6 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Hunter Mountain Shiobara
Villa Hill Breeze (from USD 294)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 23-minute drive to Hunter Mountain Shiobara
- Nearest lift: Not specified
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Make your winter vacation extra special by booking this gorgeous villa in an onsen resort town. The home features one Western-style bedroom and four Japanese bedrooms. Aside from the kitchen, guests can also book the barbecue amenities with an additional charge. Of course it wouldn’t be a proper home in a hot spring town if it didn’t have its own hot spring bath. Though it takes a while to fill up, your patience will be rewarded with a steamy, soothing dip.
While it’s 23 minutes away, Hunter Mountain Shiobara is a cool ski resort with multiple courses for various skill levels. It also has a rental and school, so you can save luggage space as well as pick up the skill if you’re a newbie.
Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Japan
76.03 km (47.3 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaAccommodates: 16
9. Kawaba Ski Resort, Gunma
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 1h20m via Tokyo Station Jouetsu Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen Station, then 1-hour shuttle bus to Kawaba Ski Resort
- Season opening date: December 7, 2024 - Mid-April, 2025
- Nearest airport: Tokyo International Airport (HND) (2h50m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 20%, intermediate 50%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 6 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Kawaba Ski Resort
Rental villa Tamayura (from USD 195)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 18-minute drive to Kawaba Ski Resort
- Nearest lift: Not specified
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Craving to get away from the hustle and bustle of Metropolitan Tokyo? Book a vacation at this idyllic villa sitting at the foot of Mt. Hotaka. Sleep in classy Japanese-style rooms, admiring the view of the garden and mountain from the engawa or the patio. Aside from standard amenities such as the kitchen and bath, you can enjoy indoor leisure time with friends and family in the game room.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the winter snow and hit the slopes at Kawaba Ski Resort. Just 18 minutes away, it’s easy to reach with a vehicle. Experienced skiers will like the course variety offered there, including off-piste areas.
Kawaba, Gunma, Japan
14.4 km (9.0 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaAccommodates: 6
10. Sayama Ski Resort, Saitama
Resort information:
- Distance from Tokyo: 1h4m via Tokyo Station Marunouchi Line to Ikebukuro Line, then transfer to Sayama Line and end at Seibukyujyo-Mae Station
- Season opening date: November 1, 2024 - March 30, 2025
- Nearest airport: Tokyo International Airport (HND) (1h54m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 50%, intermediate 50%
- Lift details: 0 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Sayama Ski Resort
Entire first floor of a home in a residential area (from USD 87)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 8-minute drive to Sayama Ski Resort
- Nearest lift: Not specified
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
If you prefer the comforts of home while working under a budget, then take a look at this rental unit. Guests will have access to the entire first floor of the home, which includes the kitchen, bath, and laundry.
While here, take advantage of the home’s proximity to Belluna Dome, a popular venue for sports events and concerts. It’s also the site of Sayama Ski Resort, a massive indoor ski park that’s perfect for travelers who can’t go too far from the city. The resort is very beginner- and kid-friendly too, so take the chance to learn how to ski with your younglings.
Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
117.55 km (73.1 mi) from Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest AreaAccommodates: 5
Skiing and snowboarding adventures near Tokyo
Tokyo is an underrated destination when it comes to winter fun and has its share of offerings. But it’s also close to some spectacular ski resorts if you’re looking to hit the slopes for a few days. Choose from this list of ski destinations and accommodations near Tokyo to maximize your winter experience.
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