Japan is famous for many things, from a unique culture to delicious food, and of course, incredible winter sports. It is one of the most unique cultures in the world - you can explore temples and shrines, learn about geishas, delve into Japanese cuisine, and unearth the secrets of the samurais. The ski season in Japan is extremely popular, so we’ve found the best places for skiing and snowboarding that are near Tokyo in Japan. You can catch a flight one day and be on the slopes the next. All of the listings that we’ve included are suitable for both beginner and advanced skiers, although some sites have a focus on one more than the other. So, if you want to enjoy your very first ski season or want to see what challenges await you on the black runs, now is your opportunity. Read on and learn how you, too, can discover the delights of winter sports in Japan. Check out these best places for skiing & snowboarding near Tokyo, Japan.
1. Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Tochigi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Known as one of the biggest ski resorts in the area, you are guaranteed a fun day out on the slopes regardless of your age or level. With a summit of 1,638 meters (1.6 kilometers), up to 30% of the courses are advanced. Intermediate level users can enjoy 40% of the slopes and beginners can have plenty of practice on 30% of the slopes. We love that there is an almost exact split between snowboarders and skiers at this site. There is night skiing available too - mainly on Saturday evenings, but dates can vary so be sure to check online.
Hunter Mountain Shiobara
Address: 329-2922 Maekuro, Yumoto-Shiobara, Nasu-Shiobara-Shi, Tochigi-Ken
Website: Hunter Mountain Shiobara
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price for lift ticket: 42.82 USD (4,700 JPY)
2. Mt. Jeans Ski Resort Nasu, Tochigi
This is an ideal ski holiday base if you plan to take your children with you. There are a number of fun features here, like the kid’s park that will keep them occupied and entertained for hours. Beginner level slopes account for 30% of the runs, intermediate level slopes are 50%, and advanced users can enjoy 20% of the slopes. We love that there is a mix of groomed and ungroomed runs to enjoy. This is the perfect place to test out any new tricks you’ve been learning. There are two different types of ski lifts here.
Mt. Jeans Ski Resort Nasu
Address: Oshima, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 329-3223
Website: Mt. Jeans Ski Resort Nasu
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price for lift ticket: 41 USD (4,500 JPY)
3. Kawaba Ski Resort, Gumma
If you plan to stay in Tokyo and are looking for an easy access day trip then Kawaba Ski Resort in Gumma might be your ideal match. In total, there are 11 runs to enjoy and direct access is only 2 hours from Tokyo. You’ll notice that this is predominantly a snowboarding site, with 60% of users being boarders, however, don’t let that change your mind if you’re a skier. Most of the routes are groomed, but you can also enjoy the artificial mogul run. There are 3 different ski lift types and the summit is 1,870 meters (1.87 kilometrs) high.
Kawaba Ski Resort
Address: 378-0101 Kawaba-Kogen, Kawaba-Mura, Tone-Gun, Gunma-Ken
Website: Kawaba Ski Resort
Opening hours: 7:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price for lift ticket: 47.38 USD (5,200 JPY)
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4. Fujiten Snow Resort, Yamanashi
The four ski lifts and seven routes give visitors a chance to take in incredible views of Mount Fuji. This is a great option for children, as the Kids Zone has one of the longest sledding slopes in the Kanto region. This resort has paths for both beginners and advanced users alike. The longest run is 1,500 meters (1.5 kilometers). Once you’ve finished on the slopes, or are in need of a break, head to the observation deck on the summit and enjoy the breathtaking views. Late-night skiing is available until 10 pm.
Fujiten Snow Resort
Address: 401-0300 8545-1 Fujisan, Narusawa-Mura Aza, Minamitsuru-Gun, Yamanashi-Ken
Website: Fujiten Snow Resort
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price for lift ticket: 41 USD (4,500 JPY)
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5. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort, Nagano
Just an hour from Tokyo on the Shinkansen and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beautiful snow of Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort. There are 10 runs to enjoy, with a maximum 30-degree pitch. We love that there is a dedicated family trail for everyone to enjoy and that there are tours and observation routes. There are a number of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. In fact, 50% of the runs are beginner-friendly. Be sure to try night-time skiing - it’s fantastic.
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort
Address: 1016 Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0102
Website: Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price for lift ticket: 45 USD (4,900 JPY)
6. Maiko Snow Resort, Niigata
This site is divided into three main areas: Nagamine, Okusoechi, and Maiko. In total, the sites offer 40% beginner-friendly areas and an equal 20/20% split between intermediate and advanced levels. There are 26 slopes to complete so you can easily spend a long time enjoying the variation. If you have children be sure to show them the sledding course. We’re sure that you will also enjoy the gondola ride to the peak, where, at the top of the mountain in Okusoechi zone, you can enjoy good food at the restaurant. Due to the different areas and levels, there are a total of 11 lifts on-site.
Maiko Snow Resort
Address: Maiko Kogen Hotel, 2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma, Niigata 949-6423
Website: Maiko Snow Resort
Price for lift ticket: 45.56 USD (5,000 JPY)
7. Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort, Niigata
With 30% of the slopes dedicated to advanced skiers and snowboarders, this might be the ideal place if you’re looking for a challenge. The maximum elevation is 702 meters (0.7 kilometers), with a vertical incline of 244 meters (2.4 kilometers). The longest run is 2,000 meters (2 kilometers) and there are a total of 16 courses to complete. The area is quite spacious so there are seven ski lifts across the site. It’s worth noting that there is sometimes night skiing available, but it is subject to change depending on the snowfall. The vast proportion of users are skiers.
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Address: Tsuchitaru 5044-1, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata-ken, 949-6103
Website: Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 5pm
Price for lift ticket: 41 USD (4,500 JPY)
Fresh snow is waiting for you
All of these listings are incredibly easy to access from Tokyo. So, one day you can be enjoying the bustle of Tokyo and the next day hitting the fresh snow in your most challenging run to date. A number of these listings are ideal for beginners; so whether you are a seasoned pro or a newbie, you’re sure to have a fun day out. We’ve found the best places for skiing and snowboarding near Tokyo, Japan for you. All you have to do now is to book and decide whether to ski or snowboard.
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