Ultimate Guide For Skiing & Snowboarding In Japan - Updated 2024

1. Why Japan?

Good snow quality

Japan’s winter season begins in December and ends around February. However, depending on which city you’re traveling to, the experience can be vastly different. For example, Tokyo and Osaka usually have short winters with cold but sunny days and an occasional snowfall. But all in all, it has a huge amount of powder snow. Also, the snow in Japan is super light, extraordinarily dry and unbelievably suitable for skiing and snowboarding.

Abundance of ski resorts

This is probably a giveaway for many. Do you know that there are many ski resorts, specifically about 600 resorts in total? Also, if you’ve trodden the path in Japan before and have been asked the wonderful things you remember of the island country, I’m sure you will agree that the people are welcoming, willing to share their unique culture and are generally receptive to visitors.

Warm local winter cuisine

Of course, while your winter trip can be very much focused on skiing and snowboarding to your heart’s content, don’t forget to fill your tummies with yummy local winter food. Good food helps you to keep warm and energized after a long day out in the cold weather. Try some of their soup curry in Hokkaido, indulge in a sizzling nabe hot pot or go light with okayu and zosui (types of Japanese porridge).

2. When is the best time to go?

Most ski resorts in Japan are open around mid-December depending on snowfall and can last up till late May. As winter draws to an end nearing to the start of spring, you will also find more discounts or promotions ongoing. But of course, peak weather conditions are usually in mid-January till the end of February.

It will be wise to also join some online community groups to follow the threads for locals or seasoned travelers to provide updated information on snowfall. This will aid you in better planning for your trip and keep up to date with the local conditions.

There are also snow festivals all across Japan like the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival in Aomori Prefecture and Yokote Snow Festival in Yokote, Akita, just to name a few. Organize your time well and you might be able to squeeze in a visit to one of those legendary winter festivals that have been an ongoing tradition for years.

3. Where is the best ski resort?

Hokkaido

Niseko

Niseko is a town located in Shiribeshi sub-prefecture, Hokkaido. Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area is one you can consider. A 10-minute bus or taxi ride from Niseko Station will take you there. Consider enrolling yourself in their Niseko Annupuri Ski & Snowboarding School, which provides private lessons for both children and adults. Prices start from 19,000 JPY (172 USD) for a 1.5-hour lesson.

Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area

Address: Niseko-485 Niseko, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan

Website: Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area

Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (daily)

Furano

Furano is a city in Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture well-known for its lavender fields. Furano Ski Resort is a family-friendly ski resort with hot springs. There are several courses available and also one family slope. If you’re relatively experienced in skiing, why not join one of their fun races during the winter season? The entry fee is 500 JPY (5 USD) and both skiers and snowboarders are welcome to participate! Follow them on their Facebook page for the latest events and updates.

Furano Ski Resort

Address: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-8511, Japan

Website: Furano Ski Resort

Opening hours: 8:30am - 7:30pm (daily)

Tomamu

Tomamu Ski Resort, also known as Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, can be accessed via trains, buses or private transfers. Their Snow Academy offers both ski and snowboard lessons in English. You can head over to their website to view their categories and pricing calendar. The average temperature can drop all the way down to -15℃ (5°F) in February so do the necessary to cover-up.

For convenience, you can purchase Kiroro Resort Snow World tickets online with Klook. Experience skiing, tubing, snow rafting and sledding with different packages offered. Head to the link down below for more details.

Tomamu

Address: Nakatomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2204, Japan

Website: Tomamu

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Kiroro Resort & Snow World Lift Ticket with Ski Suit & Equipment Rental Options in Hokkaido, Japan - Klook

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Honshu - Main Island (from 54,750 JPY (495 USD) for 2 persons)

Hakuba

Hakuba is a village in the Japanese Alps and was also the host for the 1998 Winter Olympics. Well-known ski resorts include Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort and Hakuba Iwatake Ski Field. They are situated quite close to each other so you have a couple of options to consider. To know more about the individual resorts, read our article on the top skiing and snowboarding resorts in Hakuba.

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is a ski resort and hiking spot in Yamanouchi, Japan. Its ski area ranges in size and from a height of 1340 m (4396 ft) to 2307 m (7569 ft) with 51 lifts, gondolas and ski areas that are connected by a shuttle bus service. Multi-day lift passes are available as well.

Shiga Kogen

Address: 7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

Website: Shiga Kogen

Nozawa Onsen

Nozawaonsen is a village located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is the place to visit for 100% natural and high-quality powder snow that allows you to enjoy skiing well till early May. A one-day lift and gondola ticket for an adult costs 5,200 JPY (47 USD). Facilities include an onsen spa arena, kids play area, and Yumin Day Care Center.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Address: 7653 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan

Website: Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Busy with work and don’t have the time to plan a detailed schedule, you can join a two-day tour departing from Tokyo to visit one of the most famous ski resorts in Hakuba. All you have to do is to bring along winter clothes for skiing and overnight belongings as the price you pay includes lodging.

Enjoy two days in the ski paradise Hakuba, Japanese Alps

Departing location: Shinjuku Bus Terminal or Shinjuku Station

Price: from 54,750 JPY (495 USD) for 2 persons

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Near Tokyo

Hunter Mountain Shiobara (Tochigi)

Hunter Mountain Shiobara is a ski area in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. There are 11 courses with a slope gradient of 25° and the longest run is 3,000 m (1.86 mi). A one-day lift ticket for kids, adults, and seniors will range from 3,700 JPY to 4,700 JPY (34 USD to 43 USD). Prices start from 6,000 JPY (55 USD). Other facilities include a snow park, kid’s park, and restaurants.

Hunter Mountain Shiobara

Address: 115 Yumotoshiobara, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 329-2922, Japan

Website: Hunter Mountain Shiobara

Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)

Maiko Snow Resort (Niigata)

Maiko Snow Resort is located in Minamiuonuma, Japan, specifically in Maiko Kogen Hotel. A variety of courses, fast ski lifts, and stunning views make this resort popular among travelers. A one-day lift pass costs 5,000 JPY (45 USD) for adults. Child and senior passes are available at different pricings too. You can also enjoy banana boat rides and snowmobile at the ski resort.

Maiko Snow Resort

Address: 2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma, Niigata 949-6423, Japan

Website: Maiko Snow Resort

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 8pm

Kawaba Ski Resort (Gumma)

Located in Kawaba, Japan, Kawaba Ski Resort is 155 km (96.2 mi) from Tokyo. Both ski and snowboard lessons are available in English and prices usually start from 3,500 JPY (32 USD). There are 11 courses with a slope gradient of 34° and the longest run is 3,300 m (2.05 mi). To view more places for skiing and snowboarding near Tokyo, hop over to our article and have a read.

Kawaba Ski Resort

Address: 2755-2 Yachi, Kawaba, Tone District, Gunma 378-0101, Japan

Website: Kawaba Ski Resort

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

4. What to bring?

So you have your plane ticket booked, accommodation settled and skiing place decided. Now, as the date draws near, it’s time to pay some attention to packing the right equipment for your ski trip. These are some essentials you don’t want to miss out on:

• Apres boots - Select snow boots for grip over icy surfaces.
• Winter socks - Please avoid wearing cotton because it absorbs moisture and causes freezing. Go for a blend of merino wool, nylon, and polyester.
• Thermals - Bring along both top and bottom thermals. 100% merino wool makes the best option or look for polyester and polypropylene combinations.
• Mid-layers - Again, to keep warm, please avoid cotton. Polyester or wool fleece is recommended.
• Goggles - Lenses are categorized by a VLT (Visual Light Transmission) percentage. The lower the percentage, the less light will reach your eyes. Do some research before dropping by stores or speak to experts.
• Gloves and Mitts - Gloves will provide more versatility with your hands than compared to mitts.
• Jackets and Pants - Invest in quality ones so you won't be regretting any during your trip.

Optional:

• Glove Liners
• Skis and Snowboards
• Ski/Snowboard Boots
• Custom Footbeds
• Helmet
• Balaclava
• Backpack
• Snowboard / Ski Travel Bags

5. Any local tips to know about while skiing/snowboarding?

Visit an onsen

As you’ve seen from some of the resorts, there are usually on-site onsens available. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and some include bathing facilities and traditional inns around the vicinity. If you happen not to find one on-site, take a short drive out or ask the front desk staff for the nearest one. There’s bound to be one in your vicinity! Onsens are believed to have medicinal benefits like reducing blood pressure, softening of hardened arteries and improving blood circulation, just the place you need to recharge after a cold day out skiing or snowboarding.

Mind the local culture norms

This is probably a giveaway since you’re on another man’s land. Read up on chopsticks etiquette, slurp your noodles loudly (yes, you can!) and don’t leave a tip. If you’re not sure what to do, observe the locals and mirror accordingly where possible.

Dress appropriately for the weather

Common sense would tell you to layer up but the luggage scale at the airport might deter you from doing so. Make sure you’ve packed the essentials to weather the weather during the winter season. You will most likely be staying out in the cold for hours and the last thing you want is to catch a cold.

You won't be disappointed

Japan is a culturally rich place with a superb, extensive public transport system. People are generally polite, respectful and helpful as well. With the reasons we’ve given thus far, don’t you think Japan deserves a chance to be your next skiing or snowboarding destination? It’s time to choose the best time to go, select a ski resort that you want to add to your bucket list and pack the right things. Bon voyage!