Where to Ski in Japan: 10 Best Ski Resorts in Japan

Japan boasts the top resorts for skiing and snowboarding in the world. You can enjoy skiing in Japan with world-class powder snow. Difficult to decide where to ski in Japan? Take a look at the following 10 top ski resorts in Japan.

1. Niseko Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

With over 15 meters of snow powder falling, Niseko Ski Resort, or Niseko United, is many skiers and snowboarders' number one pick. There are 4 interconnected resorts. You can visit the four resorts with a Niseko All Mountain Pass.

The English-friendly guides in Niseko Ski Resort are very convenient for international guests. As one of the best ski resorts in Japan, visitors can experience a mix of vibrant international vibe and Japanese elements. You can expect a variety of Hirafu Village après-ski, vibrant nightlife, and Japanese onsen.

You could enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Yotei. Besides, Niseko provides plenty of snow activities, including off-trail skiing, snowmobiling, tree skiing, and cat skiing.

2. Hakuba Valley (Nagano)

Hakuba is the best ski resort in Japan with abundant snowfall. You can visit all 10 resorts with a lift pass.

You can take skiing courses taught in English and learn skiing on wide beginner trails. Adventure in backcountry terrain and Olympic-level ski slopes. With snowshoe trekking, you can walk through natural scenery. For international tourists who want to experience Japanese culture, staying overnight at traditional ryokans is a good choice.

Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort is the largest and most famous one. Every February, the Happo-one Fire Festival is held. Restaurants and cafes allow you to taste delicious local and global cuisine while skiing.

Jiigatake, Tsugaike, Kashimayari Snow Resort Family Park, and Goryu are all suitable for families with kids. They offer gentle ski slopes and facilities for kids. White Resort HAKUBA SANOSAKA offers stunning views of forests and lakes.

3. Rusutsu Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

There are 3 ski areas with 37 ski slopes in Rusutsu Ski Resort, and anyone can find a ski trail that suits them. The average annual snowfall of Rusutsu Ski Resort is approximately 14 meters. Rusutsu Ski Resort has high-quality powder snow like Niseko, but it is not as crowded and expensive as Niseko.

Rusutsu Ski Resort offers first-class tree skiing. You can enjoy the best skiing in Japan and night skiing until 8 pm. At nearby Mount Shiribetsu, you can have an ultimate powder snow experience from heli skiing. This is an unrepaired wild slope, suitable for people with advanced skiing skills and physical fitness.

Rusutsu Ski Resort is the best ski resort in Japan for families, offering a snow park and childcare. Rusutsu's kids' group ski lessons are convenient for children to practice skiing. There are abundant family-friendly activities, including snowmobile rides, snow rafting, dog sledding, and bouldering & climbing.

At Rusutsu Ski Resort, you can choose to stay in a ski-in ski-out hotel for a more skiing experience.

4. Furano Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

Furano Ski Resort is a paradise for Japanese powder skiing, consisting of Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone. There are 28 ski runs here, catering to the diverse needs of skiers. The longest slope is 4 kilometers long, making it one of the few ultra-long ski slopes in Hokkaido. Furano Ski Resort boasts World Cup slopes and has held many international skiing events.

Furano Ski Resort provides professional skiing courses in English for beginners, which enable beginners to improve their skills safely and quickly. The night skiing in both ski areas is open until 8 pm.

Furano Ski Resort offers a family-friendly vibe and activities for families, such as banana boats, snowmobiles, snow rafting, and a snow tubing slide. Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy a spectacular view of the Tokachidake mountain range.

5. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort (Nagano)

Nozawa Onsen is a well-known hot spring town, offering historic hot springs. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort perfectly integrates a world-class skiing experience with Nozawa Onsen. Here, more than 50 kilometers of trails or ski runs are offered. After skiing or tree skiing, taking onsen baths is something that is simply impossible to resist.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is one of the family-friendly Japan ski resorts. Families can play with their kids at the fully equipped Kids Park. Free rest stations for kids and daycare are provided.

If you expect cultural experiences, you can take part in the fire festival held on January 15th. The Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort has slopes for tree skiing.

Compared to Hakuba Valley, it is easier to get to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. The accommodation at Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is cheaper than that in Niseko, which is friendly to tourists with a limited budget.

6. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort (Nagano)

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is not particularly westernized. It attracts more Japanese skiers and snowboard enthusiasts than international ones. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort occupies a large area, about 607 hectares. When you are skiing, you will see very few people. This is a great place for tourists who enjoy a quiet skiing experience.

With an altitude of 2,307 meters and heavy snowfall, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort has one of the longest skiing seasons in Japan. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort also offers a variety of off-slope activities. If you want to get more experience, consider adding snow monkey watching to your Japan ski tours. You will see snow monkeys taking a bath in the hot springs.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort has many skiing areas that are very suitable for beginners and intermediate athletes. Although the proportion of ski trails that are suitable for advanced skiers is smaller, you have many options due to the huge scale of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.

7. Kiroro Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

Kiroro Ski Resort is near Otaru and not far from Niseko. There aren't many crowds here, and you can enjoy a quieter skiing experience. Kiroro Ski Resort is a popular destination for Japanese ski holiday packages because of its wide range of activities and courses. With just one ticket, you can visit all 18 resorts.

The biggest feature of Kiroro Ski Resort is the huge snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 21 meters. Kiroro provides 23 courses for skiers and snowboarders of different levels. Kiroro Ski Resort has a group of tree skiing.

Kiroro's hotels usually offer a wide range of activities. Kiroro Ski Resort is a winter vacation destination suitable for families. You can find good facilities and child-friendly slides here. The family can take part in snowmobile rides and snow tubing.

8. Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata)

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Zao Onsen Ski Resort provides a series of enjoyable ski slopes. The famous scenery includes the unique tree ice, which is also known as "snow monsters". A tree ice is a natural wonder formed by trees covered in ice and snow. The "snow monster" is in its most spectacular season from mid-February to mid-March. Nighttime illumination events make this scene even more magical.

Most of the ski slopes of Zao Onsen Ski Resort are suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, but there are some steep ski slopes for advanced skiers. Moreover, there are some natural hot springs at Zao Onsen. After skiing on the ski trails for a whole day, soaking in the warm hot spring is a pleasant enjoyment.

There are fewer tourists at Zao Onsen Ski Resort, including Western tourists, especially on weekdays. Since it is not Westernized, you can experience an authentic Japanese ski resort here.

Natsuyu Onsen, Iwate

Another recommended resort is Natsuyu Onsen. Besides relaxing hot springs, you can also participate in various ski courses. Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort is the resort with the highest snowfall in Japan, with 14 ski slopes. 14 tree run areas of different levels of difficulty are offered to beginners, mid-level skiers, and experienced skiers. Improve your tree skiing skills according to the Grow Up Treerun system.

9. Appi Kogen Ski Resort (Iwate)

As the largest ski area in Japan, Appi Kogen Ski Resort boasts reliable snow. There are 5 tree run areas on Appi Kogen. You can experience 21 trails in total. The nightlife here is relatively lackluster, but you can take in thermal baths in a hot spring.

Compared with Niseko, you can enjoy a less crowded experience and an affordable price at Appi Kogen Ski Resort. You can take the train access from Tokyo to get to Appi Kogen Ski Resort. Reach Morioka Station first and then head to the resort. There are gentle, wide slopes for families and beginners. Soak in a hot spring at APPI Onsen to enhance your winter experience.

10. Myoko Kogen Ski Resort (Niigata)

Myoko Kogen has snow over 13 meters and is a famous powder snow spot in Japan. You can experience 9 mountain resorts at Myoko Kogen with diverse terrain and numerous ski slopes. Myoko Kogen is not as crowded as places like Niseko Ski Resort and Hakuba Valley. You would have chances to get off-piste.

If you are a beginner or intermediate skier, you may consider skiing at Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. Eighty percent of the ski slopes at Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort are suitable for beginners or intermediate skiers. Although there are fewer challenging slopes, they can still make your adrenaline surge. Akakura Kanko Resort is the popular main ski area.

Myoko Kogen Ski Resort takes families with children into account, offering child care in English. With plenty of affordable accommodation, Myoko Kogen Ski Resort is considered to be budget-friendly.

Japan Ski Resorts Comparison

Resort Snowfall Key Strength Best For

Niseko 15m+ Powder, après-ski International crowds

Hakuba 11m+ Terrain variety International crowds

Rusutsu 14m+ Uncrowded glades International crowds, families

Furano 9m+ Powder snow powder hounds, Families

Nozawa 12m+ Japanese atmosphere Japanese culture lovers

Shiga Kogen 12m+ Excellent snow quality, Japanese vibe Japanese culture lovers

Kiroro 21m+ Various activities Powder hounds, families

Zao Onsen 12m+ Tree ice Japanese culture lovers

Appi Kogen 8m+ tree run areas Tree run lovers

Myoko Kogen 13m+ Japanese cultural experience Families, powder hounds

How to Choose the Best Japan Ski Resorts

For Powder Hounds

For the best Japow, you can consider the following ultimate powder paradise, such as Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, Tenjindaira Ski Resort, Kurodake Ski Resort, and Geto Kogen Ski Resort.

Close to Tokyo

There are hundreds of ski resorts in Japan, which are mainly located in Hokkaido, Nagano, and northeast Japan. Compared to the other two places, ski resorts in Nagano are closer to Tokyo.

There are ski resorts closer to Japan than others, such as Hakuba Valley (Nagano), Shiga Kogen Ski Resort (Nagano), GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (Niigata), and Fujiyama Snow Resort (Mt Fuji).

Fewer Crowds

The ski resorts in Japan that are relatively less crowded and suitable for those seeking a peaceful skiing experience include Furano Ski Resort, Zao Onsen Ski Resort, and Aomori Spring.

For Families

Rusutsu Ski Resort is one of the best family ski resorts in Japan, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities, kids' ski lessons, ski slopes for beginners, and childcare.

Appi Kogen boasts well-developed facilities, lessons in English for children, and free skiing for kids aged 0 to 12 with adult accompaniment.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort provides child care or babysitting services, a kids' snow play park. For kids, they can also take onsen baths with their family.

For Culture Lovers

At Hakuba, you can still experience few Japanese culture here. But you can explore Olympic history because the 1998 Winter Olympics were held here.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is a traditional Japanese village with Japanese-style buildings. You can stay overnight at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with tatami and hot springs. January 15 is a great time to experience the Dosojin Fire Festival.

Planning Your Japan Ski Trip: Essential Tips

Best Time to Visit

Japan ski season usually starts in December and ends in April. The ski season in the northern part and high-altitude mountainous areas of Japan lasts longer.

January and February are the peak ski season in Japan, with large crowds and high prices.

December, March, and April have fewer crowds and cheaper prices. Although the snowfall at this time was not very stable or substantial, you could still enjoy high-quality powder.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Purchase multi-day lift passes to save time and money. Look for discount vouchers for lift passes.

Rent your gear in advance instead of buying. The gear in the resort is usually more expensive than that in the surrounding areas.

Book flights early or take the off-peak flights.

FAQs about Japan Ski Resorts

1. Which resort has the deepest powder?

Natsuyu Onsen has the highest snowfall in Japan, with an average snowfall of 22 meters. The annual snowfall depends on the storms.

2. Are English instructors available?

Yes. Japan ski resorts, like Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano, offer lessons in English.

3. Can beginners enjoy tree runs?

Yes. You can choose easy runs at Natsuyu's Level 1 and Shiga Kogen.

4. Is Japan ski resort expensive?

The cost is about ¥15,000-25,000 ($104-173) per person per day, including accommodation and lift pass.

Plan Your Japan Ski Trip with Hi Five Trip

Whether you're chasing world-class powder snow and winter scenery or enjoying hot springs and delicious food after gliding, snow-white Japan is bound to offer you an unforgettable winter adventure. Ready to plan your trip? Whatever you expect from your dream Japan ski tours, contact our travel experts.