Top Ski Resorts Near Tokyo: Best Spots Less Than 3 Hours Away from Tokyo
Mention skiing in Japan, and Hokkaido’s Niseko ski resort often comes to mind. However, what if we told you that you don’t have to venture so far just to hit the slopes? Bet you didn’t know that there’s a whole bunch of ski resorts located near Tokyo itself — all of which can be easily reached on a day trip.
The best part? You won’t even need to bring anything with you! Travel hands-free, and get all the equipment you need sorted at the ski resorts’ rental desks.
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1. Gala Yuzawa
Image credit: Isabelle Chong
Traveling time from Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Believe it or not: Gala Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture has its own Shinkansen station, making it super easy to reach from Tokyo. In fact, the gondola to the mountain departs directly from the station! The resort boasts 17 ski trails across 3 fields: Gala Yuzawa, Yuzawa Kogen, and Ichouchi Maruyama.
The trails vary in difficulty, welcoming both novices and pros alike. We recommend checking out the Gala Yuzawa field first, which is known to be the largest and most scenic. Book yourself a ski or snowboard lesson for some guidance, and unwind at one of the hot springs after. As a bonus, take a 30-minute train to the Ponshukan sake museum that’s famous for its sake vending machine.
#KlookTip: Due to its accessibility, this ski resort can get pretty crowded! Keep an eye on the time especially during peak hours, as there may be snaking queues for the gondola.
How to get there: Take a 75-minute shinkansen to Gala Yuzawa station from Tokyo station; (note that the shinkansen only extends to Gala Yuzawa during the ski season; otherwise, take the shinkansen to Echigo Yuzawa, followed by a free shuttle bus to the resort from the station)
2. Fujiyama Snow Resort
Travelling time from Tokyo: 1 hour 53 minutes by train and bus
Now here’s one for the #bucketlist: what say you to skiing against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Fuji? Fujiyama Snow Resort entices travellers by being located at the second station of Mt. Fuji, and by being the earliest resort to open the ski season. And yes, it’s already open as we speak! It has four different slopes for skiers and snowboarders, with two special family-friendly slopes for kids to frolic in the snow.
And hey, what’s a trip to Japan without a little shopping? Round off a day of action by grabbing designer goods at a steal at Gotemba Premium Shopping Outlets before heading back to Tokyo.
How to get there: Take a 42-minute shinkansen to Mishima station from Tokyo station, followed by a 71-minute bus to the resort (bus timings here)
3. Sayama Snow Resort
Image credit: COME SEE SEIBU! on Facebook
Travelling time from Tokyo: 40 minutes by train
If you’re a first-time skier, or looking to introduce the little ones to the sport, make a beeline for Sayama Snow Resort. This indoor resort has a 300-metre-long slope, with two single lifts. Learn the ropes in a controlled environment, made even better with a lesson from pros at the onsite ski or snowboard school.
Image credit: COME SEE SEIBU! on Facebook
Recently reopened in 2020 after a bout of renovations, the resort even has a kids' snow park, where your little ones can have a blast with the sleds or bouncy castle. That’s not all: the resort even hosts a slew of kids’ activities, where they can try their hand at making artificial snow, or learn how to operate a ski resort. Keep a lookout for events organised throughout the season, such as snowball fights, treasure hunts, and more.
#KlookTip: Visitors are permitted to bring their own food into the resort; otherwise, check out the three food trucks in the rest area. Alternatively, head back to Tokyo for a sumptuous crab feast at Ikebukuro.
How to get there: Take a 40-minute train via the Seibu line to Seibukyujo-mae station from Tokyo station, followed by a 3-minute walk to the resort
4. Maiko Snow Resort
Image credit: 舞子スノーリゾート on Facebook
Travelling time from Tokyo: 1 hour 40 minutes by train and bus
Ski to your heart’s content at Maiko Snow Resort, where the longest ski slope is a whopping 6-kilometres long! Go all out at 26 different ski courses in three areas, all of which vary in difficulty. The Okusoechi area is targeted at the pros, with eight courses that boast rugged terrain. The Nagamine area has five courses that offer fantastic views, on top of the longest slope. The Maiko area is great for the kids, with a kids’ park and sled-only course.
The resort is also home to a hot spring, kids’ room and, our personal favourite, nap room. For a great view of the surroundings, head to the Tree House in the Maiko Area — it’s said that those with a keen eye might even be able to spot some wild animal tracks in the snow.
How to get there: Take a 80-minute shinkansen to Echigo-yuzawa station from Tokyo station, followed by a 20-minute free shuttle bus to the resort
5. Norn Minakami Ski Resort
Photo credit: NORN Minakami Ski School on Facebook
Travelling time from Tokyo: 1 hour 20 minutes by train and bus
Trust us when we say that Norn Minakami Ski Resort has something for everyone. Break out your skills at five slopes — be spoiled for choice with steep slopes and bumpy terrain for the experts, or gentle inclines and smooth surfaces for the beginners. Seize the chance to let the kids try it out as well, with ski lessons available for children 3 years old and above. Besides, how cute will the little ones look decked out in all that ski gear?!
Image credit: NORN Minakami Ski School on Facebook
The whole family will love Norn Minakami Snow Play Land, where kids can go all out with snowball-making kits, trampolines, and more. Feeling hungry? Simply hop over to one of the five onsite restaurants to refuel with some comforting grub.
#KlookTip: Want to ski your heart out? The ski resort also stays open till 10pm for those who want to give night skiing a shot. Even better, the resort also stays open till midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before public holidays.
P.S. The slopes are well-illuminated, so don’t worry about poor visibility!
How to get there: Take a 1-hour shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen station from Tokyo station, followed by a 20-minute shuttle bus to the resort (bus timings here)
6. Fujiten Ski Resort
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2 hours 5 minutes by train and taxi
Just check out that magnificent view of Mt. Fuji! Located at the 1st station of Mt. Fuji, the Fujiten Ski Resort is great for beginners — enticing with two 1300-metre ski courses on top of a 500-metre family course. It’s not without its challenging courses as well, complete with a terrain park that offers big jumps, rails, and more. You’ll find it hard to participate in a ski or snowboard lesson here, however, as the lessons are only conducted in Japanese.
There’s plenty to occupy the kids with as well, with sledding and snow play areas at the onsite ski park. In fact, the area is said to be home to one of the largest sledding slopes in the Kanto region! That’s not all: from the top of the ski courses, feast your eyes on a spectacular view of Lake Kawaguchiko and Aokigahara Jukai. Even if you don’t ski, hop onto the Mt. Fuji Observation Lift (only available on weekdays) for beautiful panoramic views.
How to get there: Take a 1-hour-45-minute bus to Kawaguchiko station from Shinjuku’s Expressway Bus Terminal, followed by a 20-minute taxi to the resort
7. Naeba Ski Resort
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2 hour 5 minutes by train and bus
Naeba Ski Resort is one of Japan’s largest ski resorts, drawing hordes of locals and tourists every year. The entire compound is home to four ski areas, with Naeba Ski Resort being the crowning glory. If you have time to spare, you can even hop on ‘Dragondola’, Japan’s longest cable car, to get to the adjacent Kagura Ski Resort.
With over 50 years of history, Naeba Ski Resort is also famous for hosting the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in the past, as well as the annual Fuji Rock Festival — Japan’s largest rock festival! — in July. The ski resort offers an all-in-one-holiday: magnificent slopes, and food courts, topped off with a stay in the elegant Naeba Prince Hotel if you just can’t bring yourself to leave.
#KlookTip: During peak ski season (December to March), it might be worth staying the night to catch the dynamic fireworks display. We hear that there will be around 30 to 50 dazzling shows throughout the season, so get your cameras ready!
How to get there: Take a 75-minute shinkansen to Echigo-yuzawa station from Tokyo station, followed by a 50-minutes bus to the resort
8. Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Image source: Enjoy Niigata
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2.5 hour drive, or 2 hour journey by train and bus
Spanning 23 varied trails, Ishiuchi Maruyama’s terrain offers everything from gentle slopes for beginners to thrilling tree runs for advanced skiers. Its family-friendly facilities include dedicated kids’ play areas, ensuring that skiers of all ages feel welcome.
Image source: snow.tohokukanko.jp
Night skiing is available, allowing for an extended day of adventure, while several scenic viewpoints give stunning views of the snow-covered landscape. This resort also connects to Gala Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen, creating a larger ski area.
How to get there: 1 hour 30 minutes by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, followed by a 10-minute free shuttle bus ride.
9. Iwappara Ski Resort
Image source: Iwahara Sukoba fan page
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2.5 hour drive, or 2 hour journey by train and bus
Known for its wide, open slopes, Iwappara is ideal for beginners and families looking to build confidence on the snow. The resort’s gentle slopes provide a welcoming space for novice skiers, while more experienced visitors can take on the steeper trails.
Kids will love Snow Play Park's dedicated snow play areas with tubing and sledding. Iwappara’s well-equipped facilities include rental services and ski lessons, making it easy to enjoy a worry-free ski day.
How to get there: 1 hour 30 minutes by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then a 10-minute bus or taxi ride.
10. Kandatsu Ski Resort
Image source: Iwahara Sukoba fan page
Travelling time from Tokyo: 3 hour drive, or 3 hour journey by train and bus
Kandatsu Ski Resort is the perfect place for thrill-seekers, with advanced freestyle parks, mogul runs, and challenging terrain. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the resort offers night skiing until midnight, making it a popular destination for those who want to ski till late.
There's also a snow park with jumps and rails, catering to snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The diverse trails also suit beginner to advanced levels, making Kandatsu a dynamic choice for all skill levels.
How to get there: 1 hour 30 minutes by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then a 10-minute shuttle.
11. Joetsu Kokusai
Image source: Yukiguni Journey
Travelling time from Tokyo: 3 hour drive, or 3 hour journey by train and bus
Joetsu Kokusai is a sprawling resort with over 20 trails suited for all levels. Families will appreciate the snow play zones where kids can enjoy tubing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
The resort’s facilities include on-site hot springs and various dining options, making it an excellent choice for a full-day excursion. Joetsu Kokusai’s scenic vistas and accessibility also make it an ideal option for day trips from Tokyo.
How to get there: 1 hour 40 minutes by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, followed by a 10-minute shuttle.
12. Naeba Ski Resort
Travelling time from Tokyo: 3 hour drive, or 3 hour journey by train and bus
One of Japan’s largest ski resorts, Naeba Ski Resort offers a vast ski area with over 20 lifts and extensive slopes, connected to nearby Kagura via the Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola.
The resort’s family-friendly features include a dedicated kids’ snow park and ski lessons, while advanced skiers will enjoy the diverse trails and breathtaking mountain views. Accommodations are conveniently ski-in, ski-out, making Naeba a favorite for longer stays.
How to get there: Approximately 2 hours by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then a 45-minute bus ride.
13. NASPA Ski Garden
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2.5 hour drive, or 2 hour journey by train and bus
NASPA Ski Garden is an all-in-one resort directly connected to Hotel New Otani. It is one of the few ski resorts in Japan dedicated exclusively to skiing. The course layout allows you to return to the hotel no matter which course you ski, and there is a support area for beginners and novice skiers.
As a ski-only resort, it is a unique option for families or beginners who want to avoid snowboard traffic. The resort has beginner-friendly slopes and a separate snow play area for kids, with sledding and gentle trails. Its compact size and wide, groomed runs make it ideal for first-timers, and ski lessons are readily available. NASPA’s exclusive skiing environment adds to its family appeal.
How to get there: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then a 5-minute shuttle.
14. Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2 hour drive, or 2 hour journey by train and bus
The Yuzawa area is home to 12 unique ski resorts. All of them are easily accessible from the Joetsu Shinkansen Echigo-Yuzawa station - the area's central point - or Yuzawa IC (Kanetsu Expressway), and can be easily reached from Tokyo. Other resorts around include: Maiko Snow Resort, Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, and Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort. There is also an onsen town around Echigo Yuzawa station where you can enjoy a soak after your snowy day out.
With its gentle slopes and expansive family areas, Yuzawa Nakazato is a popular destination for families and beginners. The resort has a spacious kids’ park with activities like tubing and sledding, and a play zone equipped with snow toys. Its proximity to Tokyo makes it an ideal choice for quick day trips, and it offers convenient rental services and lessons for those new to skiing.
How to get here: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then a 10-minute shuttle.
15. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
Image credit: Prince Snow Resorts Karuizawa
Travelling time from Tokyo: 2.5 hour drive, or 2.5 hour journey by train and bus
Located close to Tokyo, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is known for its snow-making capabilities and wide range of facilities. Perfect for families, it offers a kids’ play area and sledding slopes, and its connection to the nearby Karuizawa shopping outlet makes it an excellent option for combining skiing with shopping.
The resort’s proximity to the luxury Prince Hotel also provides additional dining and leisure options, making it a well-rounded destination.
How to get there: Approximately 1 hour by bullet train directly to Karuizawa Station and 40 minute ride on bus or taxi.
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