Everything you need to know to plan a perfect winter trip in Japan!
What is it that travelers just love about Japan? Don’t even get us started on the incredible food, insane theme parks, unrivalled hospitality, lightning Shinkansens (Japanese bullet trains), and how impossibly orderly the whole place is.
We’ll add another point to that list: in our opinion, Japan is one of the world’s best skiing destinations, filled with top-notch ski resorts all over the country. Let me share how you should go about planning your first ski trip in Japan in this guide!
Why ski in Japan?
Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Japan on Facebook
One word: pow. Pow is a short-form slang for powder — and Japan is known to have an abundance of quality pow. It’s said that the snow in Japan contains a mere 8% moisture, making it delightfully light and dry. The high amounts of snow come from cold winds in Siberia, which carry moisture over the sea of Japan to inland areas. This makes for optimum skiing and snowboarding conditions, giving the sensation of flying or floating through the snow.
Photo credit: Niseko Tourism
There’s something for everyone: the various ski courses range in difficulty, catering for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced pros. Japan is especially known for backcountry or forest skiing too, which are best done with a guide.
Even better, many resorts offer night skiing, allowing one to have the experience of zooming down illuminated slopes.
Fun fact: skiing is so ingrained into Japanese culture that in certain places like Niigata, the sport is included in the curriculum of high schools!
When to ski in Japan?
Ski resorts usually open their doors in December, with the season lasting all the way to March, April or May. This depends on whether the resort has natural or artificial snow (or a combination of both). Resorts that use state-of-the-art artificial snow machines tend to open in mid-November, perfect for those who can’t wait to get started.
Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Japan on Facebook
Opening dates also vary based on location. For example, Hokkaido is at a higher altitude than Tokyo, and will naturally receive snow earlier. As a general rule of thumb, the Japan ski season will peak from mid-January to late February. This time also coincides with tons of exciting festivals, such as the Sapporo Ice Festival and the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Certain resorts, like Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, also have an Ice Village, complete with a church and bar made entirely out of ice.
That being said, the Christmas and New Year’s periods, and the beginning of February typically see the most crowds. Weather-wise, check Snow Japan’s website for daily updates on weather and snow conditions across the country.
How cold does it get during Japan ski season?
Image credit: グランスノー奥伊吹 on Facebook
To get quality snow, you’re definitely going to be greeted by cold temperatures! In the Northern regions like Hokkaido, it can drop to as low as -20°C to 1°C - 2°C. Resorts in Nagano and Niigata generally experience temperatures of -10°C to 5°C. Those near Tokyo and Osaka, however, can be a little higher.
Image credit: Kiroro Resort on Facebook
But with views like that, who’s complaining?
What do I have to bring to ski in Japan?
You can basically turn up at any ski resort empty-handed, as they all have fantastic rental gear available. If, however, you’re the sort that likes to be prepared, you can stock up on wrist and knee guards, as well as padded shorts (because you’re going to fall, a lot!) from Decathlon or Shopee. Alternatively, check out the Goodsports service, which delivers and collects gear from your hotel lobby.
If you’re bringing your own gear e.g. ski poles and snowboards, you can take advantage of the delivery services, such as Yamato, to send it directly to the ski resort from the airport. You can even send your baggage too, and everything will normally arrive within a day or two. It’s amazing!
Is there an après-ski culture in Japan?
Image credit: Niseko Tourism
For the uninitiated, après-ski is a French term that means “after ski”. And in Japan, there’s plenty to do after a long day at the slopes! Fuel up with delicious — and we do mean delicious — Japanese food; think: piping hot bowls of ramen, crisp tonkatsu fillets, bubbling hotpots, and the freshest sushi you can imagine.
Image credit: Niseko Tourism
Many resorts often have a village of sorts for weary skiers to unwind at. Niseko in Hokkaido, for example, has a Hirafu Village that’s chock full of restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, izakayas, and nightclubs.
The restaurants there tend to fill really quickly, so it’s best to make a reservation before heading over. Otherwise, the onsite Seicomart sells a wide range of groceries for cooking, as well as ready-made meals.
P.S. Let’s also not underestimate the allure of soaking in an onsen (Japanese hot spring) to relax those sore muscles. Really, what’s not to like?
If you’re just making a day trip from Tokyo or Osaka, there’s so much food waiting back in the cities — dig into an all-you-can-eat Yakiniku feast at Tokyo’s Akihabara, followed by a bar-hopping extravaganza at Shinjuku; experience local nightlife at an izakaya in Osaka or, if you dare, sample the delicacy of pufferfish.
Is skiing in Japan family-friendly?
Photo credit: Kiroro Resort on Facebook
Our answer to this is a resounding “yes”! Many resorts have a dedicated kids’ play area. The one at Gransnow Okuibuki Ski Resort near Osaka is said to be the biggest, with other resorts offering lots of activities such as sledding or tubing. Certain resorts, like Sayama Snow Resort near Tokyo, also organise many kid-friendly events like snowball fights and treasure hunts.
Image credit: Kiroro Resort on Facebook
Seize the chance to introduce the little ones to the sport at kids’ ski schools, which are available at many resorts. Some resorts like Rusutsu Ski Resort in Hokkaido also offer a (much-needed!) daycare service.
How do I get started as a first-time skier?
Photo credit: Chermaine Koh
Skiing can be a little intimidating, we won’t deny it! Don’t worry if it’s your first time hitting the slopes: why not take things slow by taking a lesson? There are often English lessons available by friendly and patient instructors — to secure a spot, simply email or call the hotel ahead of your visit. These lessons can be taken either as a private or group session, and cater for both adults and kids alike.
Image credit: Chermaine Koh
There are some especially beginner-friendly ski resorts too, such as Hakodateyama Ski Resort and Up Kannabe Ski Resort near Osaka, with most of the ski courses sporting wide trails and gentle gradients.
Hachi Kita Kogen Ski Resort near Osaka also has a dedicated beginners’ area, which is a cordoned-off snow field equipped with a moving conveyor belt. This provides a space for beginners to learn the ropes in a safe and controlled environment. This beginners’ area can also be found at Mt. Rokko Snow Park near Osaka.
Where to ski in Japan?
Image credit: Kiroro Resort on Facebook
You’ll be spoiled for choice with over 500 ski resorts! Most people flock to Hokkaido for some action, but there are also ski resorts that can be easily reached from the tourist hotspots of Tokyo and Osaka.
Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
Niseko Ski Resort
Niseko is probably Hokkaido’s most popular ski destination, boasting four interlinked resorts. The Grand Hirafu is the most popular of the lot, with its own Hirafu Village that’s full of restaurants, bars, shops, and the like. One of the best things to do here is to take a private ski or snowboard lesson, as many instructors are fluent in English.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a fabulous family-friendly resort, offering many gentle slopes that are suitable for children. Advanced skiers can test their skills at the terrain park, whilst the little ones will also love the dedicated kids’ park. Check out the beautiful Ice Village whilst you’re there, which is home to a church, shop, and bar made entirely out of ice.
Rusutsu Ski Resort
Sprawling across three mountains, Rusutsu Ski Resort has a variety of ski courses that are suitable for both expert and beginner skiers. Try out the longest run at 3.5 kilometres long, topped off by an exhilarating backcountry trail. There’s so much to do here: dog sledding, ice fishing, plus even a game arcade and indoor wave pool.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort features a sprawling network of seven varied courses, with the longest run stretching to 3.6 kilometres, enough to satisfy beginners and thrill-seekers alike. Trails range from gentle, family-friendly slopes to steep, advanced runs, and they also have a snow park for kid-friendly time!
Kiroro Resort
Just 2 hours from New Chitose Airport, Kiroro Ski Resort is a hidden gem that gets an average snowfall of 21 meters and has everything you need and want for a ski holiday. You’ll find everything from beginner-friendly slopes to thrilling 4 km descents. Families love it for the relaxed vibes and kid-friendly facilities, while powder chasers come for the legendary deep snow. Best part? The ski-in/ski-out hotels mean you can wake up and hit the slopes straight from your doorstep.
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort
Just 40 minutes from Sapporo city center is Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, with a wider variety of courses available across two zones (Olympia for gentle slopes, Highland for steeper thrills). There is something for every skier or snowboarder. There's also a new Snow Land where the young and young at heart can enjoy snow tubing and sledding.
Hokkaido Ski Holiday Essentials:
Best Ski Resorts Near Tokyo
Gala Yuzawa
Gala Yuzawa is one of the easiest ski resorts to get to from Tokyo, as it has its own shinkansen station. Explore 17 ski trails across three fields: Gala Yuzawa (the largest of the three), Yuzawa Kogen, and Ichouchi Maruyama. And yes, all three come with scenic views to boot! The trails vary in difficulty; if you prefer a little guidance, sign up for a private ski or snowboard lesson.
Fujiyama Snow Resort
Ski against the magnificent backdrop of Mt. Fuji at Fujiyama Snow Resort, which is located at the second station of Mt. Fuji. It’s the earliest resort to open the ski season, with four different slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. The resort is easily reached on a day trip from Tokyo, and is located close to Gotemba Premium Shopping Outlets.
Tokyo Ski Holiday Essentials:
Best Ski Resorts Near Osaka
Mt. Rokko Snow Park
First-time skiing? Make Mt. Rokko Snow Park your first stop. Offering gentle, wide, and smooth slopes, the resort is perfect for the whole family. In fact, there’s even a special cordoned-off practice area for beginners to figure the sport out at their own pace. It’s a little tricky to get to Mt. Rokko on your own — we recommend taking a day tour from Osaka to save yourself the planning headache.
Biwako Valley Ski Resort
Biwako Valley Ski Resort combines artificial snow from a world-class snow machine with natural snow to guarantee fantastic ski conditions throughout the season. The resort brings skiing with a view to another level, where you can gaze upon splendid views of Lake Biwa from the Horai Panorama Ski Slope. The resort also has a half-pipe and forest routes, which draw thrillseekers from all over the world.
Hakodateyama Ski Resort
Hakodateyama Ski Resort specialises in being a beginner-friendly ski resort, with most of its ten ski courses targeting beginner skiers. Get your day sorted in a snap with this all-inclusive package that offers round-trip bus transport from Osaka, ski equipment and suit rental, plus a lesson (in English, Chinese, or Cantonese) to sweeten the deal.
Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak
Nestled in Hyogo Prefecture in Kamikawa Town, Mineyama Kogen Resort White Peak is one of Japan’s newest ski areas. With 70% of its slopes designed for beginners and three main courses overall, it’s an ideal spot for families and those new to skiing. The resort also features the largest kids’ park in Hyogo Prefecture and offers full rental and lesson services, making it easy to travel light. Conveniently, White Peak is just 2.5–3 hours from Osaka either by car or train followed by a short bus or taxi ride. That makes it a great option for both day trips and overnight ski getaways.
Osaka Ski Holiday Essentials:
If you can’t get enough, there are so many other ski resorts in Japan! Here are some of our top picks:
Where to stay when skiing in Japan?
Image credit: Setsu Niseko 雪ニセコ on Facebook
Some resorts have hotels on their premises, such as Niseko. You’ll also be able to find self-contained apartments, which are great for families who love to cook. Otherwise, many resorts are easily reached as day trips from Sapporo, Osaka, or Tokyo. You may even want to book a stay at an onsen hotel in Japan!
🇯🇵 Japan Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Top things to do in Japan
- Attractions in Tokyo: teamLab Planets | SHIBUYA SKY | Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea | Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo | Go Kart Experience
- Attractions in Osaka: Universal Studios Japan | teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka | Osaka Castle | Go Karting
- Visiting multiple attractions in a city? Get the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo (up to 48% savings) or Klook Pass Osaka (up to 43% savings)!
Getting around
- Airport transfer from Tokyo: Skyliner Narita Express | JR Narita Express (NEX) | Airport Limousine Bus
- Airport transfer from Osaka: Nankai Rapi:t Kansai Airport Express | JR Haruka Kansai Airport
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