Looking for the best ski resorts Japan has to offer? Then you have come to the right place because, in this article, we are going to showcase seven of the most impressive.
If you are looking for easily accessible, family-friendly Japan ski resorts that offer stunning views, top-notch slopes with beautiful powder snow, ski areas with state-of-the-art facilities, and proximity to hot springs, these destinations are must visit.
Here are our 7 top ski resorts in Japan
When coming up with this list of the seven best ski resorts in Japan, we took into account various factors. They included everything from how well set up they were for international visitors and the quality of the snow conditions to the degree of which they are suitable for skiers and snowboarders and whether they offered traditional Japanese charm.
Given how many excellent Japanese ski resorts there are, narrowing them down to seven was a tough choice. But we eventually did it, so here is the list.
7. Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is a picturesque family-friendly resort in Nagano Prefecture. The resort is famous for its rich history and traditional Japanese atmosphere, seamlessly combining culture and winter sports. It offers a range of ski areas and slopes for all experience levels – including beginner slopes – with an average annual snowfall exceeding 12 metres.
The Ryuoo Ski Park Hotel is an excellent accommodation option near Nozawa Onsen. This high-altitude resort boasts well-appointed rooms, upscale dining, and stunning mountain views. Visitors can also indulge in Nozawa Onsen’s famous hot spring baths, soak in the charming village atmosphere, and experience traditional Japanese ryokans.
6. Sapporo Teine
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is one of the more affordable Japanese ski resorts just outside Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido.
One of the largest ski resort options in the country, it possesses a range of skiing and snowboard slopes catering to various skill levels and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Sea of Japan. It also has an excellent ski school for beginners and is a noted spot for tree skiing and snow rafting.
The Sapporo Grand Hotel is the place to stay here, known for its plush rooms, fine dining, and spa facilities – all within reach of the resort.
5. Hakuba Valley
Hakuba Valley is a renowned ski resort in the Japanese Alps. It’s a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of interconnected ski resorts, including Happo-One, Goryu, and Hakuba 47.
With over 200 trails and abundant snowfall, it caters to powder hounds of all skill levels, making it a popular choice for domestic and international visitors, especially those after off-piste skiing experiences
During ski season, make a reservation at the Happo Alp Hotel in Happo-One. You’ll enjoy a luxurious stay at an upscale hotel with elegant rooms, delicious gastronomic eateries, and impressive amenities that include a spa.
4. Furano
Furano is one of the best ski resorts in Japan for those wanting to immerse themselves in picturesque landscapes and superb skiing conditions. It offers a diverse range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders, from gentle runs for beginners to challenging terrain for experts. The resort typically enjoys abundant snowfall, making it an ideal location for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or simply seeking a tranquil mountain retreat, Furano Ski Resort offers an unforgettable experience in the Japanese Alps.
Whilst there, the New Furano Prince Hotel is a top choice. This luxury resort boasts well-appointed rooms, excellent dining options, and a relaxing onsen to rejuvenate after a day on the slopes.
3. Shiga Kogen
Located within the Nagano Prefecture, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is Japan’s largest ski area. It’s part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and offers an extensive network of interconnected ski resorts. With over 80 kilometres of ski slopes and various terrain suitable for all levels of powder hounds, it’s a winter paradise.
The Prince Hotel Shiga Kogen is an excellent choice of accommodation there. This luxury resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, comfortable rooms, fine dining options, and a relaxing onsen (hot spring) to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Overall, Shiga Kogen offers beautiful natural surroundings and pristine snow. It is also close to the nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where wild monkeys are bathing in hot springs.
2. Rusutso
Rusutsu Ski Resort is a popular Japan ski resort on the northern island of Hokkaido. Known for its vast ski terrain, it covers three mountains: West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Isola, offering a wide range of ski, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snowboarding trails suitable for all skill levels. An annual snowfall over 14 metres ensures excellent powder conditions throughout the season – making it an ideal destination for powder hounds and families seeking a memorable winter retreat.
The resort is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a fantastic amusement park, Rusutsu Resort, with roller coasters and other attractions.
For a luxurious stay, consider The Westin Rusutsu Resort. One of the best resorts in Japan, it features well-appointed rooms and suites, an on-site spa, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool.
1. Tomamu
The best Japan ski resort destination is the Hoshino Resort Tomamu – a well-known ski resort located in the central Hokkaido region of Japan, renowned for its off-piste snow quality and having one of the country’s best terrain park areas.
The resort features over 20 ski areas and snowboard trails of varying difficulty levels, making it a suitable destination for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts. Its iconic ‘Ice Village’ showcases beautiful ice sculptures and stunning architectural designs, creating a magical ambiance. Additionally, those who enjoy swimming can dip in an 80 by 30-metre wave pool within the resort.
If you are looking for upscale accommodation, the Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido is an excellent choice, offering all-inclusive packages, including gourmet dining, premium accommodations, and some of the best skiing activities available in Japan.
If you intend to go on a ski holiday in the near future, we hope this list of the best Japanese ski resorts has been a source of inspiration for you.
As international skiers and snowboarders, the opportunity to hit the many slopes at the many ski resorts near Tokyo or beyond is one that families, in particular, should not pass up, given their easy access.
