Walking in a winter wonderland like Japan is an experience of a lifetime. Japan is known to be a world-class skiing destination, having over 500 resorts all in all, ranging from large, alpine resorts to off-the-beaten snow resorts across the country, from Niigata to Gifu to Miyagi. Thanks to the country’s abundant snowfall, myriad slopes, and light powder snow perfect for skiing, many outdoor adventurers make a beeline to the mountains of Japan for the ultimate “Japow” (Japan + snow) experience.
Planning to go skiing this Japanuary? You’ve still got plenty of time! Ski season typically starts from January to February, with some destinations continuing through early April. It all depends on the ski resort you’re visiting, so make sure to do research to know the best time for Japan’s ski season.
To help you out on your winter adventure, we’ve listed down some of the best ski resorts in Japan which give you the best slopes, amenities, and views for winter fun!
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is a small ski area located in Niigata Prefecture. It’s smaller than usual resorts, but it boasts plenty of activities to enjoy besides skiing. Tourists love to ride their gondolas toward the Panorama Station, which gives stunning mountain views. Here, you can also play go-karting, zipline, trek, visit the alpine garden, or even bobsled. They have a few slopes, but there’s definitely a whole lot more to do in Yuzawa Kogen. It’s also interlinked with Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort!
Location: 949-6101 490 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
Website: https://www.yuzawakogen.com/
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm daily
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
This is one of the oldest ski resorts in Japan, established in 1949. Ishiuchi is best known for its natural snow and wide open slopes, plus amazing views of the Echigo mountains and Uonuma Plain. This ski resort can accommodate all skiing levels, whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate, or a pro skier.
Aside from the ski area itself, people love the food at the several Japanese and international restaurants around the resort.
Location: 949-6372, 1655 Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Website: https://ishiuchi.or.jp/en/
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm, Night skiing at 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Akakura Onsen Ski Area
This huge skiing area is a family-friendly destination located in Niigata Prefecture. Spread out through Mt. Myoko, Akakura Onsen Ski Area offers fantastic slopes and 17 courses built for beginners and intermediate skiers. This mountain oasis is also an all-rounder resort, with an onsen for relaxation, a kids’ park, and five restaurants to cater to hungry tourists. You may also ride off into the sunset at Akakura, as they also offer night skiing, the only place in the Myoko area to do so!
Location: 949-2111, Akakura Onsen, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture
Website: https://akakura-ski.com/english/
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 10 pm daily
Meiho Ski Resort
Boasting four ski slopes and 12 trails, Meiho Ski Resort is another holiday skiing destination to visit, being the longest ski run in West Japan. With an elevation of 1,600 meters, tourists are treated to pristine 360-degree mountain views of the Northern Alps’ frost-rimmed forests. Besides skiing, one highlight of Meiho is their Chikei Park, where snowboarders and riders practice their tricks and techniques. Traveling with kids? Let the little ones enjoy the snow park where they can ride ski tubes and play with snow. After a thrilling ski session, head to the Meiho Hot Spring Tangxing Pavilion to relax tired muscles.
Location: 501-4304 Meiho okuzumi, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture
Website: https://www-meihoski-co-jp.en.m17n.net/
Operating Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday); 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Spring Valley Sendai Izumi Ski Resort
Situated on the saw-chiseled slopes of Mount Izumigatake, Spring Valley Sendai Izumi is one of the most popular ski resorts in Miyagi Prefecture. The resort features a vast snow park that is also the largest in the Miyagi area. Having 12 courses with unique layouts, skiers enjoy freshly groomed runs and challenging steeps. It’s also a favorite place to go night skiing, under beautiful bright lights. Ski lifts are available too! Spring Valley is close to the city center, so there are a lot of places to go around. You may also upgrade your skills and avail of their introductory lesson for skiers and snowboarders.
Location: Dakeyama-14-2 Fukuoka, Izumi Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 981-3225, Japan
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays during peak season.
Tambara Ski Resort
Surrounded by the breathtaking Tanigawa and Nikko mountains, Tokyu Tambara Ski Resort is a top-rated ski resort offering impressive views and off-piste skiing. It’s accessible by bus from the Tokyo metropolis, making it perfect for day trip ski experiences. It has eight courses, all of which are beginner-friendly. The focal point of this resort is its powdery snow, perfect for comfortable skiing on long-distance courses. Tambara Ski Resort offers snowshoeing tours and cable car rides and a variety of snow experiences for all ages.
Location: 350-1 Kamihotchimachi, Numata, Gunma 378-0071, Japan
Website: https://www.tambara.co.jp/winter/
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm daily
Are you excited about your wintry adventures in Japan? Ready your ski gear and see you on the slopes! Book your ski experiences and more on KKDay.
