The best places for skiing in Japan are the dreamland of snow lovers, home to more than 500 ski resorts and the Winter Olympics in 1972 and 1998. With places like Niseko getting over 600 inches of snowfall yearly and boasting one of the world’s longest and snowiest ski seasons, the Land of the Rising Sun is world-class for pure, unaltered powder skiing.
Top resorts include Niseko, Hakuba Valley, and Rusutsu, which provide varied terrain for all ability levels. Niseko is well known for its legendary powder, and Hakuba Valley is of Olympic heritage. After a day on the slopes, do not miss the opportunity to relax in a classic onsen (hot spring!). These are our carefully selected list of the top ski resorts in Japan, each providing a special fusion of adventure, landscape, and cultural appeal.
Where to ski in Japan
The best places for skiing in Japan to ski and snowboarding in Japan are Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, and the main island of Honshu. Niseko is Japan’s biggest, best-developed, and most-visited ski resort. Hakuba, in the Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture, is popular with winter sports fans because it’s easy to get to Tokyo and has a wide range of resorts and terrain.
There are also plenty of skiing and snowboarding destinations throughout the country; Tohoku in northeastern Japan offers family-friendly resorts with beginner and intermediate terrain, while central Honshu—in particular, Niigata, Nagano, and Gunma—offers many great options, with some close enough to Tokyo Holidays to make a day trip.
1. RUSUTSU
Rusutsu offers real indulgence to enjoy off the slopes, a spot where crowds are non-existent (for now), and some of the thickest snow you will probably ever encounter. Rusutsu’s adaptability, with a decent mix of courses to fit all abilities, is maybe what makes it such a great ski resort.
Rusutsu makes up for a lack of a robust nightlife scene with decadent off-slope adventures. Relax in opulent lodging and revitalize in the resort’s well-known onsens—thermal hot spring pools. The community also boasts family-friendly events, including snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and fine dining choices. Perfect for those looking for peace and world-class snow, Rusutsu is a great place for an upscale Japanese ski trip.
2. NISEKO
With unmatched powder snow and an average yearly snowfall of more than 590 inches, Niseko is the best option available to international skiers visiting Japan. Renowned for its world-class backcountry terrain and network of linked ski resorts, Niseko offers slopes for all ability levels, from easy beginner runs to experienced off-piste challenges.
With dining choices catered to Western preferences and signs, the resort is especially friendly to English-speaking guests. Besides, lodging fits every budget and taste, and many travel links make it simple to reach. With a great range of terrain and access to a fantastic backcountry, this is among the snowiest ski resorts in Japan! But its popularity has also brought crowds on the slopes and higher pricing.
3. HAKUBA 47 & GORYU
With a single lift pass, Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu gently link at the summit to provide varied terrain. With its professional-grade half-pipe and several freestyle jumps in its well-known winter sports park, Hakuba 47 is a refuge for thrill-seekers. Goryu, on the other hand, features wide, mild slopes and the biggest night skiing area in Hakuba, ideal for after-night excursions, so appealing to families and beginners.
With friendly residents and English signage, visitors may experience a real Japanese ski town ambiance that relieves navigational stress. Although off-mountain pursuits are few, surrounding restaurants and comfortable lodging provide a nice respite following a day on the slopes. Hakuba 47 & Goryu promises an amazing holiday regardless of whether you’re seeking excitement or taking your first ski trip.
4. HAPPO ONE
The flagship resort of Hakuba Valley is Happo One, well-known for staging activities during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games. With its mix of groomed slopes, Olympic racing paths, and accessible backcountry, Happo One appeals to a spectrum of skiers and snowboarders with over 800 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s side-country topography and access to steep alpine bowls—perfect for expert skiers—will appeal to adventure enthusiasts.
The Sakka area offers mild slopes, tubing courses, trampolines, and a well-appointed children’s park for families and beginners. From Western-style restaurants to real Japanese Izakaya, the energetic Happo Village offers a range of culinary choices and a dynamic nightlife. Perfectly situated, the resort guarantees a flawless ski holiday by providing quick access from surrounding lodging and transit centers. Happo One offers an amazing Japanese ski experience whether your goal is powder or après-ski.
5. SAPPORO TEINE
Offering access to Japan’s famed powder at a fraction of the cost of other resorts, Sapporo Teine is a hidden gem for reasonably priced skiing. Although the resort is small, it boasts steep terrain uncommon for Japanese ski resorts; skiing at Sapporo Teine provides one of the least expensive means to enjoy the fabled snow for which skiing in Japan is so well-known. Though not a particularly large resort, the steep hills make up for that.
Sapporo Teine is physically outside Hokkaido’s largest city and has something special above most other ski resorts in Japan. See the snow, sea, and city all in one vista by heading to the Highland Zone. If you fall into this group, consider a more intermediate-friendly ski resort like Kiroro, as the terrain here may disappoint you.
6. NOZAWA ONSEN
With 40% beginner, 35% intermediate, and 25% difficult slopes, the single ski area covers 740 acres with varied terrain. Still with its traditional Japanese appeal, Nozawa is becoming a magnet for excellent skiers and après-skiers despite first being renowned for their onsens. Regarding Japanese standards, Nozawa boasts one of the best après ski scenes, featuring many pubs, eateries, and karaoke venues.
Families will find Nozawa particularly friendly since the ski school employs English-speaking teachers and features a free-of-charge “Kids Park” on weekends with a bouncing castle, tubing, and sledding. Apart from the slopes, the community is well-known for its onsens, which provide a leisurely haven following a mountain day. Nozawa, which lies close to Iiyama Station, is readily reachable by Shinkansen and bus.
7. SHIGA KOGEN
Shiga Kogen has 19 linked resorts that can all be reached with a single lift pass. Among the top locations in Japan for skiing is this one. For new and experienced golfers, the more than 400 acres of cultivated land are like heaven. Although professionals would find the slopes less demanding, the perfectly groomed corduroy lines and picturesque paths offer an unparalleled experience. Mostly limited to off-piste skiing, which guarantees well-maintained paths and safer surroundings for everyone.
Shiga Kogen boasts a fairly small nightlife. Most visitors choose to eat, drink, and mingle within their lodging, and the resorts’ arrangement results in no central village. Without visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, which daily bus services run between the resort and the park, your journey to Shiga Kogen would not be complete. Shiga Kogen is the ideal place for a real and immersive encounter of Japanese culture. Unlike more packed locations, it stays rather unspoiled by strong tourists.
8. FURANO
One of Japan’s most well-known ski resorts, Furano, combines international appeal with a real Japanese character. Furano, located in central Hokkaido, is famous for its well-kept slopes, ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and dry, light-powder snow. With their varied terrain over 975 acres and a vertical drop of 3,117 feet, the two main zones of the resort—Furano and Kitanomine—offer an interesting skiing experience.
Just 4 miles from Furano city, the resort provides easy access to a thriving eating scene with eateries ranging in cuisine from fresh sushi and ramen to substantial izakaya meals. While powder aficionados can enjoy uncrowded backcountry lines, families will value the availability of ski schools and mild slopes. Furano is a prominent choice for skiers looking for the best of Japan’s winter sports and hospitality because of consistent snowfall averaging 360 inches a year, modern facilities, and a distinctive cultural atmosphere.
9. TOMAMU
With more than 1,239 acres of skiable terrain, a vertical drop of 2,493 feet, and legendary powder snow averaging 21 feet annually, Tomamu, situated amid Hokkaido’s pristine national park, presents an amazing ski experience. Expert skiers will find heaven on its off-piste terrain; novice and intermediate skiers will value the range of groomed paths available across the 29 runs.
Families will like the unusual pursuits, including sledding, snow rafting, and an indoor wave pool. Tomamu also boasts opulent ski-in ski-out hotels, including the Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, perfect for visitors looking for luxury and adventure. Tomamu is Japan’s top winter holiday spot, with simple access from [New Chitose Airport, 69 km distant].
10. KIRORO
Modern Japanese ski resort Kiroro boasts 1,200 acres of immaculate Hokkaido powder, and a cutting-edge lift system guarantees rapid access to its varied terrain. Ideal for destination skiers, the resort offers many non-skiing activities, including tubing and the distinctive Snow Bubble Ball, together with ski-in and ski-out lodging. Families will value its cleaned-up paths and kid-friendly events. Although English isn’t as common here, Kiroro is an obvious treasure in Japan’s ski scene thanks to world-class skiing, excellent hotels, and quiet surroundings.
11. KAGURA
Offering exceptional off-piste tree routes and amazing backcountry terrain, Kagura is a refuge for powder enthusiasts. Skiers looking for a pure, powder-filled getaway will find this resort perfect with an amazing 600-inch annual snowfall. Kagura offers a more peaceful and undisturbed wilderness experience than the busy slopes of well-known sites like Niseko.
First-timers exploring backcountry skiing love Kagura because its high altitude guarantees continuous snow quality. The resort provides 37 miles of on-piste routes to appeal to novice and intermediate-level athletes. However, At higher altitudes, be ready for frigid temperatures and wind chill; warm, layered clothing is vital.
Close by, the base amenities provide ease for all guests by allowing access to ski schools, equipment rentals, and lodging in the neighboring town of Yuzawa. Kagura’s Niigata region provides breathtaking scenery, great snow conditions, and the ideal mix of adventure and peace for anyone looking for a genuine Japanese ski experience.
When is the Japanese ski season?
Japan’s ski season falls in the northern hemisphere between November and May; major dates are between December and March. The northernmost ski slopes usually open first, beginning the last week of November or the first week of December. When winter arrives, the ski season starts with a vengeance, with just a few dumps usually being all that is required for entire ski resorts to open.
The northernmost island of Japan gets plenty of snow even at sea level. The Hakuba ski season starts on the mainland more slowly, with top lifts starting from late November and complete opening likely not happening until around the middle of December. Hokkaido is hence, usually the best bet early season.
The length of the Japanese ski season is often questioned. In big ski regions, the season normally lasts until May; the timing of your visit will depend on what you are hoping for from your Japan ski trip. Staying in the peak season is ideal for powder snow conditions.
Usually, we advise traveling until early to mid-April, when you can also benefit from excellent bargains on accommodation, coupled with reduced lift pass rates. If you are happy to exchange powder for bluebird days, empty runs, and warmer weather, below, we will go over every phase of the Japan ski season in more detail; hopefully, this will equip you with the knowledge required to choose the best time to travel for you.
The Japanese ski season has broken down
Early Season
Dates: End of November to Mid December
With nothing quite like the romance of the first tracks of the winter, the opening phase of the Japanese snow season—when the ski slopes open—is an irresistible time to visit. One of the benefits of being among the first on the mountain is less traffic and usually cheaper rates for lift passes and lodging. However, the reduced prices are justified by limited lift operation (in 2022, Niseko Grand Hirafu began 1 day later than scheduled on December 4) or less dependability, with start dates often pushed back. With minimal depth to the snow base, skiing and snowboarding may only be limited to the groomers, with the attraction of deep backcountry powder to follow later in the Japanese ski season.
Ideal for: Should you be fortunate enough to live close and seize the opportunity to ride empty groomers on new tracks!
Worst for: Making an advance book and discovering limited runs or delayed opening.
Christmas & New Year
Dates: End of December to Early January
For many, the ideal location for the festive season is the Snowy Mountains at Christmas and New Year’s Eve. While most European and North American holidays risk lacking snow, this is significantly less likely in some of the biggest Japanese ski resorts. Although the snow base might still not be thick enough for the backcountry with so much vegetation still popping through, most major ski locations will have acquired a reasonable quantity of snow with the start of the Japan ski season over a month earlier.
Christmas is observed differently, and skiing in Japan may be a magical holiday location. One of the most observed holidays nationwide is New Year’s. Book early, and our expert team will be able to suggest the best discounts on offer since festival dates are more costly than others during the Japanese snow season. But don’t wait too long; from summer, it could be difficult to locate someplace free from already full occupancy!
Ideal for: Treasured time spent with friends and relatives engaged in your most loved activity!
Worst for: Prices are at their peak; offers are rare.
Peak Powder Season
Dates: Early January to Mid February
Coined ‘Japanuary’, this is the time of the skiing in Japan snow season famed for its astonishingly consistent peak powder snow conditions. Snowfall tends to be immense, and the accumulated snow base allows riders to maximize experiences off-piste and the groomers. Should you not have Japanese powder experience, you will be in wonder at the constant snowfall.
Sitting back in the evening and seeing snow falling outside your window excites you for the mountain adventure that awaits. Although the weather cannot be guaranteed anywhere, there is likely no better chance of excellent snow conditions than in the Japan ski season. If you are not confined to going throughout Chinese New Year, try to avoid these dates as they are often the busiest and most expensive.
Ideal for: Every chance of finding the best powder snow conditions anywhere on Earth!
Worst for: Books quickly, so arrive early and negotiate a good price!
END OF PEAK SEASON
Dates: Late February to Early March
This portion of the skiing in Japan ski season is still peak, with snowfall abundant and conditions usually fantastic. We have classified it differently because some years, warmer weather starts to creep in, and pristine powder conditions are not exactly what they were, whilst other years, this time of the season, might be just as fantastic as a few weeks beforehand. Some Niseko and Hakuba accommodations offer better rates during this period, and an even greater snow base will have accumulated. A couple of bluebird days is typically not a bad thing, either!
Best for: With major sub-zero temperatures less expected, every opportunity of fantastic snow at a better price is more likely.
Worst for: Some years, spring arrives a little earlier, ending perfect powder early.
Japan Spring Skiing
Dates: Mid-March to Early April
When spring skiing arrives in Japan varies from one ski season to the next. Some years, temperatures start to warm up at the end of February, but the change in season usually becomes noticeable in March.
Incredible spring powder dumps are not infrequent, and this time of the year usually means plentiful bluebird days with picture-perfect views, from the big mountain peaks of Hakuba to the Lake Toya view from Rusutsu and, of course, the unbelievable Mount Youtei.
When circumstances warm up, ‘spring skiing’ may be enjoyable and fast. On mainland Japan, it can sometimes coincide with the opportunity to watch cherry blossoms or enjoy some milder weather in Tokyo or Kyoto. Resort prices fall in the spring, so if you want to soak in Japanese culture, onsens, cuisine, and travel, it may be the best time to visit.
Although some mountains have a May ski season, we recommend visiting following the second weekend in April. In Hakuba, higher slopes offer great spring skiing well into April, with more going on in the surrounding area. Additionally year-round, Hakuba boasts a multitude of stores and eateries operating outside the ski season.
Whatever ski area you visit, it is important to know that ski shuttle buses, lift operations, and village amenities start to wind down in spring. Properties that were ski-in ski-out may no longer be. Booking with our experienced staff will help you maximize your holiday during the off-peak years.
Best for Spring skiing, bluebird days, combining Hakuba with snow monkeys, and Matsumoto cherry blossoms.
Worst for: Powderhounds! Though preferable to keep expectations under control, you could yet get fresh snowfall.
While you’re in Japan
Spend some time learning about Japan’s rich culture as you and your loved ones experience the exhilaration of skiing or snowboarding. In the winter, there are also many snow events with elaborate ice sculptures, igloos, lanterns, and lights at night. Visit these fun and holiday-themed events in Japan to get the most out of your trip.
- Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
- Nozawa Fire Festival (February)
- Hakuba Fire Festival (March)
- Visit a natural hot spring
- Japanese Snow Monkey Tour
- Visit Castles and Shrines
- A holiday to Kyoto
- Visit Tokyo
Contact our committed team for more information about when the Japanese ski season is best for your visit! You can get the best ski deals in Japan for the upcoming winter at Niseko and Hakuba early bird deals, which only become available in the spring. Suppose you’ve not yet decided which destination to visit.
In that case, we’ve prepared a head-to-head comparison of Japan’s greatest resorts for you and more holiday options, including Tokyo holidays, Osaka Holidays, Kyoto Holidays, and more with Our Holiday Vibes are Good Vibes Only!
