Skiing in Japan: Everything you need to know

When you think of skiing your first thought is probably the Swiss Alps, or maybe even Canada. Japan may not immediately come to mind, but it’s a true ski haven you absolutely don’t want to miss. 

Glistening snow-capped mountains, warm onsen baths to soak in afterwards, and truly magical views: skiing in Japan is soon to make the top of your adventure bucket list. If you’re interested, which you should be, then this is everything you need to know about skiing in Japan.

And guess what? You can book our Japan Winter Wonder trip with 4 or 6 extra days of ski!

Where can I ski in Japan?

Although Japan is known for coming alive in spring with cherry blossom season, winters in Japan are equally as spectacular and there are plenty of places to spend it. Ski resorts in Japan are dotted all over the country and there’s lots of choice!

Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is ideal as the temperatures there tend to be colder so the snow is more abundant. Niseko and Rusutsu are popular stations in Hokkaido, and while you’re shredding down the slopes keep an eye out for red-crowned cranes dancing in the snow – they’re a true symbol of beauty.

Nagano is also a popular area for skiers and snowboarders in Japan with many stations like Shiga Kogen, Hakuba Valley, and Nozawa Onsen which was a hot spring town before becoming a ski resort. This means one thing, however: it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day on the slopes by soaking in the soothing waters. Nagano played host to the 1998 Winter Olympics, so its reputation speaks for itself.

Of course, when planning to ski in Japan you can’t miss out on the fabled Japanese Alps in Niigata. Popular stations here include Myoko Kogen and Naeba which is home to Japan’s longest gondola ride – if that’s something you’re into!

How many ski resorts are in Japan?

There are over 450 resorts in Japan, with the main ski areas being Hokkaido, Iwate, Yamagata, Niigata (also known as the Japanese Alps), Fukushima, Nagano, Shimane, and Hiroshima. 

The most popular resorts are as follows:

• Rusutsu, Hokkaido
• Niseko, Hokkaido
• Hakuba 47, Nagano
• Happon One, Nagano
• Sapporo, Hokkaido
• Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
• Naeba, Niigata

What ski resort in Japan gets the most snow?

Myoko Kogen, located in Niigata, is the Japanese ski resort which guarantees the most snowfall per year. If you’re looking for your perfect wintery wonderland you’ll find it here.

Ski resorts in the northern island of Hokkaido also see lots and lots of snow. In fact, Hokkaido is known for its beautiful powder snow, so your skiing experience here is sure to be amazing.

When is ski season in Japan?

The best time to visit Japan in winter can depend on what you’re looking for, but in terms of skiing you’re best off travelling between November and March, as the ski season in Japan is very similar to the ski seasons in Europe and North America. Depending on the year and the snowfall you can potentially stretch your ski time until April – cherry blossoms and snow!

January is the most popular month to ski in Japan amongst locals and visitors, and February tends to get busy as many visitors from China migrate over to celebrate the Chinese New Year in style (they get it). 

So, depending on how crowded you want the slopes to be, your ideal time to go skiing in Japan can vary. You could head over for Christmas and mimic Santa’s sled, or you could catch the tail end of the season in March and feel the sun on your face as you glide down. 

When do ski resorts open in Japan?

Ski resorts across Japan generally open around mid-November, ready to welcome travellers and locals alike. Certain stations which make use of snowmaking machines might open as early as October, though if you’re after the real stuff you’ll have to wait until the end of year.

How much does it cost to go skiing in Japan?

The cost of skiing in Japan can vary depending on the time of year you’re skiing and your chosen resort. As a general rule, the cost of skiing can be broken down into 3 main components:

• Accommodation
• Equipment rental
• Lift passes

If you’re a first time skier or snowboarder you can take ski school classes as well, which will incur an extra cost.

Peak season will be costlier than the shoulders of winter. In Japan, the peak skiing season is between mid-December to mid-February.

Accommodation:

Accommodation can range from luxurious resort facilities to ‘western-style’ lodges, as well as cheaper budget hotel options. We’d highly recommend staying in a Japanese Ryokan (inn) if you’re able to as this will set your skiing experience apart from others!

On average, ski accommodation in Japan can cost anywhere between JP¥3,000 to JP¥30,000 ($20USD – $200USD) per night depending on the kind of accommodation you opt for. Hot spring hotels will be one of the most costly choices (but it’s all about the experience, isn’t it?) while youth hostels and AirBnB types will cost a little less.

Equipment rental

When skiing or snowboarding, equipment rental usually includes the following:

• Skis / snowboard
• Boots
• Poles

Other accessories can be bought like gloves or goggles if you don’t already have those.

Equipment rentals can be done in bundles where you get the above in one package. On average, the cost of ski hire is around JP¥3,500 per day ($22USD per day), though this can vary from station to station, and the specific rental locations within.

Lift passes

Lift passes in Japan can generally be purchased as one-day passes or multi-trip passes, though one-day passes are the most common. Most ski resorts offer discounted prices for seniors, children, and students.

On average, the daily lift pass cost is around JP¥5,000 to JP¥7,000 ($30USD to $45USD), though this varies from station to station. 

You can get ‘early bird’ lift tickets which are generally sold before the ski season begins for discounted prices of up to 50%. You’ll have to be fast if you want to snatch these though!

Japanese Après Ski

You may be used to the party atmosphere of après ski in Europe complete with Aperol drinks and DJ sets, but Japan’s après ski scene is a little more subdued – though totally one of a kind.

Onsen baths feature heavily in Japanese culture, and this is obviously the perfect time to indulge. Who doesn’t want to soak in natural hot springs after a long day drifting in the snow? Just a note: traditionally, guests of onsen baths are expected to be completely naked, and this expectation extends to tourists – so be prepared. 

Instead of hitting up the club and the DJ sets, spend your nights at the karaoke bar with all your friends! You can sing your heart out while you enjoy local beers, and then it’s off for a good night’s sleep just to do it all again the next day.

Other things to do while skiing in Japan

When you’re not on the slopes, Japan has plenty of other activities to offer. These are a few of our favourites:

• Take the bullet train into different cities in the area
• Visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park if you’re in Nagano
• Explore part of Japan’s Sacred 88 Temple Pilgrimmage
• Participate in any local winter festivals