Snow Resorts in Japan

Skiing and snowboarding are very popular in Japan, and there are many snow resorts you can visit. Most of the famous Japanese snow resorts are located in Tohoku region, Chubu region, and Hokkaido. Japanese snow resorts often have hot springs (onsen) nearby. Soaking in a hot spring after skiing/snowboarding is one of Japanese people's favorite things to do. To relax both your mind and body, visit snow resorts with hot springs.

There are many world class ski resorts with good snow in Japan. Hakuba in Nagano prefecture is one of them. In the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Downhill, Super G, Jumping, Biathlon, and Cross Country competitions were held there.

Skiing in Japan can be costly for you since the accommodations, food, and lift tickets tend to be expensive. Usually, a one-day lift ticket costs from 4,000 yen to 5,000 yen. Ski/snowboard set rentals are available from 4,000 yen as well. If you stay at minshuku (Japanese-style bed and breakfast), you might be able to save some money. There are many minshuku around snow resorts. It is a good idea to visit the local Kankou Annai-jo (tourist information center). They usually have a list of minshuku in their areas.

The following are links to major snow resorts in Japan, by GoSki. You can find access and facility information with reviews by visitors there.

Major Snow Resorts in Japan

Hokkaido
Furano / Niseko

Tohoku Region
Appi Kogen / Inawashiro / Zao / Ishiuchi Maruyama / Kusatsu Shirane / Myoko Suginohara / Naeba 

Chubu Region
Hakuba Norikura / Hakusan Ichirino / Happo One / Iizuna Resort / Nozawa Onsen / Shiga Kogen/ Sugadaira Kogen / Sun Alpina / Togari /Tsugaike Kogen

Chugoku Region
Daisen

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