Skiing in Winter in Japan is a magical time, especially for skiing enthusiasts. With beautiful mountains and great snow, There are many places where you can enjoy snow with each difficulty and these days some places have staff who can speak English which makes it easy to enjoy skiing as much as you can!
Ski Resort
Niseko
Hokkaido
Spending: 💲💲💲💲💲(High)
Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷(~Intermediate)
Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Large)
Lift Tickets: ¥9000
Niseko is renowned worldwide for its incredible powder snow and vibrant après-ski scene. It has a variety of ski areas connected by lifts, catering to all skill levels.
Sapporo International
Hokkaido
Spending: 💲💲💲💲(A little High)
Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷⛷⛷(~Advanced)
Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Medium)
Lift Tickets: ¥5000
This is known for its well-maintained runs and family-friendly atmosphere. After skiing, visitors can explore Sapporo’s famous ramen shops and cultural attractions, making it a great destination for both skiing and sightseeing.
Hakuba
Nagano
Spending: 💲💲💲(Medium)
Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷(~Intermediate)
Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Large)
Lift Tickets: ¥5500
Hakuba Happo-One is one of the largest and most famous ski resorts in Japan, known for hosting events during the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Shiga Kogen
Nagano
Spending: 💲💲
Difficulty: ⛷⛷⛷⛷⛷(~Advanced)
Size: ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ ⛰ (Large)
Lift Tickets: ¥8000
It features a vast network of interconnected slopes across 18 ski resorts, offering over 80 kilometers of skiing terrain.
Karuizawa
Nagano
Spending: 💲
Difficulty: ⛷(~Intermediate)
Size: ⛰ (Small)
Lift Tickets: ¥5700
Karuizawa is a charming resort located near Tokyo, making it easily accessible for day trips. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and shopping opportunities, as well as hot springs for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
Niseko
Official Website: https://nisekotourism.com/
Information
Niseko is a must-visit destination for winter sports lovers. With its amazing snow, great skiing, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, it offers an unforgettable experience.
How to Get to Niseko
Getting to Niseko is easy! Most visitors fly into New Chitose Airport, which is about 2.5 hours away by bus or train. Many hotels and ski resorts offer shuttle services from the airport, making your journey smooth and convenient.
Recommended Hotel
Hilton Niseko Village
Sapporo International Ski Resort
Official Website: https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/en/
Information
Sapporo International Ski Resort is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy winter sports in Japan. With its easy access, variety of ski runs, family-friendly activities, delicious dining, and stunning views, it offers a fantastic winter getaway.
How to Get to Niseko
1. From Sapporo City: By Bus
- Several bus services operate between Sapporo city and Sapporo International Ski Resort.
- Look for the Chuo Bus or Hokkaido Chuo Bus services, which run regular routes.
- The bus ride takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
- Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals or on the bus.
2. From New Chitose Airport
- By Bus:
- Direct buses operate from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo International Ski Resort.
- The journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours.
- Buses typically run several times a day, and tickets can be bought at the airport.
- By Train and Bus:
- Take the Rapid Airport Train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station (about 35 minutes).
- From Sapporo Station, transfer to a bus to the ski resort.
3. By Car
- If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at New Chitose Airport or in Sapporo.
- Sapporo International Ski Resort is about 60 kilometers from Sapporo city and 90 kilometers from the airport.
- The drive takes around 1-2 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
- Be sure to check the weather and road conditions, as winter driving in Hokkaido can be challenging.
4. Local Shuttle Services
Many hotels in Sapporo and the surrounding areas offer shuttle services to Sapporo International Ski Resort. Check with your hotel to see if they provide this service.
Hakuba Happo One
Official Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/en/
Information
Hakuba Happo-One is a fantastic destination for winter sports lovers. With its incredible snow conditions, diverse ski runs, stunning scenery, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers an unforgettable skiing experience.
Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying the local food and culture, Hakuba Happo-One has something for everyone.
How to Get to Hakuba Happo One From Tokyo
Buses depart from major terminals like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. Be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance.
By Train:
take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Once you arrive at Nagano Station, transfer to a local bus bound for Hakuba. The bus ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
By Bus:
Direct highway buses run from Tokyo to Hakuba. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Recommended Hotel
Shiga Kogen
Official Website: https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/
Information
Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest ski resorts and a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its vast ski area, beautiful scenery, and excellent snow conditions, Shiga Kogen is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
How to Get to Shiga Kogen From Tokyo
- By Train:
- Take the Narita Express or Haneda Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station.
- From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Upon arrival at Nagano Station, transfer to a Shiga Kogen-bound bus. The bus ride to Shiga Kogen takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. By Bus:
- Direct highway buses operate from Tokyo to Shiga Kogen. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
- Buses usually depart from major terminals like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. It’s recommended to check the schedule and book tickets in advance.
Recommended Hotel
Prince Ski Resort Karuizawa
Official Website: https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/
Information
Located in Nagano Prefecture, this ski resort is a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts and families alike. Known for its beautiful scenery, well-groomed slopes, and convenient location, Prince Ski Resort offers a wonderful winter getaway. Let’s explore what makes this resort so special!
This resort is not only for skiing but also for those who want to enjoy shopping and the natural beauty of Karuizawa. It is recommended for day trips as you can enjoy skiing even if you only visit for a day.
How to Get to Karuizawa Ski Resort From Tokyo
- By Train:
- Take the Narita Express or Haneda Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station.
- From Tokyo Station, board the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Karuizawa Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Upon arrival at Karuizawa Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the resort, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
Recommended Hotel
