Japan is a top choice for travelers looking to hit the slopes. With over 500 resorts, the country offers easy access, excellent facilities, stunning views, relaxing hot springs, and, most importantly, loads of light, powdery snow. Plus, the snow season lasts from November to May, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and can’t decide on a resort, here are five spots that live up to all the hype about Japan’s incredible snow and slopes.
Furano, Hokkaido
With 24 courses, great infrastructure, and over eight meters of dry, powdery snow, it’s no wonder Furano is one of Hokkaido’s most popular ski resorts. Open from late November to early May, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Plus, it’s a fantastic spot to base yourself if you want to explore nearby mountains with incredible back-country terrain, like Mt. Tokachidake, which is famous for its unbelievably light powder.
If you need a break from skiing or snowboarding, Furano also has some amazing outdoor hot springs. Check out Fukiage Onsen, a free, 24-hour, mixed-gender bath set right in the middle of the forest.
Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata
If you’re looking for a resort that’s a breeze to reach from Tokyo or if you’re traveling with kids, Naeba Ski Resort is a great pick. It’s located in Yuzawa, just a 70 to 90-minute train ride from Tokyo. The resort has a play area and plenty of activities for children, and it offers 22 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Plus, it’s connected to Kagura Ski Resort by Japan’s longest gondola, the Dragondola, which makes it easy to explore even more of the area.
Kagura might not be as modern as Naeba, but it’s much quieter, has fantastic powder, and offers some amazing backcountry terrain for those who like a challenge.
Hakuba Valley, Nagano
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba Valley is a skier and snowboarder’s dream, with ten alpine resorts offering a huge range of terrain, parks, and pipes. The top spots here are Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort, Hakuba Goryu, and Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park. It’s a popular area, so it can get pretty busy, depending on where and when you visit. But with its great infrastructure, friendly vibe, easy access from Tokyo, and fantastic snow, it’s definitely a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Niseko, Hokkaido
If you’re looking for long, easy slopes or want to dive into some of the lightest, driest powder around, Niseko United is the place to be. As Japan’s biggest and most famous ski area, it’s made up of four resorts that you can access with a single pass. It’s a scenic, family-friendly spot that’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and levels.
Niseko is also known for having Japan’s largest—and one of the best—night skiing and snowboarding spots in the world. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds after dark, you’ll get to enjoy the thrill of carving down brightly lit slopes in some truly incredible, untouched powder.
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
This place has it all—a ski resort and a historic hot spring town in one. It’s a great spot if you want to experience traditional Japan while enjoying some time on the slopes. With a variety of pistes, backcountry terrain, moguls, and half pipes, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The town is charming and full of history, with fantastic après-ski activities to enjoy. And after a long day on the slopes, you can kick back in one of the mineral-rich hot springs, making it the perfect way to unwind and relax.
Conclusion
With so many ski and snowboarding resorts to pick from, each with great facilities, top-notch snow, and friendly services, it’s no wonder Japan is a favorite winter sports destination. If you’re visiting between November and May, try to carve out some time to explore this part of Japan. And don’t worry about hauling all that gear—most resorts have rental options for everything you need to have a fantastic time on the slopes.