The 10 best ski resorts in Japan

Japan is a mythical place. And not just for its rich history and culture. It also has amazing winters. With resorts receiving over 32 feet of snow every year, there’s really no better place to be when winter rolls in – especially if you’re a powder skier at heart. 

The mountains may not be huge – and the place is hardly accessible for most of us – but if it’s not worth the pilgrimage, we don’t know where is! After all, where else can you ride chest-deep powder, soak in a hot spring (known as onsens), and then chow down on freshly prepared ramen and sushi? Japan truly is a magical destination, and we’ve scoured the archives to assemble what we think are the definitive 10 best ski resorts for this skitopia. So are you ready to get the stoke levels high? Dive into our article. Just remember to take a deep breath because the snow gets deep! 

And what better way to celebrate an epic trip to Japan than with some new ski gear? MONTEC has the best men's ski jackets and women's ski jackets with 20k/20k waterproofing and breathability as standard – ideal for long days ripping through endless pow!

Top ski resorts in Japan

Niseko United, Hokkaido

No list of Japanese ski resorts could be complete without Niseko United. The most famous and one of the most popular, this sprawling mountain playground is located 62 miles south of Sapporo and is actually four interlinked resorts. 

These resorts make their home on one mountain, Niseko Annupuri, which stands 4,291 feet/1,308 meters above sea level. The resorts here are Niseko Hanazono Resort, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village Ski Resort, and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area.

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu

The largest of the resorts is Grand Hirafu, with an excellent selection of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. You’ll find tons of amenities around the base as this is the most ‘built up’ of the four resorts. 

A good-sized learner area is perfect for those starting out, and thanks to its extensive floodlighting, there’s lots of night skiing. So, you can pair a late-night lap with a starry dip in one of the onsens, making Grand Hirafu a pretty unique experience. And, thanks to its more developed feel, there’s a greater degree of multiculturalism, too. So, it’s a sound choice for those unfamiliar with Japan or visiting for the first time.

Niseko Village Ski Resort

Niseko Village is the second largest of the areas and features some of the longest runs on the mountain. While there’s a good amount of low-angled green runs, you’ll also unearth fantastic steeper, ungroomed trails – perfect for powder skiing if you’ve got a good handle on the sport. 

Niseko has a smaller base area but still plenty of places to eat and onsens to soak in after a day’s riding. Plus, a dedicated beginner zone is at the bottom, so it’s ideal for first-time riders looking for a less touristy experience than Tokyu Grand Hirafu.

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area

Niseko Annupuri is pretty small and feels more traditional and quaint than the other resorts. There are long, floodlit green slopes accessible from the Jumbo Hooded Quad lift, and as it’s a smaller resort, you’ll find the slopes a little less crowded when skiing under the lights. 

Higher on the mountain, there’s an abundance of advanced terrain to explore, thanks to the steeper grade. So, those who enjoy some faster riding will certainly have their fill.

Niseko Hanazono Resort

HANAZONO is definitely the best resort for advanced riders. That’s all thanks to its long, wide, and fast red and black runs that sweep down through the trees. 

There might be just a handful of runs to explore. However, there’s tons of tree-riding and deep powder. So, don’t overlook Hanazono if you want a day of slashing pow and lacing lines through the glades.

Hakuba Valley, Nagano

Home to the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley is another resort cluster – this time with ten resorts! It’s in the ‘Japan Alps’ (over 9,842 feet/3,000 meters) in the northwest Nagano Prefecture. 

Hakuba Valley offers some of the highest altitude skiing in the country, with plenty of tree skiing and exposed alpine skiing to enjoy. And thanks to its Olympic heritage, there’s no shortage of amenities and facilities, on and off the mountain. With a mix of groomed and ungroomed terrain, you’ll find lots for all levels of skier – but we’ll go through the strengths of each resort individually below.

Jigatake Snow Resort

Jigatake is a small resort with just a few runs. Its central trail is long and wide with an even grade, making it perfect for leisurely laps. Plus, there’s a beginner area at the bottom and a sledding zone for kids. The base has a few restaurants and other amenities, but Jigatake is compact and quaint, with little in the way of a built-up base. 

You’ll find more challenging tree skiing higher up the mountain, and there’s usually great snowfall, too. So fresh lines are often up for grabs as most advanced riders head for higher resorts.

Kashimayari Snow Resort

Kashimayari brands itself as a ‘snow resort’, not a ski resort, and claims it’s the best place for families in Japan! They have a winter theme park for kids (and adults!) and a ‘Pokémon Snow Adventure’ tubing park. So if Pokémon is a hit with your kids, this is the place to be. 

You’ll also discover beginner areas at the base and mid-station alongside great ski schools, furthering its suitability as a learner resort. Higher up, there is challenging terrain and tree skiing. Still, most of the runs are graded for intermediate and beginner riders.

White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka

White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka has a beautiful overlook of Hakuba’s Lake District and is a quaint and quiet getaway for relaxed skiing. There are just two lifts, serving two runs, but those hunting for powder can easily pop into the trees or ungroomed sections on the flanks of the marked trails to soak up some fresh turns. 

With just a parking lot at the base, there’s not much in the way of infrastructure. However, this is still an awesome spot for a morning of skiing after an overnight dumping!

Able Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

Able Hakuba Goryu is one of the larger resorts in the valley, with its top lift reaching the Jizo Peak at 5,499 feet/1,676 meters. You’ll have the choice of 17 runs spread across three distinct zones. And you’ll find a lot more challenging skiing, with on and off-piste, designated tree skiing, and high, exposed alpine skiing. 

There’s also a Super Course for those who like high-speed riding, rounding the resort out as one to line up if you like to push your limits. The base has a solid array of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and onsens.

Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park

If you like freestyle, then Hakuba 47 is the spot for you. With its sprawling Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park – including a pro-level halfpipe – there’s an insane atmosphere, with talented riders descending on the resort from all over Japan. 

Hakuba 47 actually shares its ski area with Able Hakuba Goryu, but they maintain separate bases. However, Hakuba 47’s tree ski zones and steep terrain make it the more untamed and hair-raising of the two. The trade-off is a smaller resort base with fewer facilities and amenities. No onsens, either.

Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort

Happo-One was the epicenter of the ‘98 Olympic Games, partly because of its vertical (3,513 feet/1,071 meters) and average grade, which is steeper than the other resorts. You’ll find the longest run in Hakuba, just under five miles long. As such, advanced skiers of the on and off-piste variety head for Happo-One when winter rolls around. With a handful of the only double-black graded terrain in the valley, you’ll discover plenty of technical descents. And thanks to Hakuba’s rock-solid snow record, some of the best pow lines are here, too (especially in the marked powder zones!). 

The base is spread across the whole ski area, with a myriad of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. There’s plenty for beginners, too, with some of the best ski schools in the valley at the base. This rounds out Happo-One as one of the best choices for mixed-ability groups looking for entertainment on and off the mountain.

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

Iwatake Snow Field may seem pretty under-equipped at first glance, but it has more to offer than just its stats. One gondola takes riders to the peak at 4,229 feet/1,289 meters, where a viewing platform gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. 

The base has a small learner area but little in the way of amenities. A few beginner-intermediate trails wind towards the base, but it’s off the beaten track where you’ll have the most fun. Dipping off into the trees rewards you with exciting and challenging tree skiing, and plenty of ungroomed, smaller slopes will entice the adventurous few with fresh lines all day long. 

Tsugaike Mountain Resort

Tsugaike is a hit with learners thanks to its expansive lower slopes (3,937 feet/1,200 meters wide) that offer the perfect place to get to grips with riding. Higher up, there’s tons of advanced terrain to explore, with lifts reaching over 5,577 feet/1,700 meters in height. 

Known for its heavy snowfall, you’ll have tons of choice if you love powder skiing. And when you’re done riding, you can take advantage of the many facilities, restaurants, and hot springs at the base. Plus, if you’re interested in more than skiing, there’s also a paragliding school.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort

We go a little more grassroots with Norikura, which has plenty of charm and a small-resort feel. There’s a decent amount to do, too, with a selection of lifts taking riders up to awesome terrain. 

Advanced riders will go crazy over the deep powder and quiet slopes, which means shed loads of untouched lines days after snowfall. The top lift also gets up to 5,249 feet/1,600 meters! Then, after a long day of slashing powder, you can enjoy a traditional onsen experience alongside some traditional Japanese cuisine.

Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort

Want to visit the snowiest resort in the Hakuba Valley? How about a ski-in, ski-out experience? Oh, and do you crave the steepest, most challenging tree skiing with the deepest powder and long freeride-y descents, too? Well, Hakuba Cortina is what you’re looking for. 

The 253-room Green Plaza Hotel offers a fusion Japanese-Italian experience, with Japanese and Italian restaurants on-site, traditional onsens, and all the amenities you could need. Learners will love the gentle terrain at the base. Still, advanced skiers hunting for intricate, steep, and powdery tree skiing will get their fix here.

Nozawa Onsen, Nagano

Nozawa Onsen is a large ski resort in the Nagano Prefecture. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to visit a traditional Japanese village and experience the epic powder and terrain Japan offers. Nozawa is also famous for its many onsens, so if you plan to enjoy this longstanding Japanese tradition after a day on the slopes, it’s an ideal choice. With a history of skiing dating back to 1922, there are various accommodation options – from catered hotels to self-catered apartments and traditional Japanese homes. This means you can have as authentic or touristy an experience as you wish.

Now, for the mountain. Nozawa has a 3,560 feet/1,085 meter vertical, with a peak of 5,413 feet/1,650 meters. At the base, there’s plenty of beginner terrain and a selection of short lifts to service those trails. Higher up, you’ll find a mixture of low and high-angled trails, with tons of ungroomed areas to sink your edges into. Known for its high snowfall, Nozawa attracts powder skiers from all over. At the top of the mountain is where the deepest snow accumulates and is home to a designated powder zone. You’ll discover long trails linking around no-go areas, but the mountain is well-designed, so the lifts are never overwhelmed with skiers waiting to ascend.

An Austrian founded Nozawa’s ski area, so it's no surprise there’s a slalom course called Kandahar, which is used and regulated by the FIS for events. They also have floodlit night skiing and a good snow park, so no matter what skill level you are or what raises your stoke levels, Nozawa has it in spades. One of the biggest treats is the long, winding trails that take you out into the furthest reaches of the resort before delivering you back to the base – and a well-deserved soak in your onsen of choice, of course.

Kiroro Snow World, Hokkaido

When a resort brands itself as the best resort in the country, you know it’s going to have something special to back it up. What about over 43 feet of annual snowfall? We thought that might get your attention. Okay, Kiroro doesn’t have a village at the base like Nozawa. However, it’s a purpose-built resort with a selection of upmarket accommodation, including a Club Med hotel. The snow and the mountain, though, are the big draw, with backcountry gates and designated access points for a true riding experience in some of the deepest snow on earth.

Split into two peaks, the Nagamine and Asari areas offer something different. The Nagamine peak has a ‘straight down’ feel, with just a few runs providing steep terrain to go with its deep snow, including an ungroomed black run that never gets boring. The Asari side is larger and has beginner and expert graded terrain to explore. Ungroomed runs and designated powder zones litter the mountain. Still, you can pretty much just choose your own line to the base, as the well-designed resort has no off-limits areas to trap you.

There’s a beginner zone at the base, perfect for learners. Plus, the smaller Yoichi peak has nice green runs and its own lift to help you get to grips with groomer and powder riding — it’s inescapable if you choose Kiroro for your next trip. Then, once riding is done, head to your hotel for world-class Japanese cuisine and a well-deserved soak in the onsen – something no day of skiing in Japan would be complete without.

Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido

In the shadow of the legendary Mount Yōtei on Hokkaido, you’ll find Rusutsu. Benefitting from Niseko’s same epic snowfall record, this winter resort is full of things to do for all abilities. It’s especially great for more advanced riders, with loads of steep graded terrain, black runs, off-piste, and forested riding, making it the perfect freeride destination for anyone seeking that mythical Japow.

In the village, there’s a host of hotels and other accommodation, as well as 30 restaurants to choose from! This makes this heaven for foodies and freeriders. There’s also a pair of natural onsens alongside lots of shops (including a Burton and Salomon store), and more. Plus, you’ll discover plenty of attractions, like the light maze and projection mapping, along with great cocktail bars and après spots. For kids, there’s the Game World arcade, the world’s largest indoor merry-go-round, and even a Snow Activity Land and amusement park. This place is heaven for adults and kids!

For beginners, West Mountain is where the ski school meets, and parents can lap the black and red trails above while kids learn below. Heading up to Mt. Isola and the East Mt. will give access to those longer, steeper runs we mentioned earlier. Green trails are dotted around, but for groups that are all learning or just starting off, Rusutsu Resort isn’t the best place to go. Nearby Niseko or Kiroro are the better choice for finding your feet. However, for advanced riders looking for steep and deep: this is your spot.

Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, Nagano

Shiga Kogen is the largest resort in Japan and is in the northeast of the Nagano Prefecture. The site of many of the 1998 Olympics’ events, Shiga Kogen, like the Hakuba Valley Resort, is not actually just one resort but 17!

Yep, 17 resorts covered under one pass, with altitudes between 4,396 feet/1,340 meters and 7,569 feet/2,307 meters. Oh, and they all average 32 feet or more of annual snowfall. So there should be something for everyone!

Shiga Kogen Central Area

This ‘super resort’ encompasses 13 of the 17 resorts at Shiga Kogen and is the largest interlinked ski area. There’s a great range of accommodation and ski options alongside a lot of learner terrain. You’ll find the biggest ski schools in the Shiga Kogen Central Area, and with many larger hotels. Still, despite its touristy appearance, Shiga Kogen is traditionally Japanese, with most of the bigger hotels offering Western, semi-Western, or Japanese rooms (something to think about when booking), so you can have whatever experience you want. 

Although the ski area connects the villages, they aren’t so easy to traverse by road, so it’s likely that wherever you stay is where you’ll remain most evenings. You might want to keep that in mind when booking. In terms of intermediate and advanced terrain, there’s a tremendous amount to explore across the 13 ski areas. So if you like to rack up the miles on your trips, the Central Area is a fantastic option!

Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Area

The Yakebitaiyama Ski Area is a great zone for intermediate riders looking for off-piste or powder. Its steady grading means you’ll be able to really pick up speed without getting out of control. Plus, with its extensive marked off-piste zones, it’s easy to get your first taste of the deep stuff. 

A trio of Prince Hotels (West, South, and East) offers extensive accommodation. However, there’s not much in the way of a traditional village to explore. Still, you’ll find there’s epic riding – and what more do you need than that?

Okushiga Kogen Ski Area

Dubbed the remotest area in this ski circuit, the Okushiga Kogen Ski Area provides protected, north-facing slopes. That means it boasts the deepest, coldest, and driest powder, along with plenty of expert-graded terrain. 

Okushiga is also classed as one of the luxury ski areas, so expect pricing to be a little more expensive for accommodation. There are a few upmarket hotels to choose from, but day-tripping here for the snow might be a better option, as the area isn’t huge, and is not connected to any of the larger zones. As a beginner, it may be better to aim for a larger, more developed ski area in the resort, too.

Kumanoyu Ski Area

If you’re looking for a laid-back and compact ski experience, this ski area might suit you. Providing some challenging technical terrain and tons of deep powder, this small, quiet resort is definitely a hidden gem – and never busy!

If you plan to ski all day, you’ll exhaust what Kumanoyu provides relatively quickly. However, those wanting a more relaxed and traditional Japanese experience will find the hotel beautiful and love that it has its own onsen for relaxing after a long day of riding. Don’t forget the night skiing, too.

Yokoteyama-Shibutoge Ski Resort

Another smaller and self-contained resort, the Yokoteyama-Shibutoge area still has plenty to offer. There’s a mix of beginner and expert terrain, along with a 1.8-mile racing trail and a race course called the Kaiwa Course, designed by Japanese competitive skier Toshihiro Kaiwa. So, this is an awesome option if you like to go fast and rip the groomers. 

Don’t forget to look up the dedicated crumpet restaurant. Yep, it only serves crumpets. That’s not all, though – there’s also a traditional Japanese restaurant at the base and a lovely hotel with an onsen.

Myoko Kogen Ski Resort, Niigata

Another grouped ski area, Myoko Kogen Ski Resort boasts between 42-55 feet of annual snowfall and is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Japan. That’s because it’s just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Tokyo airport. 

Choose from nine resorts, each with its own charm and character. But, unlike Shiga Kogen, there’s a sizable traditional Japanese village at the foot of the mountain, along with several smaller villages that now form the bases of each ski resort. As such, Myoko is a superb choice to really immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture…and chest-deep powder!

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort

Akakura Onsen was a traditional hot spring mountain retreat before the ski lifts were installed in the 1950s and 60s. Now, you’ll have 14 lifts to play with, but the village still retains its small and traditional feel. 

Geared towards beginners and intermediates, this resort is one of the larger in the area and even has night skiing. Experts will find plenty of powder to ride. However, you might be better suited to a different resort if it’s steeper, more challenging terrain you’re seeking.

Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenblick

Famed for its white birch forests and wide, open runs, Ikenotaira Onsen Alpenblick (often known as just Ikenotaira) is a relaxed introduction to Japanese ski culture and offers two ski areas for riders to check out. The Alpenblick side is often quieter and has more powder stashes to discover in its extensive tree-riding. However, it’s mostly low-angled, so it might not suit experts looking for challenging terrain. 

On the other hand, Ikenotaira Alpenblick is Destination Number One for freestyle enthusiasts. It’s home to one of Japan’s premier snow parks, a sprawling complex of jumps, rails, and other jib features for riders of all levels.

Seki Onsen Ski Resort

If you are an advanced rider looking for that backcountry experience and steep terrain with endless powder, Seki Onsen (despite its stature and mere two lifts) should definitely be on the hit list. Famed for its steep gullies and ungroomed slopes, Seki Onsen is a wild experience.

This resort is perfect for those who aren’t bothered about high-tech lifts or endless groomers. And with nearly 53 feet of snow on average every year, there are few snowier resorts in the world, let alone Japan.

Akakura Kanko Resort

Named after the famous Akakura Kanko Hotel, this resort has been kicking since 1937. If you’re going on a New Year's trip to Japan, consider Akakura Kanko, as it offers a dawn ski ride on New Year’s Day! 

You’ll find lots of runs for all levels, and with a connected ski area with Akakura Onsen, this forms the largest and most dynamic area in the overarching resort. So, if you want to get those miles in and ski a larger area, Akakura Kanko is a great choice.

Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort

Is bigger better? If you think so, head for Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, home to Japan’s longest ski run (it’s over five miles long!). You’ll discover long lifts, serving up the 3,687-foot/1,124-meter vertical that this resort boasts. So, if longer runs are what you’re seeking, Suginohara is the right option. 

It’s good news for families, too, as Suginohara provides free lift and gondola tickets for kids up to 11 years old. There are also plenty of activities, including XC skiing, a sizable terrain park, and snowmobile touring, making Suginohara one of the most ‘complete’ resorts in this circuit.

Charmant Hiuchi

One of the under-the-radar destinations on this circuit, Charmant Hiuchi is powder skiing incarnate, with 65% of its marked slopes ungroomed and ripe for pow slashing. It’s north facing, too, so catches the prevailing storms like a butterfly net, accumulating a 16-foot base every season. 

Okay, there are only three lifts here, and the terrain isn’t extensive. However, it’s stupid fun to ride, as the resort is packed with natural features.

Cupid Valley

Cupid Valley, the last resort in the circuit, is found at the far end of Joetsu City and was originally privately owned. Only opened to the public in 2021, it’s still totally unknown to most visitors, making it extremely quiet – even after a good pow-dump. 

In 2022, several tree runs were opened, but the low angle of the mountain means there’s no advanced terrain. Prepare for cruisey laps only. Then, head for the Yukidaruma Onsen, just a two-minute hike from the ski resort base.

Lotte Arai Resort, Niigata

You might have noticed the above list only had seven entries – even though the introduction stated there are nine resorts in the Myoko Circuit. That’s true, but Lotte Arai is such a stellar entry we felt it needed its own listing (along with Madarao below). First, Lotte Arai. If luxury is your bag, then Lotte Arai is the right choice. The resort has a bit of a unique history. It opened in 1993 as a luxury destination but failed in 2006 when the global economy collapsed, remaining closed for years. It was bought and then refurbished extensively, reopening to the public in 2017 as the self-branded best luxury ski resort in Japan.

But it wasn’t just the base that was updated. Many runs were reshaped and remarked, with lots of tree skiing and marked off-piste added, too. There was also an addition of avalanche-controlled, marked off-piste – something rare in Japan but necessary because of the extreme snowfalls (over 66 feet every winter!). One of the best things about this resort, though, is that it includes above-the-treeline skiing – also rare in Japan. So, riders can tackle wide-open powder bowls like in the Alps. Except, you don’t have to dodge rocks here because, well, over 66 feet of snowfall per year!

Five lifts service the 3,609 feet of vertical, and most of the terrain is ungroomed and marked advanced and expert. Beginners will have a small amount to do around the base on the groomed nursery slopes, but those just starting out or progressing may find themselves out of their depth when tackling snow this deep and terrain this steep. There’s also the price factor — Lotte Arai is not cheap. Branded as luxury, it comes with a price tag. So staying in-resort is expensive. Luckily, you can stay in the much more reasonably priced Myoko and take a day trip for epic riding.

Madarao Mountain Resort, Niigata

Included in the circuit, but not technically on Myoko Mountain, Madarao Mountain Resort lies across the valley on the opposite Mount Madarao. Nicknamed ‘Madapow’, this resort is interconnected with Tangram Ski Circus and is pretty sizable. Plus, it gets snow in abundance – so much so that half of the marked terrain is just ungroomed. Madarao Mountain Resort is also famed for its marked tree runs and wide-open powder fields, perfect for cruisey pow laps.

Ten lifts service 31 marked trails but the off-piste is the real attraction. Madarao fully embraces its powder skiing and has guides to show visitors all the best stashes and lines. However, self-exploration is definitely possible thanks to the shape of the mountain, with an ‘all roads lead to home’ layout to make riding as safe as possible. For a great intro to what the resort offers, head to the peak for a bird’s-eye view of the mountain below. Then, aim for the Crystal Bowl for some of the most fun tree skiing around! There’s also the Powder Wave, Powder Theater, and River Line to explore — and so much more!

In terms of accommodation, you can stay at the Madarao Kogen Hotel or the Hotel Tangram Madarao on the other side. Both are big, fully catered ski hotels perfect for the ski-in,-ski-out experience. However, if you want to get the most out of skiing this area, staying in Myoko is cheaper. Plus, it’ll set you up to ride Madarao and the other great resorts, such as Lotte Arai, Seki Onsen, Ikenotaira Alpenblick, and the rest of the Myoko circuit resorts.

Appi Kogen, Hachimantai 

With 850 acres of terrain, Appi ‘Happy’ Kogen is one of the largest singular ski resorts in Japan. Spread across three peaks, this resort features extensive groomed terrain for beginners, long, open runs for intermediates, and steep treed and technical terrain for expert riders. With a focus on all riding levels, Appi Kogen is a ‘complete’ resort sure to please everyone. And with the sprawling ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort 5-Star Hotel at the foot of the mountain, if you want to really wring the most out of a Japanese ski trip, then Appi Kogen is an excellent choice.

Appi Kogen also won the title of Japan’s Best Ski Resort for 2022 at the World Ski Awards — the highest honor for the Japanese Ski Industry. So, they must have something pretty special to back it up, right? Well, for beginners, international ski schools cater to all levels in various languages. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated Kids Land with fun snow activities. And for those who like a bit of magic in their lives, there’s a magic forest, the biggest beginner-focused tree run in Japan.

Those looking for more of a challenge can cut their teeth at the Appi Snow Park, which has a variety of jib, rail, and kicker features. Or, if you want to sample the goods, Appi has extensive backcountry options, including the Hachimantai CAT Skiing Tour for the full experience, a short Appi Powder Tour open, which is lift-and-hike accessed in-bounds backcountry, or, if you want something a little more exclusive, hire a Private Powder Guide from the front desk to get you to the untouched stashes hidden around the mountain. There are also backcountry lessons.

FAQs

Booking a ski trip to Japan is daunting, so we’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions to ease your mind as you go into this. Check them out below.

I don’t speak any Japanese. Can I still go to Japan to ride?

The short answer is yes. The larger resorts all cater to Western visitors, and you’ll even find ‘Western Rooms’ at many larger hotels, which are more familiar to American and Western tourists. 

The staff speak English in the more tourist-focused areas, but as you venture into the more traditional areas, that will fade quickly. As such, brush up on some key phrases, carry a phrase book or translator app ‌with you, and make sure you’ve got international data enabled on your phone — navigating snow-laden streets can be tricky without GPS!

Is skiing in Japan expensive?

There’s a larger cost associated with Japan because flights and transfers can be pricey. As many of the bigger resorts cater to Western visitors, too, they have to make a lot more effort by changing their customs and habits to ensure Western tourists have a great experience. All this extra effort in the big resorts does result in a higher cost than skiing domestically. 

Booking as a package is also a costly but easy way to ski in Japan. However, you can certainly cut those costs by staying in a village or town in self-catered or more hostel-styled accommodation.

What’s the cheapest way to ski in Japan?

The cheapest way to ski in Japan is to book everything separately. Find the cheapest flights to Tokyo, book public transport, and bag accommodation in a village or town (like Myoko) and not in-resort. Opt for something that’s self-catered or hostel style, and embrace the local culture and food, as it’s pretty cheap to eat at the local restaurants and shop at the local stores versus the Western ones. 

Then, look for packages or deals for lift tickets, and go where the value is best. You may find that resorts like Niseko are out of reach if budget is an issue, but there’s still plenty of pow to ride elsewhere! The other, much cheaper option is to just do a ski season in Japan, work in-resort, and get paid to be there.

Which is the most easily accessible resort?

The resorts in the Nagano and Niigata Prefectures are the ‘easiest’ to reach as you can fly into Tokyo and then take a train to the nearest city, usually meaning a quick hop to the resort itself (relatively speaking). These would be Jigatake, Hakuba, Myoko, Madarao, and more that aren’t on this list. 

If you want to choose Niseko, Kiroro, Rusutsu, or any of the Hokkaido resorts, you’re likely to take a connecting flight to Sapporo and then a train or bus from there. It’s a little trickier but not too bad – and definitely worth it!

How good do I need to be to ride in Japan?

Most people aren’t familiar with this level of powder. Because it’s light, fluffy, and so deep, you’ll likely plow through it at waist height in most circumstances. So, if you’re not a strong powder rider who can maintain speed (a necessity for this type of riding), you just won’t get what you’re hoping for from Japan. 

California, Utah, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and BC all get abundant powder that makes a good intro to this kind of riding. Once you’re confident slashing the pow there, you’re probably ready for Japow!

Do you need special equipment to ride in Japan?

You need a pair of pow skis or a powder snowboard. Good quality equipment is imperative for riding in Japan, and just a regular rented pair of alpine skis or a twin-tip board will not do you any favors. 

So, powder riding equipment is necessary for Japan. Period. Luckily, you can rent it at a resort if you don’t have any but still want to go!

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it: a monster guide for a monstrously snowy country. Pack your snorkel, grab your phrase book, and get searching for your next ski adventure. Japan may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most of us, but it’s definitely one worth shooting for. And Japow is unlike anything else on Earth. Trust us: if you’re a powderhound, then you need to check it off your bucket list.

Think we’ve missed something? Ridden awesome Japow and want to add some extra insider info? Reach out to us at crew@montecwear.com and let us know!

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