Your ultimate guide to skiing in Japan

When people think of Japan, they often envision cutting-edge technology, bullet trains, stunning temples, cherry blossoms, sushi, and vibrant cuisine. However, for those in the know, skiing in Japan is one of the country’s greatest treasures.

Japan experiences more snowfall than any other nation, leading to an abundance of thrilling peaks. With over 450 ski resorts operating across the country, pinpointing the best can be challenging. This list serves as one of the most comprehensive guides to Japan's premier resorts, detailing the best times to visit and the types of travelers each resort suits best.

What is the optimal time to ski in Japan?

The perfect time for your ski trip in Japan largely depends on your preferences. If you're aiming for the best snow conditions with plenty of powder and the chance to ski daily, plan your visit between mid-January and early February, but try to avoid the 5th of February if possible.

During these months, snowfall can reach nearly 100 inches, providing some of the best skiing conditions available. The 5th of February marks Chinese New Year, attracting a large number of tourists, which can lead to crowded slopes and a less enjoyable experience if you prefer quieter settings.

If you’re seeking milder temperatures and more affordable accommodations, consider planning your trip between late March and the end of April. While deep powder is unlikely during this period, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and the slopes still offer plenty of gentle skiing options.

Essential tips for skiing in Japan

A key tip for maximizing your experience and finding the best runs is to ski with a guide. Having a guide takes the hassle out of navigating the area and ensures you get the most from your trip.

To truly make the most of every run while skiing in Japan, having a guide is invaluable. Ensure you select a guide who speaks English if you're not fluent in Japanese.

Next, don’t hesitate to explore the local customs, savor Japanese cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture. It's worth noting that the Japanese truly appreciate seeing foreigners engaging with their way of life.

Learn a few key phrases, get involved, and enjoy your adventure. Onsens, or hot springs, are a popular attraction near the ski resorts, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the etiquette before taking a dip.

Top ski resorts in Japan

As previously mentioned, there are nearly 500 skiing areas across Japan, each boasting a variety of resorts. One visit won't be enough to fully experience all the skiing options available, but if it's your first trip, here are my top recommendations.

1. Rusutsu Ski Resort

Elevation: 3,261 Feet | Skill Level: All abilities | Family-friendly resort ideal for everyone

Rusutsu Ski Resort, situated in Hokkaido, is a true gem for powder aficionados of every skill level, particularly for seasoned skiers who enjoy tree skiing amid its superb powder. With an impressive annual snowfall exceeding 12 meters, Rusutsu offers both off-piste and tree skiing, featuring well-groomed trails suitable for beginners and intermediates alike.

The highlight of Rusutsu Resort is the exceptional fall-line tree skiing that can be accessed directly from the lifts, making it easy for snowboarders to navigate. The long runs generally lack steep inclines, which is perfect for learners and boarders, while the abundant snow and high-quality powder ensure a delightful experience for all on the slopes.

Rusutsu Resort Hotel is a favored destination for travelers, providing a variety of family-friendly services along with non-skiing activities. Enjoy unique attractions like singing trees, a merry-go-round, and dancing bears. Guests can also take advantage of a game arcade and a wave pool. Kids will love the snow park featuring snow biking, tubing, and more. While nightlife options are somewhat limited compared to other resorts, there are plenty of dining choices, including a few traditional Japanese restaurants and a couple of quiet bars in the area.

2. Niseko

Elevation: 4,291 feet | Skill Level: All abilities | Family-friendly resort ideal for everyone

Niseko stands out as one of Japan's premier ski resorts and is often regarded as the must-visit destination among all the options in the country. Located in Hokkaido, directly across from Rusutsu, Niseko typically receives nearly 15 meters of snow by the end of the season, often blanketing many buildings. This makes it a favored choice for powder enthusiasts. The resort has repeatedly been awarded as the best ski destination in Japan at the World Ski Awards.

Beyond its pristine slopes, Niseko's culinary scene is a major attraction, offering exquisite seafood thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The volcanic soil produces unique delicacies such as corn, dairy, and potatoes, alongside ideal grazing grounds for Makkari pigs and local cattle, yielding some of the finest marbled meats. With four distinct resorts in the area, skiers of all skill levels can find exactly what they seek at Niseko.

For those looking to explore more of the Niseko region, guided hikes to Half-Moon Lake are available, leading you through a majestic, snow-laden forest. This is a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs and appreciate the breathtaking scenery. If that's not enough, consider finding a guide for activities like reindeer sledding, snow rafting, or snowmobiling. After a day of adventure, enjoy dinner at Kamimura Restaurant, a Michelin-starred venue known for its exceptional cuisine.

3. Hakuba

Elevation: 5,498 feet | Skill Level: All abilities | Ideal for couples and thrill-seekers

Hakuba, with its close proximity to Tokyo, vibrant nightlife, and exceptional powder conditions, ranks among Asia's premier skiing and snowboarding destinations. It features a diverse range of resorts suitable for all skill levels, from novices to experts.

Among the numerous resorts in Hakuba, our top recommendation is Hakuba 47, which connects to Goryu via its upper lifts. This resort boasts 23 pistes, offering a mix of free-ride, long runs, and freestyle options with a superior halfpipe. Beginners should start at the lower section of Goryu, which offers a gentle pitch and ample space to navigate safely. At the summit, you'll find a couple of wide red runs that allow for speed while providing enough room to avoid collisions.

There’s a challenging black run at the summit, presenting stunning views of the valley below, but it's often icy and not recommended unless you're confident in your abilities.

Hakuba Valley offers two major attractions beyond its ski slopes that attract thousands of winter visitors. First, there's a rich culinary scene featuring both traditional Japanese dishes and Western favorites like burgers and pizza, all of which are delightful. The second major attraction is the onsens, or hot springs, with four located in the area. One of the best is Tenjin No Yu inside Hakuba Highland Hotel, which provides stunning views of the Japanese Alps and relaxing alkaline waters.

4. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Elevation: 5,413 feet | Skill Level: All abilities | Ideal for advanced skiers

Nestled in Nozawa, this ski resort boasts some of the highest annual snowfall in the world, providing access to enchanting pistes and tree skiing. It stands out for its embrace of off-piste skiing and recently opened a tree section at the mountain's summit in the Yamabiko area. While around 30% of the terrain is classified as advanced, the resort features approximately 46 runs that cater to skiers of all abilities.

Thanks to the diverse bowls and valleys within the resort, Nozawa offers a rich selection of backcountry and side-country options for both skiers and snowboarders, though accessing many side-country spots may require ducking under a few ropes.

Beyond skiing, Nozawa is vibrant with local culture, exquisite cuisine, and renowned hot springs. If you visit on January 15th, don't miss the Nozawa Fire Festival, where fire meets snow in a stunning display, featuring mountain trees transformed into a shrine and set ablaze in a spectacular offering to the local deity.

5. Furano Ski Resort

Elevation: 3,523 feet | Skill Level: All abilities | Family-friendly resort

Furano is among Hokkaido’s most celebrated ski resorts, offering a little something for everyone: approximately 40% of the terrain is designed for beginners, another 40% for intermediates, and the remaining 20% for advanced skiers.

The resort is set in a town renowned for its television dramas and beautiful flowers, featuring two interconnected peaks that provide a diverse array of runs—from wide, gentle slopes ideal for novice powder enthusiasts to long, speedy descents for more experienced skiers.

Families will appreciate Furano’s Family Snowland, where both you and your children can engage in fun snow activities like snowmobiling and snow rafting. It’s also a perfect place for novice skiers to hone their skills or for kids to learn how to navigate the slopes.

Furano Ski Resort boasts one of the region's most extensive ski schools, the Furano Kimura Kosen Ski School, which offers lessons for individuals aged 13 and older. This school is led by Kiminori Kimura, an international skier and four-time Olympian.

6. Sapporo Teine

Elevation: 3,356 feet | Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate | Ideal for budget-conscious travelers

Sapporo Teine is a fantastic choice for those looking to ski in Japan without breaking the bank. It's one of the most prominent and affordable ski resorts in Sapporo and, while it’s primarily tailored for beginners, it also features some exhilarating deep powder lines that will thrill intermediate skiers.

The resort consists of two distinct areas: Olympia and Highland, each catering to different skill levels. Olympia is the lower section designed for beginners, while Highland, the upper area, offers runs suitable for more experienced beginners and a few for intermediate skiers.

Both areas feature well-appointed facilities, including lockers and cafeterias, along with numerous rental outlets for easy access to gear. For families traveling with children, Sapporo has a dedicated kids' park where little ones can enjoy sledding or tubing, and there are childcare services available for kids aged one to six.

7. Shiga Kogen

Elevation: 7,568 feet | Skill Level: Beginner and intermediate | Limited facilities

Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area, comprising approximately 19 interconnected resorts accessible with one lift pass. It is gradually becoming a top contender among Japan's ski resorts, offering skiers and snowboarders over 600 hectares of powdery terrain, more than 1,000 meters of vertical drop, and over 80 kilometers of well-maintained pistes—all accessible via about 52 lifts with a single pass.

While the facilities and dining options may be limited, this region is still favored for its variety of off-slope activities. If you find yourself wanting a break from the snow (though that's hard to imagine!), you can explore several other options available in the area.

Jigokudani Yaen Koen, popularly known as the Snow Monkey Park, is a renowned destination nearby that is home to over 200 snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques. Here, you can observe them play and relax, even enjoying a soak in the hot springs. Besides the many onsens in the region, you can also explore nearby attractions like Matsushiro Kaizu Castle and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.