Heading over to Japan on a ski holiday and unsure about what kind of lift pass to buy? Not to worry, this complete Japan lift pass guide will explain what to buy, which to use where, and what is accepted at each major Japan ski resort.
Niseko United Lift Pass
Niseko United Ski Resort is made up of 4 interconnecting resorts, each with their own system of lifts and gondolas. Here is a breakdown of which Niseko ski passes can be used at each resort.
Niseko United All Mountain Pass
Those who prefer the convenience of a single all-access lift pass can purchase the Niseko All Mountain lift pass which covers all 4 Niseko United resorts and offers unlimited use based on number of days purchased. Niseko All Mountain passes can be purchased in advance, and when booked through Japan Ski Experience, can be delivered to your accommodation free of charge.
Adult rates apply to ages 16-59
Senior rates apply to ages 60+
Child rates apply to ages 7-12 and 13-15
Children 6 and younger ski free
IKON pass holders can also ski Hanazono and Grand Hirafu as well as all Niseko ski resorts for up to 7 days free.
Book your Niseko United All Mountain lift passes here.
In addition to the Niseko United All Mountain lift pass, you can also purchase lift passes for each individual resort, ideal for those who are true beginners or wish to do more than ski. Keep reading for details about what is available at each Niseko United resort.
Niseko Hanazono and Niseko Grand Hirafu Resorts
Niseko Hanazono and Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resorts are covered by one Hanazono & Grand Hirafu lift pass. These passes can be purchased as a 1-point access, a Gondola ride, 5 hour, 8 hour, and then 1-7 day passes. Daily night skiing passes can also be purchased. Hanazono & Grand Hirafu lift ticket keycards can be purchased either online (and collected from the automatic ticket machine at the base of the mountain) or at the Hanazono 308 Lift Ticket Counter.
Niseko Village Resort
Niseko Village lift passes allow access to the 7 lifts within Niseko Village resort. You can purchase 1 to 7 day Niseko Village lift tickets.
Niseko Annupuri Resort
Niseko Annupuri lift passes allow access to Annupuri resort and can be purchased by hour passes (5 hour or 8 hour) or days (1 to 7) as well as Night Ski pass and season pass.
For those planning to ski and ride every day, the Niseko United All Mountain lift pass offers the best value for money as well as convenience and flexibility with electronic gate access.
Hakuba Valley Lift Pass
One of the largest resort areas in Japan, Hakuba Valley is made up of 10 separate resorts: Hakuba Happo-One, Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Hakuba Norikura, Hakuba Cortina, Jiigatake, Kashimayari, and Hakuba Sanosaka.
Hakuba Valley Lift Pass
For the ultimate convenience, you can ski and ride all 10 Hakuba ski resorts with just one pass. Those who prefer the convenience of a single all-access lift pass can purchase a Hakuba Valley Lift Pass in advance of arrival and have it delivered to your accommodation free of charge. Hakuba Valley ski pass holders can also ride the inter-resort shuttle free of charge, allowing you to easily discover everything the Hakuba Valley has to offer.
Epic Pass Hakuba Valley
Epic Pass holders (as well as Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass holders) will receive 5 consecutive days at all Hakuba Valley resorts using their Epic Pass with no blackout periods. Simply exchange your pass at the various resort ticket windows and a complimentary pass will be issued.
Book your Hakuba Valley All Mountain Lift Passes here.
Hakuba Happo One Resort
Various lift pass options can be purchased at Happo One resort including 1 day, 2 day, half day, night ride, single ride etc.
Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu Resorts
Various 1, 2, 3 and half day as well as single ride tickets can be purchased for Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu ski resorts.
Jigatake Ski Resort
Adult, senior and child lift tickets can be purchased at Jigatake, as well as Family pass ticket options.
Hakuba Iwatake Resort
1, 2 and half day lift tickets can be purchased at Iwatake resort. Child, adult and senior options are available.
Tsukaike Kogen
Daily lift tickets can be purchased at Tsugaike, with senior and child discounts available.
Hakuba Norikura Resort
Daily, hourly as well as family lift tickets are available at Hakuba Norikura ski resort.
Hakuba Cortina Resort
Daily lift passes for adults and children can be purchased at the resort.
The Hakuba Valley lift pass is the best option for those who plan to ski every day, and want the convenience of electronic gate access without having to wait in queues each day.