SKI RESORTS IN JAPAN
Japan Ski Experience was born out of a passion for skiing and snowboarding in resorts across Japan. Having lived and worked in Niigata, Nagano, Yamagata, Fukushima and Hokkaido prefectures, our team has spent more than 20 years exploring Japan’s ski regions and building first-hand knowledge of where to stay in each destination. As independent specialists in Japanese ski accommodation, we are trusted by past guests to provide clear, local advice on the best areas and bases for accessing the mountains.
Choosing the right ski resort in Japan is a matter of personal preference, and we use our local expertise to highlight four of the most popular destinations for international skiers and snowboarders. While local skiers often choose resorts for a single day’s conditions, most visitors look for resorts that offer reliable snow throughout the season, enough terrain for longer stays, and a strong range of accommodation options, dining and village amenities. Below you’ll find an overview of four of the best ski resorts in Japan, with a summary of what each offers to help you decide where to stay. If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for a resort nearby, you may also find our article ‘The best Japan Ski Resorts near Tokyo’ helpful.
Japan’s Best Ski Resorts Head to Head!
NISEKO UNITED, HOKKAIDO
4 interlinked Japan ski resorts, famed for powder snow and lively Hirafu Village, Niseko United is Japan’s most popular ski area.
- Top Lift 1,200 Metres
- 30 Lifts
- 81 Courses
- 940 Metres Vertical
- 15+ Metres Annual Snowfall
- Ikon Passes Accepted
- Excellent Off-Piste
- The greatest choice of luxury accommodations
- Price Range: ¥¥ - ¥¥¥¥¥¥
- Pros: unbeatable powder, lively resort town, great facilities, international vibe, Youtei views
- Cons: busier than most Japanese ski resorts, not an off the beaten track experience
HAKUBA VALLEY, NAGANO
Comprising 10 ski resorts, Hakuba Valley is the largest ski area in Japan with varied terrain and spectacular scenery.
- Top Lift 1,830 Metres
- 102 Lifts
- 138 Courses
- 1,071 Metres Vertical
- 12+ Metres Annual Snowfall
- Epic Passes Accepted
- Good Off-Piste
- A wide range of accommodation from traditional to modern luxury
- Price Range: ¥¥ - ¥¥¥¥¥
- Pros: variety of terrain, traditional and international resort areas, mountain scenery, cultural experiences
- Cons: best experienced if you take the shuttle or drive around rather than staying in one place
FURANO, HOKKAIDO
Bluebird powder is on offer at this family friendly Japan ski resort renowned for its immaculate groomers and recently opened off-piste.
- Top Lift 1,074 Metres
- 9 Lifts
- 28 Courses
- 839 Metres Vertical
- 8+ Metres Annual Snowfall
- Kids Ski Free
- Recently Opened Off-Piste - A Game-Changer for Furano
- Choice of properties including brand new ski in ski out luxury
- Price Range: ¥ - ¥¥¥¥¥
- Pros: perfect Japan ski resort for families - under 12s free!, bluebird powder, easy groomers, quiet runs
- Cons: limited advanced terrain, not a large resort by international standards
RUSUTSU, HOKKAIDO
Winner of ‘Japan’s Best Ski Resort’ for 4 of the past 6 years, Rusutsu‘s deep powder and superb conditions could make it the resort for you!
- Top Lift 994 Metres
- 18 Lifts
- 37 Courses
- 594 Metres Vertical
- 13+ Metres Annual Snowfall
- Epic Passes Accepted
- Excellent Off-Piste
- Stay at a villa, a resort hotel or a luxury condominium complex
- Price Range: ¥¥¥-¥¥¥¥¥
- Pros: great terrain and snow conditions, ski in ski out accommodation, Youtei views and fewer crowds
- Cons: lacks a classic ski resort town
Japan Ski Resorts Maps
Have you ever wondered where in Japan most ski areas are located? There are currently 466 operating ski resorts in Japan, with the largest number of resorts in Hokkaido, followed by Nagano and Niigata on mainland Japan. Here are two maps showing all Japan ski resort locations by prefecture. If you’re interested in learning more about the main skiing regions of Japan, and what ski resorts in these regions are like including terrain, conditions and accessibility, please check our guides to ski resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano.
Click to enlarge
Other Japan Ski Resorts
For the most current information on individual Japanese ski resorts including operating hours and lift status, it is usually best to check the official resort websites. With 466 ski resorts in total we haven’t covered them all, but below you will find a list of official sites for the Japan ski resorts you are most likely to visit. Please let us know if we have missed any that you would find useful!
| Hokkaido | Asahidake, Daisetsuzan Kurodake, Furano, Tomamu, Kiroro, Niseko United, Niseko Moiwa, Rusutsu, Sahoro, Sapporo Kokusai, Teine |
| Nagano | Goryu, Hakuba 47, Cortina, Happo One, Iwatake, Norikura, Jiigatake, Kashimayari, Tsugaike, Karuizawa, Kijimadaira, Madarao Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Sakae, Shiga Kogen, Sugadaira, |
| Niigata | Myoko, Gala Yuzawa, Ishiuchi Maruyama, Iwappara, Joetsu, Kokusai, Kagura, Lotte Arai Resort, Naeba, Yuzawa Kogen |
| Yamagata | Zao Onsen |
| Aomori | Hakkoda |
| Fukushima | Alts Bandai, Aizu Kogen Takatsue, Inawashiro, |
Book with Us
Across Japan’s leading ski resorts, we offer access to a wide range of accommodation, including current early booking offers, with optional support for transfers and selected resort services. If you’re not sure which resort is right for you, our team can advise on where to stay and the accommodation options available.
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