Japan is one of the best places in the world for skiing and winter activities due to its abundant powder snow. Compared to skiing in Europe and America, skiing in Japan is much more affordable. Additionally, Japan is home to some of the finest onsens in the world, with all ski resorts offering indoor or outdoor hot spring facilities.
When is the Best Time to Ski in Japan?
- Ski season: December - April
- Best time to ski: January and February
- Most crowded time: Late January to Early February (around Chinese New Year)
Japan's ski season runs from December to April. Hokkaido, located in the northern part of the country, usually receives snow earlier than other regions, with some ski resorts opening as early as November. In Honshu areas, such as Nagano, the ski season is slightly shorter, lasting from late December to March. The best and busiest ski season is in January and February when the snow conditions are best.
The busiest periods are from late January to early February (around Chinese New Year) and during Christmas. January and February are popular travel months, so expect large crowds and long lift lines. It's advisable to book your trip 3 to 6 months in advance.
The off-peak months for skiing are December, March, and April, when you could enjoy slopes with fewer crowds. However, the snow conditions could be inconsistent. You might encounter either excellent powder or icy slopes, depending on recent snowfall. Hokkaido tends to have more consistent snow conditions during this time compared to other regions. Even in mid-March, there is still plenty of snow and you could expect one or two heavy snowfalls
Most ski resorts close in April but those in Hokkaido tend to remain open longer. You could even ski in Hokkaido in April while in Nagano, the last month for skiing is March, with resorts like Shiga Kogen and Hakuba Valley closing their slopes at that time.
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Where to Ski in Japan - Hokkaido or Nagano
Hokkaido and Honshu (specifically Nagano) are the two most famous places to ski in Japan. Hokkaido is famous for its excellent facilities, world-class ski resorts, and friendly atmosphere for Western visitors. Honshu, on the other hand, is closer to Tokyo with more affordable prices. Additionally, the often-overlooked Tohoku region provides quieter, cheaper options with several excellent ski resorts. Some of the most popular ski resorts include Niseko, Rusutsu, Hakuba Valley, Shiga Kogen, and Furano.
Skiing in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the most popular and well-known skiing destination in Japan, but it can also be quite crowded and expensive. The region has the most snowfall and boasts the best ski resorts, such as Niseko, Rusutsu, and Kiroro Resort.
The ski resorts in Hokkaido are famous for their world-class facilities and welcoming atmosphere for Western travelers. Niseko, the largest and best ski resort in Japan, has a distinctly Western atmosphere. Most travelers there come from Western countries, such as Australia and the US, and most hotel staff can speak English. Hokkaido is very famous, hence being very crowded and the most expensive option
Top Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
Top ski resorts in Hokkaido include Niseko, Rustsu, Kiroro, Furano, and Sapporo Teine ski resorts, etc. There are actually dozens of options available. If you can't secure a hotel in these popular resorts, there are many other alternatives to choose from.
Niseko is Japan's biggest and most popular ski resort, known for its great powder snow and facilities. But it gets really crowded, so you may need to wait in long lines for the cable car, and hotels are harder to book.
As a good alternative, Rusutsu is cheaper and offers similar snow conditions and facilities to Niseko.
The ski resorts in the northern region, such as Furano Ski Resort, tend to be less crowded and more budget-friendly.
Sapporo Teine ski resort is the closest ski place to Sapporo. It features a 7-kilometer-long (4-mile-long) beginner slope and is very friendly for newcomers. The view from the top of the lift is stunning.
Hotels in famous resorts in Hokkaido are hard to book, so you need to book about 6 months in advance during the busy season in January and February. Contact Us to plan your Japan ski trip NOW!
Skiing in Nagano/the Japanese Alps
Nagano is easily accessible from Tokyo and could be reached by Shinkansen in about 2 hours.
The ski resorts in Nagano are renowned for their elevated terrains, traditional Japanese ryokans with onsens, and stunning natural surroundings. Instead of luxurious international hotels, you would find many ryokans that offer an authentic local experience. The skiing prices are more affordable than those in Hokkaido.
Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are the top skiing destinations in this region.
Hakuba offers challenging steep terrain and more modern facilities. It also has a Western atmosphere, featuring a higher number of foreign ski instructors and staff. There are 10 ski resorts in Hakuba although they are not directly connected so shuttle buses provide convenient access between them.
Shiga Kogen is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and pristine forests. Skiing there is more affordable than in Hakuba and it is also closer to the Snow Monkey Park. Some ski resorts in Shiga Kogen are connected by ski trails.
Interested? Explore our popular tours for skiing in the Japanese Alps!
Skiing in Tohoku
Another underrated ski destination in Japan is Tohoku, located in the northern part of the country. Most travelers there are local Japanese, making prices quite affordable and the crowds much smaller.
The two main ski resorts are Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Appi Kogen Ski Resort. Zao Onsen is famous for its stunning "Snow Monsters", which are beautifully illuminated in the evening, as well as its hot springs. In contrast, Appi Kogen is well-known for its smooth slopes, making it a great choice for families with kids.
Read on for a full list of the best ski resorts in Japan
What Are the Snow Conditions in Japan?
Japan is famous for its powder snow and abundant snowfall. Snowfall is heavy. It snows almost every day in January and February, which are the snowiest months of the year. In Hokkaido, snow depth could reach about 3 meters (10 feet). The snow is characterized by its light, dry, and abundant quality.
The slopes in Japan are generally gentler compared to those in the West, especially in Hokkaido. If you're seeking more challenging trails, consider ski resorts in the Japanese Alps, such as Hakuba and Shiga Kogen.
Which Airport Is Best for Skiing in Japan?
The most popular airports to fly into to reach the ski resorts are New Chitose Airport, Haneda Airport, and Narita Airport.
New Chitose Airport is the major gateway to enter Hokkaido. This airport is the main transportation hub for accessing ski resorts in Hokkaido, such as Niseko and Furano.
Haneda Airport and Narita Airport are in Tokyo, serving as the main airports to connect to ski resorts in Nagano, including Hakuba and Shiga Kogen.
What Are the Skiing Costs in Japan?
A ski trip to Japan could be surprisingly affordable compared to North American resorts, with food, transportation, lift tickets, and gear rental generally costing less. However, hotel prices could be on the higher side.
For instance, a day pass at Niseko, one of Japan's premier ski resorts, is only $63.
Here's a breakdown of skiing costs in Japan:
- Lift pass: approximately $40
- Rentals: starting from $30 per set
- Accommodation: ranges from $100 to $950
How Cold Is Japan in Winter?
Japan experiences cold winters, with Hokkaido being the coldest region. During the peak winter months of January and February, temperatures in Hokkaido typically range from -10°C to -15°C (5–14°F), resulting in a frozen landscape with abundant snowfall. In the Japanese Alps, while temperatures are milder at about 0°C (32°F), it is still quite cold and snowfall is plentiful.
Be sure to pack warm clothing, including coats and sweaters. Since indoor spaces tend to be warm, wearing layers is highly recommended.
What Other Winter Activities Are There in Japan?
In addition to skiing, Japan offers a variety of winter activities. You could relax in onsens (hot springs) and experience the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, held in Hokkaido. 1In Nagano, you could visit the famous snow monkeys, which are best seen during the cold winter months, and enjoy authentic Japanese onsens.
Important Things to Know for Skiing in Japan
- You don't need to take your own ski gear as a wide range of equipment is available for rent at reasonable prices.
- Many mountain restaurants only accept cash, so be sure to take some with you.
- Most hotels offer public onsens. To fully enjoy the experience, follow the rituals, such as bathing before entering and being nude.
- Most onsens are open 24 hours. Don't miss the unique experience of soaking in hot water while stargazing or enjoying the snowfall.
- To avoid long lines at popular restaurants, consider dining earlier or later than usual during lunch and dinner.
- You could not take your ski gear into your room. Instead, store it in the designated "ski equipment" room, which is equipped with heating and a dehumidifier.
- The period from late January to early February could be quite crowded due to Chinese travelers visiting during the New Year holiday.
- It's advisable to book hotels at popular ski resorts, such as Niseko and Hakuba, 6–12 months in advance.
Plan Your Ski Trip 2025/2026 with Us
Skiing in Japan is incredibly popular, so it's best to book your hotel 6 to 12 months in advance. Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2025 ski trip! Check out some of our most popular ski itineraries, or let our Japan travel advisor help you create a unique itinerary tailored to your interests.
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