Which Is Best for Skiing in Japan: Hokkaido vs Nagano

Hokkaido and Nagano in Honshu are Japan's top two skiing destinations. Both areas offer high-quality powder snow, well-equipped hotels, and pistes that are suitable for all levels of skiers.

However, Hokkaido enjoys more luxurious hotels while Nagano is closer to Tokyo. Find below more characteristics of each location to help you find the best place to ski.

1. Hokkaido Offers More Luxurious Resorts Than Nagano

Both Hokkaido and Nagano boast well-equipped accommodation. Hotels in Hokkaido are high-end while those in Nagano are budget-friendly.

Hotels in Hokkaido are primarily luxurious international chains where English is widely spoken. This attracts numerous Western skiers, particularly in Niseko and Rusutsu.

Accommodation in Nagano's ski resorts are mainly local hotels and ryokans, with few luxury hotels available. In Nagano, there are fewer Western skiers compared to Hokkaido, with a higher number of Japanese skiers.

However, Nagano exudes more Japanese charm than Hokkaido due to its numerous traditional natural hot spring towns, whereas traditional onsens in Hokkaido's ski resorts are less common.

2. Hokkaido Has a Longer Ski Period Than Nagano

Hokkaido's ski season begins early in late November and continues to the end of April while Nagano's ski season is shorter, from mid-December to the end of March.

Hokkaido is the first place available to ski in Japan, which is as early as late November. However, the quality may not be consistent at this time due to the unpredictable weather.

March is the last chance to ski in Nagano. After mid-March, it starts getting warmer, and ski resorts close one after another. However, you could still find good soft snow in Hokkaido until April.

January and February are the best months for skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano. You could enjoy top-quality, steady, and heavy powder snow during this time.

3. Nagano Is Easier to Reach Than Hokkaido

Nagano is closer to Tokyo and you could take the Shinkansen to reach Naganoin 1½ hours. Hokkaido is farther north and you need to take a 1½-hour flight from Tokyo. If you're looking for skiing resorts close to Tokyo, Nagano is your best choice.

It typically takes 2½–3 hours to reach Nagano's ski resorts from Tokyo by Shinkansen plus car. This gives you time to ski on the day you arrive.

However, reaching Hokkaido's ski resorts from Tokyo could take a day because Hokkaido is remote. You need to take a flight from Tokyo. Once you land, it takes another 2–2½ hours to get to the major ski resorts in Hokkaido. This means you could only start skiing the day after you arrive.

4. Nagano Has Steeper Terraces Than Hokkaido

Nagano's resorts boast higher base elevations and steep terrain, while resorts in Hokkaido feature lower base elevations.

The ski resorts in Nagano have more mountains, offering challenging trails for experienced skiers. For example, Hakuba Valley, with altitudes ranging from 760 to 1,831 m (2,493 to 6,007 ft) and 200 pistes, is a popular choice for skiers seeking challenging slopes.

Therefore, Nagano is ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners could also enjoy skiing on the flat pistes at the base of the mountains.

In comparison, ski resorts in Hokkaido are generally flatter and are more suitable for families.

5. Hokkaido Is More Expensive Than Nagano

The cost of skiing in Hokkaido is about twice as expensive as in Nagano. Hotels in Hokkaido's ski resorts are mainly deluxe international chains, leading to increased costs. Additionally, flying internationally to Hokkaido is more expensive.

However, Nagano offers more local hotels. Additionally, the Shinkansen fees from Tokyo to Nagano are cheaper than the cost of flying to Hokkaido.

6. Hokkaido Is More Crowded Than Nagano

Nagano's ski resorts have fewer crowds compared to those in Hokkaido. This is because Nagano has fewer ski resorts that are not as widely recognized internationally as Hokkaido's, resulting in fewer skiers.

The most crowded ski resort in Hokkaido is Niseko while the Furano Ski Resort is less crowded.

7. Hokkaido Enjoys More Night Activities Than Nagano

If you want to enjoy more night activities after skiing, consider ski resorts in Hokkaido — they offer more activities to do in the evening than those in Nagano.

Skiing in Hokkaido offers lively nightlife, particularly in Niseko and Rusutsu. Niseko features a wide range of nightlife options, including bars, pubs, nightclubs, food stalls, and restaurants. While Rusutsu offers fewer choices than Niseko, it still provides a diverse selection to enjoy.

Nightlife in Nagano's ski resorts is limited, with most options located in the central areas. Hakuba Valley's nightlife is the liveliest, while the other resorts have a quieter atmosphere at night.

8. Nagano Has More Activities/Attractions Than Hokkaido

Nagano provides more experiences than Hokkaido. For example, enjoy the unique scenery of snow monkeys soaking in onsens, go hiking in the tall fir forest, and relax in traditional onsens. However, besides skiing, Hokkaido's other top highlight is only the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Moreover, Nagano is easier to connect with major cities like Kyoto and Osaka.

9. Avoid Visiting Both Places in a Single Trip

Hokkaido and Nagano are quite far apart, requiring 1–2 days of travel to reach each other. Because of this distance, visiting both places in a single trip is not worthwhile.

A Brief Summary of Skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano

Start to Plan Your Japan Ski Trip

Are you ready to plan your Japan ski trip and explore the highlights of Japan? We're here to offer you helpful advice to customize your Japan trip according to your preferences and requirements, ensuring a stress-free journey for you.

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