Japan offers some incredible skiing, with mountains of powder snow and over 600 ski resorts. You will find the best resorts in the Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata and Tohoku regions and runs to suit all levels. Japan is located 10 hours north of Australia and is only 2 hours behind our Australian Eastern Standard Time. So you will not arrive jetlagged and ready for bed. Instead, you will have plenty of time and energy to hit the slopes.
While you are not skiing there are still plenty of activities nearby to keep you occupied. One of the best things to do after a day on the slopes is to take a dip in an onsen (hot spring).
Hokkaido is a 1.5 - 2 hour flight from Tokyo. If you are there in February you cannot miss the Sapporo snow festival, where you will see hundreds of snow and ice sculptures lining the streets. With over 1200 festivals and events every year, you will not experience a dull day in Hokkaido.
Nagano, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics, and Niigata are train-rides away from Tokyo. There you will also have the opportunity to explore Japan on and off the slopes and continue your journey on to Kyoto and Osaka.
The Tohoku region, located in the northern part of Honshu Island is scattered with ski resorts. From Tokyo, you can reach Fukushima in an hour and a half on the Shinkansen; however it will take up to 4 hours to reach Akita in the north. One of the resorts, Zao in Yamagata is well known for its juhyo (snow monsters). These natural-forming ice statues are a sight to be seen.
Wherever you are, be sure to get your fill of good Japanese cuisine to keep you going and onto the slopes again the next day.
Hokkaido is Japan's most northern island and home to some of the best snow in Japan. With so much powder, it is no wonder that Hokkaido has become so popular amongst Australians. Come and see for yourself.
Niseko
- Grand Hirafu
Diverse terrain and a high tech lift system, makes everyone's day on the slope enjoyable.
- Niseko Village
From skiing to snowmobiles, snow rafting, horse riding and hot springs, you can experience it all at Niseko village.
- Annupuri
Annupuri caters for novice to intermediate level skiers and there is a huge area alongside the slopes, where skiing is also permitted.
Furano Ski Resort
Furano is located in the geographical centre of Hokkaido. The town has a distinct culture and feel which appeals to families and more mature skiers and snowboarders.
Rusutsu Resort Hotel and Convention
Situated on a beautiful natural highland, Rusutsu is Hokkaido's premier ski resort, surrounded by three mountains serviced by four gondolas, seven quads and seven lifts and a total run distance of 42 km.
Tomamu resort / family snow resort
Located in central Hokkaido. Great powder FAMILY resort. There are largest wave pool and a village made by ice. You can also shred the powder in open wide tree run course. Bring back beautiful memory with your family.
Follow in the tracks of the 1998 Winter Olympians on Nagano’s spectacular ski slopes. The mountains of Niigata prefecture are also home to many ski resorts.
Hakuba
Home to ten ski resorts, more than 140 runs and ten metres of seasonal snowfall, Hakuba is a skier's heaven.
Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is located in Joshin-estu National Park and is blessed with high quality powder snow, similar to that of Hokkaido. The largest single resort in Japan, it caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Myoko Ski Area
9 mountains of quality powder snow and long runs with high level bumps and long runs. Myoko offers something for all skiers.
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Founded in 1930, Nozawa Onsen Snow resort is the oldest in Japan. Stand in the middle of the village and you can see hot steam rising all around you. After a day on the slopes, take a dip in one of the natural hot springs and soak up the traditional atmosphere.
Mt. Naeba Ski Resort
Home to some incredible scenery and the world's longest gondola, travelling 5.5km in 15 minutes, Mt Naeba is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience.
The Tohoku Region spans six prefectures across northern Honshu Island and is blessed with a rich and traditional culture. The region also receives a reliable heavy snowfall each season, making for a great place to experience Japanese culture whilst enjoying the slopes.
Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort
Zao is well known for its juhyo (snow monsters), formed by fine snow and small pieces of ice that cling to the fir trees. The result is a mountain covered in natural works of art. Ski around the monsters by day and then admire their beauty again as they are lit up by night.
Appi Kogen Ski Resort
A popular destination that comes recommended by some major ski magazines, Appi Kogen is covered in quality powder snow and offers slopes to suit all levels.
Alts Bandai
Particularly popular amongst snowboarders, Alts Bandai is home to world class snowboard competitions twice a year. However, from novice to pro, Alts Bandai has a slope for you.
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