Japan Ski Resorts
The land of the Rising Sun offers some of the best powder skiing in the world thanks to its colossal amounts of light and dry snow that falls every year.
Table of Content
Skiing in Japan
Pros
Famous light, dry and deep powder
Freshies in the off-piste and backcountry areas tend to last longer, locals prefer groomed slopes
Cheaper lift tickets compared to the US and Europe
Cons
Language barriers can be an issue, especially at smaller resorts
Mountains are not as high and the terrain is small compared to resorts in the US and Europe
Some resorts prohibit off-piste skiing
Map of Japan Ski Resorts
List of Destination Ski Resorts in Japan
Home to over 500 ski resorts, its hosted two Winter Olympics, and the ski season here is one of the snowiest in the world! When it comes to pure, unadulterated powder skiing, the Land of the Rising Sun is undisputedly world-class. Here's our top list of the best ski resorts in Japan!
Known for: Unbeatable powder skiing for both beginners and experts.
Preferred Airport: New Chitose Airport - 57 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 3261 feet
Skiable area: 524 acre
Google Maps | Rusutsu Ski Packages
Known for: Feels like you’re in a European ski town without the transatlantic airfare price tag.
Preferred Airports: New Chitose Airport - 70 miles (2 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 3937 feet
Google Maps | Niseko Ski Packages
Known for: Quieter than Happo One, combining two mountains with ski terrain versatility.
Preferred Airports:
Haneda Intl. Airport - 183 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport - 213 miles (5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 5499 feet
Google Maps | Hakuba 47 & Goryu Ski Packages
Known for: Largest ski area in Hakuba Valley with the most accommodation, dining and nightlife.
Preferred Airports:
Haneda Intl. Airport - 185 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport - 216 miles (5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 6007 feet
Skiable Area: 437 acre
Google Maps | Happo One Ski Packages
Known for: Affordable way to experience some of Japan’s steeper slopes and its famous powder.
Preferred Airport: New Chitose Airport - 45 miles (1 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 3356 feet
Skiable Area: 188 acre
Google Maps | Sapporo Teine Ski Packages
Known for: Charming traditional village and amazing onsens
Preferred Airports:
Haneda Intl. Airport - 172 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport - 201 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 5413 feet
Skiable Area: 734 acre
Google Maps | Nozawa Onsen Ski Packages
Known for: Perfect corduroy groomers and access to the largest connected ski area in Japan.
Preferred Airports:
Haneda Intl. Airport - 188 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport - 214 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 7569 feet
Skiable Area: 677 acre
Google Maps | Shiga Kogen Ski Packages
Known for: Blending amazing skiing with an equally amazing cultural experience.
Preferred Airport: New Chitose Airport - 78 miles (2 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 3524 feet
Skiable Area: 1101 acre
Google Maps | Furano Ski Packages
Known for: Relaxed attitude towards off-piste skiing and amazing family leisure facilities.
Preferred Airport: New Chitose Airport - 68 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 3969 feet
Skiable Area: 306 acre
Google Maps | Tomamu Ski Packages
Known for: An authentic contemporary Japanese ski destination.
Preferred Airport: New Chitose Airport - 70 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 3871 feet
Skiable Area: 297 acre
Google Maps | Kiroro Ski Packages
Known for: Offering a truly authentic Japanese ski experience away from the crowds.
Preferred Airports:
Haneda Intl. Airport - 150 miles (3.5 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport - 180 miles (4 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 6053 feet
Skiable Area: 418 acre
Google Maps | Kagura Ski Packages